Compliance of Fire Detection System

•© - Copyright Bureau Veritas

 Why Fire Detection System is Required?

Fire alarm systems are used to protect life and property

1
It protects by:
2
o Detecting a fire at an early stage
o Alerting and evacuating occupants

5o To summon aid
o To control emergency
3 control functions
o Operate other fire safety functions, e.g., release magnetically held open smoke
doors4

 Scope- NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection,

testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public
emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency
communications systems (ECS), and their components

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Definitions (Chapter 3)
 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
1
 Labeled. Equipment or2 materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other
identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production
of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates
compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner
5
 Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization
3
that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of
products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment
or materials
4 or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the
equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been
tested and found suitable for a specified purpose
 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement
 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required

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Definitions
 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

1
2
 Manual Fire Alarm Box. A manually operated device used to initiate a fire alarm signal

 Annunciator. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays, or

other equivalent
4 means in which each indication provides status information about a
circuit, condition, or location

 Building Fire Safety Plan. Documentation that provides information on the use of alarms,
transmission of alarms, response to alarms, evacuation of immediate area, evacuation of
smoke compartment, preparation of floors and building for evacuation and extinguishment
of fire

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Definitions
 Ceiling Height. The height from the continuous floor of a room to the continuous ceiling of a
room or space
1
2

 Beam
5 Construction. Ceilings that have solid structural or solid nonstructural members
projecting down from the3
ceiling surface more than 4 in. (100 mm) and spaced more than 36
in. (910 mm), center to center

 Smooth Ceiling. A ceiling surface uninterrupted by continuous projections, such as solid

joists, beams, or ducts, extending more than 4 in. (100 mm) below the ceiling surface

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Definitions
 Solid Joist Construction. Ceilings that have solid structural or solid nonstructural members
projecting down from the ceiling surface for a distance of more than 4 in. (100 mm) and
spaced at intervals of 36 in. (910 mm) or less, center to center
1
2
More than 4 inch

less
ch or
36 in
5

 Circuit. Either a means of providing power or a connection path between locations

 Pre-Alarm Condition. An abnormal condition that poses a potential threat to

life, property, or mission, and time is available for investigation

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Definitions
 Supervisory Condition. An abnormal condition in connection with the supervision of other
systems, processes, or equipment
 Trouble
1 Condition. An abnormal condition in a system due to a fault
2
 Normal Condition. Circuits, systems, and components are functioning as designed and no
abnormal condition exists.
 Detector. A device suitable for connection to a circuit that has a sensor that responds to a
physical stimulus such as gas, heat, or smoke
5

 Air Sampling–Type Detector.

3 A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution
network that runs from the detector to the area(s) to be protected. An aspiration fan in the
detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the detector through air-
sampling ports,
4 piping, or tubing. At the detector, the air is analyzed for fire products

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Definitions
 Automatic Fire Detector. A device designed to detect the presence of a fire signature and
to initiate action. For the purpose of this Code, automatic fire detectors are classified as
follows:1 Automatic Fire Extinguishing or Suppression System ,Operation Detector, Fire–Gas
Detector , Heat Detector,2Other Fire Detectors, Radiant Energy/Sensing Fire Detector, and
Smoke Detector
 Combination Detector. A device that either responds to more than one of the fire
phenomena or employs more than one operating principle to sense one of these phenomena
 Fixed-Temperature
5
Detector. A device that responds when its operating element becomes
heated to a predetermined
3 level

 Flame Detector. A radiant energy–sensing fire detector that detects the radiant energy
emitted by a flame
4

 Heat Detector. A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate-of-
temperature rise, or both
 Line-Type Detector. A device in which detection is continuous along a path
 Projected Beam–Type Detector. A type of photoelectric light obscuration smoke detector
wherein the beam spans the protected area

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Definitions

 Rate-of-Rise Detector. A device that responds when the temperature rises at a rate
exceeding a predetermined value
1
 Smoke Detector. A device
2 that detects visible or invisible particles of combustion
 Spark/Ember Detector. A radiant energy–sensing fire detector that is designed to detect
sparks or embers, or both
 Emergency
5 Communications System — Emergency Command Center. The room(s) or
area(s) staffed during any emergency event by assigned emergency management staff
3
 Fire Command Center. The principal attended or unattended room or area where the status
of the detection, alarm communications, control systems, and other emergency systems is
4
displayed and from which the system(s) can be manually controlled
 Hunt Group. A group of associated telephone lines within which an incoming call is
automatically routed to an idle (not busy) telephone line for completion
 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

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Definitions
 Occupiable. A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy
 Shop Drawings.
1 Documents that provide information pertaining to the system, such as
property location, scaled2floor plans, equipment wiring details, typical equipment installation
details, riser details, conduit/conductor size and routing information, and other information
necessary for the installer to complete the fire alarm installation
 Nuisance Alarm. An unwanted activation of a signaling system or an alarm initiating device in
response
5 to a stimulus or condition that is not the result of a potentially hazardous condition
3

Myth: NFPA 72 guides where fire detection system is required

4
Fact: NO, IT DOES NOT, it guides about the design, installation etc.

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 Definitions-Types of Ceiling
Ceiling
1
2

Level-slope of less than Slope-slope of more than 1 in 8

or equal to 1 in 8
5

Slope= Rise/Horizontal
Peaked- ceiling slopes
Shed- high point is at one side,
in two directions from
slope extending opposite side
the highest point

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 Definitions- Type of Ceiling Surfaces
Ceiling Surfaces
1
2

Smooth- Uninterrupted Beam- Solid structural or Solid Joist- Solid

by beam, joist or any nonstructural members projecting structural or nonstructural
other members
5 more than 4 in. (100 mm) and spaced members projecting more
more than 36 in. (910 mm), center to than 4 in.(100 mm) and
3
center spaced at intervals of 36
in. (910 mm) or less,
center to center
4

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When Fire Detection System Works?
Stages of Fire

1
2

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Selection of the system

 The selection of a fire alarm system should take into consideration the following:
1
o The purpose of the system
2

o The fire protection goals of the owner

o The type of occupancy to be protected

5o The type and quantity of the contents to be protected

o The required response
3
time of the system; i.e. how fast must it operate?
o The basic function of the system
4
o The applicable fire alarm system codes and standards
o The other fire protection systems that must be interfaced
o The response time of the fire department

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 NFPA 72- Chapters at a Glance
Administrative Support System Usability
Chapters Chapters Chapters Annexes
1 -9 10 -19 20 -19
1
2

1. Administration 10. Fundamentals 20. Reserved A . Explanatory Material

2. Referenced publications 11. Reserved 21. Emergency control functions B. Engineering Guide for
Automatic Fire Detector
3. Definitions 12. Circuits and Pathways And interfaces Spacing
5
4. Reserved 13. Reserved 22. Reserved C. System Performance and
3
14. Inspection, Testing and
5. Reserved 23. Protected premises fire Design Guide
6. Reserved Maintenance Alarm systems D. Speech Intelligibility
7. Documentation 4 15. Reserved 24. Emergency communication Annex E Sample Ordinance
16.Reserved Adopting NFPA 72
8. Reserved systems
17. Initiating devices Annex F Wiring Diagrams and
9. Reserved 25.Reseved Guide for Testing Fire Alarm
18. Notification appliances 26. Supervising station alarm Circuits

19. Reserved systems Annex G Informational

References
27. Public emergency alarm
Index
reporting
28. Reserved
29. Single-and Multiple-Station Alarms
and Household Fire Alarm Systems

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Fundamentals(Chapter 10)
 10.3.1 Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this Code shall be listed for
the purpose for which it is used
1
 10.3.2.System components shall be installed, tested, inspected, and maintained in
2
accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions and this Code
 10.3.3.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
 10.3.5.
5 Equipment shall be designed so that it is capable of performing its intended
functions under the following conditions:
3

o At 85 percent and at 110 percent of the nameplate primary (main) and secondary
(standby)
4
input voltage(s)
o At ambient temperatures of 0°C (32°F) and 49°C (120°F)
o At a relative humidity of 85 percent and an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F)

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Fundamentals- Qualification

Personnel Qualifications
1
10.5.1. System Designer
2

o Fire alarm system and emergency communication system to be in accordance

with this code experienced, qualified, registered, licensed and certified personnel
o If factory trained for specific brand or system, needs to be accepted by AHJ
5
o The system designer to be identified on system design documents
3

10.5.2. System Installer

o Same4 as System designer

10.5.3.Inspection, Testing, and Service Personnel

o Same as above

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Components of Fire Detection System

1
2

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Initiating Devices
17.1.1
Manual, Automatic fire detection devices
1
Devices that detect the operation
2
of fire suppression and extinguishing systems
Water flow detectors
Pressure switches, manual fire alarm boxes, and other supervisory signal–initiating
devices
5

General requirements(17.4)
3

Where subject to mechanical damage, an initiating device shall be protected

4
Initiating devices shall be supported independently of their attachment to the circuit
conductors
Initiating devices shall be installed in a manner that provides accessibility for periodic
inspection, testing, and maintenance
Initiating devices shall be installed in all areas, compartments, or locations where required
by other governing laws, codes, or standards

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Initiating Devices(Manual alarm)- Sub-section17.14
 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire alarm initiating purposes
 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed so that they are conspicuous, unobstructed,
and accessible
1
2
 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be permitted to be single action or double
action
 Unless installed in an environment that precludes the use of red paint or red plastic,
manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color
5

 The operable part of a manually

3 actuated alarm initiating device shall be not less than 42
in. (1.07 m) and not more than 48 in. (1.22 m) from the finished floor
 Manual fire 4alarm boxes shall be located within 60 in. (1.52 m) of the exit doorway
opening at each exit on each floor
 Travel distance to a box should not exceed 200 ft. from any point in the area

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Initiating Devices(Manual alarm)

1
2

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Initiating Devices(Detectors)

1
2

Detectors
4

Smoke Heat Flame

Ionized Photoelectric Projected

Aspirating Fixed temperature Rate-of-rise
Duct type
Beam

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 The selection and placement of smoke detectors shall take into account both the
performance characteristics of the detector and the areas into which the detectors are to
be installed to prevent nuisance and unintentional alarms or improper operation after
installation
1
2
 17.7.1.8.Unless specifically designed and listed for the expected conditions, smoke
detectors shall not be installed if any of the following ambient conditions exist:
o Temperature below 32°F (0°C)
o
5 Temperature above 100°F (38°C)
3
o Relative humidity above 93 percent
o Air velocity greater than 300 ft/min (1.5 m/sec)
4

 The location of smoke detectors shall be based on an evaluation of potential ambient

sources of smoke, moisture, dust, or fumes, and electrical or mechanical influences, to
minimize nuisance alarms
Myth: Smoke rises directly vertically upright
Fact: The smoke fans out in a “mushroom” shape due to air currents and heat-
layering effects

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
Myth: Standalone smoke detector is sufficient for fire detection system
Fact: Stand alone detector is same as having no detector
1
2

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector

1
2

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Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric smoke alarms:
Photoelectric smoke alarms 'see' the smoke. They detect visible particles of combustion, e.g.
smoldering
1 cigarette smoke. They respond to a wide range of fires, but they are particularly
responsive to smoldering2fires and the dense smoke given off by foam filled furnishings or
overheated PVC wiring
Advantages
o Good for smoldering fire and dense smoke
5
o Not as prone to cooking
3
nuisance alarms as ionization alarms
o Contain no radioactive material
4
o Suitable for general use

Disadvantages
o Slightly more expensive than ionization alarms
o Nuisance alarms can occasionally occur from dust and insects
o They must be kept clean

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Smoke Detectors
Ionization smoke alarms:
Ionization smoke alarms 'feel' the smoke. They detect invisible particles of combustion, e.g.
from cooking
1 toast. They activate more quickly for fast, flaming fires with little visible smoke
2
Advantages
o Slightly cheaper than other types of smoke alarms
o Very good with fast flaming fires with little visible smoke
5
o Less prone to false alarms caused by dust and steam
3

o Suitable for general use

4
Disadvantages
o Can be susceptible to nuisance alarms, if placed too close to cooking
o May be slow to respond to slow smoldering fires
o Contain a very small amount of radioactive material

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NFPA 72- FAQ
FAQ: Selection of Detectors

1
2

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NFPA 72- FAQ
FAQ:
For partitions(17.5.2):
1
o Where partitions
2 extend to within 15 percent of the ceiling height, the spaces
separated by the partitions shall be considered as separate rooms
Total coverage:
o Shall include all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements, attics, lofts, spaces
5
above suspended ceilings, and other subdivisions and accessible spaces, as
well as the inside
3 of all closets, elevator shafts, enclosed stairways, and chutes
Spot-type heat detectors shall be marked with their RTI(Response Time Index)
4

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
Location and Spacing
The location and spacing of smoke detectors shall be based upon the anticipated smoke
flows due1 to the plume and ceiling jet produced by the anticipated fire, as well as any pre-
existing ambient airflows that
2 could exist in the protected compartment
17.7.3.1.2. The design shall account for the contribution of the following factors in predicting
detector response to the anticipated fires to which the system is intended to respond:
o Ceiling shape and surface
5

o Ceiling height 3

o Configuration of contents in the protected area

4
Combustion characteristics and probable equivalence ratio of the anticipated fires
involving the fuel loads within the protected area
Compartment ventilation
 Ambient temperature, pressure, altitude, humidity, and atmosphere
If the intent is to protect against a specific hazard, the detector(s) shall be permitted to be
installed closer to the hazard in a position where the detector can intercept the smoke

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector(Sub-section 17.7.3.2)
Spot-Type Smoke Detectors
17.7.3.2.1.Spot-type smoke detectors shall be located on the ceiling or, if on a
sidewall,1 between the ceiling and 12 in. (300 mm) down from the ceiling to the top of the
detector 2

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
Smooth Ceiling:
17.7.3.2.3.1.In the absence of specific performance-based design criteria, one of the
following1 requirements shall apply:
2
o The distance between smoke detectors shall not exceed a nominal spacing of 30
feet (9.1 m) and there shall be detectors within a distance of one-half the nominal
spacing, measured at right angles from all walls or partitions extending upward to
within the top 15 percent of the ceiling height
5
o All points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance equal to or less than
0.7 times the nominal
3 30 feet (9.1 m) spacing (0.7S)
In all cases, the manufacturer’s published instructions shall be followed
4
17.7.3.2.3.3 Other spacing shall be permitted to be used depending on ceiling height,
different conditions, or response requirements

Myth: Smoke detector spacing is always 30 feet

Fact: Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be complied with. At any case, spacing
shall not exceed 30 feet

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector

1
2

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
Ceiling Surfaces

Solid Joist 2 Beam

 17.7.3.2.4.2(1) For ceilings with beam depths of less than 10 percent of the ceiling
height (0.1 H), smooth ceiling spacing shall be permitted. Spot-type smoke detectors
shall be permitted to be located on ceilings or on the bottom of beams
5

Assumption listed spacing

S= 30 Feet

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
17.7.3.2.4.2(2) For ceilings with beam depths equal to or greater than 10 percent of the ceiling
height (0.1 H), the following shall apply:
17.7.3.2.4.2(2a)Where
1 beam spacing is equal to or greater than 40 percent of the ceiling
height (0.4 H), spot-type 2detectors shall be located on the ceiling in each beam pocket

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 Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.2(2b)Where beam spacing is less than 40 percent of the ceiling height (0.4 H),
the following shall be permitted for spot detectors:
o Smooth
1 ceiling spacing in the direction parallel to the beams and at one-half smooth
ceiling spacing in the
2
direction perpendicular to the beams. Location of detectors
either on the ceiling or on the bottom of the beams

Assumption: Listed spacing S= 30 Feet

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 Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.2(3)For beam pockets formed by intersecting beams, including waffle or pan-type
ceilings, the following shall apply:
o Beam depths of less than 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), smooth ceiling spacing
shall
1 be permitted. Spot-type smoke detectors shall be permitted to be located on
ceilings or on the bottom
2 of beams
Waffle ceiling

Pan type ceiling

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
17.7.3.2.4.2(3)For ceilings with beam depths equal to or greater than 10 percent of the ceiling
height (0.1 H), the following shall apply:
Where beam
1 spacing is equal to or greater than 40 percent of the ceiling height (0.4 H), spot-
type detectors shall be located
2 on the ceiling in each beam pocket
Where beam spacing is less than 40 percent of the ceiling height (0.4 H), the following shall
be permitted for spot detectors:
o Smooth ceiling spacing in the direction parallel to the beams and at one-half smooth
5
ceiling spacing in the direction perpendicular to the beams. Location of detectors
either on the ceiling
3 or on the bottom of the beams

Assumption: Listed
spacing S= 30 Feet

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.2(4)For corridors 15 feet (4.6 m) in width or less having ceiling beams or solid
joists perpendicular to the corridor length, the following shall apply:
1
o Smooth ceiling spacing
2 shall be permitted. Location of spot-type smoke detectors on
ceilings, sidewalls, or the bottom of beams or solid joists

 17.7.3.2.4.2(5)For rooms of 900 ft2 (84 m2) or less, the following shall be permitted:
5
o Use of smooth ceiling spacing. Location of spot-type smoke detectors on ceilings or
on the bottom of beams
3

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.3 For sloping ceilings with beams running parallel up slope, the
following shall apply:
1
o Spot-type detector(s)
2
shall be located on the ceiling within beam pocket(s)
o The ceiling height shall be taken as the average height over slope
o Spacing shall be measured along a horizontal projection of the ceiling
5 o Smooth ceiling spacing shall be permitted within beam pocket(s) parallel to the
beams 3

o For beam depths less than or equal to 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H),
spot-type
4 detectors shall be located with smooth ceiling spacing perpendicular to
the beams
o For beam depths greater than 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), the
following shall apply for spacing perpendicular to the beams:
 For beam spacing greater than or equal to 40 percent of the ceiling height
(0.4 H), spot-type detectors shall be located in each beam pocket
 For beam spacing less than 40 percent of the ceiling height (0.4 H), spot-
type detectors shall not be required in every beam pocket but shall be
spaced not greater than 50 percent of smooth ceiling spacing

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.4 For sloping ceilings with beams running perpendicular across slope, the
following shall apply:
1
o Spot-type detector(s)
2 shall be located at the bottom of the beams.
o The ceiling height shall be taken as the average height over slope.
o Spacing shall be measured along a horizontal projection of the ceiling.
5
o Smooth ceiling spacing shall be permitted within beam pocket(s).
3
o For beam depths less than or equal to 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), spot-
type detectors shall be located with smooth ceiling spacing.
4
o For beam depths greater than 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), spot-type
detectors shall not be required to be located closer than (0.4 H) and shall not exceed
50 percent of smooth ceiling spacing

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.2.4.5 For sloped ceilings with beam pockets formed by intersecting beams, the
following shall apply:
o 1Spot-type detector(s) shall be located at the bottom of the beams.
2
o The ceiling height shall be taken as the average height over slope.
o Spacing shall be measured along a horizontal projection of the ceiling.
o For beam depths less than or equal to 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), spot-
5
type detectors shall be spaced with not more than three beams between detectors
and shall not exceed
3 smooth ceiling spacing.
o For beam depths greater than 10 percent of the ceiling height (0.1 H), spot-type
detectors
4 shall be spaced with not more than two beams between detectors, but shall
not be required to be spaced closer than (0.4 H), and shall not exceed 50 percent of
smooth ceiling spacing

 17.7.3.2.4.6 For sloped ceilings with solid joists, the detectors shall be located on the
bottom of the joist

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.3 Peak Ceiling: Detectors shall first be spaced and located within 36 in. (910 mm)
of the peak, measured horizontally. The number and spacing of additional detectors, if any,
shall be based on the horizontal projection of the ceiling
1
2

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Initiating Devices- Smoke Detector
 17.7.3.4 Shed Ceiling: Detectors shall first be spaced and located within 36 in. (910 mm)
of the high side of the ceiling, measured horizontally. The number and spacing of additional
detectors, if any, shall be based on the horizontal projection of the ceiling
1
2

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Initiating Devices- Air Sampling Type Detector
 17.7.3.6.1 Each sampling port of an air sampling–type smoke detector shall be treated
as a spot-type detector
o 117.7.3.6.2 Maximum air sample transport time from the farthest sampling port to
the detector shall2not exceed 120 seconds
o Sampling pipe network design details shall include calculations showing the flow
characteristics of the pipe network and each sample port
o Air-sampling detectors shall give a trouble signal if the airflow is outside the
5
manufacturer’s specified range
3
o Air-sampling network piping and fittings shall be airtight and permanently fixed
o 17.7.3.6.8
4 Sampling system piping shall be conspicuously identified as “SMOKE
DETECTOR SAMPLING TUBE — DO NOT DISTURB,” as follows:
 At changes in direction or branches of piping
 At each side of penetrations of walls, floors, or other barriers
 At intervals on piping that provide visibility within the space, but no greater
than 20 feet (6.1 m)

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Aspirating Smoke Detector(Air-Sampling)

 An Air Sampling Detector consists of a piping or tubing distribution network that runs from
the detector
1
to the area(s) to be protected.
 An aspiration fan in the2detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the
detector through air sampling ports, piping, or tubing.
 At the detector, a sample of this air is then passed through a dual stage filter
 The
5 first stage removes dust and dirt from the air sample before it allows the sample to
enter the laser detection chamber for smoke detection
3

 The second (ultra fine) stage provides an additional clean air supply to keep the detector’s
optical surfaces
4
free from contamination, ensuring stable calibration and long detector life
 From the filter, the air sample is passed through to the calibrated detection chamber where
it is exposed to a laser light source. When smoke is present, light is scattered within the
detection chamber and is instantly identified by the highly sensitive receiver system

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Aspirating Smoke Detector(Air-Sampling)

1
2

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Aspirating Smoke Detector(Air-Sampling)

1
2 Uses
High airflow diluting smoke, preventing it
from reaching the ceiling, making it
difficult to detect
5
Smoke being trapped in ducts, pockets
3 or voids
Smoke stratifying into a mushroom
4 cloud below a high ceiling, making it
difficult to detect

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Initiating Devices- Projected Beam-Type Detector
 17.7.3.7.1 Projected beam–type smoke detectors shall be located in accordance with the
manufacturer’s published instructions
 17.7.3.7.2
1 The effects of stratification shall be evaluated when locating the detectors
2
 The beam length shall not exceed the maximum permitted by the equipment listing
 If mirrors are used with projected beams, the mirrors shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s published instructions
5
 17.7.3.7.5 A projected beam–type smoke detector shall be considered equivalent to a row of
spot-type smoke detectors
3 for level and sloping ceiling applications
 Projected beam–type detectors and mirrors shall be mounted on stable surfaces to prevent
false or erratic
4 operation due to movement
 The beam shall be designed so that small angular movements of the light source or receiver
do not prevent operation due to smoke and do not cause nuisance or unintentional alarms
 The light path of projected beam–type detectors shall be kept clear of opaque obstacles at
all times

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 Projected Beam detector
 The modulated infrared signal is sent from the transmitter via an optical system. The
received signal is analyzed in the controller
 When smoke
1 is present in the beam path, the received signal is reduced by a level
determined by the density2 of the smoke. If the smoke reduces the signal strength for a
period between 8 to 10 seconds, the fire alarm relay is activated
 It is important that the projected beam smoke detector is positioned correctly to minimize
the detection time. Experiments have shown that smoke from a fire does not rise directly
upwards.
5
The smoke fans out in a “mushroom” shape due to air currents and heat-layering
effects
3

Characteristics of smoke
4

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Projected Beam detector
Very effective for high ceiling

1
2

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Projected Beam detector
Theoretical Maximum Area Coverage
Spot-Type Detector 900 sq. ft. (30 ft. x 30 ft.)
1
2

Beam Detector -19,800 sq. ft. (330 ft. x 60 ft.)

4

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 52
Projected Beam detector
 On smooth ceilings, beam smoke detectors generally should be mounted within their listed
spacing. In a few cases, the location and sensitivity of the detectors shall be the result of an
engineering evaluation that includes the following:
1
o structural features2
o size and shape of the room and bays
o occupancy and uses of the area
5
o ceiling height
3
o ceiling shape
o surface
4 and obstructions

o ventilation
o ambient environment
o burning characteristics of the combustible materials present, and the configuration of
the contents in the area to be protected
 Stratification occurs when smoke is heated by smoldering or burning materials and
becomes less dense than surrounding cooler air. The smoke rises until there is no longer a
difference in temperature between the smoke and the surrounding air.

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Detector at HVAC
 In spaces served by air-handling systems, detectors shall not be located where
airflow prevents operation of the detectors
 A.17.7.4.1
1 Detectors should not be located in a direct airflow or closer than 36
in. (910 mm) from an2air supply diffuser or return air opening

Minimum 36 inch
Minimum 36 inch

Minimum 364inch Minimum 36 inch

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Detector at Duct
 Detectors shall be listed for the purpose for which they are being used
 Location shall be permanently and clearly identified and recorded
1
 17.7.5.5.2 Installation to obtain a representative sample of the airstream shall be permitted
2
by following way:
o Rigid mounting within the duct
o Rigid mounting to the wall of the duct with the sensing element protruding into the duct
5
o Installation outside the duct with rigidly mounted sampling tubes protruding into the
3
duct
o Installation through the duct with projected light beam
4

 All penetrations to be sealed to avoid entrance of outside air

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High Ceiling(Annex B)
 Major problems:
o Stratification
1
o Maintenance issue
2

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High Ceiling(Annex B)
 How to overcome stratification problem ?

1
2

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Recommendations for High Ceiling
Considerations for performance based design(Annex B)
 Building Characteristics
1
o Configuration (area;
2 ceiling height; ceiling configuration, such as flat, sloped
beams; windows and doors, and thermodynamic properties)
o Environment (ambient temperature, humidity, background noise, and so forth)

5
o Equipment (heat-producing equipment, HVAC, manufacturing equipment, and so
forth)
3
o Functioning characteristics (occupied, during times, days, and so forth)
o Target
4 locations
o Potential ignition sources

Occupant Characteristics
Fire Characteristics
o Ignition sources
o Initial fuel- Type, configuration of fuel, heat release rate, fire growth
o Secondary fuel
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 58
Suggestions for High Ceiling

1
2

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Detectors at High Rack Storage
 What is high-rack storage?
o 1Storage height above 12 feet
2
 17.7.6.2 The location and spacing of smoke detectors for high-rack storage shall address
the commodity, quantity, and configuration of the rack storage
 Suggested type of detectors: Spot type smoke detector, Air sampling type detector
 Shall
5 be located on the ceiling over each aisle
3
 At each intermediate levels in the racks
 Earliest detection
4
of smoke is achieved by locating the intermediate level detectors
adjacent to alternate pallet sections

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 Detectors at High Rack Storage
Spot type smoke detectors

1
2

Fig. 2 Detector Location for Palletized Storage

Fig.1 Detector Location for Solid Storage (Closed Rack) in Which Transverse
and Longitudinal Flue Spaces Are Irregular or Nonexistent, as for Slatted or (Open Rack) or No Shelved Storage in Which Regular
Solid Shelved Storage
Transverse and Longitudinal Flue Spaces Are Maintained

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Elevator Detectors
 21.3.5. A lobby smoke detector shall be located on the ceiling within 21 ft (6.4 m) of the
centerline of each elevator door

1
2

 21.3.6.Smoke detectors shall not be installed in unsprinklered elevator hoist ways unless
they are installed to activate the elevator hoist way smoke relief equipment
 Shall be installed if it is listed for the existing environment
 21.3.9.If ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, other
automatic fire detection shall be permitted

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Heat Detectors
Smooth ceiling spacing(17.6.3.1.1)

1
2

Location on ceiling and wall: same as smoke detector

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Heat Detectors
 Solid joist construction(17.6.3.2.1)
o At right angles to the solid joists, shall not exceed 50 percent of the listed spacing
o Shall
1 be mounted at the bottom of the joists
2

Assumption: Recommended spacing is 50 feet

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Heat Detectors
 Beam construction(17.6.3.3)
o If projected no more than 4 inch then treated as smooth ceiling
o More
1 than 4 inch then detector spacing shall be not more than two-thirds of the listed
spacing 2

o More than 18 in. (460 mm) below the ceiling and are more than 8 ft (2.4 m), each bay
formed by the beams shall be treated as a separate area
Assumption: Recommended spacing is 50 feet
5

o Beams are less than 12 in. (300 mm) in depth and less than 8 ft (2.4 m) on center,
detectors shall be permitted to be installed on the bottom of beams
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 65
Heat Detectors

1
2

Peaked ceiling Shed ceiling

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Heat Detectors
17.6.3.5.1. 10 to 30 feet ceiling height spacing reduction shall be done as per
below table

1 Spacing reduction
2

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Documentation(Chapter 7)

 The person responsible for system design (layout) shall be identified on the system design
documents
1
2
 All fire alarm drawings shall use symbols described in NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety
and Emergency Symbols, or other symbols acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
 Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards, or other parts of this Code, design
(layout)
5 documents shall be prepared prior to installing new systems
 Shop drawings shall be drawn
3 to an indicated scale, on sheets of uniform size, with a plan
of each floor
 Shop drawings4 for fire alarm and emergency communications systems shall provide basic

information and shall provide the basis for the record (as-built) drawings

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Documentation
Where documentation is required by the enforcing authority, the following list shall represent the minimum
documentation required for all fire alarm and emergency communications systems, including new systems
and additions or alterations to existing systems:
1
o Written narrative providing intent and system description
2
o Riser diagram
o Floor plan layout showing location of all devices and control equipment
o Sequence of operation in either an input/output matrix or narrative form
5
o Equipment technical data sheets
3
o Manufacturers published instructions, including operation and maintenance instructions
o Battery
4 calculations (where batteries are provided)

o Voltage drop calculation for notification appliance circuits

o Completed record of inspection and testing (Format attached)
o Completed record of completion in accordance (Format attached)
o Copy of site-specific software, where applicable
o Record (as-built) drawings
o Periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation
o Records, record retention, and record maintenance
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 69
 Documentation
 Shop drawings shall include the following information:
o Name of protected premises, owner, and occupant (where applicable)
o Name
1 of installer or contractor
2
o Location of protected premises
o Device legend and symbols in accordance with NFPA 170, or other symbols acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction
o Date of issue and any revision dates
5

 Floor plan drawings shall3be drawn to an indicated scale and shall include the following
information, where applicable for the particular system:
o Floor or level identification
4
o Point of compass (indication of North)
o Graphic scale
o All walls and doors
o All partitions extending to within 15 percent of the ceiling height (where applicable and when known)
o Room and area descriptions
o System devices/component locations
o Locations of fire alarm primary power disconnecting means
o Locations of monitor/control interfaces to other systems
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 70
Documentation
o System riser locations
o Type and number of system components/devices on each circuit, on each floor or level
o 1Type and quantity of conductors and conduit (if used) for each circuit
2
o Identification of any ceiling over 10 ft (3.0 m) in height where automatic fire detection is
being proposed
o Details of ceiling geometries, including beams and solid joists, where automatic fire detection
is being proposed
5
o Where known, acoustic properties of spaces
3

System riser diagrams shall be coordinated with the floor plans and shall include the following
information 4
o General arrangement of the system in building cross section
o Number of risers
o Type and number of circuits in each riser
o Type and number of system components/devices on each circuit, on each floor or level
o Number of conductors for each circuit

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Documentation
 Control unit diagrams shall be provided for all control equipment (i.e., equipment listed as either
a control unit or control unit accessory), power supplies, battery chargers, and annunciators and
shall include the following information:
o 1
Identification of the control equipment depicted
2
o Location(s) of control equipment
o All field wiring terminals and terminal identifications
o All circuits connected to field wiring terminals and circuit identifications
5
o All indicators and manual controls
3
o Field connections to supervising station signaling equipment, releasing equipment, or emergency
safety control interfaces, where provided
4
 Typical wiring diagrams shall be provided for all initiating devices, notification appliances, remote
indicators, annunciators, remote test stations, and end-of-line and power supervisory devices
 A narrative description or input/output matrix of operation shall be provided to describe the sequence of
operation
 System calculations shall be included as follows:
o Battery calculations
o Notification Appliance circuit voltage drop calculations
o Other required calculations, such as line resistance calculations, where required

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 72
Power Supply(10.6)

1
2

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Power Supply
 Primary- adequate capacity(10.6.5)
o No other loads
1
o Cogeneration system- An engine-driven generator or equivalent arranged for
2
cogeneration with commercial light and power and trained person on duty at all times
 Circuit Identification and Accessibility(10.6.5.2)
o Branch circuit disconnection means to be permanently marked at control unit
5
o System circuit disconnecting means shall be permanently identified as to its purpose in
accordance with the 3following:
 “FIRE ALARM” for fire alarm systems
4
 “EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS” for emergency communications systems
 FIRE ALARM/ECS” for combination fire alarm and emergency communications
systems
o With red marking, marking shall not damage the overcurrent protective devices or
obscure the manufacturer’s markings, shall be accessible only to authorized personnel
o The branch circuit(s) and connections shall be protected against physical damage
o Where a circuit breaker is the disconnecting means, a listed breaker locking device shall
be installed. An overcurrent protective device of suitable current-carrying capacity shall be
provided
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 74
Power Supply
 Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)- NFPA 111-Standard on Stored Electrical
Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, for a Type O, Class 24, Level 1
system. The UPS device shall comply with the requirements of branch circuit and
Circuit
1 Identification and Accessibility
2
 Type O, Class 24, Level 1 System:
o Type O means that there is no switchover time when power is transferred from
the primary power source to the UPS batteries. Essentially, the load is always
5 on batteries that are being charged by the primary supply
o The Class 24 3requirement addresses the duration that the supply must operate.
Where the UPS option is used to condition primary power and provide
secondary power, the UPS must be Class 24, which means that 24 hours of
4
capacity must be provided
o Level 1 system is one where "failure of the equipment to perform could result in
loss of human life or serious injuries

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Power Supply
Secondary- adequate capacity
 10.6.7.1.1 Operation on secondary power shall not affect the required
performance
1 of a system
2
 10.6.6.1 Shall automatically provide power within 10 seconds whenever the
primary power supply fails
 10.6.6.2 Supply shall automatically provide power to the supervising station facility
and equipment within 60 seconds whenever the primary power supply fails
5

 10.6.6.3 Required signals

3 shall not be lost, interrupted, or delayed by more than
10 seconds as a result of the primary power failure
 Shall not 4affect performance of the required system
 10.6.6.3.1Storage batteries dedicated to the system or UPS arranged in
accordance with the provisions of NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical
Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, shall be permitted to
supplement the secondary power supply to ensure required operation during the
transfer period. A positive means for disconnecting the input and output of the
UPS system while maintaining continuity of power supply to the load shall be
provided

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Power Supply(Sub-section 10.6.7.2)
 Shall be able to operate in non alarm condition for minimum 24 hours and after that all
notification devices for evacuation for 5 minutes
o
1 Battery calculation with safety margin of 20%
2
 Emergency voice/alarm system in non alarm condition for minimum 24 hours and after
that and after that 15 minutes at maximum load
 For supervisory signals shall be able to operate for minimum 24 hours
5
 For emergency command center shall be able to operate for minimum 24 hours
3
Sample calculation of standby power
The size of batteries
4 required will depend on several factors:-
o How much current the system takes in the normal condition
o How much current the system takes in the alarm condition
o How long the system is required to run in the event of a mains failure

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 77
Power Supply

1
2

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 78
Power Supply(Sub-section 10.6.11)
Engine driven generators:
As primary supply- shall be designed and installed in approved manner
1
For secondary power supply-
2 shall comply with NFPA110, Standard for Emergency and
Standby Power Systems, Chapter 4
Type 10, Class 24, Level 1 system
o Type 10- Shall start within 10 seconds of primary power failure
5

o Class 24- Supply for

3 24 hours duration

o Level 1- Failure of the equipment to perform could result in loss of human life or
serious4 injuries
Fuel shall be stored in outside underground tanks wherever possible, and gravity feed shall
not be used
Where gasoline-fueled generators are used, fuel shall be supplied from a frequently
replenished tank, or other means provided, to ensure that the gasoline is always fresh

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Power Supply(Sub-section 10.6)
Batteries
1
2

As secondary power With a back up Integral part of

5

3
generator as secondary UPS
Power
4
Non alarm condition(Min 24 Hours)
With all connected loads for 5 minutes
Where a backup generator is part of the secondary supply, NFPA 72 addresses the required
capacity for the batteries and the generator. The battery capacity must be based on four
hours of demand load
The generator must have a Class 24 rating per NFPA 110, which means it must be capable
of operating for 24 hours at its rated load

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 80
Power Supply
10.6.10 Storage batteries:
Shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture using the month/year format
1
If not marked, the installer shall obtain the date code and mark the battery with the
2
month/year of battery manufacture
Storage room to be free of gases
Shall be suitably insulated against ground faults and crosses
5
Shall be protected against physical damage
3

Racks shall be suitably protected against deterioration

4
If installed other location than control unit, shall be permanently identified at the unit
Adequate facility to automatically maintain the battery fully charged under all conditions of
normal operation
If single discharge is done, then facility shall be to recharge within 48 hours
No excessive charge rate
Shall be either trickle- or float-charged
Battery charger failure detection measure shall be provided

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Notification Appliances
Audibles:
Horns, Bells/Chimes
1

Speakers 2

Visuals:
5Strobes Combination Devices
3
Synchronized
Non- synchronized
4

Firefighters Telephone

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Notification Appliances(Chapter 18)
 Purpose
o For initiating emergency action
1
o Provide information
2 to users, emergency responders, occupants
o Not meant for fire shall not have the word FIRE or any fire related symbol

 Mechanical damage
5 o Shall be protected against mechanical damage
3
 Mounting
o Shall
4
be supported independently
o Mounted as per maker’s instructions

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Notification Appliances
 Audible appliances
o 18.4.1.1 If average sound level > 105 dBA, use visible notification
1
o Avoid mixture of different
2 type of audible appliances in a space e.g. electronic horns
with similar audible signal output is preferred
o Where hearing protection is worn due to high ambient noise conditions, consider
visible audible signal
5
o Public mode- For all occupants
3
 Location of Audible Notification Appliances
o If ceiling
4 height allows, wall mounted appliances shall

 Not less than 90 inch above the finished floors

 Not less than 6 inch below finished ceiling

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 84
Textual Audible Appliances
 Speaker
o To be installed where ambient sound level greater than 105dBA
1
o Private mode- Sound level at least 10 dB or 5 dB for at least for 60 seconds,
2
whichever is greater
o Public mode-Sound level at least 15 dB or 5 dB at least for 60 seconds, whichever is
greater
 Public
5 Address (PA) System
o Shall be evaluated3 by the emergency communications system designer
o To provide a signal to control the facility’s fire alarm system for the purpose of
4
deactivating the fire alarm audible and visible notification appliances
o Following features to be provided to PA system

 Emergency messages must have priority over nonemergency messages

 All individual or zone speaker volume controls must default to the emergency
sound level
 Monitoring must continue, even if local loudspeaker volume controls are placed in
the “off” position
 The required visible notification appliance network must be provided
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 85
Decibles Guide

 Near total silence - 0 dB

1
 A whisper2 - 15 dB
 Normal conversation - 60 dB
 A lawnmower - 90 dB
5
 A car horn - 110 dB
3

 A rock concert or a jet engine - 120 dB

4
 A gunshot or firecracker - 140 dB

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Visible Notification
 Requirements:
o Example of visual notification appliances
1
 Strobe light(synchronized or non synchronized), flash lights etc.
2
Public Mode:
High noise area
The flash
5 rate shall not exceed two flashes per second (2 Hz) nor be less than one flash
every second (1 Hz) throughout the listed voltage range of the appliance
3
Lights used for fire alarm signaling only or to signal the intent for complete evacuation shall
be clear or nominal white and shall not exceed 1000 cd (effective intensity)
4

Synchronization not required when situated inside the building

Requirement Area NFPA 72
Light distribution Non sleeping ANSI/UL 1971, Standard
area/corridor for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired, or
equivalent
Flash rate DO 1-2 Hz(1 Hz 60 flashes per minute)
Intensity DO Shall not exceed 1000 cd
Mounting and placement Do Wall: between 80 in to 96 in. above floor. 6 in.
minimum below ceiling.(up to 30 feet ceiling height)

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Visible Notification(Single room spacing)
Wall mounting Ceiling mounting

1
2

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Emergency Communication System(ECS) Chapter 24
 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
1
2 ECS

One way ECS Two way ECS

5
To broadcast information to people To notify
3
In one or more specific indoor or outdoor a) Building occupants
Areas 4 b) Emergency
responders
 Purpose
To save lives, by indicating the existence of an emergency situation and communicating
information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action(fire, human-caused
events (accidental and intentional), other dangerous situations, accidents, and natural
disasters
IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER: Emergency Response Plan

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 Emergency Communication System(ECS)
 Single or Multi-Channel Voice
o Single Channel – One message throughout building
1
o Multi-channel – 2Different messages simultaneously to different parts of the facility

 Selective Evacuation or General Alarm

o Selective Evacuation – Minimum Standard / Floor of alarm / above and below
5 o General Alarm – Evacuation tone and message to entire facility
3
 Intelligibility vs. Audibility
o The tone is measured for audibility / the message for intelligibility
4

 Microphone Use
o All users of systems that have microphones for live voice announcements shall be
provided with posted instructions for using the microphone
 Loudspeaker use
o With safeguards to resist tampering or mis-adjustment
o Monitor integrity
o Regular testing and monitoring
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 90
Emergency Command Center(ECC)
Reference: NFPA 72,101,1, and IBC
The room(s) or area(s) staffed during any emergency event by assigned emergency
management
1 staff
2
Location: shall be determined by the risk analysis and approved by the emergency
management coordinator with consultation of fire department
Fire rating: Minimum 1 hour fire rated
Size:5 IBC- minimum of 200 square feet (19 m2) with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048
mm) NFPA 1: shall be a minimum
3 of 96 ft2 (8.9 m2) with a minimum dimension of 8 ft (2.4 m)
Contents
4
o Voice fire alarm system panels and controls
o Fire department two-way telephone communication service panels and controls where
required by another section of this Code
o Fire detection and fire alarm system annunciation panels
o Elevator floor location and operation annunciators
o Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for
Elevators and Escalators

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Emergency Command Center(ECC)
o Elevator emergency power selector switch(es) where provided in accordance with
ASME A17.1/CSA B44
o Sprinkler
1
valve and water flow annunciators
2
o Emergency generator status indicators
o Controls for any automatic stairway door unlocking system
o Fire pump status indicators
5
o Telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone
3
system
o Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building
4
core, means of egress, fire protection systems, security systems, fire-fighting
equipment, and fire department access
o Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems
o Fire fighter’s control panel for smoke control systems
o Generator supervision devices, manual start, and transfer features
o Public address system
o Work table

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 92
Emergency Command Center(ECC)
 Emergency command center personnel requirements shall be defined in the
documentation in the emergency response plan
1
 Individuals expected to2operate an emergency communications system shall be properly
trained in the purpose, functions, procedures, and anticipated actions of such systems
 The emergency command center shall be capable of receiving voice messages by
telephone or radio and transmitting via equipment at the emergency command center
 The
5
emergency command center operator shall have the ability to monitor inputs/sensors
and control output devices
3 automatically, manually, or automatically with operator override

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 93
Pathway and Circuits

1
2

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 Pathway and Circuits
Class A
Includes a redundant path so signals can be sent in either direction
The circuit1 is able to operate with a single open
2
Any condition that affects the intended operation of the circuit is annunciated as a trouble
This designation is typically applied to initiating devices, notification appliances, and signaling line circuits
Class B
5
The circuit does not include a redundant path
3
Devices located beyond an open in the circuit cannot report to the panel
Any condition that affects the intended operation of the circuit is annunciated as a trouble
4
This designation is typically applied to initiating devices, notification appliances, and signaling line circuits
Class C
These are pathways that are monitored for their ability to perform through end-to-end verification
If communication between devices and the panels is not verified, the lack of communication is annunciated
as a trouble
This designation has been added to address communication between a fire control unit (or supervising
station) and wired or wireless LANs or WANs. This could also apply to the pathway between a digital alarm
communicator transmitter and the public switched telephone network.

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Pathway and Circuits
Class D
This designation is for circuits that are designed to be fail-safe. Take, for example, a power circuit
energizing door hold open device. If that circuit breaks and the doors fail closed (assuming that is the “safe”
condition),1 the circuit is designated as Class D
2
Opens in these types of circuits are not required to annunciate
Class E
This designation is for circuits that are not required to be monitored for integrity. NFPA 72 specifically
identifies
5 pathways that are not required to be monitored for integrity in Section 10.17: Monitoring Integrity.
An example of a circuit that is not required to be monitored is the conductors in conduit between enclosures
of control equipment that are located
3 within 20 ft of each other
Class X
4
Circuits with this designation have the same performance characteristics as Class A circuits but are also
required to perform with a single short circuit
Class X circuits perform with the same characteristics as circuits previously designated Class A, Style 7

A single fault on a pathway connected to the addressable devices shall not

cause the loss of more than 50 addressable devices

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Pathway and Circuits
 Circuit class “be dependent on the pathway (interconnection) capability to continue to
operate during abnormal conditions,” and that all non-power-limited and power-limited
signaling
1 system circuits entering a building be provided with transient protection
2
 The designer to limit the number of addressable devices that could be lost on a circuit
with a single fault to not more than 50
 The installation of all pathway wiring and cable, including all circuits controlled and
powered
5
by the fire alarm system and equipment, satisfy the requirements of
NFPA 70- National Electrical Code
3
 Explanatory material
o Transient
4 protection- Protective circuitry to guard against spikes that might be
induced on the supply line
o Overvoltage protector
o Overcurrent protector etc.

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Pathway and Circuits
 12.4 Pathway Survivability : The ability of any conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or
other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire
conditions
1
o Level 0 : No 2provision for survivability
o Level 1: shall be fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and with the
interconnecting wiring or cables installed in metal raceways
5
o Level 2: shall consist of one or more of the following:
3
 2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) cable

4 2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective system(s)]

 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
 2-hour performance alternatives approved by the authority having
jurisdiction
o Level 3: Level 1 and 2

 12.6 Monitoring: Shall be monitored for the integrity of the interconnecting conductors
or equivalent path so that the occurrence of a single open or a single ground-fault
condition in the installation conductors or other signaling channels is automatically
indicated within 200 seconds
© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 98
Fire Alarm Control Panel(FACP)

1
2

5
 The brain of fire detection system
3
 Provides power to the system, monitors inputs and controls outputs through various
circuits
4
 All initiating, notification and auxiliary systems can be combined in one system or
combination of subsystems
 Location of control unit to be evaluated for suitability
 When room or space is protected with smoke detection system, no additional detector is
required
 If not protected then only one smoke detector is required at the control unit even when
the area of the room would require more than one detector if installed according to the
spacing

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Fire Alarm Control Panel(FACP)

Fire alarm system can have multiple operating configurations:

1
o Conventional(Zone)
2

o Addressable

Conventional(Zone)
o5 Identification of the device in alarm is limited to the circuit (zone) – field verification is
necessary 3

o Suitable for small room or area

4
o If fault occurs, then ”trouble ” indicates that circuit has failed, no specific location of the
fault
o Relatively simple to install, maintain

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 100
Fire Alarm Control Panel(FACP)

E
1
2

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Fire Alarm Control Panel(FACP)
Addressable
o For small or large area
1PinP

o Pinpoint the location of fire. Each initiating device is given an address

2

o Monitor and control the capabilities of each alarm initiating and signaling device
through microprocessors and system software
o Monitors the condition of each circuit, identifying any faults which may occur
5
o Any fault will be located with the location
3

o Easy to modify
4
o Signaling Line Circuits can extend across several building zones
o Allow failure limit up to 50 devices

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 102
 Fire Alarm Control Panel(FACP)
Conventional(Zone)
IDC (Initiating Line Circuit) : Pair of wires without t-taps, connecting the panel to the input
sensing devices.
1
2
o Fire Sensing Input Devices (Alarm)
o Non-Fire Input Sensing Devices (Supervising other systems i.e. Fire pump running)

To avoid signal confusion, Fire Sensing (Alarm) and Non-Fire Sensing (Supervisory) devices
5
are not mixed on the same IDC loop. The panel supervises the fire alarm wiring using an end-
of-line resistor. This resistor
3 allows small electrical current to pass through the wires of the
loop, making sure the wires and connections are always complete
4 Addressable
SLC (Signaling Line Circuit):Carries signals both to and from the panel; it uses data to
carry the signals out from the panel to field devices, and data to carry the signals back from
the field devices to the panel.
o Input (Detectors, call points, supervisory alarms)
o Output (Audible, Visible , Combination Audible/ Visible, Audio for Speakers

To supervise the SLC and to make sure all devices are always connected, the panel sends
data to each input or output device, polling the device and asking "are you there"? The device
then answers by returning data to the panel saying "I am here."
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Annunciator
 Purpose: To enabling responding personnel to determine quickly and accurately the
status equipment or emergency control functions that might effect life safety
 It is not
1 FACU but a separate unit provides indication of alarm status
2
 Any annunciation shall be by an indicator lamp, alphanumeric display, printout, or other
approved means
 Shall not be canceled by the means used to deactivate alarm notification appliances
 Annunciation
5
means shall be readily accessible to responding personnel
3
 For the purpose of alarm annunciation, each floor of the building shall be considered as a
separate zone
4
 If floor is separated by smoke or fire barrier then each zone of the floor to be treated
separately(For alarm annunciation)
o If a floor exceeds 22,500 ft2 (2090 m2) in area, the floor should be subdivided into
detection zones of 22,500 ft2 (2090 m2) or less. The length of any zone should not
exceed 300 feet (91 m) in any direction. If sprinklered then as per allowable sprinkler
area

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Wiring(General Guidelines)
 Locate cables so they don’t prevent the removal of ceiling panels for access to
electrical equipment
 Install 1equipment and cabling in a neat and workmanlike manner, and support them
2
 System grounding is not required for fire alarm circuits that operate at 50V or less. Fire
alarm circuits that operate at over 50V must follow the grounding and bonding
requirements
 Circuit
5 integrity(CI) cables to be used(For power limited fire alarm circuit)
 All cable must be Listed3 for the purpose. Only use conductors made of copper
 Where system
4
wires pass through floors of fire rated walls, the installation shall be
made to prevent the spread of fire from floor to floor
 A minimum of 6 inches of free conductor is required in each electrical box to facilitate
terminations
 All wiring shall be terminated with Listed devices such as wire nuts, pressure
connectors or terminals
 All initiating device, notification appliance and signaling line circuits must be free from
grounds and short circuits

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Wiring
 All fire alarm wiring to be monitored for integrity
 For conventional system to maintain integrity “ Branch circuit or T- Taping” not allowed
1
 In addressable, all devices
2
are interrogated and if they answer to the FACU then they are
connected and wiring is intact
 Also pathway survivability to be maintained ( Level 0,1,2,3)
 There are two types of wiring installation allowed
5
o Power limited (PLFA)
3

o Non-power limited(NPLFA)
4
 Power limited: PLFA circuits exceeds 600 V, nominal. Wiring may run exposed
 Non-power limited: NPLFA circuits power source cannot exceed 600V, nominal.
They have circuit overcurrent circuit protection devices (OCPDs)

 MI Cables- fire-rated cable, or mineral insulated (MI) cable use copper conductors with a
magnesium oxide insulation covered by a copper sheath. Not popular for low voltage fire
detection system
 CI cables is typically soft-jacketed with solid conductors and is listed for use in fire alarm
and voice communications systems

© - Copyright 2013 Bureau Veritas – All rights reserved Bureau Veritas - 2013 106
 Tips
 Shall have an inspection, testing, and maintenance program. Shall be as per the code and
manufacturer’s recommendations
 Program shall verify the correct operation of the system. Deficiencies shall be corrected
1
 Program shall be carried out
2 by the building or system owner or person / organization under a
written contract
 Notification shall be done prior and after testing. Testing personnel shall be trained and qualified
 A test plan shall be prepared and documented with results
5
 Devices that are inaccessible due to safety considerations, shall be inspected during routine
3
shutdown but within 18 months interval
 Sensitivity shall be checked within 1 year after installation and every alternate year thereafter
4
 To ensure that each smoke detector is within its listed and marked sensitivity range, it shall be
tested using any of the following methods:
o Calibrated test method
o Manufacturer’s calibrated sensitivity test instrument
o Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose
o Smoke detector/fire alarm control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at
the fire alarm control unit where its sensitivity is outside its listed sensitivity range
o Records shall be retained until the next test and for 1 year thereafter
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