What is the S1001 Integration Standard?

The S1001 standard was developed by the Standards Council of Canada and prescribes the methodology for verifying and documenting that all interconnections between systems provided for fire protection and life safety functions are installed and operating in conformance with their design criteria. Simply put, this is the standard that provides a means to ensure that interconnections between any two life safety systems (usually the fire alarm panel and other life safety systems) are working as designed. Examples of other life safety systems include but not limited to monitoring, sprinkler, fire pump, generators, elevators, and air handling systems to name a few. Think of this standard as the guide to testing and documenting the inter connections of the systems but not the systems themselves.

Since Jan 1^st 2020 in Ontario all new construction jobs require that an integrated systems test of fire protection and life safety systems CAN/ULC-S1001 be conducted before occupancy of a building can be granted. To satisfy the requirements of the standard, it has been broken down into several parts. The three main elements include the testing process, testing requirements, and of course the testing documentation. Testing is to be complete at three different stages. Once during the handover of the building, the second is 1 year later after occupancy has been granted and then every 5 years after that.

There is a section of the standard that does discuss retro-integrated testing which would apply to buildings which are already built but wish to comply with this standard. This is not a requirement for existing buildings built prior to 2020 but may be requested by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s)

Building Owners and Property Managers will want to ensure this is included in their construction documents for any buildings which were built or in construction as of January 1, 2020.  You will also want to ensure your testing plan is budgeted for and testing is in place every 5 years from the original testing date.

Looking to get your new construction job or facility in compliance with CAN/ULC-S1001? Contact Onyx Fire Protection Services Inc. for a quotation to get you into compliance as quickly as possible!

Chris Ramenda

National Technical Director – Onyx Fire Protection Services Inc.