Commercial Fire Alarms
When it comes to designing a commercial fire alarm systems, the NFPA-72 (National Fire Protection Association) states that: “Fire alarm system plans and specifications shall be developed in accordance with this code by a person who is experienced in the proper design installation and testing of fire alarm systems.” Commercial fire alarm systems designed in accordance to current fire alarm code must be performed by a (FPE) fire alarm protection engineer with a current state fire alarm license or electrical engineer with the specific knowledge of the current state, federal and local fire alarm codes. The fire alarm engineer is the person that is responsible for the design and operation of a fire alarm system while the fire alarm contractor is responsible for the installation, maintenance and fire alarm programming and central station testing.
The fire alarm engineer is required to have specific and precise understanding of the applicable building fire codes as it relates to the interaction of the commercial fire alarm system with other life safety functions such as fire detection systems, fire suppression system, fire protection systems, ventilation systems, air control systems, heating and elevator recall systems in accordance to the national fire alarm code.
Fire alarm installation and upgrades must be performed with a licensed commercial fire alarm contractor in your local area. The NFPA 72 is the fire alarm code that governs the installation of industrial and commercial/ residential fire alarm systems. It states: “Fire alarm system plans, specifications and installation shall be developed in accordance with this code by a person who is experienced in the proper design, installation and testing of fire alarm systems.”
Federal, state and local fire alarm codes determine how a commercial fire alarm system must be installed, maintained, inspected and tested in commercial buildings. Even though the fire alarm designer is responsible for the design and operation of a fire alarm system, the fire alarm contractor is the responsible for the installation, operation and programming. Electronic Eyes Inc., your fire alarm company will have experience and knowledge to install a fire alarm system in accordance with the designed plans and applicable fire alarm codes and regulations.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA72) is the fire alarm industries non-profit organization whose responsibilities include setting and regulating the standards, requirements and codes for fire detection, fire suppression, fire protection, fire prevention and commercial fire alarms. The NFPA 72 fire alarm code is revised every three years based on the feedback and changes in the fire alarm industry.
Founded in 1896, the mission of the international non-profit NFPA is to reduce the burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by creating, providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, training, research and education dedicated to further the advancement and goals of the fire alarm industry.
Fire alarm maintenance and cleaning is performed on each device to eliminate future problems and keep your fire alarm system operating to its full capacity. Electronic Eyes Inc., can offer a variety of extended cost effective service plans to control costs.
Before installing an industrial fire alarm or commercial fire alarm system, consider the expense of long term maintenance and service. For instance, addressable fire alarm systems are designed to poll and check the sensitivity of each device such as smoke detectors and complete supervisory functions are less expensive when it comes to maintenance than conventional fire alarm systems that must be manually checked.
NFPA 72 code states chapter 10 Inspection testing and maintenance:
Chapter 10
10.2.2 Responsibilities
10.2.2.1
The owner or the owners designated representative shall be responsible for inspection testing and maintenance of the system and alterations or additions to this system.
10.2.2.2
The delegation of responsibility shall be in writing with a copy of such delegation provided to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.
10.2.2.3
Inspection testing or maintenance shall be permitted to be done by persons or organizations other than the owner if conducted under contract. There are many codes written in the NFPA 72 code book.
These codes are written to protect the property owner. It is extremely important that when a fire system is installed in a commercial property or residential that it be well installed and well tested. In a commercial application, the system should be designed and upon completion a certificate of completion be given to the owner and the AH (Authority Having Jurisdiction).
When a system is taken over it should be inspected thoroughly and a certificate of inspection and passing should be given to the property owner and the AHJ these certificates should always be kept on file if in the event they are requested from the insurance company or an AHJ. All system that are 10 years old or older should be replaced. All monitoring of fire alarm systems must be set to test with central station with a 24 test timer. Always ask for the installers License and insurance before having a system installed. get to know the installing company and always ask for references. All wiring and devices should always be installed to NFPA 72, Life safety 101, NEC code.
Fire alarm design is a complex job that must be performed by a licensed fire alarm engineer. Most consumers contact their local fire alarm company for assistance in the project. A fire alarm engineer designs a commercial fire alarm system based on the current NFPA-72 fire alarm code and requirements.
Fire alarm parts usually consist of:
- Announcer
Battery
Control Panel
Duct Detector
Heat Detector
Strobe (Interior and Exterior)
Horn Strobe
Power Supply
Control relays
Digital Alarm Communicator
Pull Station
Smoke Detector
Tamper Switches
Flow Switches
Service Plans
Repair Services
Troubleshooting
Technical Support
Software Upgrades