Don’t Leave Your Alarm in Ground Fault Mode

Did you know that leaving your fire alarm system in ground fault mode is a violation of building code requirements?  A ground fault can leave your building and occupants unprotected from fire detection and warnings. Ground faults can affect the operating voltage, resistance or current of fire alarm equipment.  A multi-ground fault warning may even disable the notification circuit altogether, leaving your fire detection system useless.

Repair System Ground Faults for Fire Protection

Repairing fire alarm system ground fault warnings is critical to maintaining protection to building occupants and property.  Only certified fire alarm technicians should repair any fire protection system, as they have been trained in the proper diagnosis and treatment of fault warnings.  Licensed technicians are experienced with using a volt/ohm meter to properly diagnose ground faults by measuring resistance. 

Technicians should assume there is more than one ground fault warning, especially when inspecting systems that have not been serviced regularly.  Regular fire alarm inspections reap big rewards when simple fault warnings are corrected before further damage occurs.  Ground fault warnings can leave your system vulnerable to power surges of external voltage which can permanently damage equipment leading to costly repairs.  

High Rise Security Systems Inspects and Repairs Fire Alarm Systems

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system company, providing professional inspection and repairs to commercial fire and safety systems.  Our technicians are licensed and field trained, with experience in servicing all types of fire alarm systems in a variety of building structures.  We provide protection to all commercial structures, including high-rise buildings, low-rise structures, school campuses, medical complexes and unique building structures.  

HRSS provides fire alarm system design, inspection, testing, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  We are knowledgeable on all local, state and federal fire protection regulations, ensuring that your system is code compliant and meets requirements for permit approvals.

HRSS performs inspection and repair services from licensed fire alarm technicians to properly diagnose ground fault or multiple ground fault warnings. Your safety is our main concern as we ensure your control panel and all related equipment are working properly.  

Obtaining Permit Approval of Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial fire alarm installation requires approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and requires submission of shop drawings and floor plans.  These drawings must include fire alarm wiring schematics, the quantity and placement of fire detection sensors, warning systems, control panels, central monitoring, evacuation routes and any other applicable situation.

HRSS Provides Data Sheets and CAD Drawings for Permit Approval

High Rise Security Systems provides all required data sheets and drawings to obtain permit approval for commercial fire alarm installation or renovations.  We use CAD systems to create detailed fire alarm system designs for review by local authorities.  Floor plan schematics provided by HRSS include:

• Standard scale with compass indicator
• Floor level noted
• Location of all doors, partitions and walls
• Dimensions and use of all rooms
• Location of main power supply
• Location of all fire alarms
• Location of all devices and circuit connection
• Conduits with quantity and type noted
• Location of air supply and air diffusers
• Areas of interfaces and central control  

HRSS creates all drawings and floor plans with CAD systems for visualization of these and all required elements.  We assist with necessary data sheets and required specifications to obtain permit approval for commercial fire alarm installation from the local AHJ.  HRSS is licensed in the state of Illinois, with experience in local code requirements from the city of Chicago and surrounding areas.

We work with building owners, engineers, construction and electrical contractors to ensure your system is code compliant and provides fire protection beyond safety regulations.  We employ skilled design engineers and field trained technicians to provide exceptional customer service with your safety as our number one concern.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety system specialists, helping business and commercial property owners maintain a safe environment for all occupants with code compliant systems.  We provide comprehensive services including fire system design, inspection, testing, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us to learn more about our fire alarm system design services.  

Fire Alarm Safety in ADA Apartments

When constructing multi-family apartments zoned as either R1, R2, R3 or R4, contractors must be aware of the required fire and safety code requirements.  Fire alarms must meet NFPA72 regulations, in addition to NFPA101, IBC and ICC requirements for residential ADA structures.  An addressable fire alarm system is ideal in these buildings, with visual strobe alerts, smoke detectors, smoke alarms and CO detectors required in specific locations.  

Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that new construction have smoke detectors in all bedrooms and any common area that is within 15 feet of bedroom doors.  Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are also required within 15 feet of bedrooms and should be connected to sound in tandem with other devices. Any hardwired smoke or CO detectors must be equipped with dry contact relays for monitoring at the base building system.

Smoke and CO sensors in apartment buildings must be monitored by the fire control panel.  If local ordinances require “supervised” smoke detectors, the fire alarm panel must use a 24V DC power source that communicates fully with all sensors.

Strobe Requirements in ADA Apartments

The fire alarm control panel also controls the commands to turn strobe alerts on or off.  Strobes in ADA apartments cannot be wired to the same notification devices in corridors as the sequence in operation differs.  Strobes require a dedicated 24V DC circuit from the control panel with its own source of power.  This allows the strobes to function in various conditions such as activation of a manual pull station, smoke detection in corridors, water flow alerts, smoke or carbon monoxide detection, elevator recall and other programmable situations.

In any event, when a building owner has been notified of occupants with hearing or visual disabilities, the proper notification alarms must be installed immediately.

High Rise Security Systems is a full-service fire and safety company assisting building owners and contractors with code compliant fire systems in a multitude of commercial properties.  We are experienced in high-rise, low-rise, campuses and mass complexes.  Contact us today to speak with a fire safety specialist and learn more about compliance to ADA apartments.