Fire Alarm Systems Training Manual Manual #8700055 - REV F 4/10
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Foreword The history of fire detection and alarm in the United State dates back to the 1800s with the first standards. Since then the science and technology behind fire detection and alarm continues to improve. The primary purpose for fire detection and alarm is the reduction of loss of life and property from fire. The modern fire alarm is constantly evolving as the technology around detection and notification expands.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Table of Contents Page 3.................................................................................. Definitions and Symbols 11............................................................................... Organizations, Codes & Standards 11................................................................................ Determining Fire Alarm Requirements 12................................................................................
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Glossary/Definitions Addressable Device: A fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can have its status individually identified, or that is used to individually control other functions. Air Sampling-Type Detector: A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution network from the detector to the areas being protected. A fan in the detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the detector.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Compatibility Listed: A specific listing process that applies only to two wire devices [such as smoke detectors] designed to operate with certain control equipment. Digital Alarm Communicator Receiver [DACR]: A system component that will accept and display signals from digital alarm communicator transmitters [DACT] sent over public switched telephone network.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Manual Station [pull station]: A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal. National Fire Protection Association [NFPA]: Administers the development of and publishes codes, standards, and other materials concerning all phases of fire safety.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Symbols for Control Panels Symbol Description Control panel-basic shape FACP Fire alarm control panel FSA Fire systems annunciator alarm FAA Annunciator panel-from NECA 100, symbol 7.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Symbols for Signal Initiating Devices and Switches Symbol HL CO2 DC FO WC P CA WM DL MB DK PRE Description Comments Manual station Basic shape Manual station-Halon Manual station-carbon dioxide Manual station-dry chemical Manual station-foam Manual station-wet chemical Manual station-pull station Manual station-clean agent Manual station-water mist Manual station-deluge sprinkler Fire alarm master box Drill key Preaction system Fire service or emergency t
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Symbols for Signal Initiating Devices and Switches Symbol Description Comments Abort switch-foam FO Abort switch-wet WC Abort switch-clean agent CA Abort switch-water mist WM Abort switch-deluge sprinkler DL Abort switch-preaction system PRE Abort switch-emergency power off EPO Automatic detection and supervisory devices Basic shape Heat detector (thermal detector) Symbol orientation not to be changed Heat detector-combination rate-of-rise a
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Symbols for Signal Initiating Devices and Switches Symbol P I BT BR ASD Description Comments Smoke detector Symbol orientation not to be changed Smoke detector-photoelectric products of combustion detector Smoke detector-ionization products of combustion detector Smoke detector-beam transmitter Smoke detector-beam receiver Smoke detector-air sampling Smoke detector for duct Gas detector Indicate ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR)
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Symbols for Indicating Appliances Symbol Description Comments Mini-horn Gong Water motor alarm (water motor gong) V VS G GS T C Shield optional Bell-vibrating Bell-vibrating/strobe Bell-single stroke gong Bell-single stroke gong/strobe Bell-trouble Bell chime Horn with light as separate assembly Horn with light as one assembly Rotating beacon to indicate emergency response points Remote alarm indicating and test switch Symbols for Related Equipment Symbol
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 The Difference Between Codes and Standards The terms code and standard are often used interchangeably, however each has a very different meaning. Codes are the written rules and regulations that are adopted as law by an Authority Having Jurisdiction for enforcement. These codes are the minimums that must be complied with to provide a reasonable degree of life, health and fire safety. The codes are written based on the standards.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Section 9.6.2.1.0 The “Detection” Provision Specifies requirements for automatic detection. This section should always be reviewed, even if the building is not required to have a fire alarm system under the general statement for that occupancy class. There are two types of detection devices automatic and manual. The automatic detection devices include smoke detectors, heat detectors and water flow switches.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 etc.) or cover a geographical area for smoke and heat detection. Most conventional zones use a two-wire system with an end of line resistor for supervision. Conventional zones support two types of devices: dry contact and powered. The dry contact type devices are devices that use a normally open switch that closes on activation and create an alarm.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Circuit Types Fire alarm circuits are wired either Class A or Class B and both have advantages and disadvantages. The Class A circuit utilizes a pair of wires to attach to all of the devices and then a pair returns back to the panel. NFPA 72 requires that a minimum distance separates the outgoing and return wires on class A wiring. If a break occurs anywhere in the circuit, every device is still active due to the redundant circuit paths.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 For areas with smooth and flat ceilings that are ten feet in height or lower: • A spacing of 30 feet shall be permitted as a guide for smoke detector placement. Smoke detectors do not have a listed spacing. • All points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance equal to .7 times the selected spacing.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Flat Ceilings A. For ceiling heights of 12 feet or less and beam depths of 2 feet or less: Use smooth ceiling spacings running in the direction of the beams, and 1/2 the smooth ceiling spacing for the direction perpendicular to the beams. Spot type detectors may be installed either on the ceiling or on the bottom of the beams. NFPA 72 2007, 5.7.3.2.4.3 B.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 DO NOT INSTALL WITHIN 4” OF PEAK ANYWHERE IN THIS AREA 900mm (3 ft) 900mm (3 ft) 1/2 S S S 1/2 S DWG# 55-5 S = SPACE BETWEEN DETECTORS = SMOKE DETECTOR OR HEAT DETECTOR Raised Floors and Suspended Ceilings Spaces between raised floors and above suspended ceilings shall be treated as separate rooms for smoke detector spacing purposes.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Residential Smoke Detector Requirements Smoke detectors are required in all residential occupancies. Over 80% of all fire deaths occur in residential occupancies. All residential occupancies need a minimum of a single station smoke detector on each floor of the building. At a minimum these devices are to battery operated, however it is preferred that they are powered from line voltage and have a battery back up.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Smoke Detector Location in Existing Homes Smoke Detectors should be installed outside of the bedrooms in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. When all of the bedrooms are located in one area, one detector is sufficient. If the bedrooms are separated, multiple detectors are required. In addition, at least one detector shall be installed per floor.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Heat Detectors 1. Heat detectors are not considered life safety equipment, they are for property protection only. 2. Heat detectors should be installed where conditions are not favorable for smoke detectors such as kitchens, garages, attics, boiler rooms, etc. 3. The maximum ceiling temperature in the area where the heat detector is installed must be 20 degrees or more below the operating temperature of the heat detector.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Manual Alarm Stations The building code sets the requirements for where pull stations are required, how to install them and the stipulations for installing. A minimum of one manual station or pull station is required to be installed anytime a fire alarm or monitored sprinkler system is installed. The pull station must be installed where indicated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Notification Audible and Visual Notification Appliances The building code, AHJ or other governing code or standard determines the requirements for occupant notification. This notification could be audible only, visual only or both. Once the notification requirement is determined by the appropriate source, the required equipment shall be installed in accordance with the enforced version of NFPA 72.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Location Average Sound Level (dba) Business Occupancies Educational Occupancies Industrial Occupancies Institutional Occupancies Mercantile Occupancies Mechanical Rooms Piers and Water Surrounded Structures Places of Assembly Residential Occupancies Storage Occupancies Thoroughfares, high density urban Thoroughfares, medium density urban Thoroughfares, rural and suburban Tower Occupancies
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Visual Notification The requirement for visual notification appliances comes from the applicable building code. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires strobes in certain instances. Strobe requirements of the ADA apply to new construction of or renovations to portions of buildings open to the general public. Likewise strobes are required by the ADA in portions of any building accessible to a hearing impaired person.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Double the longest distance to determine the maximum room size. 30 Feet x 30 Feet would be the minimum room size used. 15’ 20’ DWG# 55-13 Room Spacing for Ceiling-Mounted Visible Appliances Maximum Room Size m ft m Maximum Ceiling Height Minimum Required Light Output (Effective Density); One Light (cd) ft cd 6.1 x 6.1 20 x 20 3.05 10 15 9.14 x 9.14 30 x 30 3.05 10 30 12.2 x 12.2 40 x 40 3.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Where required, visual devices must be installed in the corridors of a building for visual notification. The corridor must be less than 20 feet wide. If the corridor is wider than 20 feet then the requirements for the room spacing must be applied. The minimum candela rating for the visual devices mounted in corridors is 15 cd. The strobes must be mounted within 15 feet of the end of the corridor and cannot be spaced more than 100 feet apart on center.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Notification Voltage Drop When installing notification devices the installer must be aware of the operating voltage of the devices and ensure that the voltage supplied is within the listing of the device. Failure to make the appropriate calculations could result in the notification circuits to not operate.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Sample Current Draw Spreadsheet Power Requirements (All Currents are in Miliamperes) Model Number PFC-9000 Description Main chassis (12 amp) Quantity 1 Standby x 230 Total Standby = 230 Alarm 380 Total Alarm = 380 SLA-127P Single loop adder x 35 = 50 = DLA-254P Dual loop adder x 35 = 50 = ZA-9008 4 zone NAC card x 80 = 100 = IDC-9004 4 zone NAC card x 35 = 150 = ARM-9008 8 relay circuit module x 25 = 150 = UDACT-9100 D
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 Required Documentation When fire alarm systems are installed, the appropriate documentation must be submitted to the AHJ. The complete system should be submitted including building dimensions to scale with partition walls, duct work and separation barriers.
Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10 System Installation and Troubleshooting Tips Read and Understand All Instructions Before Proceeding. Follow the manufacturers instructions. Never connect or disconnect wiring or circuit boards with any power applied! Test the panel completely before bringing it to the job site. This will eliminate the possibility of installing a defective panel. Perform power calculations to determine if system power supply and wiring are sufficient.
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Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC 5757 Phantom Dr. Ste 125 St. Louis, MO 63042 866.240.1870 314.595.6900 Fax: 314.595.6999 www.pottersignal.
