Alarm Checks & Preventive Maintenance

An extension of on-going support for your Continuous Monitoring (CM) system is to complete regular alarm checks and perform preventive maintenance. These two activities are vital to ensuring the integrity, quality and reliability of the system.

Regular Alarm Checks

Regularly scheduled alarm checks should be completed for: (1) all monitored parameters (temperature, humidity, differential pressure, CO₂, O₂, etc.) and (2) system error conditions (detailed in Tables A and B, respectively).

Table A – Monitored Parameter Alarm Checks

Alarm Check / Test	Description
High Alarm Check	(1) Verify the high alarm threshold and alarm time delay, and (2) Trigger a HIGH alarm event.
Low Alarm Check	(1) Verify the low alarm threshold and alarm time delay and (2) Trigger or simulate a LOW alarm event.
Verify Alarm Notification Protocol	Verify alarm notification protocols: All expected alerts should be received (no no missing alerts), in the desired escalation sequence, and with the correct alarm notification information / content. Test boundary conditions, which are usually at the transition between work shifts or notification schedules. Test holiday and non-standard schedule protocols.

System Error Condition Testing

Select CM systems have comprehensive system error condition detection capabilities. If available, and as applicable, test the system errors listed in Table B. Due to the nature of some error conditions, select tests may need to be simulated.

Table B – System Alarm Testing

Alarm Check / Test*	Description
Probe or Measured Value Error	Error conditions include: Probe unplugged/disconnected, damaged Wire severed Signal Flatline for a defined period of time “Railed Value” – measured value exceeded maximum or dropped below the minimum value
Signal Transmission Error	Continued loss of a data signal that exceeds a threshold period of time.
Device Offline	Devices that can potentially go offline include: Server Access Point Repeater Sensor Connection Panel Other System Device
Power Loss	Power events include: Complete loss of power Power spike Power cycling / Oscillations Voltage drop

* As applicable

Testing Interval & Methodology

The testing interval and methodology depends on many factors, including the type of product that is monitored, its sensitivity to changes in its environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), quality assurance procedures, and/or regulatory requirements.

One option is to test each sensor, once per month or per quarter. Another approach is to test a portion of the installed sensors each period, resulting in all sensors being tested at least once for each 12 month period (e.g., test 1/12^th of the sensors on a monthly basis).

Mesa Labs recommends the testing interval and methodology be in accordance with the facility’s approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Performing regular preventive maintenance (“PM”) and keeping logs of the completed procedures optimizes the system’s integrity and reliability. Table C is a sample PM checklist to be completed on a quarterly or regular basis.

Table C – Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Alarm Check / Test	Description
Batteries	Verify batteries have a minimum voltage level and are not damaged or leaking Check any expiry dates Replace at least once per year or per the manufacturer’s recommendations
Line-Powered Devices	If the sensor is line powered, verify that it is properly plugged in or wired per the manufacturer’s installation guidelines
Probe Bottle Solution or Media	Verify media / fluid levels are not below recommended minimum level If applicable, verify media has not expired
Device & Probe Mounting	Verify device, probe and any applicable wires are properly installed per the manufacturer’s guidelines
Labeling	Verify labels for monitored appliances and points are up-to-date and correct

Performing regular alarm checks and preventive maintenance will ensure your system is in good working order and is protecting and safeguarding your vital assets.

For more information on the Keys to Successfully Implementing a Continuous Monitoring System, please check out our full outline, or contact a Mesa Labs representative for a free consultation.

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About the author

Roy Chien

Roy is the Sr. Director of Product Management for Mesa Labs. He is an expert in the field, with an MSEE, MBA and over 12 years of experience in Continuous Monitoring.