NORCAL FPO

FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES

 

Dublin, CA

November 18, 2005

 

Attendees:

 

Randy Dysart             Beacon/Calsafe                            Verne Person    Lodi Fire Dept

Dan Ryan                  Bay Alarm                                   Fred Benn         Advanced Automatic

Darrell Harguth          Brooks Equip.                              Ed Tubbs          Dixon Fire

Tom Bednar               Lund Pearson McLaughlin            Jim Bollier         Local 483

David Secoda             Bay Alarm                                   Steve Hart        NASIP            

Brandon Burlingame   Lathrop-Manteca Fire                  

Jaymae Wentker        Mtn. View Fire                           

                               

 

The following topics were discussed at the committee meeting.

David Secoda shared with the group that Doug Myers (City of Pasadena Fire and SoCal FPO member) is coordinating an effort to review and update the CSFM Fire Alarm Plan Review Guide. (Document attached)  members are encouraged to review and forward comments/suggestions to Doug at (626) 744-6885 or dmyers@cityofpasadena.net.

 

Verne Person questioned the group as to who’s responsible for regulating fixed hood and duct extinguishing systems in mobile kitchens (AKA-Roach Coach).  Some say the Health Dept. and others say Dept. of Transportation. 

 

Fred Benn (NFPA 13D Committee member) indicated the NFPA 13D & 13R code committees are working toward providing “guidance” in the 2006 codes regarding the placement/spacing of residential sprinklers in relation to lights, ceiling fans and steep sloped ceilings.

 

Steve Hart stated the Marriott Hotel Corp. is making a push towards “water mist” systems.

Steve also updated the group on the workings of the CSFM Automatic Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee.  The State Fire Marshal’s office has asked the committee to review Chapters 5 & 9 of the IBC and Chapter 45 of the IFC for fire protection issues/requirements in comparison to the current requirements of the UBC/UFC.  Steve informed the group that at the last meeting of the aforementioned committee a guest from the California Contractors State License Board gave a brief overview of their organizational make-up.  The CSLB has developed a new “Contractor’s Complaint Form” available on their web site. They are also interested in hearing from AHJ’s of commonly encountered contractor issues (ie. Working without permits, poor workmanship, etc.)  

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jaymae Wentker/Ed Tubbs-Co-chairs

INTRODUCTION

The California State Fire Marshal Fire Alarm Plan Review Checklist has been developed in a cooperative effort by the Fire Protection Equipment Committee, Fire Prevention Officers Section of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the State Fire Marshal's Fire Alarm Advisory Committee.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a model plan review guideline and checklist, which would adequately serve the needs of, all fire alarm contractors and authorities having jurisdictions (AHJ) in determining fire alarm submittal requirements.

To provide a basis for consistency between various AHJ's throughout the state and thus eliminate a substantial amount of confusion upon the part of both plan check personnel and fire alarm contractors.

To provide a checklist that would be applicable to all fire alarm system types.

LISTED EQUIPMENT APPLICATIONS

Information should be provided which clearly identifies the purpose for which the equipment or devices are listed. This information may be provided by State Fire Marshal listing sheets and supplemented by manufacturers specification sheet.

INSTALLATION CODES AND STANDARDS INCLUDING EDITION

This item refers to the codes and standards applicable to the specific installation and design requirements. These typically will include references to specific sections of Title 24, 1998 Edition, Part 2, California Building Code, Part 3, California Electrical Code, Part 4, California Mechanical Code and Part 9, California Fire Code, 2001 Edition. References should also be made to legally adopted editions of applicable nationally recognized standards such as NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code), 1999 Edition and local ordinances.

SYSTEM DESIGNER IDENTIFICATION 

In accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 – 1999 edition, Section 1-5.1.3, fire alarm system plans shall be developed by persons who are experienced in the proper design, application, installation and testing of fire alarm systems.  The system designer shall be identified on the system design documents.  The National Fire Alarm Code now requires that fire alarm system designers be qualified to perform this type of work through training, education and experience.

TYPE OF NFPA SYSTEM PROVIDED

NFPA 72 standard defines fire alarm systems as:

A.     Household Fire Warning Systems

B.      Protected Premises (Local) Fire Alarm System,

C.    Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems.:

1.       Auxiliary Fire Alarm Systems

a.      Local energy type

b.      Parallel telephone type

c.      Shunt type

2.      Remote Supervising Station Systems

3.       Proprietary Supervising Station Systems

4.      Central Station Fire Alarm Systems.

5.      Municipal Fire Alarm Systems.

Each system type has unique characteristics and specific design and installation requirements as outlined in NFPA 72. In addition, the system should be identified as complying with Private or Public Mode audible requirement operation as defined by NFPA 72.   The type of system shall be identified to enable the plan checker to verify that it is appropriate for the installation.

VOICE MESSAGE CONTENT AND LANGUAGES

When voice message evacuation systems are required, as for High-rise and Assembly occupancies, the content of these messages shall be submitted for approval. Voice messages in languages other than English shall also be identified when acceptable to the AHJ. Any alert tones preceding or following the voice message shall also be described along with the number of times the message will repeat. 

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION.

A written description or matrix chart shall be provided to define the events, which occur when, various initiating devices are activated. The description should include details relating to annunciation, evacuation warning, remote signaling and activation of fire safety control functions, as applicable.

For example, the activation of a lobby smoke detector might recall elevators, shut down air handling systems, close fire doors, sound a general evacuation alarm, transmit an alarm signal to a central station and annunciate the location at the fire alarm control panel. A smoke detector in another location may cause a different sequence of events to occur and this must be clearly identified.

IDENTIFICATION OF COMBINATION SYSTEMS

NFPA, UL, Factory Mutual and State Fire Marshal Standards approve the use of combination control units, which can accommodate other types of service in addition to fire alarm. This could include burglar alarm system access control, building automation systems involving lighting, heating, and environmental control. Such control panels must be listed for the purpose and submittal information should include details of any combination applications.

IDENTIFICATION OF AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS EXCEEDING 2000 CFM

Air handling system information shall be provided to determine whether the provisions of Section 608 of the California Mechanical Code (CMS) are applicable.  Section 608 of the CMC requires that smoke detectors that are designed to shut down HVAC systems must be supervised (monitored for integrity) by the building fire alarm system.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL SYSTEM FEATURES AND OPERATIONS

Detailed information should be provided relating to special features such as pre-signal alarm or positive alarm sequence for evacuation warning delay, cross zoning of detectors, alarm verification feature for smoke detectors, and activation of special extinguishing systems.   A system sequence of operation matrix (tablular format) should be provided for each system indicating the input (ie. Alarm initiation device activation) and output functions (ie. Alarm notification appliance activation, off-site monitoring transmission, fan shutdown, pre-action sprinkler system activation, damper closure, record at system printer, etc.) that are performed by the fire alarm system.

REQUEST FOR UL CERTIFICATE OR FM PLACARD FORM FOR CENTRAL STATION SERVICE SYSTEMS

NFPA 72 – Section 1-7.2.3 specifies that a fire alarm system classified, as Central Station Fire Alarm System must have a UL certificate or Factory Mutual Placard issued as evidence that the installation is fully in compliance with applicable NFPA standards and that a maintenance contract is in effect.

Requests may be made for copies of these documents to be provided upon completion of installations or may be a basic requirement for AHJ's with local code requirements for a third party follow-up service rendered by an approved listing agency.

SYMBOL LEGEND/CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION

The symbols used on plans and drawings to indicate various fire alarm components and devices shall be clearly identified in a legend, which indicates quantities of devices along with manufacturer's names and model numbers. All auxiliary function components such as fire/smoke dampers, fan units, fire pump, emergency generator, etc. that are monitored/controlled by the fire alarm system shall be shown on the symbol legend as to specific component and location. The symbols should be distinctive and clearly understood by the plan reviewer.  

In addition to the device symbols, the fire alarm system plans shall indicate the method by which each circuit/wiring between devices is uniquely identified.   A circuit schedule identifying alarm initiation device circuits, horn circuits, strobe circuits, speaker circuits, 24VDC power circuits, auxiliary function circuits, system monitoring connection circuits, and primary AC power circuits shall be provided so that the plan reviewer can understand the circuitry and circuit loading.   In order to confirm accuracy of the standby battery calculations and amplifier calculations, circuit/device identification is necessary.   

Note: NFPA, NEMA and others have developed recommended sets of standard fire alarm symbols, which are commonly used.

IDENTIFICATION OF OFF-PREMISES SIGNALING METHODS & ON-PREMISES CIRCUIT STYLES

Information pertaining to the number and types of circuits to be used for transmission of signals to a remote monitoring facility should be provided, along with the type of transmission used.

Examples:

Two digital communicator (dial-up) telephone lines.

One digital communicator telephone line with one-way RF backup.

A dedicated leased telephone line with two-way multiplex signal communication.

Two-way RF System

Style designations as identified in NFPA 72 should also be provided for on-premises initiating, signaling line and notification appliance circuits.

ATTIC, CEILING AND BUILDING CROSS-SECTION DETAILS FOR AREAS WITH AUTOMATIC DETECTION.

Cross section diagrams or elevation drawings are necessary for areas in which heat, smoke or flame detectors are provided in order to verify that mounting locations and spacing of detectors as related to the type of ceiling or roof construction and height are in accordance with NFPA 72 standards.  The fire alarm system design documents should indicate the presence of a suspended ceiling and height or the absence of a ceiling and the beam spacing/depth for an open ceiling construction area in areas where area smoke detection is required (ie. Mechanical equipment rooms and electrical equipment rooms in high-rise buildings) 

SPECIFICATIONS AND DETAILS ON THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRE STOPPING

Details shall be provided describing locations of all penetrations of fire-rated walls, ceilings or assemblies and the type of construction.

Provide sizes, description and number of cables, conduits or raceways penetrating fire-rated assemblies.

Provide details on the fire stopping systems used, including the F and T fire-resistive ratings.

SECONDARY POWER CALCULATIONS

Calculations shall be provided to verify that standby batteries or other approved secondary power source is adequate for the specified standby requirements of the system in the event of loss of primary power, as specified by NFPA standards.

Calculations shall be based upon the summation of two calculations: One for supervisory non-alarm condition and one for the alarm load condition.

The alarm load is generally based upon the assumption that 10% of the alarm inputs and 100% of the alarm outputs are in alarm condition.

When a combination (fire and burglary) system is involved, any non-fire alarm devices, such as burglar alarm motion detectors, which derive their power from the control panel, must be included in the supervisory and alarm load calculations.

Current requirements for individual components in both supervisory and alarm conditions shall be verified with the manufacturers specification sheets.

A summary of standby (supervisory) and alarm times as specified by NFPA standards, to be included in the calculations, are listed below. The calculations will determine the minimum ampere-hour capacity of the standby battery or minimum requirements for an equivalent secondary source.

SYSTEM TYPE NORMAL STANDBY OPERATION ALARM OPERATION

Local - 24 Hours standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes of alarm.

Auxiliary - 60 Hours standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes of alarm.

Remote Station - 60 Hours  standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes of alarm.

Proprietary 24 - Hours standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes of alarm.

Central Station - 24 Hours standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes of alarm.

Emergency Voice Alarm - 24 Hours  standby normal operation followed by 5 Minutes at full load alarm.   (Note: if system is served by emergency generator power, standby normal operation can be reduced to 4 hours, as permitted by NFPA 72)

VOLTAGE DROP CALCULATIONS

Calculations shall be provided to verify that voltage drop in alarm notification appliance circuits is not excessive and that the delivered voltage to each device will ensure proper operation of the device. These calculations shall be based upon the length and size (wire gauge) of the circuit conductors and the maximum alarm current required.

Voltage Drop Calculations shall be based upon the device manufacturers listing of the devices’ proper operating voltage range.  Notification appliances are marked with a rated (nameplate) voltage range (eg. 22-29VDC).  Testing laboratories test notification appliances at 80 and 110 percent of their rated (nameplate) voltage to ensure proper operation of visual notification appliances.  Therefore, the testing laboratories would test the output of the notification appliance at 17.6 volts to 31.9 volts.  This range is called the operating range and is a wider range than the nameplate range.  In this example, the notification appliance circuit must be designed to provide no less than 17.6 volts at any appliance in order to ensure proper operation of the devices on the circuit.  Therefore, based upon the actual voltage at the notification appliance circuit control panel terminals (assuming 20.4 Volts in this example), the maximum voltage drop between the control panel terminals and last appliance on the notification appliance circuit must be 2.8 volts or less (ie. 20.4 Volts – 17.6 volts = 2.8 max. voltage drop) in order to ensure that the notification appliances will properly operate on the circuit.

It should be noted that the starting point for the voltage drop calculations is based upon UL 864, Standard for Control Units for Fire Signaling Systems which indicates a minimum of 20.4 volts.  This voltage is based upon the end of the useful battery life to serve the control panel.  If power supplies are used that maintain the control unit voltage at a higher voltage than 20.4 volts, then the power supply manufacturer instructions  should be consulted for the allowable voltage to be used as the starting voltage.  The same methodology of calculating voltage drop can be applied to 12 volt fire alarm systems using the associated notification appliance nameplate voltage and control unit notification appliance circuit terminal voltage.

APPLIFIER CALCULATIONS

For emergency voice communication systems, amplifier calculations shall be provided to demonstrate the circuit loads for the voice notification appliance (speaker) circuits.  These calculations need to refer to actual circuit load and the applied wattage (speaker tap settings) and the associated amplifier capacity to serve these speaker loads.  The drawings should also indicate whether or not a backup amplifier is to be provided and is based upon a one for one backup of the primary amplifiers or a backup amplifier per panel basis.

Drawings for system modification projects should demonstrate the actual loads to the circuits before and after modification, if the existing speaker circuits are being extended to serve the system modifications.  A watt meter to determine the existing speaker circuit wattage demand of a circuit should be utilized to document the existing load, prior to adding additional speakers to a circuit.

FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL DIAGRAMS/POWER SOURCE

Detailed fire alarm control panel diagrams shall be provided for all fire alarm systems.  These panel diagrams shall indicate all panel terminations, cabinet mounting heights, fire command room layout or electrical room layouts, detailed device terminations, end-of-line resistor values for applicable circuits, front panel details (to depict operator control functions, manual control selector switches, and LED’s) and detailed interface wiring diagrams with other systems such as building automation systems. 

As part of the fire alarm control panel diagrams, identification of electrical circuit beaker and distribution panel number that the fire alarm equipment is going to be connected shall be identified.  These diagrams/information is needed so that the plan reviewer can understand the method by which the system is to obtain electrical power in a manner that complies with NFPA 72, Section 1-5.2 (1999 Edition) and to verify whether the system is to be supplied by  dedicated AC power circuits or emergency power circuits.   If the system is served by emergency power circuits, standby battery calculations may be based upon 4 hours of standby secondary power rather than 24 hours.

Note:  NFPA 72, Section 1-5.6 also requires automatic smoke detection at the location of each fire alarm control unit(s) where the equipment is not in area that is continuously occupied.  Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, automatic heat detection is permitted.  Fire alarm drawings shall show the provision of automatic detection devices in each room/area where system control equipment is installed.

WIRE SCHEDULE

As part of the drawing symbol legend, a wire/cable schedule shall be provided indicating the wire gauge, wire type (FPL, FPLR, THHN, etc.) that is to be used for each type of circuit associated with the fire alarm system.  This wire schedule is needed in order for the plan reviewer to confirm accuracy of voltage drop calculations, confirm use of properly UL listed fire alarm wiring for a fire alarm system and to confirm conduit fill calculations for the type of wire to be used.   As outlined in NFPA 72, Section 1-5.5.4, the installation of all wiring, cable and equipment is to be in accordance with National Electrical Code.  Uniquie circuit identification nomenclature shall be provided for:

1.      Alarm initiation device circuits.

2.      Supervisory alarm devices.

3.      Fire alarm horns circuits.

4.      Visual notification appliance circuits.

5.      Voice communication speaker circuits.

6.      Firefighter telephone jack circuits.

7.      Signaling line circuits between control panels.

8.      24 VDC power circuits.

9.      Door holder circuits.

10. Auxiliary function control circuits.

11. Primary AC power circuits.

12. Off-site monitoring connection circuits.

SINGLE LINE WIRING DIAGRAM

The single line or 'riser" diagram shall indicate the system architecture and vertical wiring methods that cannot be shown on a typical floor plan.  System equipment components such as control panels, remote control panels, power supplies, system vertical circuits and vertical conduit riser sizes shall be shown.   Identification of individual circuits in the system shall be labeled.  Components connected to a common circuit are shown as being connected by a single line, regardless of the number of conductors actually used for the circuit. The number of conductors in each wiring segment will be indicated by right angle marks across the single line at that point or by other appropriate means.  It is not the intent of the single line wiring diagram to indicate the quantity of devices connected to each circuit.

The term "riser diagram" frequently used to describe this drawing does not refer to an automatic sprinkler system riser.

CONDUIT FILL PERCENTAGES

Part 3 of Title 24 CCR, the California Electrical Code (CEC) limits the amount of conduit fill to a maximum of 40%. Chapter 9 of Part 3 provides tables indicating the maximum number of conductors of various sizes, which can be used in various sizes of conduit in order to comply with the 40% limitations.  The fire alarm system drawings shall indicate the conductor types/cable assemblies to be used for the system and the associated fill dimensions for various conduit sizes utilizing the indicated conductor types/cable assembies.

IDENTIFICATION OF SYSTEM CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT

The fire alarm system design drawings shall indicate the specific location of fans, dampers, and doors which are to be controlled/affected by operation of the fire alarm system.  All fans which are to be arranged to shutdown or startup, dampers to be closed or opened and doors which are to be closed or unlocked upon a signal from the fire alarm system shall be indicated on the fire alarm system drawings so that the plan reviewer can  review the system sequence of operation and impact on auxiliary functions in the building that are initiated by the fire alarm system.

STROBE SYNCHRONIZATION

The fire alarm system drawings shall indicate that visual notification appliances are synchronized and shall indicate the method by which the strobes are synchronized.  Are the strobes synchronized on a circuit(s) by the use of modules in the fire alarm control panel or are they synchronized by hardware within the strobe devices.

CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

A review of the subject system has been completed, and the following items were found to be missing or incorrect. Please resubmit revised drawings for review and approval, prior to any installation. Failure to obtain approvals prior to installation constitutes two violations of the Uniform Fire Code and may result in a citation requiring two court appearances.

A D M I N I S T R A T I V E

Permit application. CFC 1001.3

Payment for plan review and inspection fees. CFC 1001.3

Installing contractors name, address, phone number. CFC 1001.3

Contractors license & local business license numbers. CFC 1001.3

Copy of workers compensation insurance certificate. CFC 1001.3

Site address. CFC 1001.3

Basis for system installation Building code occupancy classification. CFC 1001.3

Building owner and/or tenant. CFC 1001.3

FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer's specification sheets. CFC 1001.3

Equipment application per SFM listing and UL/FM approvals. CFC 1001.3 & 1007.3.2

CSFM building materials SFM listing numbers. CFC 1001.3 & Title 19

GENERAL INFORMATION

Appropriate codes & standards, including edition. CFC 1001.3 & CBC 3505.1.3

Type of system or monitoring service involved. NFPA 72 1-5 & CBC & CFC

Public or Private Mode Operation. NFPA 72 4-3.2 and 4-3.3

Voice evacuation message and language(s). NFPA 72 3-8.4.1.3.5.3

Written sequence of operation or matrix table. NFPA 72  Table 7-5.2.2

Combination systems specific additional uses. CFC 1007.3.3.4 & NFPA 72 3-8.2

HVAC system locations greater than 2000 CFM. CMC, Section 608

Special system features operating instructions. CFC 1007.3.4.3

Required certifications and placarding (Central Station Fire Alarm Systems and Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems). CFC 1007.3.4.2 & NFPA 72 1-6.2.3 & 5-2.2

PLANS & DRAWINGS

Scaled floor plan, including north reference. CFC 1001.3

Completed tide block with site address. CFC 1001.3

Include contractor's business address, telephone, and fax. CFC 1001.3

 Identification of System Designer – NFPA 72 1-5.1.3

Identification of each room's use. CFC 1001.3

Location of all components, including end-of-@ devices, if applicable CFC 1001.3

Symbol legend, including quantities, manufacturer's name, and model. CFC 1001.3

Identification of circuit styles, designations and methods. CFC 1001.3

Description of zone assignments & device addresses. CFC 1001.3 & 1007.3.3.7

Building cross section; include attic, open beam construction CFC 1001.3, NFPA 72 2-5.4.3

Specifications and details of through-penetration fire stopping. UL Fire Resistance Directories

Device mounting heights for manual stations, NFPA 72 2-8.1

Device mounting heights for audible devices. NFPA 72 6-3.5.1

Device mounting heights for visible notification appliances NFPA 72 4-3.5

Control Panel Diagrams and Automatic detection in rooms containing fire alarm control units.  NFPA 72-1.5.6

Primary power supply details. . NFPA 72 1-5.2.5

Secondary power supply calculations. NFPA 72 1-5.2.6

Voltage drop calculations. CFC 1001.3

plifier Calculations.

Strobe Synchronization.

Identification of System Controlled Equipment.

SINGLE LINE RISER DIAGRAM

Conductor information, including size, stranding, insulation CEC, Article 760

Conduit fill calculations or NEC reference. CEC, Table #4

Location of end-of-line devices. CFC 1001.3

 

 

A review of the subject system has been completed, and the following items were found to be missing or incorrect.  Please resubmit revised drawings for review and approval, prior to any installation.  Failure to obtain approvals prior to installation constitutes a violation of the Uniform Fire Code and may result in a citation requiring a court appearance.