When can fire alarm circuits be run in an elevator shaft?
Fire Alarm Signals For Sleeping Areas vs. Sleeping Units
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Awaking to a smoke detector or fire alarm activation can be a jarring experience. It’s supposed to be. The point is to be awakened as quickly as possible.
When is CI Cable Used For Hospital Notification Circuits?
NFPA 72 Chapter 23.10.2 states: “Fire alarm systems used for partial evacuation and relocation shall be designed and installed so that attack by fire within a notification zone shall not impair control and operation of the notification appliances outside that notification zone.” Most, if not all hospitals use partial evacuation or relocation when a fire [Read More]
Do fire alarm horns have to be synchronized?
Since 1996, NFPA 72 has required the use of the temporal 3 pattern for the audible fire alarm signal. NFPA 72 Chapter 18.4.2.3 requires the standard temporal 3 evacuation signal to be synchronized within a notification zone. As an example, a zone would be the devices in an apartment corridor. Each apartment would also be [Read More]
When are 2 Hour Rated Circuit Protection for Fire Alarm Systems Required?
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An electrical circuit’s survivability in harsh conditions is defined by the method of its installation. Some circuits that are relied upon to supply power to critical functions related to life safety need extra protection from fire, water and physical damage. Those of us in the fire alarm industry know circuit integrity (CI) cable enhances survivability [Read More]
Are Smoke Detectors Required in Elevator Shafts?
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Top of Shaft Per ASME A17.1 Section 2.27.3.2.1(c), smoke detectors are only allowed in elevator shafts if there are sprinklers installed in the shaft. In Chicago, sprinklers are prohibited at the top of the shaft in non-CMS regulated facilities, so consequently no detection is allowed. If the elevator controller is located in the shaft in [Read More]
Illinois Accessibility Code Strobe Requirements
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The Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC) is the state version of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It’s not just amendments to the ADA. For lack of a better term, it is the ADA for Illinois. The Illinois Capitol Development Board (CDB) issued a new version in late 2018 to be applied to contracts for planning [Read More]
When Are Low Frequency Sounders Required?
As mentioned in our last post, per NFPA 72 Chap. 18.4.6, the sound level of in-unit alarm notification in sleeping areas has to be either 15 dB over ambient, 5 dB over the highest measured sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds or 75 dB at the pillow, whichever is greater. 75 [Read More]
What Are My Residential Smoke Detection Options? (Part 1)
When an apartment building or condominium is built or renovated, an option overlooked by many designers of record is using a system detector instead of a single station smoke alarm in the dwelling units. As with many choices, cost is usually a primary concern. However, the overall cost of the choice is only one consideration [Read More]
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