What Does “Fire Alarm System Per NFPA 72” Mean?

 

When the fire alarm plan reviewer writes back, “Provide a Complete Fire Alarm System per NFPA72”

This sentence has been showing up in various correspondences and it is driving me nuts. There are many variables to consider when considering this sentence. 

In short, what does NFPA 72 say about key points in its requirements:

1)    Design submittals and drawings should be submitted and created by a qualified individual that understands the code requirement.

2)    All selected devices shall be UL listed for the purpose of their application.

3)    Install approved listed manual and automatic detection devices in the right locations, supervise the devices, its wiring  and assure they are supported with redundant power. Refer to the building code for when to manually or automatically protect the building type.

4)    The fire alarm control panel shall be a listed supervised control panel and function to a typical operating standard so a fireman can interpret and operate the system.  Redundant proper power for a fire panel is required here. 

5)    There should be proper Notification that meets both Audible and Visual requirements throughout the facility. Maintain 15 dB over ambient and make sure strobes lights are seen in all public spaces.  All Wiring to be supervised.

6)    Provide proper fire alarm interfaces to building control equipment such as fans, elevators, locking devices or unlocking devices so the building is tenable under the most hazardous unforeseen scenarios. 

7)    In larger or systems where building occupancies will remain in the building, system wiring may need special design consideration to ensure longer survivability requirements. 

8)    If required by the Authority, the fire alarm system shall be monitored by a listed agency and needs to function within a 90 second maximum response time, from the point of detection to Dispatch notification.     

Though there is a definition in NFPA72 for complete coverage and guidelines on how to apply smoke detectors for alarm response times, nowhere in NFPA 72 does it say to provide 100% coverage in all locations or does it call out specific building areas. Therefore, when someone says to provide a Complete Fire Alarm System per NFPA 72, it should not be interpreted as meaning 100% smoke detection coverage in all areas.

So, if you want 100% supervised smoke detection or heat detection coverage throughout the building the correct request should be written, “ Provide 100% supervised smoke detection or Provide 100% coverage throughout as outlined by NFPA72 regardless of sprinkler coverage” . There should be clarity in separating the use of UL 217 Smoke Detector Alarms from UL 268 Smoke Detection devices.

Note that NFPA 72 does recognize the sprinkler system as an automatic detection system when the sprinkler system is 100% supervised by the base building fire alarm panel.  And realize there is language in other code documents that eliminate the need for smoke detection when the building is 100% equipped with a code compliant automatic sprinkler system. In summary, when complying with the Statement to “provide a Complete Fire Detection System per NFPA 72” the standard does recognize a code compliant sprinkler system as an approved method of building protection eliminating the need to provide 100% smoke detector coverage.        

HRSS is a leading fire alarm and life safety system provider in the Chicago area, protecting commercial properties of all types, structures, and occupancies. We ensure complete code compliance to all NFPA standards as well as those set forth by local, state, and federal organizations including the International Building Code, IBC, and the Chicago Building Code. Contact us to ensure your property is protected with code compliance to NFPA 72 and all other fire safety regulations.

 

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/uncategorized/what-does-fire-alarm-system-per-nfpa-72-mean/