ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems and NFPA 72

The $2000.00 smoke detector still happens when the FD walks through and starts asking for this, that and the other.

A local amendment required 'double' action pull stations, on a walk through the FD said the ones we had where 'dual' action??????

Anyway with the certificate of occupancy needed the only choice was to change them all out, luckily this building only had 20 or 30 pull stations.

We had approved submittals we did not end up eating the cost, I do not know who did.

On a side note this FD also had requested me to solder the end of line resistors for the radio master box onto the field wiring.

"Those fall off and cause troubles, solder them in place"

"Is it possible tp install smoke detectors without installing a FACP? In other words, can I use a smoke detector to control a relay and thus break a set of contacts and drop out the fan and stop the air circulation in the "Computer room"?"

Yes,
My current project is a small commercial building. No fire alarm system. Two RTUs serve the entire building. We are installing a duct detector in each supply. This was specified by the engineer.

IWIRE is quite right about the speciality of Fire Alarm Systems. I say leave most of that stuff to the specialist. I would much rather inspect behind a Fire alarm specialest who is certified by N.I.C.E.T. (National Institute for Certification of Engineering Technology) than meet a person on the job who doesn't have a clue about the system. In all due respect to the pipe benders, they should leave some of this technology to the specialist who use NFPA 72.

Now answer my question: Do the smoke detectors under the raised floor of the computer room need to sound an alarm or just shut down the air flow?

George,
IMHO, the smokes below the floor require activation of the notification devices per the building code (assuming you use the building code that I'm familiar with).

Ron- I'll check with my Building Inspector and find out what his code says. He uses the Michigan Building Code which is the same as the International Building Code only with minor Michigan amendments. Which code were you referencing?

IBC-2003 907

The computer room smokes I have seen sound an alarm (aoooga ..dive, dive sort of thing)immediately and some time later all of the exciting stuff happens (Halon dumps, power drops etc). It gives you time to run, either to save yourself or to save the Halon.
A hint on how I know ... a 60a 3p Russell Stoll makes big sparks, fire and smoke when it shorts out ;-)

Ron- I'll check out the MBC tomorrow and let you know what it says. I think about the detection system under the hoods in kitchen. They are not designed to sound any audible alarm or visual alarm. I know the HVAC people have a requirement in their code for smoke detectors in the duct work to sound an alarm both visual and audible if the unit is of a certian size. The mechanical people need to have their own alarm system or it has to be tied to the fire alarm system if there is one in the building.

Joe,

As you know,, here in NJ we have Fire Sub Code officials which enforce the location of all fire alarm equipment. As an AHJ I will check the wiring methods of any and all wiring going on in the building butdesign and location and even if the smokes,horns,strobes,etc work or not falls with the Fire AHJ. The same goes for us and elevators. NJ has their own elevator inspectors. I have very little to do with them.