All detectors must be provided with a convenient means of what?

The requirement for all detectors to have a convenient means of testing operability is critical for ensuring that the fire alarm system functions correctly at all times. Regular testing allows technicians to verify that the detectors are responsive and effective in detecting smoke, heat, or other indicators of fire. This is essential not only for compliance with safety codes and standards but also for maintaining the safety of the occupants in a building.

Operational tests can include the use of test gases for smoke detectors, or controlled heat sources for heat detectors, which help confirm that the devices are working as intended. By ensuring that operability can be conveniently tested, technicians can quickly identify and address any issues, minimizing the risk of malfunction during an actual emergency.

In contrast, while calibration, replacement, and resetting are important aspects of fire alarm maintenance, they do not directly relate to the immediate verification of a detector's ability to detect hazards as part of routine operation. Hence, the focus on operability testing is paramount for the integrity and reliability of fire alarm systems.