In a previous blog, we discussed which Chicago Construction Codes have already been updated, which are going to be updated on 8/1/20 and which are going to be updated in 2021. We’ve also reviewed one of the upcoming changes to fire alarm requirements in Chicago. In this blog, we’ll continue to identify changes to required [Read More]
What Are The Changes In The New Chicago Fire Code?
We’ve been asked by many design firms and installers whether the adoption of the new Chicago Building Code (CBC) will affect the existing requirements for fire alarm systems. The actual changes to the Chicago Fire Code won’t be adopted until 2021, but there are changes in the new CBC that can affect fire alarms systems [Read More]
What Are the Changes In The New Chicago Construction Code?
The Chicago Construction Codes are about to undergo a major update on August 1, 2020. At this time, they are generally grouped together under Titles 13, 15 and 18 of the Chicago Municipal Code, but will be broken out into their own sub-titles in Title 14. A letter designation will title the sub-tile to reflect [Read More]
Can I Install an Emergency Voice System Without a Microphone?
I was recently asked whether a designer that wanted to use a voice message as a general alarm announcement for a fire alarm system that would not by code require an emergency voice system, be required to have a microphone installed as well. I hadn’t run into that situation before, but it makes sense to [Read More]
Is it appropriate to put a fire alarm panel in an unconditioned space?
It can be hard to find a good home for the fire alarm panel. If the owner doesn’t want the panel in the entrance and there isn’t space in an electrical room, it tends to be put in a ‘back of the house’ location. What if the best choice is an unconditioned space (no temperature [Read More]
New Electrical Code for the City of Chicago
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The City of Chicago has adopted the 2017 version of NFPA 70 (NEC) as its new electrical code, with amendments of course. The new code is set to become effective on March 1, 2018. I’ve got a copy of that new code and have begun going over the fire alarm/voice evacuation section to find variations [Read More]
Can I use a PBX phone line for a DACT connection to the fire department?
With the impending discontinuation of the hard copper (POTS) phone lines, and in fact many municipalities already no longer have hard copper pairs from end user to the fire department dispatch center, is it a violation of NFPA 72 if the DACT connections to the fire department use PBX phone lines? Some fire alarm system [Read More]
Does a sprinkler in a LULA elevator pit mandate elevator recall?
I get this question on occasion when there is confusion over the relationship between elevators and sprinklers. The short answer is probably not. The base requirement of ASME 17.1 (2007) Sec. 2.27.3.2.1(c), which calls for fireman’s service if a sprinkler head is in the hoistway, is exempted for electric Limited Use/Limited Access (LULA) elevators by [Read More]
Can I Use VoIP to Replace My Fire Alarm Telephone Lines?
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Utilizing the internet to send fire alarm signals to a monitoring station is a subject that confuses end users, designers and installers alike. Many installers will just say ‘You can’t’ regardless of the equipment currently used, even though that’s usually not the case. While it’s true that older, existing equipment probably can’t use VoIP, there are options [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]
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