fire alarm -_internal[1]
TRANSCRIPT
MEP FundamentalsFire Protection System
1. What is the difference between fire protection and fire alarm?
2. What are the differences in occupancies?
3. When is a fire alarm system required?
Examples of questions to be answered:
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
DEFINITONSManual Fire Alarm System
Consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the states of manual fire alarm boxes or supervisory signal initiating devicesInitiates the appropriate annunciation response to these signals
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
DEFINITIONSAutomatic Fire Alarm System
Provides emergency functions without the necessity of human interventionActivates as a result of detecting a developing fire condition
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
Fire Protection System can consist of:Automatic Sprinkler SystemsStandpipe SystemsFire Alarm and Detection SystemsCentral Station Monitoring
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
SUPERVISORY DEVICESTamper switchOS & Y valveButterfly valve with indicator paddle and integral tamper switchSupervisory indication at the Fire Alarm Control Panel, and Trouble Signal.
Supervisory Signal& Initiating Devices
• Tamper switch• OS&Y valve• Flow switch• Butterfly valve
with indicator paddle & integral tamper switch
MEP TrainingFire Protection System
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
A Fire Alarm and Detection System is an active fire protection system that detects fire or the effects of fire.
It notifies:OccupantsSurrounding areaFire service
The system controls and monitors all the fire alarm components.
Fundamental Design
Initiating Devices Manual Automatic
Occupant Notification Devices Visual Audible
Emergency Voice Alarm Communicator System (EVAC) Tenant Fire Alarm Systems
Annunciators Initiating Devices Notification Devices
Facility (Landlord) Fire Alarm Control On-site Off-site
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
INITIATING DEVICESResults in activation of Fire Alarm System annunciation devicesManual pull stationsSmoke detectors; duct or areaWater flow switchesRate-of-Rise and Heat detectorsCarbon monoxide detectors
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Manual pull stations
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Smoke detectors
Area Duct
1
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Flow switch (INITIATING)Tamper switch (SUPERVISORY)
Fire department check valve(SUPERVISORY)Fire department
connection
Double check valve
OS&Y or other indicating valve(SUPERVISORY)
Water Flow Switch & Valve supervisory Switches
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Rate-of-Rise and Heat detector
Carbon Monoxide detector
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
OCCUPANT NOTIFICATION DEVICESUse audible and visible alert Horns Strobes Bells
Emergency Voice Alarm Communications (EVAC) systems Speakers Strobes
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
EMERGENCY VOICE ALARM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (EVAC)Pre-alert tone followed by prerecorded message directing the occupantsUsually found in large facilities like Covered MallsSpeakers are automatically activated by the fire alarm system
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
A standard recorded annunciation message is: Attention. Attention. Attention. An
emergency situation has been detected in the building. Proceed to the nearest exit and leave the building. Do not re-enter the building until directed to do so by the proper authorities.
Custom recorded annunciation messages can be provided for specific applications.
Announcement applications might include instructions concerning Weather Alerts, Bomb Threats and any other Emergency Evacuation.
TENANT FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
AnnunciatorsProvides status information about a circuit, condition or location within leased spaceNon-proprietary-furnished and installed by tenant, may be of any manufacturerAlarm condition activates Facility (Landlord) Fire Alarm Control Panel as a separate zoneAlarm condition activates tenant notification devices within leased spaceRequired in tenant leased spaces over 17,000sf
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
TENANT FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Manual and Automatic Initiating DevicesProvide activation of tenant fire alarm system annunciatorNon-proprietary-furnished and installed by tenant, manufacturer compatible with tenant fire alarm system annunciatorRequired in Tenant Leased Spaces over 17,000sf
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
TENANT FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Notification DevicesProvide notification of alarm condition within tenant leased spaceNon-proprietary-furnished and installed by tenant, manufacturer compatible with tenant fire alarm system annunciatorPowered from tenant fire alarm systemRequired in Tenant Leased Spaces over 17,000sf
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
CENTRAL STATIONA supervisory station where alarm signals are transmitted to, recorded in, and maintained by a firm or business approved to furnish and monitor supervised fire alarm systems.
MAIN FACILITY(LANDLORD) FIRE ALARM CONTROLControl PanelPower supply WiringFire safety control devicesIndicates detailed information of Landlord alarms and monitors Tenant Fire Alarm Systems
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Power SupplyPrimary supply
Commercial light and power
Secondary Supply Usually sealed, lead-acid batteries Generators (under strict rules)
Wiring Carries data information
Fire safety control devices Detects abnormal conditions within system
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Codes:International Building Code (IBC)International Fire Code (IFC)International Mechanical Code (IMC)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 72)
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
Examples of types of occupancies:Assembly (A)Business (B)Covered MallMercantile (M)
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
SUMMARY OF MANUAL FIRE ALARM THRESHOLD
Occupancy Threshold Occupant Density
Assembly (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-5)
All, with occupant load ≥300 5 ft²/person where standing 15 ft²/person where tables and chairs
Business (B) Total occupant load of ≥ 500 ≥ 100 above/below level of exit discharge.
100 ft²/person
Mercantile (M)
Total occupant load of ≥ 500 ≥ 100 above/below level of exit discharge.18,000sf for 80/20% sales/warehouse ratio15,000sf for 100% sales area
30 ft²/person sales300 ft²/person stock
Covered Mall (Special)
Not required
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
SUMMARY OF AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION THRESHOLD
Occupancy Threshold Occupant Density
Assembly (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-5)
Not required N/A
Business (B) Not required N/A
Mercantile (M)
Not required N/A
Covered Mall (Special)
Not required N/A
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System
SUMMARY OF ANNUNCIATION FIRE THRESHOLD
Occupancy Threshold Occupant Density
Assembly (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-5)
All, with occupant load ≥300 required for occupant evacuation. Occupant load ≥ 1000 voice/alarm communications system required.
5 ft²/person where standing 15 ft²/person where tables and chairs
Business (B) All, Total occupant load of ≥ 500 ≥ 100 above/below level of exit discharge, for occupant evacuation.
100 ft²/person
Mercantile (M)
All, Total occupant load of ≥ 500 ≥ 100 above/below level of exit discharge, for occupant evacuation.18,000sf for 80/20% sales/warehouse ratio15,000sf for 100% sales area
30 ft²/person sales300 ft²/person stock
Covered Mall (Special)
Square foot > 50,000 voice/alarm communications system required.
1. What is the difference between fire protection and fire alarm?
2. What are the differences in occupancies?
3. When is a fire alarm system required?
Examples of questions answered:
MEP TrainingFire Alarm System