Empowering Electricians To Excel In Fire Safety Systems

Program Outline

  • Level 1 – Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panels & Installation of Input & Output Devices

    Cost

    $550

    Classroom (Theory)

    This portion of the program gives an overview of the industry and also covers; classes of wiring, installation of fire alarm systems, alarm & supervisory initiating devices, signaling devices, ancillary & auxiliary control devices, annunciators, power supplies & meters, do comprehension (ULC, OFC, OBC, and Electrical Code).

    Shop (Practical)

    The practical component of the program involves wire up devices to control panel, troubleshoot wiring & control panel, wiring for Class A & B circuits, demonstrate proper use of meters.

    Print Assignment

    Students will have a take home assignment to test for knowledge of codes

  • Level 2 – Integrated Fire Alarm Control EVAC Systems & Fire Alarm Extinguishing Control Panels

    Cost

    $475


    Classroom (Theory)

    This program reviews verification & certification of fire alarm systems; ULC S537, EVAC system, extinguishing control panels, automatic extinguishing systems and fire pumps.

    Shop (Practical)

    The practical component involves troubleshooting, calculation of supervisory currents and verification & report (conventional fire alarm systems)

    Print Assignment

    Students will be required to complete a take home assignment, layout a voice communication system and complete schematic drawings for control panel modules for various extinguishing systems.

  • Level 3 – Internal Components of Fire Alarm Control Panels

    Cost

    $825

    Classroom (Theory)

    Students will cover testing & inspection of fire alarm systems, ULC S536, operation of fire alarm control panel, electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, & IC's), measuring and testing, circuit board operation and DC power supplies, batteries & battery charges.

    Shop (Practical)

    In this practical component the students will complete troubleshooting, comparison of various fire alarm manufacturers' equipment and perform testing & inspection, ULC S536 standard.

    Print Assignment

    Students will be required to design and layout a conventional fire alarm system.

  • Level 4 – Advanced Fire Alarm Control Panel: Addressable Digital & Analog Devices

    Cost

    $825

    Classroom (Theory)

    Students will review a variety of systems such as; distributed systems, numbering systems & codes, wiring of addressable systems, advanced fire alarm control panels, addressable devices, data transmission & transponders and power quality.

    Shop (Practical)

    Students will complete wiring of addressable systems, addressing devices, power up panel, test circuits and power supplies for voltages, verification & report (addressable fire alarm system).

    Print Assignment

    Students will be required to convert an existing conventional system to an addressable system.

  • Level 5 – Updating Course Requirements

    Cost

    $630

    As a requirement of the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, every electrician certified under the ECAO CERTI-FIRE Fire Alarm & Protection Program must renew their certification every five years. This requires taking an updating course that includes:

    • Review of the OFC and OBC

    • Review of ULC S524 standard for installation of fire alarm systems

    • Review of ULC S536 standard for testing and inspection

    • Review of ULC S537 standard for verification of fire alarm systems

    • Numbering systems, addressing devices, programming access

    • Wiring of addressable systems, active & supporting field devices

    • Troubleshooting procedures

    • Assignment – retrofitting an existing building wired with a conventional fire alarm system

  • CFAA Conversion

    Cost

    Free

    ECAO has designed a new solution to cater to those who have yet to complete their CFAA certification or have already completed and have a valid license and are eager to transition to Certi-Fire. This comprehensive solution comprises three key components:

    Challenge Exam:You will have the opportunity to take a challenge exam to assess your knowledge. To successfully pass the exam, you'll need to achieve a score of at least 70%.

    Practical Labs: Once you've successfully passed the challenge exam, you'll engage in two practical labs, each spanning one day.

    Level 5: Upon completing these labs, you'll be eligible for Level 5 certification, which remains valid for an impressive five years.

FAQs

  • The program combines classroom theory with hands-on shop training and knowledge reinforcement assignments.

  • The classroom portion provides a comprehensive overview of the fire alarm industry, including relevant codes (ULC, OFC, OBC, Electrical Code), wiring classes, fire alarm system installation, and various device types (initiating, signaling, control, etc.).

  • The shop sessions focus on practical skills development. You'll learn to wire devices to control panels, troubleshoot wiring and control panels, handle Class A & B circuits, and use meters effectively.

  • Yes, there will be a take-home print assignment to test your knowledge and comprehension of fire alarm codes and standards.

  • The program consists of four levels, with each level (except recertification) requiring approximately 42 hours of training.

  • For all 4 levels, the cost is $3,255 and every five years, for recertification, it is $630 (all prices listed are excluding taxes)

  • Yes, recertification (primarily online) is mandatory every five years to ensure you stay current with the latest codes, regulations, and best practices.

  • The program is designed for Construction & Maintenance (309A) electricians and minimum third-term apprentices with completed intermediate trade school. Experience in the fire alarm field is preferred but not mandatory.

    For further inquiries, please visit the Certi-Fire website or contact them directly using the information provided.