Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Automatic Fire Alarm Association
Webinar On Inspection, Testing, And Maintenance
Of Fire Alarm Systems
Your Presenter: Merton Bunker, PE
Inspections and Tests
Inspections and tests are intended to reduce or limit: Loss of life Loss of property
Inspections and Tests
Inspections and tests are required by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Adopted by other codes Required by law
Definitions
Approved Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Code Listed Shall Should
Equivalency
“Nothing in this Code shall prevent the use of systems, methods, devices, or appliances of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this Code.”
Performance Based Testing
As an alternate means of compliance, subject to the authority having jurisdiction, components and systems shall be permitted to be inspected and tested under a performance-based program.
Equivalency
Inspection, testing, and maintenance programs shall satisfy the requirements of this Code and conform to the equipment manufacturer’s published instructions.
Inspection, testing, and maintenance programs shall verify correct operation of the system.
Qualifications
NFPA 72 requires inspection, testing, and maintenance personnel to be “qualified and experienced”. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:(continued on next slides)
Examples of Qualifications
Personnel who are factory trained and certified for the specific type and brand of system being serviced
Examples of Qualifications
Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
Examples of Qualifications
Personnel who are registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform service on systems addressed within the scope of this Code
Examples of Qualifications
Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for the servicing of systems within the scope of this Code
Responsibilities
Who is responsible to ensure that inspections, tests, and maintenance are carried out? The property owner, or The system owner, or The building owner, or Their designated representative
Delegations must be in writing Must provide a copy for the AHJ when
requested
Required Documentation
Record (as-built) drawings Calculations Operations and Maintenance (OM) Manual Sequence of Operations Matrix of Operation Record of Completion NFPA 72 Previous Inspection and Test Report
Documentation
Questions?
Inspections
Inspections do NOT involve any physical operation of the system components.
Inspection: “To look at carefully;; examine critically”.
A checklist is recommended
Inspections
Things We Look for During Inspections Broken or damaged equipment Improperly located equipment Incorrect strobe ratings Incorrect heat detector rating Incorrect device/appliance spacing Poor wiring methods Missing equipment Building changes that affect operation Equipment blocked by building furnishings or other equipment
Inspections
Inspections
Inspections
Inspections
Inspections
Types of Inspections
Initial/Acceptance Re-Acceptance Periodic
Initial/Acceptance Inspections
Conducted when system is installed. Involve a 100% inspection Used to verify code compliance and
functionality
Re-Acceptance Inspections
Conducted when the system changes Addition of new devices or equipment Deletion of devices or equipment Inspect changes to system
Periodic Inspections
Conducted even if the system does not change.
NFPA 72 contains frequencies of inspection in Table 14.3.1
Questions?
Testing
Testing involves a physical manipulation of the component or equipment.
Test: “An examination or trial, as to prove the value or find out the nature of something”. Use a checklist Use drawings
Testing
Occupant Notification
Bulletin boards Signs E-mail Voice announcements Telephone calls Radios and pagers Text messages
Occupant Notification
Notification of Testing
Fire Marshal/Chief/Engineer Building Inspector Wiring Inspector (Electrical) Representative of Owner/Occupant Representative of Insurance Carrier Supervising Station
Required Documentation
Record (as-built) drawings Operations and Maintenance (OM) Manual Sequence of Operations Matrix of Operation Record of Completion NFPA 72 Previous Test Report (if applicable)
Required Tools and Equipment
Ladders Radios Smoke or listed
aerosol per manufacturer’s requirements
Keys/special wrenches
Hand tools Heat source NFPA 72
Manometer or Magnehelic
Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM)
Battery test meter Sound Pressure
Level (SPL) meter Stopwatch Highlighters,
pencils, and clipboard
Types of Tests
When testing, avoid occupant/owner disruption. Walk test (silent) Test during off-hours Simulate tests only where necessary
Types of Tests
Initial/Acceptance Re-Acceptance Periodic
Initial/Acceptance Tests
Conducted when system is installed. Involve a 100% test Used to verify code compliance and
correct operation
Initial/Acceptance Tests
Everything MUST be Tested
100%
Re-Acceptance Tests
Conducted when the system changes Addition of new devices or equipment Deletion of devices or equipment Changes in software programming
Re-Acceptance Tests
Site Specific Software changes Test all known changes, plus a functional test of 10% of initiating devices (up to 50)
Basic Input/Output Software (BIOS) or firmware changes Test 10% of entire system At least one device or appliance on each circuit
Periodic Tests
Periodic tests are conducted even if the system does not change.
NFPA 72 contains frequencies of testing in Table 14.4.5
Periodic Test Frequencies
Test Methods
NFPA 72 contains the methods of testing each component in Table 14.4.2.2
Tests
Control Units (monitored vs. unmonitored) Control functions Fuses Interfaced equipment Lamps & LED Primary/secondary power supply
45
Test battery charger annually
30 minute battery discharge test annually
Load voltage battery test semi-annually
Other testing depending on battery type
46
Tests
Verify signal receipt by operating the public emergency alarm reporting system box.
47
Tests
Verify correct operation and identification of all annunciator functions
48
Tests
Metallic conductors are tested only prior to initial tests: Measure stray voltage Measure voltage to ground Measure resistance to
ground Measure resistance
between conductors Measure loop resistance
49
Tests
Using a heat source, test 2 or more RESTORABLE detectors on each circuit annually
Test different RESTORABLE detectors each year
DO NOT use open flames
50
Tests
DO NOT test NON-RESTORABLE detectors with heat
Electrically test contacts annually
Replace all detectors after 15 years or test statistical sample (2 per 100)
51
Tests
Other non-restorable heat detectors Line type Rate-of-Rise/Fixed Temperature
52
Tests
Smoke Detector Functional Test Ensure smoke entry
into sensing chamber and response
Use aerosol or real smoke acceptable to manufacturer
53
Tests
Too Close!!!54
Aerosol smoke may contain oils.
Use short puffs Keep a reasonable
distance
Testing smoke detectors with a magnet is NOT considered a functional test.
Use magnets for pre-testing.
NFPA 72 requires smoke entry!
55
Tests
Smoke detector sensitivity Tests Calibrated test method Manufacturer’s calibrated sensitivity test instrument
Listed control unit arranged for the purpose Smoke detector/control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at the control unit when its sensitivity is outside its listed sensitivity range
Other methods approved by the AHJ
56
Tests
Calibrated test methods
57
Tests
Manufacturer’s calibrated test instrument
58
Tests
Smoke detectors that report to the system controls when outside their listed and marked sensitivity range
Use printer or buffer to record sensitivity of each device
59
Tests
Sensitivity tests are conducted within one year after installation and every alternate year.
May be extended to 5 years Good records are essential!!!
60
Tests
Duct smoke detectors require the same functional and sensitivity tests as area smoke detectors
Test sampling tube pressure using a manometer
61
Tests
A manometer or Magnehelic are required for testing pressure difference across sampling tubes per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tests
Waterflow switches must actuate within 90 seconds of flow equal to the flow from a single sprinkler head
The device must not respond to surges and varying pressure
63
Tests
Operate manual fire alarm boxes using manufacturer’s recommended methods
It may be necessary to remove glass rods/plates
Keys/wrenches are required
64
Tests
Pressure Type Waterflow Switches Operate switch Used on dry-pipe,
preaction and deluge systems
May be used on wet-pipe systems
65
Tests
Water tank level Water tank
temperature
66
Tests
67
• Off-normal within 2 revolutions or 1/5 the travel distance of the valve
• Restoration-to-normal only when valve is open
Tests
Consult NFPA 20, Standard for Stationary Fire Pumps
Diesel Pumps Running Controller in other than
automatic Failure to start Engine functions
Electric Pumps Running Loss of power Loss of phase Phase reversal
68
Tests
Radiant energy fire detectors
69
Tests
Bells Horns Speakers Lights Textual Displays Combination
70
Tests
Tests71
Source
Meter 5 feet above
floor
Tests
Public Mode Signaling 15 dBA above average ambient SPL, or 5 dBA
above the maximum SPL lasting a minute or more Measure 5 feet above the floor Test annually
Private Mode Signaling 10 dBA above average ambient SPL, or 5 dBA
above the maximum SPL lasting a minute or more Measure 5 feet above the floor Test annually
72
Tests
Sleeping Areas 15 dBA above average ambient SPL, or 5 dBA above the maximum SPL lasting a minute or more, or 75 dBA, whichever is greater
Test with barriers (doors, curtains, etc.) in place.
Measure at the pillow
73
Tests
Initial audible system tests Measure for conformity with NFPA 72
Periodic audible system tests Measure where building, system, or occupancy changes have occurred
Areas likely to require intelligibility tests Places of worship Atria Transportation
centers Covered malls Sporting venues Large assembly
75
Tests
Required for ECS Not required in all
areas Designer must
designate Acoustically Distinguishable Spaces (ADS)
Score of 0.50 on STI scale is required
76
Tests
Tests
Verify correct rating of visible notification appliances (strobes) during the inspection
Verify visible appliances operate Test annually
77
Tests
DACT Follow manufacturer’s instructions Verify connection to 2 separate means of communication, per NFPA 72
Verify line seizure capability Test loss of communications means and verify trouble signal is transmitted to supervising station within 4 minutes
78
Elevator recall and shutdown
HVAC shutdown Stair pressurization Smoke door
releasing Door unlocking
devices Damper control Smoke evacuation
79
Tests
Tests
Test “end-to-end” when possible. Test by operating or simulating alarm
signals when necessary Test at the same frequency as the
initiating device that causes the function to occur (most are annual)
80
Test Frequencies
Test Frequencies
Test Frequencies
Test Frequencies
Impairments and Deficiencies
Systems must be returned to service after testing is completed.
Notify AHJ when any system is down for more than 4 hours.
Fire watches may be required Verbally notify owner in writing of ANY
deficiencies and follow up in writing within 24 hours
Maintenance
Follow manufacturer’s requirements Environment may warrant more frequent
maintenance
Maintenance
Field repairs to boards and other equipment is generally not permitted by the manufacturer.
Only factory repairs are permitted.
Warranty
Most manufacturer warranties extend to 12 months
Warranties usually start on the day of acceptance
Warranties may be extended by contract
Service Contracts
Some jurisdictions require maintenance contracts
Systems that are not properly maintained will usually suffer from early failures
Records
Record of Completion (NFPA 72) New systems Changes to system
Record of Inspection, Test, and Maintenance (NFPA 72) All inspections and tests
Records
Other records As-built (record) drawings Operations and Maintenance (OM) manuals Site specific software Building permit
Records
For software-based systems, a copy of the site-specific software shall be provided to the system owner or owner’s designated representative.
A copy of the site-specific software shall be stored on-site in non-volatile, non-erasable, non-rewritable memory.
The system owner shall be responsible for maintaining these records for the life of the system for examination by any authority having jurisdiction. Paper or electronic media shall be permitted.
Documentation
Records
The owner must retain drawings and Record of Completion for the life of the system
All other records must be retained for one year after the next test
Keep at the FACU or in a separate enclosure labeled “FIRE ALARM DOCUMENTS”
Impairments
System defects and malfunctions shall be corrected.
If a defect or malfunction is not corrected at the conclusion of system inspection, testing, or maintenance, the system owner or the owner’s designated representative shall be informed of the impairment in writing within 24 hours.
Consequences
Be careful to avoid pitfalls that can cause liability.
Questions?
