Who should verify that components and functions are installed and operate per the approved plans?

• A. A qualified and impartial third-party organization
• B. The building owner
• C. The installing contractor
• D. The fire marshal

Answer: (A)

Independent commissioning by a qualified, impartial third-party ensures the fire alarm system is installed and operates exactly as the approved plans. This provides an objective check that every component, circuit, and function performs as designed and meets the submitted plans and applicable codes. It also yields documentation the authority having jurisdiction can rely on to grant occupancy. While the building owner or installing contractor may conduct tests, their findings are not considered an unbiased verification. The fire marshal enforces code compliance, but the formal verification against the approved plans is typically performed by a third-party testing/commissioning organization.