Can someone in laymans terms explain the Walk Test function ? If this is enabled will the building still be audible for alarm purposes ? Will a signal be sent to central station ?
Walk test allows one person to test every fire alarm device in the system. Most fire alarm panels have an audible and a silent walk test function. In general, walk test disables alarm relays, but a central station may still get a trouble notification. Check with the panel’s operating manual and with the AHJ. You should alert authorities if testing is taking place on a fire alarm system and when it’s completed.
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I See. Does the alarm activated internally on Walk Test such as for an initiation device or it won’t be audible ?
Depends on whether you set the walk test to be audible or silent. In either case, the panel will log the alarm internally.
I see. Will log internally and transit to CS too ? Should one go off-line during this ?
Alarms during walk-test shouldn’t get reported to the central station, but check the manual of your fire alarm panel for full details. The central station may receive a trouble from the panel as walk test puts most fire alarm panels into trouble.
I see. Is this the recommended mode if doing a full drain down refill to avoid alarms activating and disturbing tenants ? In your opinion.
This mode is preferred for testing the system. After testing a device, the horns and strobes shut off. It’s automated, so this is preferred rather than testing a device, resetting the panel, then testing another.
I see. Does the alarm transmit to central station when on walk test ? or only stays internal ? Should one still call CS ?
I don’t think the alarm gets transmitted, but I do think it sends a trouble signal. You should still call the central station and let them know that you’ll be testing the system, and also tell them how long you’ll be testing it for. Then I would call the CS when you’re finished as well.