Which of the following actions is essential to maintaining a fire protection system?

Regular testing and maintenance are crucial for ensuring a fire protection system functions effectively when needed. This process involves routine inspections, testing of alarm systems, sprinklers, and the functionality of emergency equipment. By regularly assessing these components, any issues can be identified and addressed before they lead to system failure during an emergency. This proactive approach is essential for compliance with safety regulations and standards, reducing risks, and enhancing overall safety in a building or facility.

The other options do not provide comprehensive strategies for maintaining a fire protection system. Merely replacing broken components might temporarily fix certain issues but does not ensure the entire system remains functional over time. Filing reports annually does not actively contribute to the system’s operational integrity; it serves more as documentation rather than preventative maintenance. Lastly, installing new systems without upgrades might incorporate newer technology but ignores the critical aspect of ongoing maintenance and testing that keeps fire protection systems reliable.