Winnipeg Information Bulletin 2007-002-B/E

CLARIFICATION FOR FIRE ALARM AUDIBILITY IN MULTI-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Refer to the following pages for the slide presentation…

Issued by: Ken Oertel, Chief Electrical Inspector Development & Inspections Division, Planning Property & Development Department 65 Garry Street • Winnipeg • Manitoba R3C 4K4 August 8, 2007 koertel@winnipeg.ca Page 1 of 1

2006 Manitoba Building Code

3.2.4.18.(10) & (11) Audibility of Alarm Systems

Important Change

MBC 3.2.4.18.(10) & (11)

• Background: – The 2006 Manitoba Building Code requires that audible fire alarm

devices in suites of residential occupancy be supervised. – This is a change from the 1998 MBC where Sentence 3.2.4.19.(11)

directly stated that the audible devices located within suites of residential occupancy “are not required to have individual electrical supervision.”

– That statement was deleted in the 2006 MBC and although Article

3.2.4.18. doesn’t specifically state that supervision is required, Item 3.3.1.1 in CAN/ULC-S524, Installation of Fire Alarm Systems, does.

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies.

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.) Typical Floor Plan

Ten Units Per Floor Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor AND Class A wiring between isolators & suite devices – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor AND Class A wiring between isolators & suite devices – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

Each audible signal device must be supervised!

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in corridor and Class A wiring between isolators & suite devices – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

Unit 2

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Unit 2

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Corridor

Unit 2

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Unit 2

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Unit 2

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE METHOD

Unit 2

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE METHOD

Audible signal devices are not supervised!

(was allowed in previous MBC; is no longer acceptable)

Corridor

Unit 2

to FACP

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

Suite Isolation Module (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. UNACCEPTABLE – Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE METHOD

Audible signal devices are not supervised!

(was allowed in previous MBC; is no longer acceptable)

Corridor

Unit 2

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Each audible signal device must be supervised.

The corridor audible circuit must be separate from other floors and from the dwelling units as per MBC Clauses 3.2.4.18.(11)(a) & (b). The circuit can be wired as Class A or B.

Unit 2

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

Audible device

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Each audible signal device must be supervised.

The corridor audible circuit must be separate from other floors and from the dwelling units as per MBC Clauses 3.2.4.18.(11)(a) & (b). The circuit can be wired as Class A or B.

Unit 2

Typical Floor Plan Ten Units Per Floor

Condos, Apartments

Corridor

to FACP

Audible device

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

Unit 6

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Suite signaling device(s) (typ.)

There are three different methods that may be used to wire in-suite audible signal devices in residential occupancies:

1. Class A circuit (return loop circuit) – 3.2.4.18.(10)(a)

2. Each Unit on separate circuit – 3.2.4.18.(10)(b)

3. Class B wiring c/w isolator modules and E.O.L. resistor in both the corridor and between isolators & suite devices

Each audible signal device must be supervised.

The corridor audible circuit must be separate from other floors and from the dwelling units as per MBC Clauses 3.2.4.18.(11)(a) & (b). The circuit can be wired as Class A or B.