Integrated Systems Testing: Why It’s Crucial for Your Building Project

When it comes to life and fire safety systems, integrated systems testing (IST) is rapidly becoming a must-have step in building projects. Building officials are increasingly requiring IST to ensure these critical systems work seamlessly together during emergencies. While the requirement for IST has been present in the National Building Code of Canada and most provincial Codes since 2010, its enforcement has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years.

So, what exactly is integrated systems testing, and why is it essential?

Integrated systems testing ensures that life and fire safety systems — like fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency power systems, smoke control, and more — not only function properly on their own but also work together as intended. It’s a critical process to confirm that these systems respond as expected during emergencies, protecting lives and property.

The requirements for IST are detailed in ULC-S1001, a national standard that provides guidance on how to test and verify these systems. However, the process can be complex, involving careful planning, coordination between trades, and technical expertise to validate compliance with design intent.

In recent years, the importance of IST has become increasingly recognized. Building officials now understand that simply verifying individual systems isn’t enough — the real test lies in how these systems integrate and operate under real-world conditions. As such, IST is often becoming a key step in securing an occupancy permit, making it vital for project teams to get it right the first time to avoid delays.

At CodeNext, we’ve embraced the growing demand for integrated systems testing. Not only do we have a team well-versed in ULC-S1001 standards, but some of our members are also actively involved in the task group responsible for developing and refining this national standard. This firsthand knowledge gives us a deep understanding of IST requirements and ensures our clients stay ahead of the curve.

Earlier this year, Gerry and Luc travelled to Montreal to showcase our integrated systems testing services and discuss how our streamlined approach can benefit clients. We focus on ensuring life and fire safety systems meet the design intent, helping clients achieve occupancy permits without unnecessary delays.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you meet code requirements and achieve your occupancy permit without delays.