Fire Alarm AC Connection [Archive]

smo

01-25-2008, 06:31 PM

Hello, and thank you for your help.

I am about to install several fire alarm panels monitoring waterflow and gate valves.

The riser rooms are a controlled location and only accessible by authorized personell. Each riser room as a regular AC plug that is on a dedicated circuit. Can I just plug the fire panel into these plugs, or must the fire panel be hardwired to the AC lines?

This is in Utah.

Thanks for the help.

Fire Alarm

01-25-2008, 06:49 PM

It must be hardwired.

MichaelGP3

01-25-2008, 08:52 PM

It must be hardwired.

......to a 20 amp circuit breaker (on an emergency panel, if emergency power is present at the facility in question).

480sparky

01-25-2008, 09:04 PM

......to a 20 amp circuit breaker (on an emergency panel, if emergency power is present at the facility in question).

And typically with a breaker lock on it.

smo

01-25-2008, 09:07 PM

And if no emergency power is present? NFPA 72 1-5.2.3 calls for two power supplies, in my case the primary being commercial AC, and secondary being battery backup. 1-5.2.5.2 calls for the connection to be "mechanically protected".

I kinda assume it should be hardwired, but I can't see in the code where that is required? Is it up to the AHJ?

MichaelGP3

01-25-2008, 09:31 PM

NFPA 72 1-5.2.5.1(b) states ".....having a continuous unfused neutral conductor". A plug and outlet doesn't meet the definition of 'continuous'.

smo

01-25-2008, 09:36 PM

Gottcha...I didn't catch that the first time around. Makes sense.

Thanks everyone.

Fire Alarm

01-25-2008, 09:55 PM

NFPA 72 1-5.2.5.1(b) states ".....having a continuous unfused neutral conductor". A plug and outlet doesn't meet the definition of 'continuous'.

Damn! You're good!

DUCKMAN

01-26-2008, 03:28 PM

And typically with a breaker lock on it.

I do not see where a breaker lock is requred. The breaker must be marked, and the circuit must be mechanically protected, but I do not see a requirement for a breaker lock anywhere. I hear this often, but have yet to see it anywhere in the code.

peter d

01-26-2008, 05:39 PM

The breaker must be marked, and the circuit must be mechanically protected, but I do not see a requirement for a breaker lock anywhere. I hear this often, but have yet to see it anywhere in the code.

You're right, it's not an NFPA 72 requirement. It's a local code in my area.

smo

01-27-2008, 12:10 AM

So what would you make of 1-5.2.5.2 "...Circuit disconnecting means shall have a red marking, shall be accessible only to authorized personnel, and shall be labeled as FIRE ALARM CONTROL."

(Bold added for emphasis)

It seems that some could interpret that to be a lock of some sort, maybe on the whole panel?

I've just started working on my NICET 1 certs (meaning I'm a newbie to fire), so I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to learn...

DUCKMAN

01-27-2008, 10:12 AM

So what would you make of 1-5.2.5.2 "...Circuit disconnecting means shall have a red marking, shall be accessible only to authorized personnel, and shall be labeled as FIRE ALARM CONTROL."

(Bold added for emphasis)

It seems that some could interpret that to be a lock of some sort, maybe on the whole panel?

I've just started working on my NICET 1 certs (meaning I'm a newbie to fire), so I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to learn...

A breaker lock does not prohibit unauthorized personel from shutting off the power. I believe that the intent is that the panel is either locked, or in a locked room.

iwire

01-27-2008, 11:09 AM

A breaker lock does not prohibit unauthorized personel from shutting off the power. I believe that the intent is that the panel is either locked, or in a locked room.

In my opinion a breaker lock is as effective as a locked panel.....in other words....either is easily defeated.

It's much over nothing considering the AC power is supervised by the fire panel anyway.

Fire Alarm

01-27-2008, 01:09 PM

I've just started working on my NICET 1 certs (meaning I'm a newbie to fire), so I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to learn...

Be aware that NICET is currently overhauling their certs and are about to roll out a substantially changed testing format.

smo

01-27-2008, 05:18 PM

Be aware that NICET is currently overhauling their certs and are about to roll out a substantially changed testing format.

Do you know when the new format will be taking effect? I plan on testing in May, so hopefully what I have been studying will still be fairly in line with the test....
Thanks for the heads up.