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]
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 2)
In our last blog, we defined and pointed out some differences between single station and system smoke detection devices. Now let’s turn our attention to what’s involved with the installation of these devices. Labor is usually the biggest cost in installation, so how much labor does it take to install smoke alarms and smoke detectors? [Read More]
What is the Difference between ADA & Section 504 Requirements?
Everyone knows about ADA requirements. They may not know what the requirements are, but they know there are requirements. However, most designers and installers are unfamiliar with Section 504 requirements. Section 504 refers to a section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As the date suggests, it’s actually the precursor to the ADA. This section [Read More]
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