In our previous blog on this subject, we addressed whether smoke detectors are required in business, healthcare and assembly occupancies if they have sprinklers installed. In this edition, we’ll look at general requirements for educational and residential occupancies, based on the IBC/IFC and NFPA 101. As mentioned in Part 1, it’s important to remember that sprinklers are [Read More]
Archives for 2016
Can Fire Alarm System Smoke Detectors Replace 120 VAC Smoke Detectors?
When it comes to renovations of multi-residential buildings or transient occupancies (hotels, SROs, etc.), one of the considerations that designers of record has is long term costs to the owner. An item the often gets overlooked are the living unit smoke detectors. Most assume that local, 120 vac powered (AKA ‘single station’) smoke detectors [Read More]
If I Have Sprinklers, Do I Need Smoke Detectors? Part 1
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It can be hard to separate life safety code requirements. Much of it can seem redundant, leading some to over-design when they’re not sure what the requirements are. This can be especially true where sprinklers and detection are concerned. It’s important to remember that sprinklers are meant to control the spread of fire, providing occupants that [Read More]
Can Elevators Still Be Used During a Fire Alarm?
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We’ve all seen the signage in elevator lobbies to use the stairs in event of fire. Some signs even say the elevators are out of service in event of fire, but that’s not always true. People may become unsure of what to do when they see an elevator door open on the 30th floor during a fire [Read More]
Elevator Recall Integration with Fire Alarm Systems
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What is elevator recall? When is it required? When should it be integrated with a fire alarm system? How is that accomplished? These are a few of the many questions both elevator and electrical contractors have when elevator work is performed. With the constantly changing technologies and capabilities of elevator control and fire alarm systems, [Read More]
What is Fire Alarm Audibility?
The biggest obstacle to getting occupancy of a completed construction project is getting approval from the fire department. Of all the items checked by the fire department inspector, the biggest concern and hardest to rectify if not compliant is the level of occupant notification in event of a fire alarm activation. If occupants can’t hear [Read More]
Can I Use Fire Alarm Speakers For General Paging?
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The trend in providing today’s building services such as fire alarm and overhead paging is to install them on a common system. Not only does it simplify interaction with these systems since the end user uses one control unit, but it saves money by not having to install and maintain two separate voice systems. Whether or not you [Read More]
Using Wireless Smoke Detectors With Fire Alarm Systems
The newest development coming out of the various fire alarm manufacturers is wireless smoke detectors and control/monitor devices. These UL 268 and UL 864 approved devices can be programmed to act like a stand alone, battery powered smoke detector with the added benefit of being supervised for proper operation and without having to replace the batteries every [Read More]
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