NICET

NFPA 72

Chapter 1: AdminChapter 2: Ref Publications

- Used to ID NFPA and UL referencesChapter 3: DefinitionsChapter 4: Fundamentals

- 4.4 System Functions – Primary & Secondary power – alarm, supervisory, and trouble siglals- 4.5 Documentation – Record of completion. - 4.6 Impairments - - 4.7 Mass Notification (New in 2007) -

Chapter 11 deals with Residential fire … All other chapters deal with Commercial

NFPA 72 section 4.4.7 Monitoring for Integrity – “Supervision” READ

Defintion of HUNT GROUP. - A group of associated phone lines where calls are directed to idle lines ref: 3.3.88 pg.20 Keyword : definition

When are automatic smoke detectors required at fire alarm control equipment locations? When areas are not continuously occupiedRef 4.4.5 pg30 keyword: control equipment

Easy steps to finding answers:1. Read the question, and the answers2. Identify the key words3. Identify the best answer immediately4. Identify the primary reference text5. Look up the key words in the reference text’s index6. Go to the references listed in the index

When a fire alarm system’s primary power fails, what should happen? No signal shall be lost or delayed by more than 10 seconds - ref: 4.4.1.6.3 key word: power fail (continuity) also A trouble signal shall be indicated and recorded within 200 sec. A secondary power supply should be automatically provided within 10 seconds

Upon discharge, fire alarm system batteries shall automatically recharge within 48 hours.Ref 4.4.1.8.3.2 pg27 Keyword: Battery charging

Chapter 5 - Initiating Devices- 5.6 - Heat Sensing Fire Detectors – Detects heat signature

- 5.7 – Smoke Sensing Fire Detectors – Detects smoke- 5.8 – Radiant Energy Sensing Fire Detectors – Detects Flame or Spark and Embers- Special devices = Paint shops, wood manuf. Facility, aircraft hangers

- 5.9 – Combo, Multi Criteria Detectors – Smoke/Heat- 5.11 – Sprinkler Waterflow Devices- 5.13 – Manually Actuated Devices – Pullstation- 5.14 – Fire Extinguisher Monitoring – Supervisory signal for removal of Extinguisher- 5.15 – Supervisory Devices - - 5.16 – Control of Smoke Spread – Door release, HVAC shutdown- 5.17 – Mass Notification Systems

What are the requirements for detector location in high rack storage?On the ceiling above each aisle and at intermediate levels in the racks

Ref: A.5.7.5.2, pg140 Keyword: high rack storage

The Temperature rating of a spot type heat detector shall be at least 20 degrees above the maximum expected temperature at the ceiling.Ref: 5.6.4, pg40 Keyword: heat detector

On smooth ceilings, spacing for spot type smoke detectors shall be permitted to be?(in the absence of specific performance based design criteria) 30 feetRef: 5.7.3.2.3, pg41 Keyword: smoke detector

Performance based design(When the code itself could not provide adequate protection of a building)

- Engineering method used for spacing- Only used when prescriptive requirements are not adequate

o High ceilings, high air movement, faster response- Qualified engineer required

o This is a FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

ONLY used to increase the number or type of detection (More money)(Never used to DECREASE the cost)

Consider a door with a wall depth of 30” from the top of the door to the ceiling. When door release is required, how many ceiling mounted smoke detectors are needed?

2 (one on each side of the door) What if it were 24 inches. 24 or less only 1 is required.

Ref: 5.16.6.5.1.1, pg47 Keyword: door release

NFPA 72 Part 2

Chapter 6 – Protected Premise (Local Fire Alarm System)o 6.4 System Performance and Integrity – Class A and B circuits and requirementso 6.5 Performance of IDC – Initiating Devices (Conventional Circuits)o 6.6 Performance of SLC – Signaling line circuits (Addressable) o 6.7 Performance of NAC – Notification Appliance (Horn, Strobe, Chimes, Spkrso 6.8 System requirements – fire/burg systems and stuffo 6.9 Emergency Voice Communications – installation reqmnts (NFPA 101 for

which buildings to install)o 6.16 Fire Safety Functions – Elevator recall, HVAC, damper motor control, etc.o 6.17 Low Power Radio – Wireless fire alarms for commercial use.

READ NFPA 72 Chapter 6 (Applies to all installed fire alarms)Tough chapter to understand

What’s the maximum number of supervisory devices permitted to be connected to a single circuit (zone)?

20Ref: 6.8.5.6.2, pg54 Keyword: supervisory signal, initiation

Chapter 7 – Notification Applianceso 7.4 Audible Characteristics - o 7.5 Visible Characteristics, Public Mode – (Notify EVERYONE)o 7.6 Visible Characteristics, Private Mode – (Notify Few) Prison, Hospital, etc.o 7.8 & 9 Textual Appliances – Focused on words (LCD annunciator)

For a room which is not square, how do you determine locations for visible appliances?

Use a square which encompasses the entire room size.Ref: 7.5.4.3.5, pg64 Keyword: visible notification appliance, location

What is the minimum flash rate for visible appliances?1 flash/sec. Max is 2/sec.

Ref: 7.5.2.1, pg63 Keyword: visible notification appliance, flash rateIf it has a slow flashrate, it is usually due to voltage drop. Increase the wire gauge to fix.

Chapter 8: Supervising Station (communicates w/ monitoring station)o 8.3 Central Station Systems – rare – higher reliability, runner service, contracts

with UL listed company, installation must be cerificated, cert. must be 20x20 and located within 3ft. of alarm panel, annual inspection.

o 8.4 Proprietary Station Systems – Monitoring station and building in under same ownership – Military Base, Airport, etc.

o 8.5 Remote Station Systems – Most common – sends signal to a station – may or may not be UL listed.

o 8.6 Communications Methods – how we communicate to station.

The maximum elapsed time from sensing a fire alarm until it is recorded or displayed at the supervising station shall not exceed 90 seconds.Central station has an additional 90 sec. to dispatch.Ref: 8.6.4.7, pg81 Keyword: alarm signal, end to end communication time

Can a DACT be connected to a phone line, which is call forwarded to the DACR.DACT – digital alarm communicator transmitter (dialer) DACR - Receiver YES ex. Monitoring station that may be knock out by storm.Ref: 8.6.3.2.1.5 pg75 Keyword: digital alarm communicator transmitter, transmission means

Chapter 9 : Public Fire Alarm Reporting Systems ( Old street boxes )o 9.3 Management & Maint.o 9.4 Alarm Transmission equipment

This is where Auxiliary requ. Are.o 9.5 Alarm receiving equipmento 9.7 Public cable plant

READ NFPA 72 9.4 Auxiliary Fire Alarm Systems (Street Boxes)NICET TEST

Which of the following is true of Public Fire Alarm System street boxes?Self powered boxes shall operate for not less than 6 months.Boxes powered by A/C power, the standby battery shall last 60 hours.

Ref: 9.4.2.3.12.1 and 9.4.2.3.9.1 pg84 Keyword: fire alarm street boxes

Chapter 10 – Inspection Testing & Maint.o 10.3 Inspection – Look and make sure it looks goodo 10.4 Testing – Activating and making sure it workso 10.5 Maintenanceo 10.6 Records

Test and Inspection are not the same thing!

READ NFPA 72 table 10.4.2.2 Testing methods tableNot in Chuck notes

How do you perform a ground-fault test?How = Method Answer: Ground any conductor on the initiating circuit.Ref: Tbl 10.4.2.2(10c), Pg 98 Keyword: testing, methods (Never connect panel to GFCI)

What is the visual inspection frequency of a remote annunciator?Semiannually

Ref: Tbl 10.3.1 (8), 94 Keyword: Visual inspection frequencies

Chapter 11 – Household Fireo 11.5 Detection and Notificationo 11.6 Power Supplieso 11.7 Equipment Performanceo 11.8 Installation

What’s the max number of supervised smoke alarms that can be interconnected on Residential fire alarm system?

42Ref: 11.8.2.2(3), pg118 Keyword: residential (household), installation

The standby battery for a residential fire alarm shall:Operate for 25 hrs. in normal condition and 4 min. in alarm. (5 for Commercial)

Ref: 11.6.2(2), pg115 Keyword: Residential, performance criteria

AnnexesAnnex A: Explanatory Material (*)Annex B: Engineering Guide for the Spacing of Automatic Detectors ( Lvl 3&4)Annex C: Wiring Diagrams and Guides for Testing Fire Alarm Circuits

IndexLocated on page 259Uses reference numbers, can be cumbersome

Chuck NotesUses page numbersGreat alternative to complicated code “language”Top 100+ code requirements, Pg75.Inside cover: Fire alarm Systems table & Point 7 Rule table (smoke spacing – corridor)NFPA 101 requirements: Pg. 145, look up Assembly, NewNEC requirements: Includes Battery and Voltage drop Calcs.

For solid joist construction, the spacing of heat detectors where measured at right angles to the joists shall not exceed 50% of the smooth ceiling spacing.Ref: CN 11.10, Code: 5.6.5.2, pg 40 Keyword: Heat detector, Spacing

Consider a spot type heat detector with a listed spacing of 50’. Based on a ceiling height of 12’, what actual spacing shall be used?

45.5’Ref: CN 12, Code: 5.6.5.5.1 pg40 Keyword: Heat detector

Consider a proprietary station fire alarm system. Upon activation of a trouble signal, a runner shall arrive at the protected premise within 4 hours.

Ref. CN 44.14 Code: 8.4.5.6.4(4) Keyword: Proprietary, runner

Auxiliary fire alarm systems shall be of what type? Either Local energy or Shunt type

What is the max leg facility loading capacity for a type 5, 2 way RF system?256

NFPA 101: LIFE SAFETY CODE

15 Occupancy ClassificationsBased on NEW or EXISTING constructionLocate Occupancy on:

New: BlueprintsExisting: Certificate of Occupancy (since 1992)

Section 3.4 is the Key In each Occupancy Chapter

Section 3.4 = Fire Alarm requirements

New Assembly = Chapter 12.3.4Detection alarm and communication = “Fire Alarm Systems”

Existing Assembly = Chapter 13.3.4Detection alarm and communication = “Fire Alarm Systems”

New Educational = Chapter 14.3.4

What are the notification requirements for an Existing Hotel?Automatic occupant notificationPositive alarm sequence & pre signal systems shall be permittedImmediate notification to the fire dept.

Ref: 101, 29.3.4.3 pg245 CN 99.4

EMERGENCY FORCES NOTIFICATIONThis means off premise monitoring

Some occupancies require this.

Section 3.5 may require:No sprinklerApproved automatic sprinkler systemsApproved supervised automatic sprinkler system – (monitored)

“Supervised” means immediate notification to the fire department

According to NFPA 101, a fire system in a new assembly occupancy with an occupant load of 1098 shall provide occupant notification by:

Means of visible signals and voice announcementsRef : 101 12.3.4.3.3, pg115, CN 82.5c

What are the fire alarm initiation requirements for an industrial occupancy?Initiated by manual meansExept. Approved supervised auto detectors throughoutExept. Approved supervised auto sprinkler throughout

40.3.4.3

NFPA 70: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

READ:Annex C: Conduit Fill Charts

Conductors of same size - will not have to do different size conductors in NICET test

Article 760 – Fire Alarm Systems (9 pages)CN 114 – 129

NPLFA, Article 760.21Non power limited Fire Alarm circuitsUsing 120v Circuits for Fire Alarm

PLFA, Article 760.41Power limited Fire Alarm circuitsUsing low voltage, typically multi conductor Circuits

Nonpower-limitedNo POWER limitations

Power = Voltage x CurrentOutput voltage shall not exceed 600 volts. 760.21Current is not limited

Copper conductors only. 760.27aNo. 18 AWG Solid or Stranded 760.31aInsulation shall be rated at 600 volts. 760.27bShall comply with Chapter 3 (Article 300 NEC) wiring methods

Chapter 3Wiring methods, circuits 600 volts or lessIntended for 120+ volts AC circuitsIncludes conduit / raceway requirements

POWER NON LIMITEDPower is limited

Generally 30 volts or lessGenerally less than 100 Watts

Copper conductors onlyMinimum conductor size

Single conductor 18Multi conductor 26

Insulation shall be rated at 300 Volts

Cable TypesGeneral purpose: FPL

Horizontal runsRiser: FPLR

Horizontal runsVertical runs between floors

Plenum: FPLPHorizontal runsVertical runsEnvironmental air return spaces (Plenum areas)

Use Chuck Notes pages 114 – 144 for Study of NEC Requirements

How many 14 AWG RHH conductors are permitted in a 1” electrical metal conduit?11

Ref: 70, table C.1, pg704, CN 130

NTC BROWN BOOKFIRE ALARM SYSTEMS DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

Easier to use than the CodesExplains concepts behind the requirementsCovers topics not covered by the Codes

Relates to 77 Elements2nd most important book to taking the NICET test

Has info not in NFPA 72SymbolsSuppression system connectionsInsurance and government agenciesHow devices work

Identify keywordLook up keyword in indexGo to page number

READBrown book Chapter 4 ****THE MOST IMPORTANT READ****

Chapter 4 – Types of systemsChapter 5 – Signal Initiation

How initiating devices workGreat explanation of spacing requirements

Chapter 6 – Notification AppliancesNotificationADA requirementsVoice Evac.

Chapter 7 – Fire Safety FunctionsElev. Recall/ Shutdown, etc.

Chapter 8 – Power suppliesP.S.Battery calcs.Difficult on NICET test

Chapter 9 – Signals and signalingTransmission methodsMultiplexing types

Chapter 10 – Communications MethodsDACTRadioLoading capacities

Chapter 12– Fire alarm systems wiringEasier than NEC

Chapter 14 – Insurance & Govt.Chapter 20 – Smoke Movement in Bldgs

Level IIIChapter 22 – Extinguishing Systems

Appendix A:SymbolsElement 33001

Appendix B:ElectronicsOhms Law, Power LawSeries Parallel

Appendix C:DocumentationRecord of Completion (ROC)Testing and Inspections form

NFPA 101

The six step process:What is the occupancy classification (usually given to you)Is it New or ExistingIs a system required (Always in section 3.4)What are initiation requirementsWhat are notification requirementsWhat are Extinguishing requirements

Code Language:Approved – something is acceptable to the AHJAHJ - Authority Having Jurisdiction

Fire Marshal, Inspector, Insurance Authority, Owner.Listed - Equipment, materials, or services are included in a published list by

acceptable organization.Approval - Equipment, materials, and services tested to standards by listing org.Labled - Has listing organization’s label affixed to it.

Listing Agencies:UL – Underwriters LaboratoriesFM – Factory MutualCSFM – California State Fire Marshal

Compatibility Listed:Only applies to 2 wire devices powered by initiating circuiti.e. 2 wire smoke detectors Addressable devices

Alarm Verification – Feature to reduce nuisance alarmsAnnunciator – Keypad or user interface of a Fire PanelRemote Annunciator – located at desk, fire command center, front lobby, etc.Supervising station Fire Alarm Systems:

Monitored Fire Alarm Three Types:

Central station – Typically required by building owner, insurance, etc. Not CodeListed equipmentListed installation & service elementsListed MonitoringPlacarding and runner service

Proprietary - Owned, installed, and monitored by same companyMay be Contiguous or Non-contiguous propertiesContiguous – same land (Prison, military bases, college campus)Non-contiguous – separate pieces of land (Wal-mart stores)

Remote station – Most common Listed equipmentNon-listed installationMonitoring facility may be listed

Initiating Device & Circuit:Device & circuit for smoke detectors, pull stations, and other devices which Initiate a signalInitiating device circuits – conventional fire alarm system

Has zone 1,2,3 and terminals which are accociated with those circuitsNotification Appliance Circuit:

Visual or audible devices and their circuitsSignaling Line Circuit:

Addressable / data loopLow Power Radio: Wireless fire alarm equipment

Notification devicesPublic Mode – Intended for notification to all building occupantsPrivate Mode – Intended for notification to specific persons

(Hospitals, etc.)Chapter 4: Fundamentals

Factory trained on systemCertified by nationally recognized organizationLicensed by state or local authority

Primary Power:From a dedicated branch circuitMark with “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT” in REDIdentify disconnecting means at the control.

Secondary Power:Standby batteries

Most common (sealed lead-acid)Engine driven generator

With batteries with 4 hour capacityRemote Located Control Equipment: (NAC power extender)

Must have primary and secondary powerRequirements same as FACP

Zoning and Annunciation:Each floor must be separate zoneEach building must me separate zoneSubdivided floors (by barrier or evacuation plan) must be separate zoneAnnunciators must be readily accessible to responding authorities

Record of Completion:Required for every Fire Alarm System (starts on pg. 33)Photocopy or reproduce for your companyCYA for you and your companyCopy must be kept at FACP or where approved by AHJ Must be kept for life of systemThere are lock boxes for this

CYA NOTE:Item 11“Deviations from referenced NFPA standards are”If your AHJ requires you to deviate from code they must sign!