What is the difference between CAN/ULC-S536-04 and CAN/ULC-S536-19?
Ontario Fire Code changes to the inspection and testing of fire alarm systems
Enforceable January 1, 2026, building owners and fire protection service providers on their behalf, will need to comply with the new CAN/ULC-S536-19 Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.
This update to the fire code replaces the 2004 standard and introduces changes to the inspection report format, information captured on performance values and deficiencies, enhanced testing methods, and formal sign-off processes.
The 2019 standard is more prescriptive, aiming to increase the thoroughness and accuracy of inspections performed, along with consistent and verifiable inspection reports regardless of the vendor used to perform the services.
Here’s what you can expect
➡️ Standardized report template
The biggest shift in CAN/ULC-S536-19 is the mandatory use of the official ULC report template, creating a standardized report regardless of vendor used.
Every inspection report must include all required sections, in the specified order, complete with code references.
Customized report formats and/or abridged checklists will not be compliant.
Any blank entries will be treated as a deficiency.
➡️ Site-specific documentation
The new standard includes a checklist of site-specific requirements for the inspection, ensuring that required records and drawings are present and verified during the inspection.
As Building Owners it provides clarity on what you need to prepare in advance and provide to the technician(s). For technicians it ensures that you do not miss any required documents during your inspection.
Missing this step will be noted as a deficiency.
➡️ Greater input on deficiencies
Previously, deficiencies noted in reports often lacked key details because there was no clear requirement specifying the information to be captured. For example, deficiencies were often noted with generalized remarks and did not include reference to the specific code clause that made it a deficiency.
S536-19 requires a structured table that clearly identifies each deficiency and its corresponding details.
➡️ Greater input on performance values
Technicians will be required to record measurable performance values in the device list comments.
This will enable year-over-year performance comparisons and early detection of system degradation.
➡️ Proof-of-work requirements
The inspection report will include an attendance log of technicians performing the inspection, noting their name(s), dates on site, as well as the sign-in and out times each day.
This measure will create a reliable audit trail for accountability. It’ll also help identify, and hopefully clear up, any scheduling or billing issues.
➡️ Formal sign-off after deficiencies are resolved
Building owners must now formally sign off on the inspection report once deficiencies have been resolved. This confirms awareness of the inspection results and any noted deficiencies, increasing accountability and hopefully ensuring speedier remediation of deficiencies. The signed document must be retained and easily retrievable.
➡️ Longer inspection times and new testing requirements for some aspects of the inspection
For example, the standard introduces new testing methods for batteries and circuit fault tolerance testing.
More thorough testing and documentation increases the demands on service providers, who are already anticipating a 20-35% increase in time needed to complete inspections.
➡️ Reports that look the same, regardless of vendor used
This will streamline review processes and make it much easier to identify deficiencies, draw comparisons across your portfolio, as well as change service providers if needed.
The transition to CAN/ULC-S536-19 marks a significant modernization of the fire alarm inspection and testing standards and aligns the Ontario Fire Code with updated practices already in place across much of Western and Central Canada.
While the inspection process may be more cumbersome, the result will be more thorough fire protection inspections, along with consistent and detailed inspection documentation, contributing to better deficiency fixes, ultimately making Ontario safer.
For more information on the standard changes, or to learn about how Tap Report’s digital inspection management software can help you with CAN/ULC-S536-19 compliance, contact us at customerservice@tapreport.io.