Hello,

I'm preparing a design to replace an existing fire alarm system with voice evacuation in a six-story building in Southern California. I'm not familiar with the special requirements for high rise buildings. The existing wiring is run in EMT throughout, my question is: is the conduit required or can we run the wiring for the replacement system "open".

We are designing this system as a "like-for-like" replacement to avoid a full submittal to the city.

Thank you,
Nathan

First off, if it's "like for like", why are you thinking about changing the way that the wiring is protected? If it's in EMT, run the new stuff in EMT.

Secondly, if I read your post correctly, you're intending that there won't be a permit pulled for working on a fire alarm system in a high rise building.

For the first, ask the AHJ; for the second, don't even think about it. Go through the correct channels, get a permit, get it inspected and do right.

There shouldn't have to BE any new wiring necessary on a "like for like", should there?