Training Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

During the early 1980's the Canadian Fire Alarm Association established the Fire Alarm Technology Program, leading to personal registration as a fire alarm technician.  It was created to provide training in the specialized area of fire alarm systems, thereby increasing the knowledge level of persons directly or indirectly involved in the fire alarm industry.

This educational program has been approved by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction nationwide and is now widely recognized within the industry.

This describes; the program intent, program structure, individual course content, qualifications for exemptions and CFAA Technician registration information.

PROGRAM INTENT

Although the Fire Code sets specific requirements for testing of fire alarm systems, we find there is still a problem of fire alarm systems not being tested properly. The individuals performing the testing, inspection or maintenance must be accountable for the quality of their work. It follows that there is a need for all persons, who test fire alarm systems, have a minimum level of training in this specific area. The CFAA created a theory-based, five course program covering the required components. Necessary skills and hands-on training must be obtained in the workplace through daily on-the-job training. Completion of the five courses only, will not make the individual student a competent fire alarm technician without at least one or two years of working experience with another experienced technician.

The combination of theory-based knowledge and workplace experience will together serve to increase the level of competence within the industry.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The Fire Alarm Technology Program is comprised of five courses:

Course 1 - An Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry
Course 2 - Business & Technical Report Writing
Course 3 - Basic Electricity
Course 4 - Basic Electronics
Course 5 - Fire Alarm Systems

The program is available in whole or part at many community colleges across Canada.

Course 1, Course 3 and Course 5 are available via correspondence course from the CFAA. 

The Association recommends that the courses be completed in the order shown. The first four courses are pre-requisite subjects to Course 5 and therefore a student may not enroll into Course 5 without having completed the first four courses.

COURSE CONTENT

Course 1 - An Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry

This course provides a general understanding of fire alarm protection systems. It discusses the purpose and specific application of the different codes and standards that regulate the industry. It introduces the student to architectural considerations regarding fire containment. Information about testing laboratories, their procedures, testing methods and how listed/approved materials achieve greater degrees of life safety will be covered. Other topics include; the nature of fire, extinguishment methods, fire alarm testing methods, interpretation of drawings, specifications and other contract documents.
 

Course 2 - Verbal and Written Communications

This course introduces the student to various forms of written business communication including letter, memoranda, summaries and instructions. It teaches practical techniques for planning and writing reports in an effective, professional manner. Editing, spelling, grammar and punctuation are incorporated into the course. By performing in-class assignments the student will learn to present oral reports professionally and to write effectively.
 

Course 3 - Basic Electricity

This course begins with Basic Electrical theory - Ohm's law, Kirchoff's law, magnetism, energy generation and the dangers of higher A/C voltages. The course then focuses on providing a greater understanding of the Canadian Electrical Code with reference to the following areas:

  • conductors: sizing, insulation types, voltage ratings and other conductor characteristics,
  • how to access the tables regarding conductors and cables i.e. Table 11, 19 and D1
  • grounding of conduit systems and enclosers - Section 10,
  • wiring methods, conduit and cable installation,
  • protection and control of electrical circuits - overcurrent protection (fuses & breakers),
  • disconnecting means, class 1 & 2 circuits - Section 14, and
  • all requirements pertaining to fire alarm systems - Section 32 & 60.

Course 4 - Basic Electronics

The student will learn how to read electronic schematic diagrams, understand the basic electronic theory as it applies to electron flow and current flow, impedance, inductance, capacitance and modulation. Rectification of A/C power, the theory and operation of charging circuits, batteries, voltage regulation and testing these systems will also be discussed. The student will learn to understand and identify various circuits, all types of diodes, all types of transistors, capacitors and resistors. Binary counting and gate theory will also be demonstrated.
 

Course 5 - Fire Alarm Systems

Applications of fire alarm systems, operation, testing and inspection requirements outlined by the various Codes and Standards are covered at a more detailed level. Also covered are principles and technology of fire detection devices, signal appliances, control equipment and ancillary devices controlled by the system. The student will learn traditional field wiring circuits, the connection of field devices, the basics of microprocessor based systems using addressable devices and remote annunciation.   Other life safety support systems such as smoke control and elevator recall will also be discussed.

 

 

DISTANCE LEARNING

The CFAA administers some of the correspondence courses that make up the Fire Alarm Technology Program for Fire Alarm Technicians. Successful completion of the Fire Alarm Technology Program is a requirement for official registration as a Fire Alarm Technician in Ontario and some other provinces and territories of Canada.


 

The five modules and their CFAA availability are:

 

NUMBER

MODULE NAME

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE AVAILABLE FROM THE CFAA

CC-1

Introduction To The Fire Detection & Alarm Industry


YES


CC-2

Verbal & Written Communications

Not at present, Future offering


 CC-3

Basic Electricity

YES


CC-4

Basic Electronics

Not at present, Future offering

CC-5 

Fire Alarm Systems


YES
 

 

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN REGISTRATION

Once a student has successfully completed all five courses, the individual should apply for Registration as a Fire Alarm Technician.

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SEMINARS FOR FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL ONLY