Examination Standard

for
Fire Alarm Signaling Systems

Class Number 3010

September 2021

Copyright © 2021 by FM Approvals LLC. All rights reserved

 Foreword
This standard is intended to verify that the products and services described will meet stated conditions of performance,
safety and quality useful to the ends of property conservation. The purpose of this standard is to present the criteria
for examination of various types of products and services.

Examination in accordance with this standard shall demonstrate compliance and verify that quality control in
manufacturing shall ensure a consistent and reliable product.

.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Basis for Requirements............................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Basis for Certification................................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Basis for Continued Certification ............................................................................................................... 2
1.6 Effective Date ............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.7 System of Units .......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.8 Normative References ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.9 Applicability of Other Standards ................................................................................................................ 3
1.10 Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 3
2 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.1 Fire Alarm and Signaling Product Categorization ...................................................................................... 9
2.2 Approval Application Requirements .......................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Requirements for Examination ................................................................................................................. 10
3 GENERAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Fire Alarm System Physical or Structural Features .................................................................................. 11
3.2 Equipment Construction ........................................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Essential Safety and Functional Component Reliability........................................................................... 12
3.4 Markings ................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.5 Manufacturer’s Installation and Operation Instructions ........................................................................... 14
3.6 Calibration ................................................................................................................................................ 15
4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Normal Operations ................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Power Supply/Electrical Supervision ....................................................................................................... 18
4.3 Characteristics of Circuits and Pathways [NFPA 72, Chapter 12, 23.4] .................................................. 19
4.4 Circuit Supervision (IDC)......................................................................................................................... 20
4.5 Smoke Detector Compatibility ................................................................................................................. 20
4.6 Circuit Supervision (NAC) ....................................................................................................................... 21
4.7 NAC Compatibility................................................................................................................................... 21
4.8 Circuit Supervision (SLC) ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.9 SLC Compatibility.................................................................................................................................... 21
4.10 Detection of the Operation of Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems [NFPA 72, Chapter 17.13] ....... 22
4.11 Voltage Variations .................................................................................................................................... 22
4.12 Environmental Conditioning .................................................................................................................... 22
4.13 Battery Charge/Discharge [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.10]........................................................................... 23
4.14 Enclosure .................................................................................................................................................. 23
4.15 Vibration ................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.16 Jarring ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.17 Endurance ................................................................................................................................................. 25
4.18 Dielectric .................................................................................................................................................. 25
4.19 System Load Rating and Overload ........................................................................................................... 25
4.20 DC Circuit Reverse Polarization............................................................................................................... 26
4.21 Protective Grounding/Bonding ................................................................................................................. 26
4.22 Power Supply Failure ............................................................................................................................... 26
4.23 Component Temperature .......................................................................................................................... 27
4.24 Power Limited and Non Power Circuits ................................................................................................... 27
4.25 Extraneous Transients (RFI Immunity) .................................................................................................... 27
4.26 Field Wiring Transients (low voltage circuits) ......................................................................................... 28
4.27 Surge Line Transients ............................................................................................................................... 29
4.28 Internally Induced Transients ................................................................................................................... 29
4.29 Static Discharge ........................................................................................................................................ 30
4.30 Notification Appliance Synchronization and Compatibility..................................................................... 30
4.31 Software Requirements............................................................................................................................. 31
4.32 Releasing Circuits (NFPA 72, Chapter 14.2.6, 14.2.6.5, 23.8.5.10, 23.11) .............................................. 31
4.33 Cross Zoning............................................................................................................................................. 32
4.34 Confirmation/Alarm Verification ............................................................................................................. 33
4.35 Pre-Signal ................................................................................................................................................. 33
4.36 Positive Alarm Sequence .......................................................................................................................... 33
4.37 Drift Compensation .................................................................................................................................. 34
4.38 Emergency [Voice Alarm] Communications Systems (ECS) (NFPA 72, Chapter 24) ............................ 34
4.39 In-Building Fire Emergency Voice / Alarm Communication Systems (EVACS) .................................... 34
4.40 In-Building Mass Notification Systems (MNS) (one way)....................................................................... 36
4.41 Wide Area Mass Notification Systems (one way) .................................................................................... 37
4.42 Distributed Recipient Mass Notification (DRMN) (one way) .................................................................. 38
4.43 In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems [Two-Way] ..................................... 38
4.44 Radio Communications Enhancement Systems [Two-Way] .................................................................... 39
4.45 Combination Systems ............................................................................................................................... 40
4.46 Guard’s Tour Supervisory Service ........................................................................................................... 40
4.47 Auxiliary Systems..................................................................................................................................... 40
4.48 Central Station Service - Supervising Station Alarm Systems ................................................................. 41
4.49 Digital Alarm Communicators [DACs] .................................................................................................... 41
4.50 Remote Station Service - Supervising Station Alarm Systems................................................................. 41
4.51 Proprietary Supervisory Station Systems - Supervising Station Alarm Systems...................................... 42
4.52 Public (Municipal) Fire Alarm Reporting Systems .................................................................................. 42
4.53 Additional (Optional) Tests ...................................................................................................................... 42
4.54 Test Failure Disposition............................................................................................................................ 43
5 OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................. 44
5.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program ................................................................................................... 44
5.2 Surveillance Audit .................................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 Installation Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 45
5.4 Manufacturer's Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 45
5.5 Manufacturing and Production Tests ........................................................................................................ 45
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................................... 46
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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This standard states testing and certification requirements for fire alarm signaling systems and is largely
based on NFPA 72® National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2013 Edition and other applicable certification
standards.

1.1.1 Reference[s] to the appropriate [NFPA] paragraph[s] describing the specific requirement pertaining
to a fire alarm signaling system is for additional information on a specific requirement.

1.1.2 This standard provides a guideline for typical tests that are required by the certification agency. The
certification agency reserves the right to modify any test program as required to suit the specific
tests needs of a given piece of equipment.

1.1.3 Testing and certification criteria may include, but are not limited to, performance requirements,
critical documentation including marking requirements, examination of manufacturing facility (ies),
audit of quality assurance procedures, and a surveillance program.

1.2 Scope

1.2.1 This standard applies to design, construction, operation, maintenance, and testing of permanently
connected and permanently installed fire alarm signaling systems and associated components
intended for indoor use in ordinary electrical locations. The functionality of a complete fire alarm
or signaling system shall comply with the requirements of this standard.

1.2.2 The equipment covered by this standard [inter]connects to other peripheral equipment (initiating,
notification and off-premises) to provide indicating and control functions associated with a
commercial fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.

1.2.3 Components comprising a certified fire alarm system and intended to provide a particular capability
or feature, e.g. auxiliary power supplies, digital alarm communicator transmitters, will be examined
including for compatibility with the particular systems with which they are to be used.

1.2.4 This standard provides the operating basis for alarm signaling and does not cover initiating devices
and notification appliances as well as the use in damp, wet or hazardous (classified) locations (other
standards apply).

1.2.5 Equipment covered by this standard may be combined with additional standards for use in other
areas.

1.2.6 The requirements of this standard shall apply to systems, equipment, and components addressed in
this standard and NFPA 72 [Chapters 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26 and 27].

1.2.7 The fire alarm and signaling system[s] purpose is [are] to provide: notification and location of alarm,
supervisory, and trouble conditions; to alert the occupants; to summon aid; and to control emergency
control functions such as releasing function.

1.3 Basis for Requirements

1.3.1 The requirements in this standard are based on experience, research and testing, and/or the standards
of other organizations. The advice of manufacturers, users, trade associations, jurisdictions and/or
loss control specialists was also considered.

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1.3.2 The requirements in this standard reflect tests and practices used to examine characteristics of fire
alarm signaling systems for the purpose of obtaining certification. Equipment having characteristics
not anticipated by this standard may be certified if performance equal, or superior, to that required
by this standard is demonstrated.

1.4 Basis for Certification

Certification is based on satisfactory evaluation of the product and the manufacturer in the following major
areas:

1.4.1 Examination and tests on production samples shall be performed to evaluate

▪ the suitability of the product;
▪ the performance of the product as specified by the manufacturer and required for certification;
and
▪ as far as practical, the durability and reliability of the product.

1.4.2 An examination of the manufacturing facilities and audit of quality control procedures may be made
to evaluate the manufacturer's ability to consistently produce the product which is examined and
tested, and the marking procedures used to identify the product. Subsequent surveillance may be
required by the certification agency in accordance with the certification scheme to ensure ongoing
compliance.

1.5 Basis for Continued Certification

The basis for continual certification may include, but is not limited to, the following based upon the
certification scheme and requirements of the certification agency:

▪ production or availability of the product as currently certified.

▪ the continued use of acceptable quality assurance procedures;
▪ satisfactory field experience;
▪ compliance with the terms stipulated by the certification;
▪ satisfactory re-examination of production samples for continued conformity to requirements; and
▪ satisfactory surveillance audits conducted as part of the certification agency’s product surveillance
program.

1.6 Effective Date

The effective date of this certification standard mandates that all products tested for certification after the
effective date shall satisfy the requirements of this standard.

The effective date of this standard is eighteen (18) months after the publication date of the standard for
compliance with all requirements.

1.7 System of Units

Units of measurement used in this standard are United States (U.S.) customary units. These are followed by
their arithmetic equivalents in International System (SI) units, enclosed in parentheses. The first value stated
shall be regarded as the requirement. The converted equivalent value may be approximate. Conversion of
U.S. customary units is in accordance with ANSI/IEEE/ASTM SI-10.

Two units (liter and bar), outside of but recognized by SI, are commonly used in international fire protection

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and are used in this standard.

1.8 Normative References

The following referenced documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the cited edition applies.

FM 3810 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use

ANSI/NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
ANSI/NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems
ANSI/NFPA 72: 2013 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
ANSI/IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
ANSI/IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Metric Practice

1.9 Applicability of Other Standards

Except where modified by the requirements of the standards listed in 1.8, electrical equipment shall also
comply with the applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements for ordinary
locations. In the event that no ANSI Standard exists for the category of equipment, then FM Approvals
Examination Standard FM 3810 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use shall
be used as the source document for basic safety requirements.

1.10 Terms and Definitions

For purposes of this standard, the following terms apply:

Acknowledge - To confirm that a message or signal has been received, such as by the pressing of a button or
the selection of a software command [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.5].

Acoustically Distinguishable Space (ADS) - An emergency communications system notification zone, or

subdivision thereof, that might be an enclosed or otherwise physically defined space, or that might be
distinguished from other spaces because of different acoustical, environmental, or use characteristics, such
as reverberation time and ambient sound pressure level [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.6].

Active Multiplex System - A multiplexing system in which signaling devices such as transponders are
employed to transmit status signals of each initiating device or initiating device circuit within a prescribed
time interval so that the lack of receipt of such a signal can be interpreted as a trouble signal [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.7].

Addressable Device - A fire alarm system component with discrete identification that can have its status
individually identified or that is used to individually control other functions [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.48].

Alarm Signal - A signal indicating an emergency condition or an alert that requires action [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.132.2].

Alarm Verification Feature - A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted
alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm
conditions within a given time period after being reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm initiation
signal [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.126].

Analog Initiating Device (Sensor) - An initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees
of condition as contrasted with a conventional initiating device, which can only indicate an on–off condition
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.122.1].

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Annunciator - A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays, or other equivalent
means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition, or location [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.20].

Authority Having Jurisdiction [AHJ] - An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the
requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.2.2].

Communications Circuit - Any signaling path of an emergency communications system that carries voice,
audio, data or other signals [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.55].

Compatibility - A process where the equipment (controls & peripherals) are verified as suitably rated to
operate and/or communicate properly as a system and as intended. Equipment can specifically be tested for
compatibility and often applies to initiating devices, two-wire and digital communication type to designate
operation with certain control equipment. The compatibility of four-wire type devices is often determined
through electrical rating comparisons.
All devices and appliances that receive their power from the initiating device circuit or signaling line circuit
of a control unit shall be listed for use with the control unit [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.3.3.]

Control Unit - A system component that monitors inputs and controls outputs through various types of
circuits [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.59].

• Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) - The primary control unit for an in-building mass
notification system [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.59.1].

• Emergency Communications Control Unit (ECCU) - A system capable of sending mass

notification messages to individual buildings, zones of buildings, individual outdoor speaker
arrays, zones of outdoor speaker arrays or; a building, multiple buildings, outside areas, or a
combination of these [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.59.2].

• Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) - See Fire Alarm System definition.

• Wireless Control Unit - A component that transmits/receives and processes wireless signals
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.59.4].

Cross-Zone - A detection application where the operation of two detectors within a single zone or area of
protection is needed to complete an operation or output. In cross zone applications, the activation of the first
device causes a normal alarm notification. This application can also be accomplished via virtual or counting
group or zones on addressable/intelligent systems.

Digital Alarm Communicator System (DACS) - A system in which signals are transmitted from a digital
alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) located at the protected premises through the public switched
telephone network to a digital alarm communicator receiver (DACR) [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.68].

• Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT) - A system component at the protected

premises to which initiating devices or groups of devices are connected. The DACT seizes the
connected telephone line, dials a preselected number to connect to a DACR, and transmits
signals indicating a status change of the initiating device [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.69].

• Digital Alarm Radio Receiver (DARR) - A system component composed of two

subcomponents: one that receives and decodes radio signals, the other that annunciates the
decoded data. These two subcomponents can be coresident at the central station or separated by
means of a data transmission channel [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.70].

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• Digital Alarm Radio System (DARS) - A system in which signals are transmitted from a digital
alarm radio transmitter (DART) located at a protected premises through a radio channel to a
digital alarm radio receiver (DARR) [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.71].

• Digital Alarm Radio Transmitter (DART) - A system component that is connected to or an

integral part of a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) that is used to provide an
alternate radio transmission channel [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.72].

Emergency Communications System – A system for the protection of life by indicating the existence of an
emergency situation and communicating information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87].

• One-Way Emergency Communications System. – One way emergency communications

systems are intended to broadcast information, in an emergency, to people in one or more
specified indoor or outdoor areas. It is intended that emergency messages be conveyed either
by audible, visible, or textual means, or any combination. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87.1]

• Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System (DRMNS) - A distributed recipient mass

notification system is a system meant to communicate directly to targeted individuals and
groups that might not be in a contiguous area [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87.1.1].

• In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System - Dedicated manual or

automatic equipment for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and
evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.87.1.2].

o In-Building Mass Notification System - A system used to provide information and

instructions to people in a building(s) or other space using intelligible voice
communications and including visible signals, text, graphics, tactile, or other
communication methods [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87.1.3].

o Wide-Area Mass Notification System - Wide-area mass notification systems are

generally installed to provide real-time information to outdoor areas and could have
the capability to communicate with other notification systems provided for a campus,
military base, municipality, or similar single or multiple contiguous areas [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.87.1.4].

o Two-Way Emergency Communications System – Two-way emergency

communications systems are divided into two categories, those systems that are
anticipated to be used by building occupants and those systems that are to be used by
fire fighters, police, and other emergency services personnel. Two-way emergency
communications systems are used to both exchange information and to communicate
information such as, but not limited to, instructions, acknowledgement of receipt of
messages, condition of local environment, and condition of persons, and to give
assurance that help is on the way [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87.2].

Emergency Communication Control Unit [ECCU] –See Control Unit [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.86].

Emergency Control Functions - Building, fire, and emergency control functions that are intended to increase
the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of the harmful effects of fire [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.91].

Fire Alarm Control Interface - The fire alarm control interface coordinates signals to and from the fire alarm
system and other systems. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.137.2]

Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) - A component of the fire alarm system, provided with primary and

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secondary power sources, which receives signals from initiating devices or other fire alarm control units, and
processes these signals to determine part or all of the required fire alarm system output function(s). [NFPA
72, Chapter 3.3.102]

Fire Alarm System - A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits
arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to
initiate the appropriate response to those signals [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.105].

• Auxiliary Alarm System - A protected premises fire alarm system or other emergency system
at the protected premises and the system used to connect the protected premises system to a
public emergency alarm reporting system for transmitting an alarm to the communications
center [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.199.1].

• Central Station (Fire Alarm System) - See NFPA 72 Chapter 3.3.267.1, Central Station Service
Alarm System. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.38].

• Combination System - A fire alarm system in which components are used, in whole or in part,
in common with a non-fire signaling system [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.105.1].

• Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System – See NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.105.4.2.

Initiating Device - A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as
in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, or supervisory switch. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.132]

Initiating Device Circuit (IDC) - A circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected
where the signal received does not identify the individual device operated. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.133]

Master Fire Alarm Control Unit – A fire alarm control unit that serves the protected premises or portion of
the protected premises as a local fire alarm control unit and accepts inputs from other fire alarm control units.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.102.1]

• Protected Premises (Local) Control Unit - A fire alarm control unit that serves the protected
premises or a portion of the protected premises. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.102.2]

• Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Control Unit - A protected premises fire alarm control unit
which is intended to provide operation of a specifically identified fire safety function. [NFPA
72, Chapter 3.3.102.2.1]

• Releasing Service Fire Alarm Control Unit - A protected premises fire alarm control unit
specifically listed for releasing service that is part of a fire suppression system and which
provides control outputs to release a fire suppression agent based on either automatic or manual
input. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.102.2.2]

Municipal (Fire Alarm System) – A public emergency alarm reporting system.. [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.105.3]

Managed Facility-Based Voice Network (MFVN) - A physical facilities-based network capable of

transmitting real time signals with formats unchanged that is managed, operated, and maintained by the
service provider to ensure service quality and reliability from the subscriber location to public switched
telephone network (PSTN) interconnection points or other MFVN peer networks. [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.152]

Multiplexing - A signaling method characterized by transmission and reception of multiple signals on a

signaling line circuit, a transmission channel, or a communications channel, including the means to positively
identifying each signal. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.163]

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Notification Appliance - A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light, or text display
that provides audible, tactile, or visible outputs, or any combination thereof. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.173]

Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC) - A circuit or path directly connected to a notification appliance(s).
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.174]

NRTL – OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) accredited Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory.

Pathway (Pathways) -Any circuit, conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means connecting two or
more locations. [3.3.190]

Pathway Survivability - The ability of any conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for
transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.191]

Positive Alarm Sequence - An automatic sequence that results in an alarm signal, even when manually
delayed for investigation, unless the system is reset. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.198]

Pre-Signal - An application where the operation of an input device actuates only a selective or partial
notification for the purpose of notifying key personnel who then have the option of manually initiating a
general alarm.

Proprietary Supervising Station (Fire Alarm System) - See Supervising Station Alarm System. [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.209]

Protected Premises (Local) Fire Alarm System – Afire alarm system located at the protected premises.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.213, .105]

Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System - A system of alarm-initiating devices, transmitting and
receiving equipment, and communication infrastructure (other than a public telephone network) used to
communicate with the communications center to provide any combination of manual or auxiliary alarm
service. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.215]

Public Switched Telephone Network - An assembly of communications equipment and telephone service
providers that utilize managed facilities-based voice networks (MFVN) to provide the general public with
the ability to establish communications channels via discrete dialing codes. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.220, 290]

Releasing Fire Alarm System - A protected premises fire alarm system that is part of a fire suppression
system and/or which provides control inputs to a f ire suppression system related to the fire suppression
system’s sequence of operations and outputs for other signaling and notification. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.234,
.105]

Remote Supervising Station - A supervising station to which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals or any
combination of those signals emanating from protected premises fire alarm systems are received and where
personnel are in attendance at all times to respond. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.237, .283]

Reset - A control function that attempts to return a system or device to its normal, non-alarm state. [NFPA
72, Chapter 3.3.241]

Response Time - The time lapse from the occurrence of an input status change, (alarm, trouble or supervisory)
to the activation of a system output.

Risk Analysis - A process to characterize the likelihood, vulnerability, and magnitude of incidents associated
with natural, technological, and manmade disasters and other emergencies that address scenarios of concern,
their probability, and their potential consequences. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.246]

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Signal - A status indication communicated by electrical or other means [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.257]:

• Fire Alarm Signal - A signal initiated by a fire alarm-initiating device such as a manual fire
alarm box, automatic fire detector, water-flow switch, or other device in which activation is
indicative of the presence of a fire or fire signature. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.257.5]

• Alert Tone - An attention-getting signal to alert occupants of the pending transmission of a

voice message. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.17]
•
• Evacuation Signal - A distinctive signal intended to be recognized by the occupants as
requiring evacuation of the building. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.257.4]
•
• Supervisory Signal - A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the
supervision of fire suppression systems or equipment, or the maintenance features of related
systems. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.287]
•
• Guard’s Tour Supervisory Signal - A supervisory signal monitoring the performance of
guard patrols. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.257.6]
•
• Trouble Signal - A signal initiated by the fire alarm system or device indicative of a fault in
a monitored circuit or component. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.257.10]

Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) - A circuit or path between any combination of circuit interfaces, control units,
or transmitters over which multiple system input signals or output signals, or both, are carried. [NFPA 72,
Chapter 3.3.259]

Supervisory Service -The service required to monitor performance of guard tours and the operative condition
of fixed suppression systems or other systems for the protection of life and property [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.286].

Supervisory Signal Initiating Device - An initiating device such as a valve supervisory switch, water level
indicator, or low air pressure switch on a dry-pipe sprinkler system in which the change of state signals an
off-normal condition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection or life safety system; or a need for
action in connection with guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment, or maintenance features of
related systems. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.132.5]

Supplementary - As used in this Code, supplementary refers to equipment or operations not required by this
Code and designated as such by the authority having jurisdiction. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.289]

Two way Emergency Communication Systems – [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.302, .87.2] See Emergency
Communications System [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.87].

Voice Intelligibility - Voice communication using prerecorded messages and manual voice announcements
verified as being intelligible in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, 18.4.10. [NFPA 72, Chapter
3.3.302, .87.2, 3.3.135, 3.3.136, 14.4.11]

Wireless Protection System - A system or a part of a system that can transmit and receive signals without the
aid of interconnection wiring. It can consist of either a wireless control unit or a wireless repeater. [NFPA
72, Chapter 3.3.318]

Zone - A defined area within the protected premises from which a signal can be received, an area to which a
signal can be sent, or an area in which a form of control can be executed. [NFPA 72, Chapter 3.3.300]

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2 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Fire Alarm and Signaling Product Categorization

Fire alarm control equipment is comprised of electronic components that when combined in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions make up a fire alarm signaling system. They may be fabricated and shipped
as complete assemblies or sub-assemblies. Fire alarm control equipment is usually categorized based on the
intended application or use as follows:

Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems

• In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications

• Two-Way Communication Service
• Guard’s Tour Supervisory Service
• Protected Premises Fire Safety Functions
• Special Requirements for Low-Power Radio (Wireless) Systems
• Suppression System Actuation
o Automatic Extinguishing or
o Pre-Action & Deluge Release

Emergency Communications Systems [ECS]

• One-Way Emergency Communications System.

• Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System (DRMNS)
• In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System
• In-Building Mass Notification System
• Wide-Area Mass Notification System -
• Two-Way Emergency Communications System
• Information, Command, and Control

Supervising Station Alarm Systems

• Proprietary Supervising Station Systems

• Alarm Systems for Central Station Service
• Remote Supervising Station Alarm Systems
• Communications Methods

Public (Municipal) Emergency Reporting Systems

• Communications Methods
• Alarm Processing Equipment Alarm Boxes
• Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)

2.2 Approval Application Requirements

The manufacturer shall provide the following preliminary information with any request for Approval
consideration:

• A complete list of all models, types, sizes, and options for the products or services being submitted for
certification consideration;
• General assembly drawings, complete set of manufacturing drawings, materials list, anticipated marking
format, piping and electrical schematics, nameplate format, brochures, sales literature, spec. sheets,
installation, operation and maintenance procedures; and
• the number and location of manufacturing facilities.
• All documents shall identify the manufacturer's name, document number or other form of reference, title,

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date of last revision, and revision level. All documents shall be provided with English translation.

2.3 Requirements for Examination

2.3.1 Following authorization of a certification examination, the manufacturer shall submit samples for
examination and testing based on the following:
• Sample requirements to be determined by the certification agency.

2.3.2 Requirements for samples may vary depending on design features, results of prior or similar testing,
and results of any foregoing tests.

2.3.3 The manufacturer shall submit samples representative of production. Any decision to use data
generated using prototypes is at the discretion of the certification agency.

2.3.4 It is the manufacturer's responsibility to provide any necessary test fixtures, such as those which
may be required to evaluate the maximum rated load capabilities, maximum system configurations
and the devices necessary for the determination of peripheral compatibility with the fire alarm
signaling equipment.

2.3.5 Review of Documentation - During the initial investigation and prior to physical testing, the
manufacturer's specifications and details shall be reviewed to assess the practicality of installation
and use. The certification examination results shall define the limits of the final certification.

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3 GENERAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Fire Alarm System Physical or Structural Features

The fire alarm equipment and enclosure shall include the required features and be suitable for the intended
environmental exposures as determined by testing in accordance with this standard and acceptable national,
regional, or international codes and standards (see 2.3.5).

3.1.1 Means shall be provided to mount the fire alarm equipment securely and independently of the
wiring.

3.1.2 The fire alarm equipment shall be capable of withstanding normal handling and installation.

3.1.3 Fire alarm control equipment intended for use in hazardous (classified) locations shall comply
with certification requirements for hazardous (classified) location electrical equipment in addition
to this standard.

3.1.4 The fire alarm control equipment shall accommodate secure and compliant wiring methods in
accordance with NFPA 70 including Articles 760, 770 and 800, National Electrical Code and
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

3.1.5 The fire alarm control equipment shall be compatible with a certified fire alarm control system
that will produce distinctive alarm, supervisory (if equipped) and trouble signals.

3.1.6 The fire alarm equipment shall have response times in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire
Alarm and Signaling Code and within those defined in the manufacturer’s specifications and
installation and operational manual. The maximum response values as found in NFPA 72 are as
follows [for other system timing requirements see the applicable sections]:

• Alarm - 10 seconds
• Supervisory – 90 seconds
• Trouble – 200 seconds

3.1.7 The controls on a product intended for use in unsecured (public) areas for the purpose of signal
acknowledge, reset, optional program initiation, manual override of any control sequence, or
altering of system parameters, shall be of restricted access. Access shall be via a key-lock, or
located within a locked cabinet, or limited by a software security code or other equivalent
protection against unauthorized use.

Note: If the manual controls are accessed via the opening of the key-locked enclosure, the equipment
shall be arranged so that access does not result in the exposure of live electrical parts.

3.1.8 As a minimum, all control equipment and their displays shall use the following basic indicators:

▪ GREEN (Normal). This green indicator shall illuminate when all power is applied to the system
and no off-normal situations exist.
▪ RED (Fire Alarm). This red indicator shall illuminate when any fire condition exists in the
building, flashing until acknowledged, steady state following acknowledgement.
▪ YELLOW (Supervisory signal). This yellow indicator shall illuminate when any supervisory
condition exists in the building, flashing until acknowledged, steady state following
acknowledgement.
▪ YELLOW, (Trouble signal). This yellow indicator shall illuminate when any trouble condition
exists in the building, flashing until acknowledged, steady state following acknowledgement.
▪ For alarm, supervisory and trouble conditions, the annunciation shall be audible and visible.

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While adherence to the Standard Fire Service Interface (NFPA 72, E.4, E.5) is not required, it is
suggested.

3.2 Equipment Construction

3.2.1 Requirement

3.2.1.1 The fire alarm system construction shall not adversely affect the functionality, present the risk of
fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons that may operate the product, when tested under all
conditions as defined in this standard.

3.2.1.2 As tested within the definitions of this standard, the system shall:
• Not sustain damage that may compromise functionality, except were permitted, and/or safety,
• Restrict entry of foreign objects so functionality, except were permitted, and/or safety are not
compromised;
• Protection against electrical shock from enclosed live parts,
• Protect the equipment from external combustible materials,
• Have no sharp edges that may cause injury,
• Be constructed of material[s] to prevent the emission or propagation of flame, molten metal,
flaming or flowing particles, or flaming drops originating from the equipment.

3.2.2 Tests/Verification

The fire alarm system construction shall be examined before and during all of the tests defined in
this standard including section 5 [Operations Requirements] for compliance with the above
requirements.

3.3 Essential Safety and Functional Component Reliability

3.3.1 Requirement

The fire alarm system components shall operate satisfactorily and within their specified parameters
under all conditions of testing as defined in this standard.

3.3.2 Tests/Verification

3.3.2.1 Reliability can be demonstrated with NRTL certification, testing, or equivalent means. The fit, form
and function of essential system components including printed circuit boards, terminal blocks,
insulated wiring, transformers, relays, circuit protectors, etc. shall be examined in accordance with
the manufacturer’s published specifications and this standard.

3.3.2.2 Component certifications may be incomplete in some respects. Component certification limitations
shall be considered for their intended application.

3.3.2.3 Compliance documentation[s] must be provided with a declaration listing:

3.3.2.3.1 Quality management system was an integral part of the full system design,

3.3.2.3.2 System Components were chosen for the designated purpose,

3.3.2.3.3 System components will operate within the specified tolerance under all testing
conditions.

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3.3.2.4 The manufacturer shall demonstrate that the equipment/component reliability and suitability is
acceptable for the application. Third party equipment/component reliability can be achieved with
sufficient equipment field experience (e.g. ≥ 1 year). The interconnection with [in] the system must
be clearly defined, and related documentation must be made available for compliance review.

3.3.2.5 Alternative method of compliance may be submitted with a rationale for equivalency.

3.4 Markings

3.4.1 Requirement

3.4.1.1 The equipment shall be plainly and permanently marked so it is visible after installation and
identifiable. Any information not directly affixed to the equipment must be referenced on a label
affixed to the equipment. This includes references to Wiring Diagrams and Installation Instructions
if not affixed to the installed system and shall include the following information:
• name and address of the manufacturer or marking traceable to the manufacturer;
• date of manufacture or code traceable to date of manufacture or lot identification;
• model number, size, rating, capacity, etc., as appropriate.
• System(s) interconnections, inter-equipment wiring diagrams
• Batteries shall be permanently marked with the [format] month/year of manufacture.
• When hazard warnings are needed, the markings should be universally recognizable.
• Grounding markings shall be in accordance with NFPA 70 requirements.

3.4.1.2 The model or type identification shall correspond with the manufacturer's catalog designation and
shall uniquely identify the certification agency’s mark of conformity. .

3.4.1.3 The certification agency’s mark of conformity shall be displayed visibly and permanently on the
product and/or packaging as appropriate and in accordance with the requirements of the certification
agency. The manufacturer shall exercise control of this mark as specified by the certification agency
and the certification scheme.

3.4.2 Test/Verification

3.4.2.1 All markings shall be legible; the size of the letters shall be suitable for the purpose.

3.4.2.2 In no case shall the type be smaller than 1.6mm (4.5 point type)

3.4.2.3 Safety warnings “Caution”, “Warning”, “Shock Hazard” or equivalent shall be 2.8mm, (8 point
type) all other words in the safety notice to comply with the preceding requirement.

3.4.2.4 The markings shall contrast with the background (i.e. color, depth raised or lowered)

3.4.2.5 All markings shall be durable.

3.4.2.6 The markings shall be rubbed by hand, without undue pressure, for 15 seconds with a cloth soaked
with the manufacturer’s specified cleaning agent, or if none specified, with water. Contrasting color
shall not be removed, (remain legible) and the label material shall remain attached.

3.4.2.7 The markings shall be rubbed by hand, without undue pressure, for 15 seconds with a cloth soaked
with isopropyl alcohol. Contrasting color shall not be removed, (remain legible) and the label
material shall remain permanently attached at the end of the 3010 test program.

3.4.2.8 Modular System Marking - The modular system manual shall list the components that comprise a
certified system.

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3.5 Manufacturer’s Installation and Operation Instructions

3.5.1 The installation instructions or manual shall be marked with a document name, number, revision,
date, along with a statement or equivalent “installation shall comply with NFPA 72, 70, and local
authority having jurisdiction”.

3.5.2 The following information is required with each system:

▪ Name (or Trademark) and Model designation.

▪ Environmental suitability (Operating temperature, humidity)
▪ All switches and indicators must be clearly marked as to the function of each
▪ Electrical ratings
▪ Enclosure ratings beyond normal suitability
▪ Intended use, Commercial Fire Alarm, or other as necessary
▪ Applicable NFPA references.
▪ Instructions for the installation, maintenance, and operation of the system;
▪ Facilities for repair of the system and supply replacement parts; and
▪ Services to ensure proper installation, inspection, or maintenance for systems of such nature
that it would not be reasonable to expect the average user to be able to provide such installation,
inspection, or maintenance
▪ All terminals and field serviceable components shall be identified

3.5.3 The IOM [Installation, Operation, Maintenance] instructions should include at a minimum the
following items:

• Instructions for the installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of the system;
• Basic operational requirements to NFPA 72 (Chapter 10, 12, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26 and 27).
• Facilities for repair of the system and supply replacement parts, and
• Services to ensure proper installation, inspection, or maintenance for systems of such nature
that it would not be reasonable to expect the average user to be able to provide such installation,
inspection, or maintenance.
• Battery calculations shall include a 20% safety margin to the calculated amp-hour rating.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.7.2.1(1)]
• Installation and Operation manual shall specify “must be installed in accordance with applicable
NFPA, or applicable national and local requirements”.
• Installation and Operation manual shall specify “connect only certified releasing devices to
certified F.A.C.P, if applicable.
• Identification of power limited and non-power limited circuits/wiring with separation
requirements.
• Where circuit survivability is required in this standard, equal protection shall be provided for
power supply circuits NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.11.3.1.3]
• Class A and Class X circuit outgoing and return conductors shall be routed separately except
when:
o distance does not exceed 10 ft (3.0 m) where the outgoing and return conductors enter or
exit the initiating device, notification appliance, or control unit enclosures
o single raceway drops to individual devices or appliances
o single raceway drops to multiple devices or appliances installed within a single room not
exceeding 1000 ft2 (93 m2).
• Systems with releasing circuits that support Automatic Extinguishing and Pre-Action/Deluge
shall include a statement in the instructions such as: system will not initiate an alarm signal due
to movement of waste water, surges, or variable pressure. [NFPA 72, Chapter 17.12.3].
• Systems with voice communication using prerecorded messages and manual voice
announcements shall include a statement in the instructions confirming that system voice
intelligibility is in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, 18.4.10. [NFPA 72, Chapter

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3.3.302, .87.2, 3.3.135, 3.3.136, 14.4.11]

3.6 Calibration

3.6.1 Each piece of equipment used to verify the test parameters shall be calibrated within an interval
determined on the basis of stability, purpose, and usage. A copy of the calibration certificate for
each piece of test equipment is required. The certificate shall indicate that the calibration was
performed against working standards whose calibration is certified as traceable to an acceptable
reference standard and certified by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration laboratory. The test
equipment shall be clearly identified by label or sticker showing the last date of the calibration and
the next due date. A copy of the service provider’s accreditation certificate as an ISO/IEC 17025
accredited calibration laboratory should be available.

3.6.2 When the inspection equipment and/or environment is not suitable for labels or stickers, other
methods such as etching of control numbers on the measuring device are allowed, provided
documentation is maintained on the calibration status of this equipment.

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4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Normal Operations

4.1.1 Requirement

4.1.1.1 Representative samples of the equipment (system or modules) will be powered according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and programmed (if applicable) for proper operation and application.
Re-wiring, re-configuring or programming to satisfy different types of applications is often required.
Demonstrations or simulations at maximum rated loads of power supplies, IDC, SLC and NAC will
be required.

4.1.1.2 Basic operational capabilities of a protected premises fire alarm system shall include one or more
of the following features: [NFPA 72, Chapter 23.3.3.1]

1) Manual alarm signal initiation

2) Automatic alarm signal initiation
3) Monitoring of abnormal conditions in fire suppression systems
4) Activation of fire suppression systems
5) Activation of fire safety functions
6) Activation of alarm notification appliances
7) In building Emergency voice/alarm communications
8) Guard’s tour supervisory service
9) Process monitoring supervisory systems
10) Activation of off-premises signals
11) Combination systems
12) Integrated systems

4.1.1.3 Alarm Signals, Supervisory Signals and Trouble Signals, their annunciation and de-activation shall
be demonstrated and documented and verified to all below applicable types of systems:

• Protected Premises Fire Alarm Signaling System

• Guards Tour Supervisory Service
• Releasing Service
o Automatic Extinguishing or
o Pre-Action & Deluge Release
• Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System
• Emergency Communication System[s]
• Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems
o Proprietary Signaling Systems
o Fire Alarm Systems for Central Station Service
o Remote Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems
• Public (Municipal) Fire Alarm reporting Systems
• Auxiliary Signaling

4.1.1.4 Priority of signals shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.7.
• Fire alarm signals shall take precedence over all other signals, except as permitted for ECS
priority signals or emergency mass notification signals and messages.
• Emergency mass notification signals and messages shall be permitted to have priority over fire
alarm notification signals including supervisory and trouble signals in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 72, Chapter 24.
• Supervisory signals shall take precedence over trouble signals.
• Hold-up alarms or other life-threatening signals shall be permitted to take precedence over
supervisory and trouble signals where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction Hold-up

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alarms or other life-threatening signals shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.7.8.

4.1.1.5 Fire Alarm signal deactivation shall meet the requirements of NFPA 72, Chapter 12.6, 10.13,
10.14.7.

4.1.1.6 Distinctive Signals shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.10, 18.4.2, 23.8.4.6, 23.8.4.8, 23.13.4,
23.16.2(3), 23.16.4.5, 24.4.2.7.3, 24.4.3.14.7, 24.4.3.22.1.3(2), 24.5.1.7, 24.5.1.9,
27.6.3.2.3.14(B)(3)].

4.1.1.7 Fire Alarm Signals shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.7.2 and 10.12.

4.1.1.8 Supervisory and Trouble Annunciation shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.7.7, 10.8.2.2,
10.9.3, 10.10.5, 10.14, 10.15, 10.18.2.

4.1.1.9 Emergency control functions shall comply with: NFPA 72, Chapter 21.

4.1.1.10 Combination Systems shall comply with: NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.4, 21.2.11, 21.7.7, 21.7.8

4.1.1.11 Interconnected Fire Alarm Systems shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 10.10.4, 12.6.17, 21.2.11,
21.7.7, 21.7.8, 23.3.3.2.2, 23.8.2.3, 23.8.2.7, 23.8.2.8, 24.4.3.2.5.

4.1.1.12 Fire Alarm System Inputs shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.5.

4.1.1.13 Fire Alarm System Notification Outputs shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.6.

4.1.1.14 In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter
23.9, 24

4.1.1.15 Prerecorded (Digital) Voice and Tone Fire Alarm Systems shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter
23.10.

4.1.1.16 Two-Way Communication Service shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 24

4.1.1.17 Suppression System Actuation shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.3.3.1, 23.8.5.4.4, 23.8.5.7,
23.8.5.8, 23.8.5.11, 23.11, 24.2.7.1, 24.4.3.22.1.3, 26.3.8.1.1, 26.3.8.3, 17.13.

4.1.1.18 Off-Premises Signals shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.14.

4.1.1.19 Guard’s Tour Supervisory Service shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.15.

4.1.1.20 Suppressed (Exception Reporting) Signal System shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.1.

4.1.1.21 Special Requirements for Low-Power Radio (Wireless) Systems shall comply with NFPA 72,
Chapter 23.16.

4.1.1.22 Protected Premises Fire Safety Functions shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 23.15.

4.1.1.23 Manual Controls shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4, 10.16.1.

4.1.1.24 Supervisory Signal–Initiating Devices shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 17.16.

4.1.1.25 Sprinkler Waterflow Alarm-Initiating Devices shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 17.12.

4.1.1.26 Detection of the Operation of Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems shall comply with NFPA 72,
Chapter 17.13.

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4.1.1.27 Manually Actuated Alarm-Initiating Devices shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 17.14.

4.1.1.28 Fire Extinguisher Electronic Monitoring Device shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 17.15.

4.1.1.29 Fire Alarm Control Interface (FACI) shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4. 3.22.1.

4.1.1.30 Fire Alarm System with capability to control Electrically Locked Doors shall comply with NFPA
72, Chapter 21.9.

4.1.1.31 Smoke Control System shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 17.7.5, 17.7.6.3, 21.7.2, 21.7.5, 21.7.6,
21.7.7, 21.7.8, 21.8, 24.6.1.2, NFPA 92, NFPA 101.

4.1.1.32 Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems shall comply with NFPA 72, Chapter 27

4.1.1.33 Fire Alarm System display and recording methods [for all transmission technologies] shall comply
with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.6.4.

4.1.2 Tests/Verification

Basic operation to NFPA 72 will be verified and documented as specified in the owner’s or
instruction manual.

4.2 Power Supply/Electrical Supervision

4.2.1 Requirement

4.2.1.1 At least two independent, reliable and supervised power sources are required for any fire alarm
signaling system. While a primary dedicated branch electrical circuit and a dedicated storage battery
system are the most common, other options exist and must be specified in the installation manual
and may fall under the discretion of local on-site verification and AHJ acceptance (NFPA 72,
Chapter 10.6).

4.2.1.2 AC “Brown-out”, where the system transfers to secondary power such as batteries, shall occur at or
less than 85% of rated voltage. An audible and visual trouble signal during brown out is required.
Change over back to primary power shall occur at less than 90% of rated voltage.

4.2.1.3 Both primary and secondary source are to be monitored at the point of connection to the fire alarm
equipment [NFPA 72, Chapter 10].

4.2.1.4 The secondary power supply shall automatically provide power to the protected premises fire alarm
system within 10 seconds, whenever the primary power supply fails to provide the minimum voltage
required for proper operation [NFPA 72, Chapter 10].

4.2.2 Tests/Verification

4.2.2.1 Failure of either one of the power supplies shall result in proper annunciation, be seamless and not
result in any loss of data, signal transmission or annunciation that differs from normal primary power
(except the loss of an AC power indication) [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.6].

4.2.2.2 Any secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to power the system for a minimum of
24 hours of standby operation followed by 5 or 15 minutes at the maximum alarm load [NFPA 72,
Chapter 10.6.7.2].

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4.2.2.3 The secondary power supply for an EVAC type system shall have in addition to the 24 hours standby
operation followed by sufficient capacity to power the system for a 15 minute maximum alarm load
[NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.7.2].

4.2.2.4 The secondary power supply for a Pre-Action/Deluge Release panel shall have sufficient capacity
to power the system for a minimum of 90 hours of standby operation followed by 5 minutes at the
maximum alarm load.

4.2.2.5 Monitoring integrity of installation conductors and other Signaling Channels shall comply with
NFPA 72, Chapter 12.6.

4.3 Characteristics of Circuits and Pathways [NFPA 72, Chapter 12, 23.4]

4.3.1 Requirement

4.3.1.1 Proper performance of all Circuits and pathways under various adverse conditions and by their
ability to survive attack from fire, [survivability] shall be verified in accordance with NFPA 72
classifications.

4.3.1.2 All devices and appliances that receive their power from the initiating device circuit, signaling line
circuit, NAC circuit, or any other power output circuit of a control unit shall be certified for use with
the control unit.

4.3.2 Tests/Verification

Each circuit and pathway shall be tested as defined below:

Table 1

Pathway Performance Requirement

Designation
Class A Redundant path
Operates past a single open
Path faults are annunciated
Pathways shall maintain alarm capability during the application of a single
ground fault, and also during the combination of a single open and a single
ground fault.
An open or ground condition shall result in annunciation of a trouble signal
Class B Does not operate past single open
Does operate past single ground
Path faults are annunciated
Class C Single or multi pathways with end-to-end operational communication
capability,
Integrity of individual paths is not monitored.
Loss of end-to-end communication is annunciated
Class D Fail-safe operation
Faults are not annunciated
Operation continues in the event of a pathway failure
Class E Not monitored for integrity
Class X Includes a redundant path
Pathways shall maintain alarm capability during the application of a single
ground fault, and also during the combination of a single open and a single
ground fault.
An open or ground condition shall result in annunciation of a trouble signal.

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Pathway Performance Requirement

Designation
Operation continues past a single open or short-circuit
Operation degradation, path faults are annunciated

Where the power to a device is supplied over a separate circuit from the signaling line circuit or
initiating device circuit, the operation of the power circuit shall meet the performance requirements
of the initiating device circuit or signaling line circuit, unless different performance requirements
are established in accordance with the evaluation in NFPA 72, Chapter 23.4.3 and approved by the
authority having jurisdiction.

Parts of circuits or equipment that are intentionally and permanently grounded to provide ground-
fault detection, noise suppression, emergency ground signaling, and circuit protection grounding
shall be permitted.

4.4 Circuit Supervision (IDC)

4.4.1 Requirement

4.4.1.1 IDC circuit[s] Class A, and Class B designation are defined by performance capabilities specified
in the circuit pathway Table 1 in Section 4.3, in NFPA 72, Chapter 12 and the requirements of NFPA
72, Chapter 23.5.

4.4.1.2 Proper operation of Initiating Device Circuits shall be verified as defined in the installation
instructions or on a label affixed to the control panel itself and NFPA 72, Chapter 12 requirements.

4.4.2 Tests/Verification

Each IDC circuit shall be subjected to fault and alarm conditions as prescribed in the above Table 1
to determine the classification of each circuit.

4.5 Smoke Detector Compatibility

4.5.1 Requirement

Smoke detector compatibility shall be verified with respective control equipment and or zone
interface circuits and defined in the installation instructions or on a label affixed to the control panel
itself.

4.5.2 Tests/Verification

4.5.2.1 Four wire detectors that interface via separate power and initiation shall have compatibility
determined by suitable (compatible) voltage and current ratings only.

4.5.2.2 Two wire detectors that interface via the same wires for power and alarm initiation shall demonstrate
compatibility as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the completion of the
“Smoke Detector Compatibility Data Sheet” verified either by testing or as completed and provided
by another NRTL.

4.5.2.3 Analog/addressable detectors that interface via proprietary digital communication methods shall
demonstrate compatibility as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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4.6 Circuit Supervision (NAC)

4.6.1 Requirement

4.6.1.1 Proper operation of all Notification Appliance Circuits shall be verified as defined in the installation
instructions or on a label affixed to the control panel itself and NFPA 72, Chapter 12 requirements.

4.6.2 Tests/Verification

4.6.2.1 Each NAC circuit shall be subjected to fault and alarm conditions as prescribed in NFPA 72, Chapter
12. NAC class designation is defined by Class A or Class B pathways performance capabilities
specified in the circuit pathway, Table 1 in section 4.3.3, in NFPA 72, Chapter 12 and the
requirements of NFPA 72, Chapter 23.7.

4.6.2.2 An open, ground, or short-circuit fault on the installation conductors of one alarm notification
appliance circuit shall not affect the operation of any other alarm notification circuit.

4.7 NAC Compatibility

4.7.1 Requirement

Notification appliance compatibility shall be verified with respective control equipment and or
notification circuits and defined in the installation instructions or on a label affixed to the control
panel itself. [See also synchronization performance testing].

4.7.2 Tests/Verification

Notification appliance circuits shall have compatibility determined by suitable (compatible) voltage
and current ratings.

4.8 Circuit Supervision (SLC)

4.8.1 Requirement

4.8.1.1 Proper operation of all Signaling Line Circuits shall be verified in accordance with NFPA 72,
Chapter 12 Signaling line circuit[s]. Class A, Class B, or Class X designation is defined by
performance capabilities specified in the circuit pathway, Table 1 in Section 4.3.2, in NFPA 72,
Chapter 12 and the requirements of NFPA 72, Chapter 23.6.

4.8.1.2 For digital communications, a trouble signal is required when digital signals are not transmitted over
a signaling line circuit.

4.8.2 Tests/Verification

Each SLC circuit shall be subjected to fault and alarm conditions as prescribed in NFPA 72, Chapter
12.

4.9 SLC Compatibility

4.9.1 Requirement

Signaling line compatibility shall be verified with respective control equipment and or SLC interface
and defined in the installation instructions or on a label affixed to the control panel itself.

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4.9.2 Tests/Verification

Equipment connected via signaling lines to the control equipment shall be verified as compatible
via operational testing with the connected device[s].

4.10 Detection of the Operation of Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems [NFPA 72, Chapter 17.13]

4.10.1 Requirement

Detection of the Operation of Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems shall comply with NFPA 72,
Chapter 17.13.

4.10.2 Tests/Verification

The operation of fire extinguishing systems or suppression systems shall initiate an alarm signal by
alarm initiating devices installed in accordance with their individual certification requirements.

4.11 Voltage Variations

4.11.1 Requirement

It shall be verified that the fire alarm system maintains the normal operational capability and
functionality throughout typical voltage extremes of both the primary and secondary power supplies
they are powered from. This includes auxiliary power output circuit[s], if regulated.

4.11.2 Tests/Verification

4.11.2.1 As a minimum, the normal operation of the equipment shall be verified at 85% to 110% of the rated
primary (AC) and secondary (DC) power sources [NFPA 72, Chapter 10]. If the manufacturer
specifies a voltage range beyond these extremes, the equipment will be tested using those values
specified by the manufacturer.

4.11.2.2 Typical Voltage Ranges are defined as shown in the table below:

Nominal +10% -15%

120 Vac 132 Vac 102 Vac
240 Vac 264 Vac 204 Vac
12 Vdc 13.2 Vdc 10.2 Vdc
24 Vdc 26.4 Vdc 20.4 Vdc

4.12 Environmental Conditioning

4.12.1 Requirement

It shall be verified that the fire alarm system is designed so that it is capable of performing its
intended normal operational capability and functionality throughout temperature extremes and high
humidity conditions that are typical of equipment intended for indoor applications. If the
manufacturer specifies a temperature range beyond those typical for indoor/dry locations, the
equipment will be tested using the values specified by the manufacturer.

4.12.2 Tests/Verification

As a minimum, be subjected to the following environmental extremes [NFPA 72, Chapter 10]. If
rated for extremes beyond these values, the equipment will be tested using those values specified

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by the manufacturer.

• For a period of 4 hours at 0°C (32°F) and 49°C (120°F).

• For a period of 24 hours at a relative humidity of 90% and ambient temperature of 37.8°C
(100°F).

The equipment shall:

• Operate as intended, including [if applicable] 15 min. synchronization, and show no signs of
instability or false alarms during these exposures.

4.13 Battery Charge/Discharge [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.10]

4.13.1 Requirement

Equipment shall be capable of recharging the secondary batteries fully within 48 hours following a
single discharge cycle as specified below [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.10.3].

4.13.2 Tests/Verification
The equipment is allowed to be powered in a normal condition for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure
that the batteries are fully charged and the charge voltage and current levels recorded. With the
equipment configured to simulate the worst case standby load or condition and the primary power
is disconnected (turned OFF) and the equipment is powered solely from the secondary power source
for a period of 24 hrs (or 90).

Following this standby (discharge) time, the equipment is then placed into an alarm condition (with
outputs at the maximum rated load) for a period of 5 minutes (or 15 minutes) and the secondary
battery voltage and current reading recorded.

Following the appropriate alarm (discharge) time of 5 min. or 15 min., the primary power is restored
(turned ON), the equipment is returned to a normal standby condition and allowed to charge the
secondary batteries for a maximum period of 48 hours. At the end of the recharge time, the voltage
and current readings are made at the battery and compared to those obtained at the start of the test.
The readings are required to be similar to those initial reading for the results to be acceptable.

4.14 Enclosure

4.14.1 Requirement

4.14.1.1 The system enclosures[s] constructed for indoor use must provide a degree of protection to
personnel against incidental contact and to provide a degree of protection against falling objects.
Additional claims made by the manufacturer shall be verified in accordance with the appropriate
enclosure claims.

4.14.1.2 The enclosure must meet the ingress protection requirement for a NEMA 250, Type 1 or ANSI/IEC
60529, IP30 enclosure ratings as a minimum for indoor applications. It is not necessary to mark the
product for Type 1 / IP30 enclosures. Additional claims made by the manufacturer will be verified
according to specified enclosure classifications

4.14.1.3 Polymeric Materials used as an enclosure (or the sole support of current carrying parts) of a FACP
shall not warp to an extent that it impairs the intended operation or exposes high voltage
components.

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4.14.2 Test/Verification

4.14.2.1 The enclosure will be examined to the requirements of this standard, and acceptable national,
regional or international electrical codes.

4.14.2.2 Polymeric Materials, an enclosure sample shall be mounted as intended and placed in a circulating
air-oven shall be aged at 194°F (90°C) for seven days or at 158°F (70°C) for twenty eight days.

4.14.2.3 Following the aging tests Polymeric Materials used as an enclosure (or the sole support of current
carrying parts) of a FACP shall not warp to an extent that it impairs the intended operation or exposes
high voltage components, and the unit shall operate normally following this test.

4.14.2.4 Equipment rated at or above 30 V ac and 42.4 V dc requires a proper ground terminal to be provided.
The earthing adequacy is determined by testing in accordance with appropriate acceptable national,
regional, or international codes and standards.

4.14.2.5 Internal and field wiring shall comply with: this standard; NFPA 72, NFPA 70 requirements
including - NEC 110 - Requirements for Electrical Installations, NEC 300 - Wiring Methods, NEC
725 - Fire Alarm Signaling Systems, and NEC 760 - Fire Alarm Signaling Systems.

4.15 Vibration

4.15.1 Requirement

The [AC] line connected power supply equipment (enclosure and assemblies) shall be tested to
verify its mechanical strength and ability to withstand the vibration as defined in this section. As a
result of this testing, there shall be no loosening of parts or visible signs of permanent deformation.

4.15.2 Tests/Verification

With the equipment powered and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the
equipment shall be subjected to a vertical movement as described below.

Duration 4 hours
Displacement 0.022 in. (0.55 mm)
Sweep Frequency Range 10 Hz-30 Hz-10 Hz
Sweep Rate 2 cycles/min.

Following the 4 hour vibration exposure, the equipment shall:

• not have loose parts

• or visible signs of permanent deformation that would compromise the electrical safety of the
equipment
• operate as intended.

4.16 Jarring

4.16.1 Requirement

The system assembly shall withstand the jarring resulting from an impact as might be expected
during normal installation.

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4.16.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, in standby, shall be subjected to a 3 foot-pound (4.08 joules) impact. The equipment
shall produce no false indication of alarm signal or non-resettable trouble signal. There shall be no
loosening of parts or permanent deformation as a result of this test.

4.17 Endurance

4.17.1 Requirement

The fire alarm system, in alarm, shall be tested for 6,000 on and off cycles at rated voltage and
frequency with specified devices connected to the output circuits, max. device wiring load factor.

4.17.2 Tests/Verification
The fire alarm system and its components shall operate as intended and shall not exhibit any safety
risks when subjected to the required endurance test.

4.18 Dielectric

4.18.1 Requirement
The equipment shall withstand for 1 minute the application of AC voltage, or a DC voltage applied
between live parts and the enclosure and dead metal parts that may come in contact with, and live
parts of circuits operating at different voltages. The test voltages are described below.

Circuit Ratings Dielectric Test Voltage

≤ 30 Vac (42.4 Vdc) 500 Vac (707 Vdc)
≥ 30 Vac (42.4 Vdc) 1,000 Vac + 2 x rated voltage (for Vdc
multiply this value by 1.414)

4.18.2 Tests/Verification

There shall be:

• No indication of a dielectric breakdown or leakage current greater than 0.5mA during the 1
minute test exposure.

4.19 System Load Rating and Overload

4.19.1 Requirement

The standby or alarm current necessary to power the system shall not exceed 110% of the rated
value over the entire voltage range that the equipment is rated or intended for, and the
system/components shall continue to operate satisfactorily with no malfunctioning or failures.

4.19.2 Tests/Verification

4.19.2.1 With the equipment configured for its maximum rated current draw (outputs at full rated load). The
input voltage is varied over the extremes as determined in 4.12 of this document. At no time shall
the measured current value exceed 110% of the rating on the nameplate or the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

4.19.2.2 The system is to be subjected to overload of 50 cycles in and out of the alarm state at a maximum
of 15 cycles per minute, with alarm signal loads and 115% input voltage

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4.20 DC Circuit Reverse Polarization

4.20.1 Requirement

All DC supply circuits including the battery circuit shall be tested with a reverse polarity condition
if such installation is possible without mechanically altering, modifying or damaging the equipment
or battery.

4.20.2 Tests/Verification

The DC power leads are reversed while the primary power is OFF, and ON, if possible. Then the
secondary [DC] power is turned ON. Normal operation is not required following this test, but the
equipment shall fail in a safe mode (no indication of continued heating, visible fire or molten
material) and indicate a trouble condition if no longer operational. Protective fuse rupture is
permitted.

4.21 Protective Grounding/Bonding

4.21.1 Requirement

Any equipment that contains or connects to a high voltage circuit shall provide a positive grounding
system for all exposed dead metal parts to reduce the risk of electrical shock, as required by NFPA
70, Article 525.

4.21.2 Tests/Verification

4.21.2.1 The bonding resistance shall be measured at ≤ 0.1 ohm.

4.21.2.2 All bonding conductors shall be 14 AWG minimum.

Exception: Metal-foil markings, screws, handles, etc., which are located on the outside of the
enclosure and isolated from electrical components or wiring by grounded metal parts so that they
are not liable to become energized or those which are positively separated from wiring and un-
insulated live parts.

4.22 Power Supply Failure

4.22.1 Requirement

The equipment shall provide the required degree of protection from fault as demonstrated by the
simulation of a worst case condition failure, shorting the secondary’s of line voltage connected
equipment for linear power supplies, or [worst case] overload for switching power supplies.

4.22.2 Tests/Verification

With the equipment connected to an appropriately rated, time delayed, fused branch circuit in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all field serviceable fuses on the equipment
under test are replaced with those of maximum current ratings:

The unit shall be powered and produce or result in -

• no emission of flame, escape of molten metal, or infringement of the protection against

electrical shock.
• no dielectric breakdown within 1 minute of test completion.

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• operation of the branch circuit fuse

• operation of any of the field serviceable fuses (when replaced with those of the maximum rated
value)
• operation of any non-replaceable protection components or
• temperature stabilization where there is no further change due to the fault.

4.23 Component Temperature

4.23.1 Requirement

4.23.1.1 One powered and fully loaded system shall meet the component temperature criteria.

4.23.1.2 Using a suitable thermal measurement method, the electronic components shall be monitored for
max. temperatures.

4.23.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment shall:

• Employ components that do not exceed the max. temperature values specified for the
component in all worst case operational system modes including, battery charging circuit[s],
power limiting circuit[s], etc.
• If applicable, not have emission of flame, escape of molten metal, or infringement of the
protection against electrical shock in all operational system modes.

Exceptions:
1. component with a temperature rise greater than the Maximum specified value, may be acceptable
if provided reliability data is reviewed and found to meet the intent of the component temperature
requirements.
2. component temp. may be waived for the following: resistors dissipating power is [less or equal]
0.5 of rated power, or aluminum electrolytic capacitors with less than or equal to 80% working
voltage derating, or all other capacitors with less than or equal to 60% working voltage de rating

4.24 Power Limited and Non Power Circuits

4.24.1 Requirement

Circuits shall comply with NFPA 72, 70 [Article 760, 800] requirements

4.24.2 Test/Verification

The equipment circuits, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed, tested, or equivalently demonstrated that the circuits comply with the chapter and section
described above.

4.25 Extraneous Transients (RFI Immunity)

4.25.1 Requirement

The system shall be protected against extraneous transients from sources which are described below.

4.25.2 Test/Verification

One powered sample of the control equipment will be subjected to extraneous transients described

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below with Field strength of 40 V/m to the DUT.

Radio frequency transmissions with equivalent power levels.

Frequency: Watts *12 in. distance

27 MHz 5 √
150-174 MHZ 5 √
450-467 MHZ 5 √
850-870 MHz 3 √
900-920 MHz 4 √
*The distance from radiating antennas to the product under test.

The system shall produce:

• No false signals (alarm or trouble)

• No reset in alarm
• No false actuation of outputs including releasing device(s)

Exception: self restoring or manually resettable trouble signal is acceptable.

4.26 Field Wiring Transients (low voltage circuits)

4.26.1 Requirement

Protection against line surge transients will be a requirement for any low voltage circuit (power,
input, outputs, releasing, IDC, SLC or NAC).

4.26.2 Test/Verification

4.26.2.1 This test applies to all system field wiring terminals that have a possibility of being subjected to
line-induced voltage (i.e., initiating device circuits, releasing circuits, power circuits, and
remote/auxiliary connections).

4.26.2.2 A powered sample’s circuits shall be subjected to transient waveforms beginning with 100 Vdc and
ending with 2,400 Vdc having peak levels of:

• 100 V dc [2]
• 500 V dc [2]
• 1,000 V dc [2]
• 2,400 V dc [4]

4.26.2.3 Transient pulses shall be applied with one polarity and opposite polarity: between any two circuit
leads or terminals, and between each circuit / terminal and system safety ground.

4.26.2.4 The system shall produce:

• No false signals (alarm or trouble)

• No reset in alarm
• No false actuation of outputs including releasing device(s)
• No evidence of instability during or at the end of this test, including memory [ex. retention
event history], and
• Normal system operation following this test.

Exceptions: Any circuit specified to remain in the same room or 20 ft (6 m) or less in length and in

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conduit. Self restoring or manually resettable trouble signal is acceptable, only if trouble condition
does not impair alarm indication.

4.27 Surge Line Transients

4.27.1 Requirement

The Fire Alarm System’s AC voltage supplied circuits shall be protected against AC line surge
transients.

4.27.2 Test/Verification

One powered sample shall be subjected to 6 kV oscillatory (100 kHz) transient pulses. Each
transient pulse shall have a rise time of less than 0.5 microseconds and a total duration of 20
microseconds. The pulse decay shall result in each peak being no more than 60% of the amplitude
of the preceding pulse. Each pulse shall be applied at the peak of the AC power waveform.

500 transient pulses are to be applied at a rate of 6 transients per minute. [250 positive pulses with
reference to earth ground, and 250 negative pulses with reference to earth ground. Each set of pulses
is to consist of 225 pulses in supervisory condition and 25 pulses in the alarm condition.]

The system shall produce:

• No false signals (alarm or trouble)

• No reset in alarm
• No false actuation of outputs including releasing device(s)
• No evidence of instability during or at the end of this test, including memory [ex. retention
event history], and
• The system shall operate normally following this test.

4.28 Internally Induced Transients

4.28.1 Requirement

The Fire Alarm System’s AC voltage supplied circuits shall be protected against internally induced
transients.

4.28.2 Test/Verification

One powered sample of the system, in standby condition and at rated AC voltage, shall be subjected
to 500 on / off cycles of the AC power source. The Off cycle portion is to be about 1 second with a
maximum of six cycles per minute.

The system shall produce:

• No false signals (alarm or trouble)

• No reset in alarm
• No false actuation of outputs including releasing device(s)
• No evidence of instability during or at the end of this test, including memory [ex. retention
event history], and
• The system shall operate normally following this test.

If the system includes more than one AC input, the system shall be tested with all AC inputs
simultaneously.

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4.29 Static Discharge

4.29.1 Requirement

The Fire Alarm System shall be protected against electrostatic discharges.

4.29.2 Test/Verification

The enclosure is to be connected to earth ground.

Time between discharges is to be at least 1 sec.

Products intended to interconnect to releasing devices shall be tested with each releasing device
connected as specified in the installation wiring diagram/instructions.

Twenty 10,000 V discharges, with at least 3 discharges for each operation feature, are to be applied
to the accessible points of the product.

Ten discharges shall be applied with positive polarity on the product and ten discharges with the
polarity reversed.

The system shall produce:

• No false signals (alarm or trouble)

• No reset in alarm
• No false actuation of outputs including releasing device(s)
• No evidence of instability during or at the end of this test, including memory [ex. retention
event history], and
• The system shall operate normally following this test.

4.30 Notification Appliance Synchronization and Compatibility

4.30.1 Requirement

4.30.1.1 A Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC) intended to provide synchronization of alarm notification
appliances shall meet the requirements of this section.

4.30.1.2 The synchronized pulse repetition rate shall be between 1 and 2 pulses per second.

4.30.1.3 When connected to a circuit intended to provide synchronization, the aggregate light output from
all the visual notification appliances shall conform to the following:

• If the nominal flash duration of a single device is less than 10 ms, all flashes shall occur within
a single 10 ms window.

• If the nominal flash duration of a single device is greater than 10 ms, the aggregate flash
duration shall be not greater than the nominal single flash duration plus 10 ms.

• A maximum pulse duration shall be 0.2 second with a maximum duty cycle of 40 percent.

4.30.1.4 The pulse duration shall be defined as the time interval between initial and final points of 10 percent
of maximum signal.

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4.30.1.5 For Notification Appliance Circuits that are intended to provide synchronization between other such
circuits within a fire alarm system, the requirements of 4.30.1.3 shall apply to all devices connected
to all such circuits.

4.30.2 Test/Verification

Synchronization and compatibility shall be performed on a worst case fully loaded system [one
NAC circuit fully loaded with appliances].

The synchronization testing shall be performed for 30 minutes at each of the following conditions:

• 85% rated primary voltage (with maximum simulated wiring resistance)*

• 110% rated primary voltage (with minimum simulated wiring resistance)
• 85% rated secondary (with maximum simulated wiring resistance)
• 110% rated secondary voltage (with minimum simulated wiring resistance)

*Verify battery is not contributing power.

(If there is less than 5% variation in the Notification Appliance Circuit output voltage with the above
variations in primary voltage, the synchronization testing at the extremes of primary voltage may be
omitted).

The synchronization testing shall be performed for 15 minutes at each exposure of the
Environmental Conditioning test. It is permissible to load each NAC with a minimum of three
visual notification appliances, in conjunction with a simulated load to bring the load to the rated
capacity of the circuit.

4.31 Software Requirements

4.31.1 Requirement

Equipment dependent on software program(s) to achieve proper operation shall meet all of the items
described below (see NFPA 72, Chapter 23.2.2).

4.31.2 Tests/Verification

• Any changes to the software /firmware shall result in a revision to the release level.
• The operating software and firmware shall not be accessible for any changes or modification
beyond what it has been Approved (listed) for.
• All software and firmware shall be protected from unauthorized changes.
• Any software failure that renders the system inoperable shall result in a trouble condition at the
fire alarm control (e.g. watchdog timer).
• Software and firmware version[s] shall be identified on the fire alarm control unit.
• Software and firmware within the fire alarm control system that interfaces to other required
software or firmware shall be functionally compatible.

4.32 Releasing Circuits (NFPA 72, Chapter 14.2.6, 14.2.6.5, 23.8.5.10, 23.11)

4.32.1 Requirement

The proper monitoring, supervision and operation of release circuits shall be verified (NFPA 72,
Chapter 12) and listed for the following specific release categories: Automatic Extinguishing and
Pre-Action/Deluge.

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4.32.2 Tests/Verification

4.32.2.1 Release circuits shall:

4.32.2.1.1 Be supervised for open and ground conditions

4.32.2.1.2 Supervise the integrity and presence of the releasing device (NFPA 72, Chapter 12)

4.32.2.1.3 Demonstrate proper operation (no false trips/alarms) when subjected to 500 on/off
interruptions of the primary power cycles.

4.32.2.2 For Automatic Extinguishing Release Application [all electrical measurements shall be at the end
of the circuit wiring]:

4.32.2.2.1 Each circuit must remain within 20.4 to 26.4 Vdc under all conditions.

4.32.2.3 For Pre-Action and Deluge Applications:

4.32.2.3.1 Each circuit must remain within 20.4 to 26.4 Vdc under all conditions [all electrical
measurements shall be at the end of the circuit wiring]

4.32.2.3.2 Must be tested for compatibility with certified releasing devices,

4.32.2.3.3 Must have specific Release Application Instructions with the following certification
requirements included:

4.32.2.3.4 Class A initiating circuits only

4.32.2.3.5 90 hours stand-by operation (secondary power duration)

4.32.2.3.6 Compatible solenoids and maximum wiring distances & losses to maintain the required
20.4 Vdc at the solenoid.

4.33 Cross Zoning

4.33.1 Requirement

Systems may have the capability of requiring the operation of two automatic detectors (cross-
zoning, counting zones) to indicate an alarm as long as the following conditions are satisfied:

• Activation of the first device causes a normal alarm notification.

• Verification is defeated and cannot be used.
• At least two automatic detectors are in each zone, area or space of protection.

4.33.2 Tests/Verification

4.33.2.1 Verify occurrence of correct sequence with cross zoning operation [NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2].

4.33.2.2 The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed.

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4.34 Confirmation/Alarm Verification

4.34.1 Requirement

Systems may have the capability of automatic detection verification to indicate an alarm as long as
the following conditions are satisfied: [refer to NFPA 72, Chapter 23]

• It shall not be part of any “default” configuration, and must be manually installed.
• Shall not delay the alarm actuation by more than 60 seconds
• Actuation of another detector or input device overrides the verification cycle and causes alarm
operation without any additional delays.
• Enabling the alarm verification feature shall be protected by password or other limited access.

4.34.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.35 Pre-Signal

4.35.1 Requirement

A system may employ a Pre-Signal annunciation where the initial alarm signal is distributed to a
limited or selective area only and manual activation is required for a general alarm as long as the
following conditions are satisfied: [refer to NFPA 72, Chapter 23]

• It shall not be part of any “default” configuration, and must be manually installed.
• Actuation of another detector or input device overrides the Pre-Signal cycle and causes alarm
operation without any additional delays.
• Any off-premises signaling (if employed) shall activate on the initial alarm

4.35.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.36 Positive Alarm Sequence

4.36.1 Requirement

Systems may have the capability of a delaying an alarm signal (via Positive Alarm Sequence) as
long as the following conditions are satisfied: [refer to NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.1.3]

• The initial alarm signal acknowledgement must occur within 15 seconds of alarm receipt.
• Alarm activation can then be delayed up to 180 seconds (and reset during that period) but if not
manually reset, shall activate the normal alarm signaling process.

4.36.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the above requirements.

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4.37 Drift Compensation

4.37.1 Requirement

Systems may employ a drift compensation capability that adjusts the sensitivity of fire detection
devices as long as the following conditions are satisfied: [refer to NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.5.4.2]:

• The fire detector remains within its prescribed sensitivity limits over the range of compensation.
• The fire detector indicates a fault condition once it has reached the limit of its adjustment.
• The control unit annunciates that the device has exceeded its compensation limits

4.37.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the appropriate NFPA
chapter and section.

4.38 Emergency [Voice Alarm] Communications Systems (ECS) (NFPA 72, Chapter 24)

The fire alarm system voice alarm communication feature[s] will be tested for compliance with all applicable
requirements for the appropriate feature[s].

• One-Way Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4)

o In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems – EVAC (NFPA 72, Chapter
24.4.2)
o In-Building Mass Notification Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4.3)
o Wide Area Mass Notification Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4.4)
o Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Sys (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.4.45)
• Two-Way Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.5)
o In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems [two-way telephone] (NFPA 72,
Chapter 24.5.1)
o Radio Communications Enhancement Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.5.2)
o Area of Refuge Emergency Communications Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.5.3)
o Elevator Emergency Communications Systems (NFPA 72, Chapter 24.5.4)

The detailed requirements are conveyed in the following paragraphs.

4.39 In-Building Fire Emergency Voice / Alarm Communication Systems (EVACS)

4.39.1 Requirement

4.39.1.1 The system shall allow the application of an evacuation signal to one or more zones and, at the same
time allow voice paging to the other zones selectively or in any combination.

4.39.1.2 When primary power is available, failure of any audio amplifier shall result in a trouble signal.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 10.19.1.1]

4.39.1.3 When an alarm is present and primary power is not available, failure of any audio amplifier shall
result in a trouble signal [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.6.7.1].

4.39.1.4 Failure of any tone-generating equipment shall result in a trouble signal, unless the tone-generating
and amplifying equipment are enclosed as integral parts and serve only a single, listed loudspeaker.
[NFPA 72, Chapter 10.19.1.3]

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4.39.1.5 Ancillary functions, such as use of a fire alarm system or mass notification system for general
paging, background music, or other non-emergency functions are permitted but shall not interfere
with the performance requirements of the fire alarm system or the mass notification system.

4.39.1.6 In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems, Speaker amplifier and tone
generating equipment, Two-Way Telephone Communications Circuit shall be monitored and
supervised for presence and operation during primary power conditions [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.19.2]

4.39.1.7 Evacuation voice messages shall be preceded and followed by a minimum of two cycles of the
audible emergency evacuation signal.

4.39.1.8 The use of a Positive Alarm Sequence is permitted.

4.39.1.9 The tone preceding any message shall be permitted to be a part of the voice message or to be
transmitted automatically from a separate tone generator.

4.39.1.10 A pre-alert tone shall be 1 to 3 sec. duration and include a low frequency component of 520 Hz
square wave range to accommodate the need of the hearing impaired for fire voice messages and
emergency communication messages in occupancies where sleeping accommodations are provided.

4.39.1.11 Operating controls shall be clearly identified.

4.39.1.12 Where the system is designed to be installed in multiple locations within the same building, the
following provisions shall exist:

• Only one system shall be in control at a given time

• The location of the system in control shall be visibility indicated at that location

4.39.1.13 Manual controls shall be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off status for their
associated notification zone.

4.39.1.14 Notification appliances required to provide special suppression pre-discharge notification shall not
be overridden by other systems. [NFPA 72, Chapter 24 4.3.22.1.3]

4.39.1.15 When the fire alarm system has been activated, and mass notification has been given priority over
the fire alarm system, a distinctive audible and visible indication shall be provided at the building
fire alarm control unit. [24.2.7.2]. It shall not be required to transmit this condition to a supervising
station. [NFPA 72, Chapter 24. 2.7.3]

4.39.1.16 The fire alarm system shall not automatically override emergency mass notification messages. It
shall be possible to configure priority of mass notification messages over fire alarm evacuation if
required by the installation [NFPA 72, Chapter 24.2.7.5, 24. 3.14.2].

4.39.1.17 Under a fire condition, where the system is used to transmit relocation instructions or other fire
emergency non-evacuation messages, the system shall be capable of producing a 1-second to 3-
second alert tone followed by a message (or messages where multi-channel capability is used). It
shall be capable of repeating the sequence [the alert tone followed by the message(s)] at least three
times.

4.39.1.18 The fire alarm system emergency voice alarm communication shall comply with: NFPA 72;
ANSI/UL 1711 Amplifiers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems [Sections 31, 32, 33, 35, 41, 42,
45, 49].

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4.39.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.40 In-Building Mass Notification Systems (MNS) (one way)

4.40.1 Requirement

4.40.1.1 MNS activation shall initiate recorded messages or live voice and visible notification. The system
shall be capable of prioritizing recorded messages.

4.40.1.2 The MNS system shall be capable of configuring recorded messages to be of higher priority than
fire alarm activation and to override the fire alarm notification and initiate the mass notification
priority indicator. However, activation of any other recorded message shall not interfere with the
operation of fire alarm notification.

4.40.1.3 Initiation of live voice announcements from microphones on the fire alarm system shall not
automatically place the fire alarm system in a MNS priority mode.

4.40.1.4 The MNS shall provide the capability for authorized personnel to remotely activate live and
prerecorded emergency messages.

4.40.1.5 Operating controls shall be clearly identified.

4.40.1.6 Where the system is designed to be installed in multiple locations within the same building, the
following provisions shall exist:

• Only one system shall be in control at a given time

• The location of the system in control shall be visibility indicated at that location

4.40.1.7 Manual controls shall be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off status for their
associated notification zone.

4.40.1.8 Where an interface to a fire alarm system exists, or if the MNS is in combination with the fire alarm
system, a manual means shall be provided to permit the MNS to relinquish control of the fire alarm
system.

4.40.1.9 During the period after the MNS has seized control of the audible notification appliances, but before
the MNS relinquishes control, an audible and visible signal shall be actuated by the notification
appliances at least once every 30 seconds.

4.40.1.10 If the MNS system is intended to be installed in an area that is also covered by a fire alarm system,
or if the MNS is integrated with the fire alarm control unit to form one combined system performing
both functions, the respective systems and the interface shall be capable of:
• Deactivating all fire-alarm initiated audible and visual notification appliances if the MNS
system is activated when (and only when) the fire alarm system is in the alarm mode, unless
the notification devices have also been designated for MNS use.
• Deactivation of fire alarm audible and visible notification signals shall cause an individually
identified supervisory signal to be initiated at the building fire alarm control unit for each
affected fire alarm control unit. Under these conditions, all other features of the fire alarm
system shall remain unaffected.
• Not permit the fire alarm system to turn off audible and visible notification appliances for

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special suppression pre-discharge notification.

• Be capable of providing a signal to a supervising station that is indicative of the MNS overriding
the fire alarm system notification appliances during simultaneous fire and MNS events.

4.40.1.11 After the mass notification system relinquishes control, the following shall occur:
• Without an active fire alarm signal, the fire alarm system shall automatically restore to normal
operation.
• With an active fire alarm signal, the fire alarm system shall restore to the alarm condition, unless
configured to behave differently (based on the emergency response plan).

4.40.1.12 For an evacuation message, the MNS shall be capable of delivering the audible emergency
evacuation signal with a minimum of two cycles preceding and following the voice message.

4.40.1.13 The MNS shall be capable of generating a test message that clearly states “this is a test”.

4.40.1.14 If the MNS resources are used for non-emergency signals, upon activation of an emergency signal,
the system shall override any local volume setting to deliver emergency signals at a preset volume
setting.

4.40.1.15 Where audible notification is provided, MNS shall also provide the capability for visible
notification information (strobes) to serve the hearing impaired and for high-noise areas.

4.40.1.16 Strobes used in MNS shall meet the synchronization requirements of this standard [NFPA 72
Chapter 24.4.3.17.10].

4.40.1.17 In addition to visible notification information to serve the hearing impaired and for high-noise
areas, textural, graphic or visual displays are permitted. These shall meet the requirements of NFPA
72 Chapter 24.4.3.18. Any system fault condition that would prevent reliable emergency operation
of any interfaced display system shall be annunciated both audibly and visibly at the affected MNS
control location.

4.40.2 Test/Verification
The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.41 Wide Area Mass Notification Systems (one way)

4.41.1 Requirement

4.41.1.1 The requirements of voice messages for Wide Area MNS are the same as those for In Building MNS
[see 4.39].

4.41.1.2 If the Wide Area MNS is designed to operate High Power Speaker Arrays (HPSA), secondary power
for HPSAs shall have sufficient capacity to operate the unit for a minimum of 7 days in standby,
followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load.

4.41.1.3 High Power Speaker Arrays (HPSA) shall meet the requirements of NFPA 72 Chapter 24. 4.4.4.

4.41.1.4 The interface between a Wide Area MNS and an In-Building MNS shall meet the following
requirements:
• It shall be monitored for integrity, so that a fault that could prevent reliable system operation is
audibly and visibly annunciated at both systems' control units.
• There shall be a primary and redundant communications link with minimal functional and

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spatial interconnection with each other.

4.41.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.42 Distributed Recipient Mass Notification (DRMN) (one way)

4.42.1 Requirement

4.42.1.1 Distributed recipient mass notification system (DRMN) alerting shall not be used in lieu of required
audible and visible alerting MNS.

4.42.1.2 The DRMNS shall be capable of sending alert messages to end-users (recipients) via multiple
delivery methods.

4.42.1.3 A stand-alone DRMNS used to send emergency messages shall be provided with a backup
configuration to facilitate distribution of messages.

4.42.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.43 In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems [Two-Way]

4.43.1 Requirement

4.43.1.1 Two-way telephone communications circuits shall be monitored for open and short circuit
conditions that would cause the telephone communications circuit to become fully or partially
inoperative. Either fault shall result in a Trouble signal.

4.43.1.2 Two-way telephone communications service shall be capable of permitting the simultaneous
operation of any five telephone stations in a common talk mode.

4.43.1.3 A notification signal at the control equipment, distinctive from any other alarm, supervisory, or
trouble signal, shall indicate the off-hook condition of a calling telephone circuit. If a selective talk
telephone communications service is supplied, a distinctive visible indicator shall be furnished for
each selectable circuit, so that all circuits with telephones off-hook are continuously and visibly
indicated.

4.43.1.4 A means for silencing the audible call-in signal sounding appliance shall be permitted, provided that
it is key-operated or located in a locked cabinet, or provided with protection to prevent use by
unauthorized persons. The means shall operate a visible indicator and sound a trouble signal
whenever the means is in the silence position and no telephone circuits are in an off-hook condition.

4.43.1.5 If a selective talk system is used, means for silencing the audible call-in signal sounding appliance
as specified above shall be permitted, provided that subsequent telephone circuits going off-hook
operate the distinctive off-hook signal.

4.43.1.6 Two-way telephone systems shall be common talk (i.e., a conference or party line circuit).

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4.43.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.44 Radio Communications Enhancement Systems [Two-Way]

4.44.1 Requirement

4.44.1.1 Two-way telephone communications circuit installation conductors shall be monitored for open and
short circuit fault conditions. [NFPA 72, Chapter 10.19.2.1, 10.19.2.2]

4.44.1.2 The public safety radio enhancement system shall be capable of transmitting all public safety radio
frequencies assigned to the jurisdiction and be capable of using any modulation technology.

4.44.1.3 Systems shall be capable of upgrade, to allow for instances where the jurisdiction changes or adds
system frequencies, in order to maintain radio system coverage as originally designed.

4.44.1.4 Components utilized in the installation of the public safety radio enhancement system, such as
repeaters, transmitters, receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed antenna systems,
shall be tested for compatibility with the public safety radio system.

4.44.1.5 All repeater, transmitter, receiver, and signal booster components shall be contained in a NEMA 4-
or 4X- type enclosure(s).

4.44.1.6 Permanent external filters and attachments shall not be permitted.

4.44.1.7 All signal boosters shall be compatible with both analog and digital communications
simultaneously.

4.44.1.8 The public safety radio communications enhancement system shall include automatic supervisory
and trouble signals for malfunctions of the signal booster(s) and power supply(ies) that are
annunciated by the fire alarm system and comply with the following:
1) The signal booster(s) and power supply(ies) shall be supervised.
2) System and signal booster supervisory signals shall include the following:
a) Antenna malfunction
b) Signal booster failure
3) Power supply supervisory signals shall include the following for each signal booster:
a) Loss of normal ac power
b) Failure of battery charger
c) Low-battery capacity, alarming at 70 percent of battery capacity

4.44.1.9 A dedicated monitoring panel shall be provided to annunciate the status of all signal booster
locations. The monitoring panel shall provide visual and labeled indication of the following for each
signal booster:
1) Normal ac power
2) Signal booster trouble
3) Loss of normal ac power
4) Failure of battery charger
5) Low-battery capacity

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4.44.2 Test/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature[s] successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.45 Combination Systems

4.45.1 Requirement

Fire alarm systems shall be permitted to share components, equipment, circuitry, and installation
wiring with non–fire alarm systems. Operation of a non–fire system function(s) originating within
a connected non–fire system shall not interfere with the required operation of the fire alarm system,
unless otherwise permitted by NFPA 72.

4.45.2 Tests/Verification

Requirement shall be verified to NFPA 72, Chapter 23.8.4 during the system examination.

4.46 Guard’s Tour Supervisory Service

4.46.1 Requirement

Systems may have the capability of a guard’s tour operation as long as the following conditions and
those described in NFPA 72, 23.13, 26.3.8.2, 26.4.6.6.2 are satisfied:

• It reports as a supervisory signal only

4.46.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter[s] and section[s]
described above.

4.47 Auxiliary Systems

4.47.1 Requirement

Auxiliary Systems shall have the capability of signaling off-premises to a municipal or public fire
service communication center using methods similar and via the same equipment as manually
operated municipally connected street boxes. Auxiliary Service from protected premises shall meet
the following conditions and those described in NFPA 72 Chapter 27:

• Auxiliary trip devise shall be supervised

• Shall not transmit an alarm on the occasion of any single fault to either system
• Shall have a means to disconnect from the Auxiliary System
• Shall indicate when the Auxiliary System is not in-service.

4.47.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with NFPA 72, Chapter 27.6.

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4.48 Central Station Service - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

4.48.1 Requirement

Equipment for Central Station Service shall have the capability of signaling (Protected Premises) or
receiving (Supervising Station) using methods described in NFPA 72, Chapter 26, 10.5.4, 10.5.6,
23.12, 29.7.9 and may communicate via the following transmission techniques:
• Active Multiplex Transmission Systems.
• Digital Alarm Communicator Systems.
• Digital Alarm Radio System.
• McCulloh Systems.
• Two-Way Radio Frequency (RF) Multiplex Systems.
• One-Way Private Radio Alarm Systems.
• Private Microwave Radio Systems.
• Transmission Means complying with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.6.

4.48.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.

4.49 Digital Alarm Communicators [DACs]

4.49.1 Requirement

Fire Alarm System DACs shall comply with the requirements in this standard and NFPA 72, Chapter
26.6.3.2

4.49.2 Tests/Verification

The Fire Alarm System [DACs] Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed. Compliance with this standard and NFPA 72, Chapter 26.6.3.2 will be verified. DACTs
are to be listed with compatible protocols [not receivers]; DACRs are to be listed with compatible
protocols [not FACPs].

4.50 Remote Station Service - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

4.50.1 Requirement

Equipment for Remote Station Service shall have the capability of signaling (Protected Premises)
or receiving (Supervising Station) using methods described in NFPA 72, Chapter 26 and may
communicate via the following transmission techniques:

• Active Multiplex Transmission Systems.

• Digital Alarm Communicator Systems.
• Digital Alarm Radio System.
• McCulloh Systems.
• Two-Way Radio Frequency (RF) Multiplex Systems.
• One-Way Private Radio Alarm Systems.
• Private Microwave Radio Systems.
• Transmission Means complying with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.6
•

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4.50.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and section
described above.

4.51 Proprietary Supervisory Station Systems - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

4.51.1 Requirement

Equipment for Proprietary Supervising Station Service shall have the capability of signaling
(Protected Premises) or receiving (Supervising Station) using methods described in NFPA 72,
Chapter 26 and may communicate via the following transmission techniques:

• Active Multiplex Transmission Systems.

• Digital Alarm Communicator Systems.
• Digital Alarm Radio System.
• McCulloh Systems.
• Two-Way Radio Frequency (RF) Multiplex Systems.
• One-Way Private Radio Alarm Systems.
• Private Microwave Radio Systems.
• Transmission Means complying with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.6.

4.51.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the feature successfully demonstrated in accordance with NFPA 72, Chapter 26.

4.52 Public (Municipal) Fire Alarm Reporting Systems

4.52.1 Requirement

The alarm-receiving equipment at a Public Fire Service Communication Center shall comply with
NFPA 72, Chapter 27, 14.4.9 requirements and have the capability of receiving signals via the
following transmission techniques:

• Coded (McCulloh) Wired

• Coded Radio)
• Telephone Series
• Wireless Network Boxes.

4.52.2 Tests/Verification

The equipment, as well as the Installation, Operating, and Maintenance instructions shall be
reviewed and the features successfully demonstrated in accordance with the chapter and NFPA 72,
Chapter 27.

4.53 Additional (Optional) Tests

Additional tests may be required, at the discretion of the certification agency, depending on design features
and results of any foregoing tests.

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4.54 Test Failure Disposition

Any test following a failure shall be acceptable only at the discretion of the certification agency and with a
technical justification of the conditions or reasons for failure.

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5 OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program

5.1.1 A quality assurance program is required to assure that subsequent equipment produced by the
manufacturer shall present the same quality and reliability as the specific equipment examined.
Design quality, conformance to design, and performance are the areas of primary concern.
• Design quality is determined during the examination and tests, and is documented in the
certification report.
• Continued conformance to this standard is verified by the certifier’s surveillance program.
• Quality of performance is determined by field performance and by periodic re-examination
and testing.

5.1.2 The manufacturer shall demonstrate a quality assurance program which specifies controls for at least
the following areas:
• existence of corporate quality assurance guidelines;
• product design quality assurance guidelines;
• incoming quality assurance, including testing;
• in process quality assurance, including testing;
• final inspection and tests;
• equipment calibration;
• drawing and change control;
• packaging and shipping; and
• handling and disposition of non-conforming materials.

5.1.3 Manual

There should be an authoritative collection of procedures/policies. It should provide an accurate

description of the quality management system while serving as a permanent reference for
implementation and maintenance of that system. The system should require that sufficient records
are maintained to demonstrate achievement of the required quality and verify operation of the
quality system.

5.1.4 Records

To assure adequate traceability of materials and products, the manufacturer shall maintain a record
of all quality assurance tests performed, for a minimum period of two years from the date of
manufacture.

5.1.5 Drawing and Change Control

• The manufacturer shall establish a system of product configuration control that shall allow no
unauthorized changes to the product. Changes to critical documents, identified in the
certification report, must be reported to, and authorized by, the certification agency prior to
implementation for production.
• Records of all revisions to all certified products shall be maintained.

5.2 Surveillance Audit

5.2.1 An audit of the manufacturing facility may be part of the certification agency’s surveillance
requirements to verify implementation of the quality assurance program. Its purpose is to determine
that the manufacturer's equipment, procedures, and quality program are maintained to ensure a
uniform product consistent with that which was tested and certified.

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5.2.2 Certified products or services shall be produced or provided at, or provided from, location(s)
disclosed as part of the certification examination. Manufacture of products bearing the certification
mark is not permitted at any other location prior to disclosure to the certification agency.

5.3 Installation Inspections

Field inspections may be conducted to review an installation. The inspections are conducted to assess ease
of application, and conformance to written specifications. When more than one application technique is used,
one or all may be inspected at the discretion of the certification agency.

5.4 Manufacturer's Responsibilities

The manufacturer shall notify the certification agency of changes in product construction, components, raw
materials, physical characteristics, coatings, component formulation or quality assurance procedures prior to
implementation.

5.5 Manufacturing and Production Tests

5.5.1 Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test

Equipment rated at 30 V rms or 60 V dc and above shall be dielectric tested on 100% of production.
The power leads and/or relay terminal leads and associated circuitry shall withstand for one minute
with no insulation breakdown, the application of 1,000 V ac, 60 hz, or 1,400 V dc with respect to
protective ground lead. Alternatively, test potential 20% higher may be applied for at least one
second.

WARNING

The dielectric test required may present a hazard of injury

to personnel and/or property and should be performed only
by persons knowledgeable of the potential hazards of such
testing to minimize the likelihood of shock and/or fire.

5.5.2 Ground Continuity Test

The manufacturer shall verify the electrical continuity of any high-voltage cord-connected
equipment to the grounding blade of the attached plug.

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6 BIBLIOGRAPHY

FM 1011, 1012, 1013 Deluge & Preaction Sprinkler Systems

FM 3011 Central Station Service for Fire Alarm Systems & Protective Equipment Supervision
FM 3150 Audible Notification for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling
FM 3210 Heat Detectors for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling
FM 3230 Smoke Actuated Detectors for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling
FM 3232 Video Image Smoke Detection for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling
FM 3260 Radiant Energy Sensing Fire Detectors for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling
NEMA SB-50 Emergency Communications Audio Intelligibility Applications Guide
ANSI/UL50[E] Enclosures for Electrical Equipment [Environmental Considerations]
ANSI/UL94 Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances
ANSI/UL746C Polymeric Materials - Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations
ANSI/UL 864 Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems
ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

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