Commercial Fire Alarm Installation: The Shop Drawing

This article was published on 1/4/2017    and updated on  1/25/2022

Each element of the detection, notification, and evacuation systems for any building must conform to all relevant fire safety standards. Only duly Registered Design Professionals (RDP) should prepare and present the plans for installation. Appropriate local authorities must certify the completeness and accuracy of any designs for fire detection systems. The plans must abide by guidelines set by an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which may be the local fire authorities.

The fire alarm system design should include every element of the fire alarm system and must meet the standards set by the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72. These system plans are to be developed only by fire safety specialists with clear credentials that demonstrate their experience in designing, installing, and testing fire detection and notification systems. The AHJ will verify these credentials before proceeding.

Once the fire alarm system design is approved, the AHJ must be notified prior to any commercial fire alarm installation being performed.

HRSS Fire Alarm System Design

Fire detection systems, simply put, are developed to detect smoke and potential fire, simultaneously notify occupants and fire emergency services in time to evacuate the facility and allow the fire department personnel to eliminate the threat.

In Chicago, High Rise Security Systems designs fire detection and notification systems for all types of commercial buildings. The fire alarm designs must meet all local jurisdiction requirements to ensure the safety of all occupants and assets within the building. No building system is as essential as the fire security network. HRSS works to ensure owners and local authorities that each element is in full compliance with NFPA 72 and all local regulations.

Immediate detection, quick notification and response are the keys to safe and reliable fire alarm system operation.

Shop Drawing Requirements

A fire alarm system designer must address the unique attributes of each building as all structures are different with various challenges. For example, a chemical factory has a different set of criteria and needs than an office building. The fire alarm system for a hospital will be designed differently than for an apartment building.

With so many different types and uses of buildings, plus stacks of regulations that pertain to each situation, the commercial fire alarm installation designer has the responsibility to create the appropriate designs.

The shop drawing is a detailed architectural drawing that will depict wiring schematics, the quantity and placement of fire detection systems, fire warning systems, control panels, annunciators, central monitoring, fire suppression systems (if applicable), and define all evacuation routes.

For the purpose of identification, the schematic should specify the:

●        Name of the building

●        System Installer/Contractor

●        Owner/Occupants

●        Location of the building

●        Legend designating the types of devices per NFPA 70

●        Dates of issue and revisions, if applicable.

Floor Plan

Using CAD, a computer aided design, HRSS technicians can duplicate the precise floor plan of the building to visualize exactly how many detection devices and notification equipment are needed and where they should be placed. From this exercise, the actual shop drawing of the commercial fire alarm installation may be developed for review by the local authorities.

The schematic of the plan should depict:

●        Floor or level designation or number

●        Compass direction indicator

●        Scale (Standard scale for architecture is 1/8″ = 1 foot. Another scale is possible for smaller or larger buildings, but an accurate scale/proportion key is required.)

●        Location of doors, walls, and partitions (if they reach to 90% of the wall height)

●        Room dimensions and descriptions of their use

●        Fire alarms and all accessory locations

●        Location of the primary electric supply

●        Areas of central control and various interfaces

●        Devices connected to each circuit

●        Quantity and types of conduits for each circuit

●        Source of air supply and site of air diffusers

 

NOTIFIER™ by Honeywell Fire Detection and Notification Devices

While many fire detection and alarm systems are available today, NOTIFIER™ by Honeywell produces the most reliable and comprehensive systems available. High Rise Security Systems, an entirely dedicated fire safety company, is certified to design, test, inspect, maintain, and monitor all phases of the fire safety systems.NOTIFIER™ by Honeywell commercial fire alarms include wireless connectivity between their detection devices, all notification devices, and any exterior monitoring equipment. The various Gateway networks can be set up to communicate instantly with any external communications systems.

NOTIFIER annunciators link with each device in the system to give an immediate assessment to firefighters as they arrive to control the emergency. Notification systems may include prerecorded or live loudspeaker instructions to occupants to evacuate or to proceed to a safe zone. Also, flashing strobe lights and horns add to the notification systems to ensure all occupants are aware of a potential emergency.

Shop Drawing Protocol for Risers

Building risers are channels or pipes built into building walls and floors to direct wiring and cable for the building’s many uses. These are necessary for protecting electrical supply, in this case, for commercial fire alarm installation and fire detection purposes.

For system riser diagrams, designers should verify the following:

●        Arrangement of the building in a cross section to identify riser channels

●        Show how many risers exist within the structure

●        Number of circuits in each channel

●        Type and number of fire detection and notification devices on each floor

●        Quantity of conductors for each circuit

Control Panel Drawings

Control panels are the heart of fire detection systems. Here all settings are monitored, warnings are received, and the status is sent electronically to all predetermined points, whether to a central monitoring location or a remote, designated agency for rapid response.

The control panel portion of the shop drawings should include:

●        Type, model number, and location of the control panel should be clearly defined

●        Depict all wiring terminals and circuitry

●        Identify circuits connected to remote wiring terminals

●        Full text of all labels on manual controls and indicators

●        Show all connections to any supervising or monitoring stations and fire safety control interfaces

Annunciator

Included in the shop drawings for most larger structures should be the location and links for the annunciator. This panel must be strategically placed to allow for quick access by emergency fire personnel who then can determine the origin, status, and location of all fire detection and notification devices. Located near an entry location, the annunciator will facilitate the correct response by emergency personnel and direct them to the proper areas of the structure.

Final Approval Process

Installer Verification

After approval of the plan and the installation, the installer must submit a record of completion that attests to the fact that the work has been completed according to specification and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions and NFPA requirements.

Authorities will verify the installer’s qualifications which should include one or more of the following:

●        Registered or licensed by a local or state office for installing and testing fire detection systems

●        Certified by a certified national fire prevention organization

●        Certified that the installer was certified by the manufacturer and has received factory training for the fire alarm system design and emergency communications. The individual must be deemed acceptable by the AHJ according to the standards set by NFPA 72-10.

Security Notification: Dual Duty

Notification alarm systems may also have an access control element to notify occupants of the presence of any unauthorized intruders and other potential dangers. While this is not a design part of the fire notification system, the system can be used for this purpose.

Also, to this end, a central locking and unlocking system may play an important role in fire safety and security systems.

Final Approval

Final approval of the fire detection system is the result of the examination, testing, and certification of the systems by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Fire Alarm Monitoring Service

Once the building and the fire detection system is commissioned, employing a reputable fire alarm monitoring service is an important step. Hiring the fire safety company that designed and installed the system is by far the best solution since these experts are certified and aware of the locations of every device and how they are connected.

The monitoring service provided by a professional fire safety monitoring service such as HRSS in Chicago acts as an overseer that monitors, responds to, and maintains the system. Professional, trained personnel will oversee the detection and notification devices and react appropriately to any emergency.

Ongoing Maintenance

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, delivers ongoing maintenance and testing for all fire and smoke detection systems. Over time, these may accumulate dust and grime that, if left unattended, may create malfunctions. HRSS technicians will clean and retest elements and replace anything that may become worn. Ongoing preventive maintenance will ensure peace of mind that the system will always be working correctly. The intent is to provide building owners with peace of mind that emergencies will be detected in time to allow everyone to evacuate safely if necessary.

HRSS is a leading fire and life safety system provider with expertise in complete system design to meet all code regulations and provide maximum protection to property and people. Our skilled, licensed, and trained technicians provide routine maintenance, testing, inspection, repairs, and upgrades. Contact us for assistance with your fire and life safety system from the design phase, through installation and ongoing operation for maximum safety and protection.

 

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-installation/commercial-fire-alarm-installation-shop-drawing/

 

Fire Alarm Maintenance Inspection Checklist

This article was published on 3/2/2017   and updated on  1/18/2022

Installing a state-of-the-art, highly sophisticated fire detection and notification system in your high-rise residential, office, or medical facility is only the beginning. Though these systems may be able to identify rapidly developing fire and smoke threats instantly, they are only effective in saving lives if they are properly maintained.

Whether the fire alarm system is more than a decade old or newly installed, fire alarm maintenance must always be an ongoing priority. Forgetting to test and repair your alarm system can result in loss of life, physical injuries, and extensive property damage.

Finding a Fire Alarm Maintenance Partner

If you have not already done so, working with a qualified, trustworthy fire alarm service company to partner with is an essential first step. The company should be fully licensed and recognized for their expertise in designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing every element of the fire alarm system.

Establishing an ongoing fire alarm maintenance program allows building owners and facility supervisors to focus on other operational details of a large building or campus. Detection and notification systems are complex and should not be serviced or repaired by your regular maintenance personnel. Fire and smoke sensors are delicate and often connected wirelessly to an intricate security network. Any improper adjustment can jeopardize the protection the systems should provide.

Ongoing Testing and Maintenance

Frequent inspection of the fire detection and notification systems are vital to the safety of the occupants and contents of the building or campus. Local authorities may only require a certification of testing once per year, but many elements of the system should be tested, inspected, and documented more frequently.

System components, like any other mechanical devices, accumulate dust and grime over time. Parts tend to wear out with age. Systems can malfunction as a result and create problems that can be fatal. Professional fire alarm maintenance experts know where to look and can identify elements that must be cleaned or replaced.

Thorough testing by trained professionals will signal any malfunction in the system and location of the problem. The results guide the specialist to repair or replace any device or part that will solve the problem to bring your alarm system to an “all systems ready” mode.

Your fire alarm maintenance partner has the technical skills and training to manage all fire alarm inspection procedures, which can range from the proper cleaning of delicate smoke detection devices to replacement of notification devices and control panels.

Recording All Maintenance Activities

All maintenance activity or adjustments to any elements of the fire alarm systems should be recorded and filed with installation documents and manufacturer operations and maintenance instructions. This information is necessary for subsequent service personnel to understand the existing conditions and for fire alarm system inspectors to monitor all work performed.

The maintenance specialist should record any deficiencies encountered and the actions taken to remedy the situation.

Objectives of Professional Fire Alarm Inspections and Maintenance

Your fire alarm maintenance company will provide regular maintenance to ensure your systems are in perfect order for quick notification of occupants. These devices must also alert local emergency personnel to a potential smoke or fire event. Also, proper maintenance will make sure the systems meet the requirements of the:

●        National Fire Protection Association, NFPA

●        Local Authority Having Jurisdiction, AHJ

●        Manufacturer’s recommended inspection frequency and standards

●        Annual system inspection

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection of the components may identify obvious problems such as loose wiring, damaged outer casings or, in some systems, determine the cause of unwarranted warning notifications. Closer examination of the physical condition of control panels, smoke detection equipment, warning devices, and any fire suppression equipment is essential to detect damage caused by vandalism or other factors. Emergency related systems like access control, elevator recall, and HVAC shutdown must also be inspected and tested regularly.

Maintenance experts and fire officials will also look for excessive accumulations of soot and grime that may impair the normal function of the fire detection systems.

Fire Alarm Systems Testing

Inspectors will always look for irregularities that affect normal operations of the detection and notification systems. Modifications to the intended design can be very dangerous, resulting in overall system failure. Moreover, when delicate smoke detection equipment has been manually altered or exposed to a harsh environment, the devices may not work when needed.

Inspection Checklist

Qualified fire alarm maintenance experts will perform detailed testing during their maintenance visits to ensure all systems are in a fully operational condition in case of emergency. The annual testing process which is required by local and national authorities is rigorous, so maintenance procedures should make sure that systems will not fail. A complete inspection involves the following elements:

1. Control Panel: The control panel is the heart of the entire system. In larger buildings and with today’s connectivity, the control panel links all devices within the system to a central monitoring location and the local fire department.
2. Circuitry: The licensed technician should inspect for wear and tear or possible disconnections. In a wired system, the effectiveness of the entire network is dependent on the connections being sound.
3. Detectors: Smoke detectors are often the first line of defense against the threat of fire. These devices work with either photoelectric or infrared detection techniques or both. To test, the technician will introduce an aerosol designed for this purpose to determine if the detection systems are working. If the detectors do not react, they may need to be replaced or repaired. In any case, the technicians should thoroughly clean the detectors to ensure the highest level of sensitivity.
4. Manual Alarm Pull Stations: In systems where manual pull levers operate fire alarms, handles should be activated to determine that they are working properly. If alarms do not respond, the technician will replace the device immediately.
5. Heat Detectors: As another line of defense, sometimes heat detection will activate sensors before smoke is detected. Therefore, the testing personnel should test each device by applying heat to the sensor area to make sure these function as needed. During maintenance visits, the sensors should be cleaned or replaced to ensure quick detection and notification when required.
6. Notification Devices: Modern warning devices are more than alarms. Supplementing the traditional alarm bells with horns or prerecorded audible directions guide individuals to safe areas or evacuation zones. Visual notification devices are also available. These may utilize LED, prerecorded visual instructions directing people to evacuation routes.
7. Auxiliary Power Sources: Auxiliary power sources are critical elements of a fire alarm system. Making sure the batteries or backup electrical source are working properly is an essential part of any fire alarm system.
8. Battery Chargers: When batteries are the primary or backup source of power for the system, the technician should inspect and test the charger regularly to make sure it is operational.
9. Door and Damper Releases: In the case of fire emergencies, doors should automatically unlock for quick evacuation. Dampers in the building should shut to prevent the potential expansion of the danger.
10. Annunciators: Checking the annunciators to make sure they accurately portray the location of each fire alarm and smoke detector in the building is essential. This equipment must be located near the entrances of the building to give the entering emergency personnel a clear map of the emergency devices.
11. Central Monitoring: The inspection process will check if and how quickly the central emergency department will receive the signal from the building’s emergency alert system. In any emergency, quick response is crucial to minimize the potential for injury or damage.
12. Detection Devices in Elevator Shafts and Secondary Areas: Testing smoke and heat detection devices in locations like elevator shafts, utility rooms, storage areas, and annexes is necessary since these are possible locations of fire outbreak.

Regular Preventive Maintenance

It is no coincidence that a regular, professional maintenance program sounds very much like an annual inspection. While the inspection is an annual event required by the local authorities, some of these steps should be part of the regular maintenance cycle by a licensed fire alarm maintenance company.

High Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Alarm Maintenance

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, a Premier Distributor of NOTIFIER™️ by Honeywell fire detection systems, provides maintenance and testing services for all types of fire alarm systems. Certified by UL and NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies), HRSS experts are fully trained and licensed.

HRSS has been providing professional fire alarm services for over 30 years. The company offers state-of-the-art equipment and support to protect all buildings from high-rise office structures to sprawling medical facilities and university campuses.

HRSS employs state-of-the-art design techniques to collaborate on new construction and retrofit projects. Our fire safety specialists integrate fire protection systems with access control and security networks to provide complete protection for building occupants. Contact us for safety and peace of mind with a thorough, professional, licensed fire alarm system maintenance inspection.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/fire-alarm-maintenance/