Alarms_101_PPT

Alarms 101

Fire Alarm Systems TrainingFire Alarm Systems Training

Paul J. Inferrera, SET, Lead InstructorCape Fear Community College

Cells Phones / PagersPlease set cell phones, PDA’s and pagers to off or silent operation. If you need to accept a call, please do so quietly and leave the room to conduct your conversation

BreaksDue to the short duration of this seminar their will not be a scheduled break. You may excuse yourself at anytime but please do so quietly

QuestionsYou may ask questions at any time, but please wait to be recognized and respect whoever has the floor.

Housekeeping

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About the Presenter

Lead Instructor, Cape Fear Community College• Fire Alarm Systems Training Program

NICET Ambassador• Fire Alarm Systems IV• Special Hazard Suppression Systems I

ASCET Communications Manager

Over 29 years of combined experience in the FireProtection industry.

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Program OverviewFire Alarm Systems Training

Fire Alarm Systems Training at Cape Fear Community

College is a program to produce competent and qualified

individuals. It is our belief that properly trained and

knowledgeable fire alarm system designers and technicians

will reduce the amount of false alarms and improve the

quality of life in their community.

Codes and Standards referenced are consistent withNICET’s allowable references for level I and II FireAlarm Systems exams

NFPA 70 (2011)

NFPA 72 (2013)

Consult with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ),or Project Specifications for the edition(s) enforced

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Codes and Standards

Learning Objectives

Know the origin and evolution of codes andstandards related to fire alarm systems

Be familiar with common definitions andterminology

Acquire a basic understanding of the configurationand operation of the various types of fire alarmsystems

Know the requirements of NFPA 72, the NationalFire Alarm Code and NFPA 70, the NationalElectric Code or NEC.

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Electrical Workmanship Standards

Electrical Workmanship StandardsFire alarm systems are electrical in nature and the installationmethods are governed by the National Electric Code or NEC

The NEC is distributed by the National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA) and is also referred to as NFPA 70

The fire alarm code mandates how fire alarm devices andsystems are installed and commonly refers to the electricalcode for installation

All fire alarm technicians must be familiar with theinstallation requirements and methods described in theNEC.

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Electrical Workmanship Standards

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NEC Requirements Shall be grounded in accordance with Article 250

Wiring shall be installed in a workmanship-like manner

• Comply with chapters 1-4 unless modified by chapters 5-8

Fire alarm system wiring requirements are specifically listed in Article 760

Electrical requirements for classified areas or those that contain a hazardous atmosphere are listed in Article 500

Requirements for fiber optic cabling and raceways are listed in Article 770.

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Wiring Fundamentals

Wiring FundamentalsElectrical workmanship standards are a critical component to theproper operation of any electrical system

All electrical installations are only as good as the connectionsof wiring and devices

A loose wire or bad connection can create intermittent faultsthat are difficult to locate and correct

In some installations where workmanship is not aconsideration, it is less labor intensive to removed andreplace the wiring than try to locate the fault

Special care should be taken to make proper electricalconnections associated with a fire alarm installation.

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Wiring Fundamentals

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SafetyThe control of hazardous energy is the purpose of the Lockout/Tagout program commonly referred to as LOTO

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910. 147, the Control of Hazardous Energy

Requirements for isolation of both kinetic and potential energy

Authorized (Qualified) Employees are the only ones certified to lock and tag out equipment.

Wiring Fundamentals

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Conduit FillElectrical conduit, whether it be metal electrical metal tubing ( EMT), plastic (PVC), or flexible conduit, each have their own maximum number of electrical wires allowed in the conduit. Their fill capacities are different, even though they may be the same sized conduit

PVC is a plastic conduit that is often used for underground installations and in wet areas

EMT conduit is a metal thin walled that comes in ten foot lengths

Flexible conduit is normally made of twisted metal and is flexible

Chapter 9 of NEC contains tables to calculate conduit fill.

Wiring Fundamentals

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Box FillBox fill isn't just the number of wires in the box — it's the total volume of the conductors, devices, and fittings in a box

Box volume - amount of space for conductors, devices, and fittings

Calculate box fill per NEC Table 314.16(B)

Calculate box volume per NEC Table 314.16(A).

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Codes and Standards

Codes and StandardsCodes and standards govern products, construction,manufacturing, communication protocols and every aspect of ourlives. A uniform and agreed upon way of doing things enabledmilestones in human existence such as the production line andthe calendar

Earliest building code is thought to have been developedsometime between 1955 B.C. and 1913 B.C.

Reign King Hammurabi of Babylon or “Hammurabi’s Code”

Code didn't specify how to build a building, but laid out theconsequences of not building well

Fire alarm systems are required by code and installed perstandards.

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Codes and Standards

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CodesA code is a model or a set of rules that are recommended for others to follow Not a law, but can be adopted into law

StandardsA published document that contains a technical specification or other precise criteria designed to be used consistently as a rule, guideline or definition An agreed, repeatable way of doing something Laws and regulations may refer to certain standards and

make compliance with them compulsory.

Codes and Standards

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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA has developed more than 300 codes and standards that are in use throughout the world

19th century, automatic sprinkler systems came into use as an effective way to put out fires

Designed independently and there were nine different pipe sizes

In 1895, sprinkler manufacture and fire insurance develop a uniform standard for the installation of sprinklers

Following year, as an outgrowth of that group, the NFPA was founded.

Codes and Standards

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NFPA 70By the end of 1895, there were five different recognized standards in the United States that addressed the safe use of electrical equipment Several national organizations held a meeting in New York

on March 18, 1896 Joint Conference of Electrical and Allied Interests Five American Codes, with the German Code, the Code of

the British Board of Trade and the Phoenix Rules of England Met again in May and June of 1897 and established an

electrical code Issued by National Board of Fire Underwriters as the

"National Electrical Code of 1897" or NEC.

Codes and Standards

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NFPA 72NFPA 72 specifies fire alarm systems and their components which was prepared by the Technical Committees on Fundamentals of fire alarm systems for the protection of life and property Covers the application, installation, location, performance,

inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their devices

Federal, state, and local municipalities have adopted the National Fire Alarm Code as a standard

NFPA’s signaling standards date back to 1898 and represent the inclusion of other codes during its evolution.

Codes and Standards

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Others

NFPA 101, Life Safety Code

NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols

International Building Code (IBC).

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Fire Alarm Symbols and Terminology


The 1994 edition of NFPA 170 represented the completion of aneffort to combine four previously separate documents thatcovered fire safety symbols for different purposes

NFPA 171, Public Firesafety Symbols

NFPA 172, Fire Protection Symbols for Architectural andEngineering drawings

NFPA 174, Fire Protection Symbols for Risk AnalysisDiagrams

NFPA 178, Symbols for Fire Fighting Operations

Also refer to NFPA 72 Annex for fire alarm icons.

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Common TermsThe following definitions can be found in NFPA 72, Chapter 3

Approved - Acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) - The organization,office, or individual responsible for approving equipment,materials, an installation, or a procedure

Labeled - Equipment or materials to which has been attacheda label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organizationthat is acceptable

Listed - Equipment, materials or services included in a list.

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Common Terms Fire Safety Function - Building and fire control functions

that are intended to increase the level of life safety foroccupants

Path (Pathways) - Any conductor, optical fiber, radio carrieror other means for transmitting fire alarm systeminformation between two or more locations

Protected Premise - The physical location protected by a firealarm system

Shall - Indicates a mandatory requirement

Should - Indicates a recommendation or that which is advisedbut not required.

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Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Alarm SystemsFire Alarm Systems are installed, tested and serviced per thestandards listed in NFPA 72Purpose of fire alarm systems Provide notification of alarm, supervisory and trouble

conditions Alert the occupants Summon aid Control fire safety functions

Equipment constructed and installed shall conform with NFPA 72 Shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used Installed per manufacturers’ installation instructions and

NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code.

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Fire Alarm SystemsDocumentation

Documentation is one of the most important concepts of NFPA72. It is also the most frequently ignored requirement All fire alarm system installations shall have a written

statement• Record of Completion

Allows you to specify any deviations from the code Building owner shall be provided with documents A record of maintenance, inspection and tests shall be

provided• Date work was performed• Test frequency from NFPA 72• Status of problems identified during test stating owner

was notified, problem was corrected and successfullyretested.

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DocumentationUpon final acceptance of the system, the building owner shall beprovided with the following documents

An owner's manual and installation instructions covering allsystem equipment

Record drawings

For software-based systems, a record copy of the site-specificsoftware.

Fire Alarm Systems

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Fire Alarm SystemsQualifications

Installation personnel shall be supervised by persons who arequalified and experienced in the installation, inspection andtesting of fire alarm systems Factory trained and certified personnel in the installation for

the specific system Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized fire

alarm certification organization acceptable to the authorityhaving jurisdiction such as NICET

Personnel licensed or certified by a state or local authority.

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Fire Alarm SystemsSystem Signals

Audible alarm notification appliances for a fire alarm system shallproduce signals that are distinctive Their sound shall not be used for any other purpose Signal precedence

• Alarm – presence of fire danger• Supervisory- off normal condition• Trouble - equipment

Signals from hold-up alarms or other life-threatening signals shallbe permitted to take precedence over supervisory and troublesignals if acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

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Fire Alarm SystemsSystem Signals

Equipment shall be designed so that it is capable of performing itsintended functions Within 85 percent and at 110 percent of the nameplate

primary and secondary input voltage(s) Ambient temperatures of 32° degrees F and 120° degrees F Relative humidity of 85 percent

The installation of all wiring, cable, and equipment shall be inaccordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code Fire Alarm - Article 760 Grounding - Article 250.

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Fire Alarm SystemsElectrical Requirements

NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code specifies to ensure aminimum level of reliability for fire alarm systems At least two independent and reliable power supplies

• Primary• Secondary

Monitored for integrity (supervised) Dedicated branch circuit shall be mechanically protected and

identified as "FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT“.

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Types of Fire Alarm Systems


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Protected Premises (Local) SystemsProtected Premises systems sound an alarm at the protected facility only. This alarm is initiated from a pull station, automatic detector or activation of a suppression system

Purpose of a Protected Premise System

Protection of life and property

Notification to occupants of a fire emergency

Implementation of the evacuation / relocation plan for the building.


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Protected Premises (Local) SystemsProtected Premises fire alarm systems consist of the following

Fire alarm control equipment

Initiating devices

Notification appliances

Secondary power source

Ancillary connections or Fire Safety functions (elevator recall, fan shutdown).


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Protected Premises (Local) Fire Alarm SystemsA Protected Premises fire alarm system

Is required to use properly listed fire alarm equipment

Is not required to have a listed installation

Is not monitored at all

Is required to have regularly scheduled inspection and testing in accordance with NFPA 72

Is not required to have additional service elements provided.

Equipment Installation Monitoring Other Requirements

Local System Listed Not Listed Not Required None

Proprietary Station

Remote Station

Central Station

Auxiliary

System Requirements


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Proprietary Station Fire Alarm SystemsProprietary Station serves contiguous and non-contiguous properties under one ownership. The same company or organization that owns the protected facility and fire alarm equipment, owns the monitoring facility

Purpose of a Proprietary Station System Protection of life and property Notification to occupants of a fire emergency Evacuation / relocation of occupants Notification to a supervising station of a fire emergency Dispatch of emergency forces (fire department) to the

protected property.


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Proprietary Station Fire Alarm SystemsProprietary Station fire alarm systems consist of the following Fire alarm control equipment Initiating devices Notification appliances Secondary power source Ancillary connections or Fire Safety functions (elevator recall,

fan shutdown) Connection to a supervising station under the same ownership

as the protected facilityMost critical factor for proprietary station systems is that the protected facility and the monitoring station are under ONE OWNERSHIP.


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Proprietary Station Listed Not Listed Listed or Not

Listed Runner Service

Remote Station

Central Station

Auxiliary

System Requirements


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Remote Station Fire Alarm SystemsRemote Station fire alarm systems are designed to transmit signals from a protected facility to a remote monitoring station where appropriate action can be taken

Purpose of a Remote Station System

Protection of life and property Notification to occupants of a fire emergency Evacuation / relocation of occupants Notification to a supervising station of a fire emergency Dispatch of emergency forces (fire department) to the

protected property.


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Remote Station Fire Alarm SystemsRemote Station fire alarm systems consist of the following Fire alarm control equipment Initiating devices Notification appliances Secondary power source Ancillary connections or Fire Safety functions (elevator

recall, fan shutdown) Connection to a remote monitoring facility.


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Definition:Remote monitoring facility

A monitoring facility for fire alarm system signals whichmay or may not be listed. Remote stations are notrequired to provide the service elements that are requiredfor Central Stations as defined by NFPA 72

Remote Station Fire Alarm Systems are the most common typeof fire alarm system that most companies install.


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Proprietary Station Listed Not Listed Listed or Not Listed Runner Service

Remote Station Listed No Listed Listed or Not Listed None

Central Station

Auxiliary

System Requirements


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Central Station Fire Alarm SystemsCentral Station fire alarm systems are designed to transmit signalsfrom a protected facility to a listed central station whereappropriate action can be taken

Additionally, central station systems require specific serviceelements, contract arrangements and installation requirementswhich exceed standard industry practice

These additional requirements are intended to provide a higher levelof fire protection for certain at-risk facilities.


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Central Station Fire Alarm SystemsPurpose of a Central Station System

Protection of life and property Notification to occupants of a fire emergency Evacuation / relocation of occupants Notification to a listed monitoring facility of a fire

emergency Dispatch of emergency forces (fire department) to the

protected property Provide an increased level of system reliability than any of

the other systems.


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Central Station Fire Alarm SystemsCentral Station fire alarm systems consist of the following Fire alarm control equipment Initiating devices Notification appliances Secondary power source Ancillary connections or Fire Safety functions (elevator

recall) Connection to a listed central station monitoring facility Specific contract arrangements Specific central station system service elements Listed installation Placarding.


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Central Station Fire Alarm Systems

The specific Central Station service elements are Installation of fire alarm transmitters Alarm, guard, supervisory and trouble signal monitoring Retransmission Associated record keeping and reporting Testing and maintenance Runner Service

The specific contract arrangements are as follows Subscriber contracts with Listed Central Station Subscriber contracts with Listed Installation Company.


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Central Station Fire Alarm SystemsFor Central Station systems it is required that the contracts forall aspects of the system be directly between the subscriber and alisted company.

The listed company is called the prime contractor

The requirement for installing a central station firealarm system comes from an Authority HavingJurisdiction (AHJ), usually and Insurance Authority

For some facilities, no insurance will be provided unless thehigher standards of a Central Station Fire Alarm System areinstalled.


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Remote Station Listed Not Listed Listed or Not Listed None

Central Station Listed Listed Listed Runner Service

Auxiliary

System Requirements


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Auxiliary Fire Alarm SystemsAuxiliary fire alarm system connected to a municipal fire alarmsystem (old street boxes) for the purpose of transmitting alarmsignals to the public fire service communications centerPurpose of an Auxiliary System Protection of life and property Notification to occupants of a fire emergency Evacuation / relocation of occupants Notification to the public fire service communications

center Dispatch of emergency forces (fire department) Use existing street boxes to provide the transmission

means for the signal.


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Auxiliary Fire Alarm SystemsToday, most fire alarm systems use a digital communicator totransmit signals. Many years ago fire alarm systems used themunicipal street boxes to get signals to the fire dept. There arestill some communities in the country who still use this method.Auxiliary System consist of the following

Fire alarm control equipment Initiating devices Notification appliances Secondary power source Ancillary or Fire Safety functions (elev. recall, fan

shutdown) Connection to a municipal street box.


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Auxiliary Fire Alarm SystemsThere are two types of Auxiliary fire alarm systems

1. Local Energy

2. Shunt Type

Note: 14 AWG is the smallest conductor size allowed for shunttype auxiliary circuits.


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Remote Station Listed Not Listed Listed or Not Listed None

Central Station Listed Listed Listed Runner Service

Auxiliary Listed Not ListedPublic

Communication Center

Street Boxes

System Requirements


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Circuits and Pathways

ConductorsThis term normally refers to wire and cable that will allow theflow of electrons, or "conduct" electricity

Stranded

Solid

Susceptible to transient voltages.


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Fiber OpticConsist of a glass material that transmits amplified light from atransmitter to a receiver

Thinner and less expensive than copper

Not affected by transient voltages

Connections must be made by competent person.


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WirelessWireless networks utilize radio waves and/or microwaves tomaintain communication channels between computers

Eliminates wire and cabling

Interfered by radio signals and weather

Not affected by transient voltages.


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CharacteristicsPerformance characteristics are based upon their ability toindicate alarm and trouble at the central control equipmentduring specified abnormal conditions

For years, we identified circuits as class A or class B

National Fire Alarm Code went international

The styles of circuits were included for this purpose.


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class B initiating device circuits provide one path for signaltransmission

Class B circuits are two-wire circuits

Devices on a Class B circuit will operate up to thelocation of the abnormal condition

Devices beyond the abnormal condition will not operate

Single open.


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class B


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class B


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class A initiating device circuits provide two paths for signaltransmission

Class A circuits are four-wire circuits

This allows the signal to be transmitted from all deviceseven when an abnormal condition exists

Single open

Single ground.


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class A


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Initiating Device Circuits (IDC)Class A


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Signaling Line Circuits (SLC)Class B signaling line circuits provide one path for signaltransmission




Single open.


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Signaling Line Circuits (SLC)Class B, Style 4


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Signaling Line Circuits (SLC)Class B, Style 4


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Signaling Line Circuits (SLC)Class A signaling line circuits provide two paths for signaltransmission


This allows the signal to be transmitted from all deviceseven when an abnormal condition exists

Single open

Single ground.


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Signaling Line Circuits (SLC)Class A, Style 6


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class B notification appliance circuits provide one path forpower to reach appliances




Single open

Wire-to-wire short.


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class B


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class B


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class A notification appliance circuits provide two paths forvoltage and current to reach appliances


This allows power to reach all devices even when anabnormal condition exists

Single open

Single ground.


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class A


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Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)Class A


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Circuits and Pathways“Monitoring Integrity of Installation Conductors and OtherSignaling Channels”

All means of interconnecting equipment, devices, andappliances

Interconnecting conductors

All other signaling channels

Fault and restoration to normal shall be automaticallyindicated within 200 seconds.


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Circuits and PathwaysThe class or style of signaling circuits and pathways shall bedetermined from an evaluation based on the path performancedetailed in NFPA 72 and on engineering judgment

Determining the integrity and reliability

Transmission media

Length of circuit conductors

Nature of hazard

Objectives of system.


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Initiating Devices

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Initiating DevicesAn initiation device initiates a signal as a result of activation.Some initiating devices initiate an alarm signal and some devicesinitiate a supervisory signal.

NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code recognizes threeways to initiate an alarm signal

• Manual means

• Automatic detection

• Activation of a suppression system.

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Initiating DevicesRequirements

Subject to mechanical damage, device shall be protected

Shall be supported independently of their attachment to thecircuit conductors

Installed in manner that provides accessibility for periodicmaintenance

Shall be installed in all areas, compartments, or locationswhere required by other NFPA codes and standards

Duplicate terminals, leads, or connectors that provide forthe connection of installation wiring shall be provided oneach initiating device.

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Initiating DevicesManual

Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire alarm-initiating purposes

Each manual fire alarm box shall be securely mounted The operable part of each manual fire alarm box shall be not

less than 3½ feet and not more than 4½ feet above floorlevel

Shall be located within 5 feet of the exit doorway opening ateach exit on each floor

Shall be mounted on both sides of grouped openings over 40feet in width, and within 5 feet of each side of the opening

Additional boxes shall be provided so that the traveldistance to the nearest will not be in excess of 200 feet.

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Initiating DevicesSupervisory

Two separate and distinct signals shall be initiated: off-normal and restoration of the valve to its normal position

The off-normal signal shall be initiated during the first tworevolutions of the hand wheel or during one-fifth of thetravel distance of the valve control apparatus from itsnormal position

The off-normal signal shall not be restored at any valveposition except normal

An initiating device for supervising the position of a controlvalve shall not interfere with the operation of the valve,obstruct the view of its indicator, or prevent access for valvemaintenance.

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Automatic Detection Methods

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Fire SignatureA fire produces elements that can be detected

Heat Smoke (aerosol particulate) Gas Light radiation

Challenges of Detection

Not all fires produce all elements Ambient conditions may mimic elements.


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Classified by NFPA 72Groups

Heat or Thermal – high temperature and/or rate of rise Smoke – aerosol particles Fire-Gas Sensing – detects gases produced by fire Radiant Energy – detects ultraviolet, infrared or visible

light radiationTypes

Line type Spot Type Air Sampling.


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CombinationRespond to fire elements either

Respond to more than one fire elementEx. Smoke detector with thermal element

More than one operating principle for one elementEx. Rate of rise and fixed temperature

Detectors either Send data to control panel for processing Makes decision and signals control panel.


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Smoke Sensing Detectors

Characteristics

Provide faster response than heat detectors Actuate prior to deadly effects of fire Considered a life safety device Listed spacing is not reduced

Types Ionization Photoelectric Projected beam Air sampling.

Smoke Detectors

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TypesIonization

Radioactive material ionizes air in sensing chamberPhotoelectric

Light source is scattered by smoke in sensing chamberProjected Beam

Intensity of beam is reduced at receiverAir Sampling

Aspiration system induces atmosphere to sensingchamber.

Smoke Detectors

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Heat Sensing Detectors

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Heat DetectorsCharacteristics

Most reliable automatic detector Not considered a life safety device Listed spacing is reduced as height increases

Types Fixed temperature Rate of rise Rate compensation Line type.

Heat (Thermal) Detectors

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TypesFixed Temperature

Initiates alarm when temperature is reachedRate of Rise

Initiates alarm when temperature rises in a short timeLine Type

Initiates alarm when cable is shorted Initiates alarm upon increase in current flow Initiates alarm upon loss of pressure

Rate Compensation Initiates alarm when ambient temperature is reached.


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Operating ModesRestorable

Not normally destroyed Restoration may be manual or automatic

Non-Restorable

Element designed to be destroyed.

Heat Detectors

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Temperature Class Temperature Range (˚F)

Maximum Ceiling Temperature (˚F) Color Code

Low 100 - 134 20 below Uncolored

Ordinary 135 - 174 100 Uncolored

Intermediate 174 - 249 150 White

High 250 - 324 225 Blue

Extra High 325 - 399 300 Red

Very Extra High 400 - 499 375 Green

Ultra High 500 - 575 475 Orange

Required to be color coded


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Required to be listed for spacing

Ceiling Height Reduce Spacing Multiply Listed Spacing By

0 Up to & incldg 10’ 0 1 (1 x 50 = 50’ spacing)

10.1’ Up to & incldg 12’ 9% .91 (.91 x 50 = 45.5’)

12.1’ Up to & incldg 14’ 16% .84 (.84 x 50 = 42’)

14.1’ Up to & incldg 16’ 23% .77 (.77 x 50 = 38.5’)

16.1’ Up to & incldg 18’ 29% .71 (.71 x 50 = 35.5’)

18.1’ Up to & incldg 20’ 36% .64 (.64 x 50 = 32’)

20.1’ Up to & incldg 22’ 42% .58 (.58 x 50 = 29’)

22.1’ Up to & incldg 24’ 48% .52 (.52 x 50 = 26’)

24.1’ Up to & incldg 26’ 54% .46 (.46 x 50 = 23’)

26.1’ Up to & incldg 28’ 60% .40 (.40 x 50 = 20’)

28.1’ Up to & incldg 30’ 66% .36 (.36 x 50 = 18’)


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System Notification Appliances

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History 1971 – Space Age Electronics introduced the first visual

notification appliance

1978 – Wheelock introduced the first horn/strobe notificationappliance

1980’s – Most new installations included visual appliances

1990 – ADA required audible appliance to have strobe lightsfor the hearing impaired

1996 – ADA required strobe to be at least 15 candela and flashrate of 60 flashes per minute

Today – Synchronization of strobes to prevent seizures.


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Purpose Initiate evacuation or relocation of building occupants

Alert building staff to initiate building emergency plan

Methods Audible

Visual

Combination audible / visual.


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American with Disabilities Act Passed by federal government in 1990

Requires easier access for handicapped individuals

Small part of law governs audible and visual requirements forfire alarm systems

Law differs from NFPA 72• Minimum candela• Mounting requirements• Spacing.


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American with Disabilities Act Strobes in same field of view to be synchronized

Minimum strobe candela of 15cd

Audible devices 5db above max, 15db above ambient

Maximum sound level of 120db

Strobes in sleeping areas for hearing impaired at least 110cd

Sleeping areas for hearing impaired may employ bed shakers.


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Audible AppliancesTemporal 3 (T3) evacuation signal shall be used

Audible 15db above ambient

Audible 5db above max sound level lasting 60 seconds ormore

90” minimum height above finished floor (AFF)

Mounted at least 6” down from ceiling• Shall take precedence

Audible devices shall be red or nominal white.


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Methods Use sound meter to measure ambient noise

Shut down equipment to overcome ambient noise

Add strobes when ambient noise level exceeds 105db

NFPA 72 list average ambient sound levels

Coding Pattern or tones produced by a audible notification appliance

• Controlled by panel or device

Prior to 1996 devices produced steady tone

• Pattern standardized by ANSI and NFPA.


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Requirements Shall flash at rate of 1 flash per second minimum and 2 flashes

per second maximum

Entire lens is no less than 80” AFF

Spacing shall comply with NFPA 72

Combination audible and visual device shall be mounted pervisual requirements

Shall be synchronized when one or more in field of view

Maximum candela rating of 1,000 cd.


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Requirements Emergency voice evacuation system separate from fire alarm

control panel

Fire Command Center shall be provided

• Located in 1-hour fire rated area

Live voice instructions shall take precedence over all previousand subsequent signals

At least two speakers shall be installed in each paging zone

Two-way communications equipment shall be for use by thefire service and listed for fire system use.


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Periodic Tests and Inspections

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Periodic Tests and InspectionsPeriodic system testing is critical to ensuring proper operation offire alarm signaling systems during alarm situations.

Batteries that may appear adequate with primary poweravailable may fail under alarm load during an outage

Fire alarm system inspections should follow the requirementsof NFPA 72 for when and how they are to be conducted

As always, it is important to generate proper documentationof equipment and devices tested and any deficiency found isreported to the appropriate persons.

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Periodic Tests and InspectionsResponsibilities

The owner or the owner’s designated representative shall beresponsible for inspection, testing, and maintenance of the systemand alterations or additions to this system

Shall be permitted to be done by a person or organizationother than the owner if conducted under a written contract

Service personnel shall be qualified and experienced in theinspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems

All persons and facilities receiving alarm, supervisory, ortrouble signals and all building occupants shall be notified ofthe testing to prevent unnecessary response.

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Periodic Tests and InspectionsWhen?

All new systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance withthe requirements of NFPA 72

When an initiating device, notification appliance, or controlrelay is added, it shall be functionally tested

When an initiating device, notification appliance, or controlrelay is deleted, another device, appliance, or control relay onthe circuit shall be operated

When modifications or repairs to control equipmenthardware are made, the control equipment shall be tested.

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Periodic Tests and InspectionsRequirements

When changes are made to site-specific software, the followingshall apply

All functions known to be affected by the change, oridentified by a means that indicates changes, shall be 100percent tested

In addition, 10 percent of initiating devices that are notdirectly affected by the change, up to a maximum of 50devices, also shall be tested and correct system operation shallbe verified

A revised record of completion shall be prepared to reflectthese changes.

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Fire Alarm Systems Training

Questions?

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Contact Information

[email protected]

@fast_ilm

Cape Fear Community College4500 Blue Clay RoadCastle Hayne, NC 28429www.cfcc.edu

Thank You!

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Documents

Alarms_101_PPT