One of the newer methods of installing fire alarm devices involve the use of wireless detectors and audio/visual devices. Before considering whether to utilize these devices, a designer of record should verify the local jurisdiction allows these devices to be used. For example, Section 907.6.1 of the 2020 Chicago Building Code allows these devices to [Read More]
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New Chicago Fire Alarm Requirements, Part 2
In a previous post, we went over the changes in fire alarm requirements in Chicago educational occupancies. Today we’ll discuss the changes for Group B and M occupancies in Chicago. To start, the Chicago Building Code (CBC) business occupancy designation has changed from Class E to Group B and mercantile occupancies have changed from Class [Read More]
Are Fire Alarm Strobes Required in the City of Chicago?
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Update 8/1/20: With the adoption of the new Chicago Building Code effective August 1, 2020, as well as an update of the Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC) in October 2018, strobes are now required in fire alarm installations in Chicago. There are no longer Class I or Class II type fire alarm systems in Chicago. The [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]
New Chicago Building Code Fire Alarm Equipment Requirements
In our recent blogs, we discussed some of the the new Chicago Building Code (CBC) requirements that will take effect on August 1, 2020. Let’s now take a look at the effect the new code will have on fire alarm equipment requirements in Chicago. We’ll begin today with E-1 Educational occupancies, which are primarily K-12 [Read More]
New Chicago Building Code Educational Occupancy Fire Alarm Requirements
The fire alarm requirements in Chicago have always been somewhat unique from other large cities and definitely different than the suburban requirements. That’s expected, but the accumulation of requirements via policies, memorandums and rules rather than by municipal code made keeping track of specific requirements difficult. The implementation of the new Title 14B of the [Read More]
New Chicago Construction Code Impact on Fire Alarm Shop Drawings
A brief overview of the new City of Chicago shop drawing requirements.
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]
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]
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