Louisiana Engineering Society Continuing Education Seminar on Fire Alarm Systems with Michael C. McLean Staff Fire Alarm Specialist LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT.

Louisiana Engineering Society Continuing Education Seminar

on Fire Alarm Systems

with Michael C. McLean

Staff Fire Alarm Specialist

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND

BUILDING SAFETY

What are we going to discuss today?

• Basic Fire Alarm Requirements

• Successful Shop Drawing Submittals

• Exemption Request Forms

• Fire Alarm Design Exercises


BUILDING SAFETY

Basic Fire Alarm Requirements

• NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code: Explains where to provide the fire alarm system (dictated by the occupancy chapter).

• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code: Explains how to provide a fire alarm system.

• Americans with Disability Act - Accessible Guidelines (ADA-AG): Explains where to provide visual notification for the hearing impaired.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code

• 101:9.6 Fire Detection, Alarm, and Communication System (this is how we are able to enforce NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code)

• 101:9.6.1.4 Fire alarm system installation wiring or other transmission paths shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code and NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code.

• 101:9.6.1.8 Requires the building to be evacuated or a fire watch if the fire alarm system is down for 4 or more hours in a 24 hour period.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code• 101:9.6.1.9 Requires the fire alarm system to perform three distinct functions:• I. Initiation - The initiation function provides the input signal to the system. (i.e. manual

pull stations, automatic detection devices,waterflow switches and the activation of any other extinguishing system)

• II. Notification - The notification function is the means by which the system advises that human action is required in response to a particular condition. (i.e. horns, speakers, and strobes for building evacuation and off site transmission for Emergency Forces Notification)

• III. Control - The control function provides outputs to control building equipment to enhance protection of life. (i.e. door hold open devices, smoke removal systems, HVAC shutdown, etc…)


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Initiation Requirements

• 101:9.6.2.3 A manual pull station shall be provided in the natural exit access path near each required exit.

• 101:9.6.2.5 Requires fire alarm systems utilizing automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices, to be provided with at least one manual pull station.

• 101:9.6.10.1 Smoke alarms shall receive their operating power from the building electrical system.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Notification Requirements

• 101:9.6.3.2 Notification shall be provided by audible and visual signals.

• 101:9.6.3.5 The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate throughout the entire building. (NOTE: That there are some exceptions.)

• 101:9.6.3.6 Audible alarm notification appliances shall be of such a character and so distributed as to effectively be heard above the ambient sound level occurring under normal conditions of occupancy.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Notification Requirements

• 101:9.6.4 Requires Emergency Forces Notification (to alert the municipal fire department and fire brigade) to be accomplished by one of the following fire alarm signaling type:

• a) Auxiliary • b) Remote Station• c) Proprietary • d) Central Station• NOTE: Cannot be a “Local” fire alarm system.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Control Requirements

• 101:9.6.5.2 Where required by other sections of this Code, the following functions shall be actuated by the protective signaling and control system:

• a) Release of hold-open devices for doors or other opening protectives.

• b) Stairwell or elevator shaft pressurization.

• c) Smoke management or smoke control systems.

• d) Emergency lighting control.

• e) Unlocking of doors.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Annunciation Requirements

• 101:9.6.7.2 Alarm annunciation at the control center shall be by means of audible and visible indicators.

• 101:9.6.7.5 A system trouble signal shall be annunciated at the control center shall be by means of audible and visible indicators.

• 101:9.6.7.6 A system supervisory signal shall be annunciated at the control center shall be by means of audible and visible indicators.

• 101:9.6.7.7 Where the system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered separately. (Therefore, each building shall be “zoned” separately.)


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Supervised Automatic Sprinkler Requirements

• 101:9.7.2.1 Where required by another section of this Code, the supervisory signals (generated by supervisory attachments that produces a distinct signal to indicate a condition that

would impair the operation of the sprinkler system) shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Supervised Automatic Sprinkler Requirements

• 101:9.7.2.2 Waterflow alarms shall be transmitted to an approved, proprietary alarm receiving facility, a remote station, a central station, or the fire department. Such connection shall be in accordance with NFPA 72.

• Note: That based on these two requirements that a fire alarm panel is required to monitor the sprinkler system even though the building may not contain or require a fire alarm system. Please be advised that if the building has a fire alarm system, then it cannot be a “Local” signaling system.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Elevator Recall Requirements

• 101:9.4.2 Requires that all new elevators comply with the requirements of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

• ASME/ANSI A17.1, Rule 211.3b requires that smoke detectors be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code.

• Note: Be aware of the discrepancies about placement of smoke detectors in elevator shafts between ASME/ANSI A17.1 and NFPA 72! State Fire Marshal’s Office enforces the requirements of 72:3-9.3.1,, Exception that only allows smoke detectors in the hoistway if the top of the hoistway is protected by automatic sprinklers.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Elevator Recall Requirements

• 72:3-9.3.1 Requires that if the building does not contain a fire alarm system, then a FACP would be required to tie in the smoke detectors for elevator recall.

• Note: Very similar to the supervised sprinkler system requirements. Both require a FACP and both are required to be submitted for plan review!


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Dissection of Chapter Occupancy Fire Alarm

Requirements

• Each occupancy chapter fire alarm section is always designated as “_-3.4.”

• _-3.4.1 General - Identifies when a fire alarm system is required in that particular occupancy.

• _-3.4.2 Initiation - Identifies what methods are acceptable to initiate the fire alarm signal.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Dissection of Chapter Occupancy Fire Alarm

Requirements

• _-3.4.3 Notification - Identifies what types of notification issues that are required. (i.e. occupant notification, annunciation, and emergency forces notification )

• _-3.4.4 Detection - Identifies what types of automatic detection is required and where to be located. Can include system type detectors (wired to the panel) and/or single station detectors (stand alone). Not always a requirement.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code Rule of Thumb for the not so Obvious Code

Issue• Remember that if the building is required to have a supervised

automatic sprinkler system, then the building is still required to have a fire alarm control panel to monitor the sprinkler system (this distinguishes the difference between an approved automatic sprinkler system and an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system), even if the building is not required to have a full blown fire alarm system.


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Issue

• Also be aware that many of the chapter citations give exceptions if a supervised sprinkler system is provided. These systems are required to be submitted for plan review!


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Issue

• The requirements for a supervised automatic sprinkler system are not always in the Extinguishing Requirements of the Code.– 101:30.2.5.3 No dead-end corridor shall exceed 35 ft (10.7m).– Exception: In buildings protected by an approved, supervised

automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 30.3.5, the dead-end corridor shall not exceed 50 ft (15m).


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Issue

• Remember that if the building is required to have an elevator, then the building is still required to have a fire alarm control panel to monitor the smoke detectors for elevator recall, even if the building is not required to have a full blown fire alarm system. Please note that ASME/ANSI-A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators requires that all elevators be equipped with elevator recall. These systems are required to be submitted for plan review!


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code• Chapter 1 - Fundamentals of Fire Alarm Systems• Chapter 2 - Initiating Devices (i.e. manual pull stations, smoke

detectors, heat detectors and waterflow switches)

• Chapter 3 - Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems (requirements for a “Local” fire alarm signaling system type)

• Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm Systems (audible and visual appliances)


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code• Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems (requirements for

monitoring off site and/or transmitting an alarm signal off site)

• Chapter 6 - Public Fire Alarm Reporting System (Auxiliary)• Chapter 7 - Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance• Chapter 8 - Fire Warning Equipment for Dwelling Units (mainly

concerned with the placement of single station detectors and systems located within a single family living unit)


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code Chapter 1- Fundamentals of Fire Systems

• 72:1-5.1.2 Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this code shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used. (The Fire Marshal’s Office uses the UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory to verify this information and UL on line @:

http://www.ul.com/database/menu2.htm

• Do not assume that just because the device or the manufacturer’s cut sheet has a UL symbol that the device has been tested as a fire alarm device.)


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:1-5.2.5.2 Requires at least two independent and reliable power supplies:

• a) Primary Supply - typically the building light and power service on a dedicated branch circuit that is identified as “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CONTROL”.

• b) Secondary Supply - typically battery back up and/or automatic starting engine generators.


BUILDING SAFETY


• Secondary Power Supply for “Battery Back-up” minimums based on Fire Alarm Signaling Types:* Remote Station ------------------------------ 60 hrs.* Auxiliary-------------------------------------- 60 hrs.* Local------------------------------------------ 24 hrs.* Central Station------------------------------ 24 hrs.* Proprietary --------------------------------- 24 hrs.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:1-5.3 All fire detectors devices that receive their power from the initiating device circuit or the signaling line circuit of a fire alarm control unit shall be listed for use with the control unit. (This is typically for all two wire smoke detectors and some heat detectors per manufacturer.)


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:1-5.4.10 Presignal Feature. Where permitted by the A.H.J. (also specifically allowed in certain chapters of NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code), systems shall be permitted to have a feature that allows initial fire alarm signals to sound only in department offices, control rooms, fire brigade stations, or other constantly attended central locations, and for which human action is subsequently required to activate a general alarm, or a feature that allows the control equipment to delay the general alarm by more than 1 minute after the start of the alarm processing. Where there is a connection to a remote location (supervising station),it shall activate upon the initial signal (the supervising station shall immediately contact the fire department because a presignal system rely on human action which can be unreliable).


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:1-5.4.11 Positive Alarm Sequence. Where permitted by the A.H.J. (also specifically allowed in certain chapters of NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code), systems utilizes a signal from an automatic detector to be acknowledge at the control panel by trained personnel within 15 seconds of annunciation in order to initiate the alarm investigation phase. If the signal is not acknowledged within 15 seconds then the system will go into alarm. Trained staff will have up to 180 seconds to investigate the fire condition and reset the system if need be. If the system is not reset during the investigation phase, then the system will go into alarm. If any other initiating device is actuated during the investigation phase, then the system will go into alarm.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:1-5.5.4 Requires that all wiring, cabling, and equipment to be installed in accordance with certain sections of NFPA 70 - National Electric Code.

• 72:1-5.6 Protection of Equipment. In areas that are not continuously occupied, automatic smoke detection shall be provided at each control unit(s) location to provide notification of fire in that location.

• Exception: Where ambient conditions the installation of automatic smoke detection, automatic heat detection shall be permitted.


BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code Chapter 2 - Initiating Devices

• 72:2-1.3.1 Where subject to mechanical damage, an initiating device shall be protected. A mechanical guard used to protect a smoke or heat detector shall be listed for use with the detector being used.

• 72:2-1.4.1 Detectors shall not be recessed into the mounting surface in any manner.

• 72:2-2.1.1.1 Heat detectors of the fixed temperature or rate compensated, spot-pattern type shall be classified as to the temperature of operation and marked with the appropriate color code.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-2 Heat-Sensing Fire Detectors

• 72:2-2.1.1.1 Heat detectors of the fixed temperature or rate compensated, spot-pattern type shall be classified as to the temperature of operation and marked with the appropriate color code.


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-2.2.1 Spot type heat detectors shall be located on the ceiling not less than 4 in. from the sidewall or on the sidewalls between 4 in. and 12 in. from the ceiling.



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• 72:2-2.2.2 Line type heat detectors shall be located on the ceiling or on the sidewalls not more than 20 in. from the ceiling.


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• 72:2-2.4 Covers a variation of different ceiling type for spacing requirements for heat detectors.


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• 72:2-2.4.1 Smooth Ceiling Spacing for spot type heat detectors (see manufacturer’s specifications for recommended spacing)



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• 72:2-2.4.1 Smooth Ceiling Spacing for line type heat detectors (see manufacturer’s specifications for recommended spacing)



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• 72:2-2.4.1 Smooth Ceiling Spacing for Irregular Areas using spot type heat detectors ( 30’ listed spacing)



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• 72:2-2.4.3 Beam Construction. A ceiling shall be treated as a smooth ceiling if the beams project no more than 4 in. (100 mm) below the ceiling. If the beams project more than 4 in. (100 mm) below the ceiling, the spacing of spot-type heat detectors at right angles to the direction of beam travel shall be not more than two-thirds of the smooth ceiling spacing permitted under 2-2.4.1.1 and 2-2.4.1.2. If the beams project more than 18 in. (460 mm) below the ceiling and are more than 8 ft (2.4 m) on center, each bay formed by the beams shall be treated as a separate area.


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-2.4.4.1 Peaked. A row of

detectors shall first be spaced and

located at or within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the

peak of the ceiling, measured

horizontally. The number and spacing

of additional detectors, if any, shall be

based on the horizontal projection of

the ceiling in accordance with the type

of ceiling construction.



BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-2.4.4.2 Shed. Sloping ceilings shall have a row of detectors located on the ceiling within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the high side of the ceiling measured horizontally, spaced in accordance with the type of ceiling construction. The remaining detectors, if any, shall be located in the remaining area on the basis of the horizontal projection of the ceiling.



BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3 Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors

• 72:2-3.1.2 Section 5-3 covers general area application of smoke detectors in ordinary indoor locations. (Photoelectric or Ionization)


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-3.4.3.1 Spot type smoke detectors shall be located on the ceiling not less than 4 in. from the sidewall or on the sidewalls between 4 in. and 12 in. from the ceiling.



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• 72:2-3.4.4 Projected Beam-Type Smoke Detectors.

Projected beam-type smoke detectors shall be located with

their projected beams parallel to the ceiling and in accordance

with the manufacturer’s documented instructions. The effects

of stratification shall be evaluated when locating the detectors.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.5.1 Spot-Type Detectors. On smooth ceilings, spacing of 30 ft (9.1 m) shall be permitted to be used as a guide. In all cases, the manufacturer’s documented instructions shall be followed. Other spacing shall be permitted to be used depending on ceiling height, different conditions, or response requirements. For the detection of flaming fires, the guidelines in Appendix B shall be permitted to be used.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.5.1.2 For smooth ceilings, all points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance equal to 0.7 times the selected spacing. (Hint: Set your compasses to 21’. 30’X .7 = 21’.)


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.6.1 Flat Ceilings. For ceiling heights of 12 ft (3.66 m) or lower, and beam or solid joist depths of 1 ft (0.3 m) or less, smooth ceiling spacing running in the direction parallel to the run of the beams or solid joists shall be used and one-half the smooth ceiling spacing shall be in the direction perpendicular to the run of the beams or solid joists. For beams over 1 ft (0.3 m) in depth, spot-type detectors shall be permitted to be located either on the ceiling or on the bottom of the beams.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.6.1 Flat Ceilings. (cont.)

• For beam depths exceeding 1 ft (0.3 m) or for ceiling heights exceeding

12 ft (3.66 m), spot-type detectors shall be located on the ceiling in

every beam pocket.

• For solid joists, the detectors shall be located on the bottom of the joists.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.6.2 Sloped Ceilings. For beamed ceilings with beams running parallel to (up) the slope, the spacing for flat beamed ceilings shall be used. The ceiling height shall be taken as the average height over the slope. For slopes greater than 10 degrees, the detectors located at one-half the spacing from the low end shall not be required. Spacings shall be measured along a horizontal projection of the ceilings.

• For beamed ceilings with beams running perpendicular to (across) the slope, the spacing for flat beamed ceilings shall be used. The ceiling height shall be taken as the average height over the slope.

• For solid joists, the detectors shall be located on the bottom of the joists.


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-3.4.7 Peaked. A row of detectors

shall first be spaced and located at or

within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the peak of the

ceiling, measured horizontally. The

number and spacing of additional

detectors, if any, shall be based on the

horizontal projection of the ceiling in

accordance with the type of ceiling

construction.



BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-3.4.8 Shed. Sloping ceilings shall have a row of detectors located on the ceiling within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the high side of the ceiling measured horizontally, spaced in accordance with the type of ceiling construction. The remaining detectors, if any, shall be located in the remaining area on the basis of the horizontal projection of the ceiling.



BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.4.9 Raised Floors and Suspended Ceilings. Spaces beneath raised floors and above suspended ceilings shall be treated as separate rooms for smoke detector spacing purposes. Detectors installed beneath raised floors or above suspended ceilings, or both, including raised floors and suspended ceilings used for environmental air, shall not be used in lieu of providing detection within the room. (Hint: Required for occupancies mandated to have a complete smoke detection system.)


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:A-2-3.5.1 Detectors should not be located in a direct airflow nor closer than 3 ft (1 m) from an air supply diffuser or return air opening.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-3.6.1.2 To avoid nuisance alarms, the location of smoke detectors shall take into consideration normal sources of smoke, moisture, dust or fumes, and electrical or mechanical influences.

• 72:2-3.6.1.3 Detectors shall not be installed until after the construction cleanup of all trades is complete and final.

• Exception: Where required by the authority having jurisdiction for protection during construction. Detectors that have been installed during construction and found to have a sensitivity outside the listed and marked sensitivity range shall be cleaned or replaced in

accordance with Chapter 7 at completion of construction.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-6 Sprinkler Waterflow Alarm-Initiating Devices– Requires the initiation of the alarm signal shall occur within 90 seconds of waterflow.

• 72:2-7 Detection of Operation of Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems

• 72:2-8 Manual Pull Stations– Requires that each box is mounted between 3.5 ‘ and 4.5’ a.f.f..

• 72:2-9 Supervisory Signal - Initiating Devices


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-10.3.1 To prevent the recirculation of dangerous quantities of smoke, a detector approved for air duct use shall be installed on the supply side of air-handling systems as required by NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and 2-10.4.2.1.

• 90A4-4.2 Location. Smoke detectors listed for use in air distribution systems shall be located as follows:

• (1) Downstream of the air filters and ahead of any branch connections in air supply systems having a capacity greater than 2000 ft3/min (944 L/sec).

• (2) At each story prior to the connection to a common return and prior to any recirculation or fresh air inlet connection in air return systems having a capacity greater than 15,000 ft3/min (7080 L/sec) and serving more than one story.


BUILDING SAFETY


• 72:2-10.6 Smoke Detectors for Door Release Service.• 101:7.2.1.8.2 In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents, as defined in

6.2.2.2 and 6.2.2.3, or where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, doors shall be permitted to be automatic-closing, provided that the following criteria are met:– (3) The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activated by the operation of approved

smoke detectors installed in accordance with the requirements for smoke detectors for door release service in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®.


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:2-10.6 Smoke Detectors for Door Release Service.



BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code Chapter 3 - Protected Premises Fire Alarm

Systems

• 72:3-2.4 Nonrequired Systems.• 72:3-2.4.1 Nonrequired protected premises systems shall meet the

requirements of this code. • 72:3-2.4.2 Nonrequired systems shall meet performance standards

approved by the authority having jurisdiction.• Nonrequired Fire Alarm System Memorandum 2000-10 - Exemption

Request Form.


BUILDING SAFETY


Systems

• 72:3-4.3.1 Requires the circuits (initiating device, notification appliance, and signaling line) to be classified as Class A or Class B, depending on the capability of the circuit to transmit alarm and trouble signals during nonsimultaneous single circuit fault conditions as specified by the following:


BUILDING SAFETY


Systems

• a) Circuits capable of transmitting an alarm signal during a single open or a nonsimultaneous single ground fault on a circuit conductor shall be designated as Class A.

• b) Circuits not capable of transmitting an alarm beyond the location of the ground fault conditions specified in 3-4.3.1(a) shall be designated as Class B.

• Note: That faults on both Class A and Class B circuits shall result in a trouble condition


BUILDING SAFETY


Systems


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Systems


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Systems


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• 72:3-8.4.1.2 Requires the three-pulse pattern fire alarm evacuation signal in accordance with ANSI S3.41, Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.3.1.2 For fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices, at least one fire alarm box shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. This fire alarm box shall be located where required by the A.H.J. (Typically the Fire Marshal’s Office requires the pull station to be placed near the FACP.)

• Exception: Fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service as permitted in 3-9.3.1.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.3.3 Requires that the monitoring of sprinkler systems and other fire suppression systems for the protection of life and property shall give an initiation of a supervisory signal indicating an off-normal condition that could adversely affect the performance of the system.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.3.2.5.1 The operation of an automatic fire suppression system installed within the protected premises shall cause an alarm signal at the protected premises fire alarm control unit.

• 72:3-8.3.3.3.1 A supervisory signal shall indicate the off normal condition and its restoration to normal as appropriate to the system employed.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.3.4 Automatic fire suppression system alarm-initiating devices and supervisory signal-initiating devices and their circuits shall be so designed and installed that they cannot be readily subject to tampering, opening, or removal without initiating a signal. This provision specifically includes junction boxes installed outside of buildings to facilitate access to the initiating device circuit.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.3.3.3.2 Where a valve is installed in the connection between a signal attachment and the fire suppression system to which it is attached, such a valve shall be supervised in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 2.

• Note:Sealing or locking such a valve in the open position or removing the handle from the valve does not meet the intent of this requirement.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-9.3 Elevator Recall– Requires system-type smoke detectors located in

elevator lobbies, elevator hoistways, and elevator machine rooms used to initiate fire fighters’ service recall shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. In facilities without a building fire alarm system, these smoke detectors shall be connected to a fire alarm control panel designated as “elevator recall control and supervisory panel.”


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-9.3.4 Smoke detectors shall not be installed in elevator hoistways.

• Exception: Where the top of the elevator hoistway is protected by automatic sprinklers.

• 72:3-9.4 Elevator Shutdown

– The State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled that new elevator installations shall utilized heat detectors instead of waterflow devices to shutdown power to the elevator before the introduction of water into the shaft from a sprinkler head.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.4.3 Suppression System Actuation– Fire alarm systems listed for releasing service shall be

permitted to provide automatic or manual actuation of fire suppression systems (i.e. halon, clean agents, etc…).

• 72:3-8.1 Interconnected Fire Alarm Control Units– If a facility has more that one fire alarm control panel,

then those panels shall be interconnected to function as one system.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.4.1.3 Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications– This section covers the requirements for Voice/Alarm

Communications Systems. These systems are typically found in High Rise and Large Assembly Occupancies. These system not only provide evacuation but also emergency instructions to building occupants.


Systems


BUILDING SAFETY

• 72:3-8.4.1.3.7 Two-Way Telephone Communication– This section covers the requirements for firemen

phones. These devices are typically required pursuant to the high rise provision of NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code and the Standard Building Code.

Louisiana Engineering Society Continuing Education Seminar on Fire Alarm Systems with Michael C. McLean Staff Fire Alarm Specialist LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT.

Documents

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corrections office of