NICET Exam NICET Exam PrepPrepLevel II, Class 3Level II, Class 3

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS SystemsSystems

– Conventional or Intelligent (Addressable Conventional or Intelligent (Addressable / Analog)/ Analog)

Initiating DevicesInitiating Devices– Smoke, Duct, Heat & Flame DetectorsSmoke, Duct, Heat & Flame Detectors– Manual Fire Alarm StationsManual Fire Alarm Stations– Water Flow SwitchesWater Flow Switches

Notification AppliancesNotification Appliances– Audible & Visual AppliancesAudible & Visual Appliances

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

FIRE ALARM FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSSYSTEMS Conventional System Conventional System

(Hardwire) (Hardwire) – Traditional fire alarm Traditional fire alarm

wiring method which wiring method which provides an provides an independent run of independent run of conductors for each conductors for each device or group of device or group of devices distinctly devices distinctly annunciated.annunciated.

– Wire to wire shortWire to wire short– End of Line Resistor for End of Line Resistor for

SupervisionSupervision– No T-Tap allowedNo T-Tap allowed– Initiating Device CircuitInitiating Device Circuit

Two Types or ClassesTwo Types or Classes– Class A and Class BClass A and Class B– Class A: Allows all Class A: Allows all

devices to operate devices to operate during a single open or during a single open or a non-simultaneous a non-simultaneous single ground fault on single ground fault on any circuit conductor. any circuit conductor.

– Class B: Does not allow Class B: Does not allow all devices to operate all devices to operate during a single open or during a single open or a non-simultaneous a non-simultaneous single ground fault on single ground fault on any circuit conductor. any circuit conductor.

6.4.2.1.16.4.2.1.1

FIRE ALARM FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSSYSTEMS

Intelligent System (Multiplex)Intelligent System (Multiplex)– Simultaneous or sequential Simultaneous or sequential

transmissions and receipt of multiple transmissions and receipt of multiple signals on a single signaling line circuitsignals on a single signaling line circuit

– Analog / AddressableAnalog / Addressable– Polling (LED on device “blinks”)Polling (LED on device “blinks”)– No EOLRNo EOLR– T-Tap allowed in certain applicationsT-Tap allowed in certain applications– Signaling Line CircuitSignaling Line Circuit– Added featuresAdded features

Drift CompensationDrift Compensation Auto TestAuto Test

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Network SystemNetwork System

– Communication between 2 or more Communication between 2 or more fire alarm control panels. May be fire alarm control panels. May be “Peer-to-Peer” or “Master-Slave”“Peer-to-Peer” or “Master-Slave”

– Common approach in large systems Common approach in large systems or campus type environmentsor campus type environments System distributionSystem distribution

WIRINGWIRING Initiating Device Initiating Device

Circuit Circuit (Conventional)(Conventional)– Class B (two Class B (two

wire), Style A-Cwire), Style A-C– Class A (four Class A (four

wire), Style D-Ewire), Style D-E

Signaling Line Signaling Line Circuit Circuit (Addressable)(Addressable)– Two Classes, 10 Two Classes, 10

StylesStyles– Class B (2 wire), Class B (2 wire),

most common most common Style 4Style 4

– Class A (4 wire), Class A (4 wire), most common most common Style 6 or 7Style 6 or 7

Indications of what the Indications of what the system is according to system is according to style. style. A style A,B,C,D,E is a A style A,B,C,D,E is a

conventional system using two to conventional system using two to four wires usually 14 AWG. four wires usually 14 AWG.

A style .5, 1, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, A style .5, 1, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7 is an intelligent system using 7 is an intelligent system using fire alarm cable. fire alarm cable.

A style W,X,Y,Z is a notification A style W,X,Y,Z is a notification appliance circuit. appliance circuit.

Definition IDCDefinition IDC 3.3.89 Initiating Device Circuit: A 3.3.89 Initiating Device Circuit: A

circuit to which automatic or manual circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected where initiating devices are connected where the signal received does not identify the signal received does not identify the individual device operated. the individual device operated.

The abbreviations at the end of The abbreviations at the end of the definition indicate the the definition indicate the Technical Correlating Committee Technical Correlating Committee the requirement is assigned to for the requirement is assigned to for coordination and the code making coordination and the code making process.process.

Definition SLCDefinition SLC 3.3.172 Signaling Line Circuit: A 3.3.172 Signaling Line Circuit: A

circuit or path between any circuit or path between any combination of circuit interfaces, combination of circuit interfaces, control units, or transmitters over control units, or transmitters over which multiple system input signals or which multiple system input signals or output signals, or both, are carried. output signals, or both, are carried.

This is codish for the circuitry of an This is codish for the circuitry of an intelligent or addressable system.intelligent or addressable system.

Definition SLC IntefaceDefinition SLC Inteface 3.3.173 Signaling Line Circuit Interface: A 3.3.173 Signaling Line Circuit Interface: A

system component that connects a system component that connects a signaling line circuit to any combination of signaling line circuit to any combination of initiating devices, initiating device circuits, initiating devices, initiating device circuits, notification appliances, notification notification appliances, notification appliance circuits, system control outputs, appliance circuits, system control outputs, and other signaling line circuits. and other signaling line circuits.

This is codish for basically all components This is codish for basically all components of an intelligent or addressable system.of an intelligent or addressable system.

Definition NACDefinition NAC 3.3.114 Notification Appliance 3.3.114 Notification Appliance

Circuit: A circuit or path directly Circuit: A circuit or path directly connected to a notification connected to a notification appliance. appliance.

This is codish for the wiring to and This is codish for the wiring to and between and fire alarm horn, between and fire alarm horn, strobe or speaker. strobe or speaker.

Abbreviation KeyAbbreviation Key SIG-FUN: Fundamentals of Fire Alarm SystemsSIG-FUN: Fundamentals of Fire Alarm Systems SIG-IDA: Initiating Devices for Fire Alarm SystemsSIG-IDA: Initiating Devices for Fire Alarm Systems SIG-PRO: Protected Premises Fire Alarm SystemSIG-PRO: Protected Premises Fire Alarm System SIG-NAS: Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm SIG-NAS: Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm

SystemsSystems SIG-SSS: Supervised Station Fire Alarm SystemSIG-SSS: Supervised Station Fire Alarm System SIG-PRS: Public Fire Alarm Reporting SystemSIG-PRS: Public Fire Alarm Reporting System SIG-TMS: Testing And Maintenance of Fire Alarm SIG-TMS: Testing And Maintenance of Fire Alarm

SystemsSystems SIG-HOU: Single and Multi-station Alarm Systems SIG-HOU: Single and Multi-station Alarm Systems

and Household Fire Alarm Systemsand Household Fire Alarm Systems

Initiating Device StylesInitiating Device Styles IDCs are categorized based on IDCs are categorized based on

three criteria:three criteria:– AlarmAlarm– TroubleTrouble– Alarm receipt capability during Alarm receipt capability during

abnormal conditionsabnormal conditions

Criteria ExplainedCriteria Explained Alarm (Alm): The fire alarm system will Alarm (Alm): The fire alarm system will

go into alarm mode if this abnormal go into alarm mode if this abnormal condition exists. condition exists.

Trouble (Trbl): The fire alarm system Trouble (Trbl): The fire alarm system will display a trouble signal if this will display a trouble signal if this abnormal condition existsabnormal condition exists

Alarm receipt capability (ARC): The fire Alarm receipt capability (ARC): The fire alarm system will transmit an alarm or alarm system will transmit an alarm or trouble to a supervised location system. trouble to a supervised location system.

Using Table 6.5Using Table 6.5 The Abnormal Condition row is for The Abnormal Condition row is for

reference only and is used only reference only and is used only when talking about the table. The when talking about the table. The conditions do not apply to specific conditions do not apply to specific abnormal conditions and do not abnormal conditions and do not cross reference with other tables. cross reference with other tables.

Using Table 6.5Using Table 6.5 Class: Either A or BClass: Either A or B Style: A,B,C,D,EStyle: A,B,C,D,E

– The styles are not intended to be a The styles are not intended to be a grading system. They are merely grading system. They are merely intended to give general informationintended to give general information

– The capabilities are general minimum The capabilities are general minimum requirements only. Systems may requirements only. Systems may have greater capabilities than listed. have greater capabilities than listed.

Using Table 6.5Using Table 6.5 - : Indicates a void or NO- : Indicates a void or NO X : Indicates a YES and that the action X : Indicates a YES and that the action

will happen at the protected premises will happen at the protected premises and in accordance with Chapter 8. and in accordance with Chapter 8. (Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)(Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)

R: Indicates that the signal will be R: Indicates that the signal will be transmitted to a supervised Station Fire transmitted to a supervised Station Fire Alarm station under the abnormal Alarm station under the abnormal condition. condition.

Example of using Table Example of using Table 6.56.5 A style D system will cause A style D system will cause

the system to go into the system to go into alarm if a Wire-to-wire alarm if a Wire-to-wire short occurs. The system short occurs. The system will go into trouble if a will go into trouble if a single open or single single open or single ground condition exists. ground condition exists.

The trouble signals will be The trouble signals will be capable of being capable of being transmitted to a transmitted to a supervising station supervising station system. system.

It is a class A system so It is a class A system so the rest of the initiating the rest of the initiating devices will remain devices will remain operational under the operational under the adverse condition.adverse condition.

A style B system will cause A style B system will cause the system to go into the system to go into alarm if a wire-to-wire alarm if a wire-to-wire short occurs. The system short occurs. The system will go into trouble if a will go into trouble if a signal ground or single signal ground or single open condition exists. open condition exists.

The trouble signal for the The trouble signal for the single ground fault will be single ground fault will be capable of being capable of being transmitted to a transmitted to a supervising station supervising station system. The trouble signal system. The trouble signal for the single open will not. for the single open will not.

It is a class B system so It is a class B system so the rest of the devices will the rest of the devices will not remain operational not remain operational under the adverse under the adverse condition. condition.

Group DiscussionGroup Discussion Define all the characteristics of a Define all the characteristics of a

style E IDC. style E IDC. Define all the characteristics of a Define all the characteristics of a

style A IDC. style A IDC.

Signal Line CircuitsSignal Line Circuits Signal line circuits are circuits that are Signal line circuits are circuits that are

multiplexing. They carry power and multiplexing. They carry power and information for the fire alarm system. information for the fire alarm system.

Any intelligent or addressable system Any intelligent or addressable system uses signal line circuits for input. uses signal line circuits for input.

Signal line circuits are categorized Signal line circuits are categorized based on the same criteria as IDCs. based on the same criteria as IDCs.

Using Table 6.6.1Using Table 6.6.1 - : Indicates a void or NO- : Indicates a void or NO X : Indicates a YES and that the action X : Indicates a YES and that the action

will happen at the protected premises will happen at the protected premises and in accordance with Chapter 8. and in accordance with Chapter 8. (Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)(Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)

R: Indicates that the signal will be R: Indicates that the signal will be transmitted to a supervised Station Fire transmitted to a supervised Station Fire Alarm station under the abnormal Alarm station under the abnormal condition. condition.

Signal Line Circuits Signal Line Circuits SLC are capable of analyzing more SLC are capable of analyzing more

data than IDC circuits. data than IDC circuits. The table reflects by having ratings for The table reflects by having ratings for

the following:the following:– Single openSingle open– Single groundSingle ground– Wire to wire shortWire to wire short– Wire to wire short & openWire to wire short & open– Wire to wire short & groundWire to wire short & ground– Open and GroundOpen and Ground– Loss of carrier/ channel interfaceLoss of carrier/ channel interface

Example using Table Example using Table 6.6.16.6.1 Style 4 will put the Style 4 will put the

alarm system in alarm system in trouble if any of the trouble if any of the possible conditions possible conditions exists. exists.

Only the single ground Only the single ground condition is required to condition is required to be transmitted. be transmitted.

It is class B so the rest It is class B so the rest of the system may not of the system may not be operational. be operational.

Style 6 is the same Style 6 is the same as style 4 except the as style 4 except the single open, single single open, single ground and open ground and open and ground are and ground are required to be required to be transmitted. transmitted.

It is a class A so the It is a class A so the rest of the system rest of the system will remain will remain operational. operational.

Notification Appliance Notification Appliance CircuitsCircuits Notification Appliance circuits are Notification Appliance circuits are

categorized on only two criteria:categorized on only two criteria:– Trouble indication at protected Trouble indication at protected

premisespremises– Alarm capability during abnormal Alarm capability during abnormal

conditionsconditions

Criteria ExplainedCriteria Explained Trouble indication at Trouble indication at

protected premisesprotected premises– This is required for This is required for

all types of NACs. all types of NACs. – A trouble signal will A trouble signal will

be indicated at the be indicated at the protected premises if protected premises if a single open, single a single open, single ground or wire to ground or wire to wire short exists. wire short exists.

Alarm Capability Alarm Capability during abnormal during abnormal conditionsconditions– The trouble signal The trouble signal

will be required to be will be required to be transmitted to a transmitted to a supervising station supervising station fire alarm system. fire alarm system.

Using Table 6.7Using Table 6.7 - : Indicates a void or NO- : Indicates a void or NO X : Indicates a YES and that the action X : Indicates a YES and that the action

will happen at the protected premises will happen at the protected premises and in accordance with Chapter 8. and in accordance with Chapter 8. (Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)(Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems)

R: Indicates that the signal will be R: Indicates that the signal will be transmitted to a supervised Station Fire transmitted to a supervised Station Fire Alarm station under the abnormal Alarm station under the abnormal condition.condition.

Example of Using Example of Using Table 6.7Table 6.7 A type Z will A type Z will

transmit a trouble transmit a trouble if a single open or if a single open or single ground single ground occurs. occurs.

It is a class A It is a class A system so the rest system so the rest of the system will of the system will remain remain operational. operational.

A type X will A type X will transmit a trouble transmit a trouble if a single open if a single open conditions exists conditions exists only. only.

It is a class B so It is a class B so the rest of the the rest of the system may not system may not remain remain operational. operational.

Some Practical Some Practical Things to Memorize Things to Memorize for the Testfor the Test

SMOKE DETECTION SMOKE DETECTION Ionization Detector 3.3.180.2Ionization Detector 3.3.180.2

– Radioactive material used to ionize Radioactive material used to ionize air between two electrodesair between two electrodes

– Smoke reduces conductance of airSmoke reduces conductance of air– Best for fast flaming firesBest for fast flaming fires

Photoelectric DetectorPhotoelectric Detector– Light obscuration 3.3.180.3Light obscuration 3.3.180.3– or light scattering 3.3.180.4or light scattering 3.3.180.4– Best slow smoldering firesBest slow smoldering fires

900 square foot coverage (typical)900 square foot coverage (typical)

Projected Beam Detector 5.7.3.4Projected Beam Detector 5.7.3.4– Operates like a photoelectric smoke Operates like a photoelectric smoke

detector in an open room or areadetector in an open room or area Air Sampling Detector 5.7.3.3Air Sampling Detector 5.7.3.3

– Draws air through a series of perforated Draws air through a series of perforated tubes to a smoke detectortubes to a smoke detector

Duct Smoke Detector Duct Smoke Detector – Standard smoke detector mounted in a Standard smoke detector mounted in a

housing with a perforated sampling tube housing with a perforated sampling tube supplying air to the detectorsupplying air to the detector

SMOKE DETECTIONSMOKE DETECTION

DUCT MOUNTED vs. IN-DUCT MOUNTED vs. IN-DUCT 5.14.5DUCT 5.14.5

Duct Mounted uses a Duct Mounted uses a standard smoke detector in standard smoke detector in a housinga housing– Perforated sampling tube Perforated sampling tube

supplying air to supplying air to the detector the detector

Typically use photoelectric Typically use photoelectric smoke detectors because smoke detectors because they are not as susceptible they are not as susceptible to air velocity and false to air velocity and false alarmsalarms

In-duct uses an area In-duct uses an area detector mounted within the detector mounted within the ductduct– Typically used in zero Typically used in zero

velocity conditionsvelocity conditions

BEAM DETECTORSBEAM DETECTORS Photoelectric principlePhotoelectric principle Can be considered equivalent to a row Can be considered equivalent to a row

of spot-type detectorsof spot-type detectors Transmitter and receiver shall be placed Transmitter and receiver shall be placed

according to manufacturers instructions. according to manufacturers instructions. Path can be reflected with mirrorsPath can be reflected with mirrors Light path can not be broken by small Light path can not be broken by small

angular movements of the light source.angular movements of the light source.

Fixed Temperature DetectorFixed Temperature Detector– Heated to a predetermined levelHeated to a predetermined level– Not restorableNot restorable– Color coded 5.6.2.1.1 TableColor coded 5.6.2.1.1 Table

Rate Compensation DetectorRate Compensation Detector– Heated to a predetermined levelHeated to a predetermined level– Self restoringSelf restoring– Color Coded 5.6.2.1.1 TableColor Coded 5.6.2.1.1 Table

Rate-of-Rise DetectorRate-of-Rise Detector– Responds to temperature rise above a predetermined Responds to temperature rise above a predetermined

raterate– Color Coded 5.6.2.1.1 TableColor Coded 5.6.2.1.1 Table

HEAT DETECTION 5.6HEAT DETECTION 5.6

Group PracticeGroup Practice Find the appropriate code Find the appropriate code

reference for each of the reference for each of the statements in the following slides. statements in the following slides.

Determine if the statement is Determine if the statement is correct and make any necessary correct and make any necessary corrections. corrections.

We will discuss our findings as a We will discuss our findings as a classclass

LOCATION & LOCATION & SPACINGSPACING Detectors shall be located more Detectors shall be located more

than 4 inches from a sidewall or than 4 inches from a sidewall or between 4 inches and 12 inches between 4 inches and 12 inches from the ceiling when mounted on from the ceiling when mounted on a walla wall

Under raised floorsUnder raised floors– Smoke detectors mounted as listed Smoke detectors mounted as listed

to avoid dust contaminationto avoid dust contamination

LOCATION & LOCATION & SPACINGSPACING In general, spot-type smoke detectors in In general, spot-type smoke detectors in

smooth ceiling applications may use a 30 smooth ceiling applications may use a 30 foot spacing as a guide.foot spacing as a guide.– 30’ x 30’ = 900 square feet30’ x 30’ = 900 square feet

All points on the ceiling to have a detector All points on the ceiling to have a detector (smoke or heat) within 0.7 times the (smoke or heat) within 0.7 times the selected spacing selected spacing – For smoke detector: 0.7 x 30’ = 21’For smoke detector: 0.7 x 30’ = 21’– 30 foot spacing can be adjusted within a circle 30 foot spacing can be adjusted within a circle

with a radius of 21 feetwith a radius of 21 feet For example, 40 foot spacing in 10 foot wide corridorsFor example, 40 foot spacing in 10 foot wide corridors

Other considerations include:Other considerations include:– Beam pocketsBeam pockets– Sloped ceilingsSloped ceilings– Raised floorsRaised floors– Air movementAir movement– Ceiling heightCeiling height

HVACHVAC– Not within 3 feet of supply or return Not within 3 feet of supply or return

openingopening– Not within direct airflowNot within direct airflow

LOCATION & LOCATION & SPACINGSPACING

INITIATING DEVICESINITIATING DEVICES Operating RangesOperating Ranges

– 32 – 10032 – 100° F° F– 10 – 93% Humidity10 – 93% Humidity– Air Velocity over 300 ft/min Air Velocity over 300 ft/min

(smoke detectors only)(smoke detectors only)

DOOR RELEASE DOOR RELEASE SERVICESERVICE Depth of wall Section above door:Depth of wall Section above door:

– 24 inches or less, one detector24 inches or less, one detector– Greater than 24 inches - one side, Greater than 24 inches - one side,

detector on high sidedetector on high side– Greater than 24 inches - both sides, Greater than 24 inches - both sides,

detectors on each sidedetectors on each side– Separation between doors exceeds Separation between doors exceeds

24 inches, treat each door separately24 inches, treat each door separately

NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION APPLIANCESAPPLIANCES AudibleAudible

– Speakers, Horns, Bells, ChimesSpeakers, Horns, Bells, Chimes VisualVisual

– StrobesStrobes Other Types of AppliancesOther Types of Appliances

– Two-way voice communicationsTwo-way voice communications Fire Fighter’s Telephone JacksFire Fighter’s Telephone Jacks Stairwell phonesStairwell phones

AUDIBLE APPLIANCESAUDIBLE APPLIANCES SpeakersSpeakers

– Locally, provide actual sound level of Locally, provide actual sound level of not less than 80 dBA throughout and not less than 80 dBA throughout and no more than 120 dBAno more than 120 dBA

– Elsewhere, installed to provide a Elsewhere, installed to provide a sound output level of at least 15 dBA sound output level of at least 15 dBA above ambient sound levelabove ambient sound level Average ambient sound levels are Average ambient sound levels are

provided in NFPA 72provided in NFPA 72

Flash rate of 1 to 2 per secondFlash rate of 1 to 2 per second Wall mounting heightsWall mounting heights

– NFPA 72 / ANSI – 80” to 96” AFFNFPA 72 / ANSI – 80” to 96” AFF– ADA – the lower of 80” AFF or 6” BFCADA – the lower of 80” AFF or 6” BFC

Ceiling mounted strobes are acceptableCeiling mounted strobes are acceptable– Ceiling height will affect the spacingCeiling height will affect the spacing

More than three visible appliances in view More than three visible appliances in view synchronizedsynchronized

VISUAL APPLIANCESVISUAL APPLIANCES

Spacing In RoomsSpacing In Rooms– 15 candela 20’ x 20’15 candela 20’ x 20’– 30 candela 30’ x 30’30 candela 30’ x 30’– 75 candela 40’ x 40’75 candela 40’ x 40’– 110 candela 50’ x 50’110 candela 50’ x 50’– Spacing would be decreased as ceiling Spacing would be decreased as ceiling

height increases for ceiling mounted height increases for ceiling mounted devices, above are wall applications or devices, above are wall applications or 10’ max ceiling height10’ max ceiling height

VISUAL APPLIANCESVISUAL APPLIANCES

Visual Spacing In CorridorsVisual Spacing In Corridors– Corridor spacing applies only for 20’ Corridor spacing applies only for 20’

and narrower corridor as follows:and narrower corridor as follows: Within 15’ of end of each corridorWithin 15’ of end of each corridor Maximum distance between is 100’Maximum distance between is 100’ Obstructions, elevations changes, Obstructions, elevations changes,

changes in direction, etc. shall be changes in direction, etc. shall be treated as separate corridorstreated as separate corridors

– Corridors wider than 20’ are treated Corridors wider than 20’ are treated using the room spacing requirementsusing the room spacing requirements

VISUAL APPLIANCESVISUAL APPLIANCES

MONITORINGMONITORING Fan StatusFan Status Automatic Transfer SwitchAutomatic Transfer Switch Smoke Control PanelsSmoke Control Panels Fire PumpFire Pump Security SystemsSecurity Systems