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 control)?
NFPA 72 and the NEC give guidance regarding panel locations. NFPA 72 Chapter 10.3.5 states:
10.3.5 Equipment shall be designed so that it is capable of performing its intended functions under the following conditions:
(1)*At 85 percent and at 110 percent of the nameplate primary (main) and secondary (standby) input voltage(s)
(2) At ambient temperatures of 0°C (32°F) and 49°C (120°F)
(3) At a relative humidity of 85 percent and an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F)
Most, if not all, manufacturers have the same temperature requirements and are more forgiving with the humidity/ambient temperature requirement.
The NEC (NFPA 70) gives guidance regarding the working space required around the fire panel. Chapter 110.26, which governs spaces about electrical systems of 600 volts or less, states:
110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment. Access and
working space shall be provided and maintained about all
electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and
maintenance of such equipment.
. You could cite 110.26 in its entirety, as there are a number of subsections that would apply, but as an example 110.26(E) states:
(E) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
(1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with 11 0.26(E)(1)(a) through (E)( 1)(d).
a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical instal1ation shall be located in this zone.
(b) Foreign Systems. The area above the dedicated space required by 110.26(E)(1 )(a) shall be permitted to contain foreign systems, provided protection is installed to avoid damage to the electrical equipment from condensation, leaks, or breaks in such foreign systems.
(c) Sprinkler Protection. Sprinkler protection shall be permitted for the dedicated space where the piping complies with this section.
(d) Suspended Ceilings. A dropped, suspended, or similar ceiling that does not add strength to the building structure shall not be considered a structural ceiling.
Two different codes plus the manufacturer’s operating parameters demonstrate the intent of protecting control equipment to ensure safe, proper & sustained functionality. This would certainly apply to life safety panels.
Affiliated Fire Systems, along with Honeywell – Gamewell/FCI, has the experience and resources to keep your installation compliant the first time around. Feel free to contact us regading any code or equipment questions you may have via our ‘Contact Us’ page or calling 630.434.7900.
Gene Rowe
Affiliated Fire Systems
About Gene Rowe
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