Article 760

[vlinn]

I had an AHJ recently tell me that I was not allowed under my florida cert. Alarm Systems contractor lic. 1 to run the 120VAC circuit to power a low voltage system, i.e. fire alarm, intercom, etc. He showed me the statute below and said,"see you can't do anything over 98 volts". In Article 760.121 it talks about "Power Limited Fire Alarm (PLFA) circuits"and goes on to Branch Circuits. So, the way I read this section is, I'm allowed to run a 120volt AC dedicated branch circuit to power a low voltage system, as long as it complies with this section of the code and that this is allowable under the florida statute below:?

Fl Statute 489.505: “Certified alarm system contractor” means an alarm system contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department. The scope of certification is limited to alarm circuits originating in the alarm control panel and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, Current Edition. The scope of certification for alarm system contractors also includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric locks; however, this provision governing the scope of certification does not create any mandatory licensure requirement.

 

[kwired]

I had an AHJ recently tell me that I was not allowed under my florida cert. Alarm Systems contractor lic. 1 to run the 120VAC circuit to power a low voltage system, i.e. fire alarm, intercom, etc. He showed me the statute below and said,"see you can't do anything over 98 volts". In Article 760.121 it talks about "Power Limited Fire Alarm (PLFA) circuits"and goes on to Branch Circuits. So, the way I read this section is, I'm allowed to run a 120volt AC dedicated branch circuit to power a low voltage system, as long as it complies with this section of the code and that this is allowable under the florida statute below:?

Fl Statute 489.505: “Certified alarm system contractor” means an alarm system contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department. The scope of certification is limited to alarm circuits originating in the alarm control panel and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, Current Edition. The scope of certification for alarm system contractors also includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric locks; however, this provision governing the scope of certification does not create any mandatory licensure requirement.

I did not read code you mentioned, but NEC is not the rule book for licensing or permitting issues, that is totally up to AHJ.

Looks to me like your Statute limits you to 98 volts unless you attain a higher level license.

 

[texie]

The inspector is correct based on my experience in Florida. The branch circuit to the system must be done by an unlimited EC as it is a power circuit operating at 120 volts.

 

[kwired]

The inspector is correct based on my experience in Florida. The branch circuit to the system must be done by an unlimited EC as it is a power circuit operating at 120 volts.

IIRC the "fire alarm installer" license we have here doesn't allow the license holder to install the 120 volt supply circuit either. Many, but not all contractors that install fire alarms do have at least one person with a higher level license that is allowed to install the power supply circuit.

 

[tortuga]

...the way I read this section is, I'm allowed to run a 120volt AC dedicated branch circuit to power a low voltage system, as long as it complies with this section of the code and that this is allowable under the florida statute below:?

Fl Statute 489.505: “Certified alarm system contractor” means an alarm system contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department. The scope of certification is limited to alarm circuits originating in the alarm control panel and equipment governed by the applicable provisions of Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, Current Edition. The scope of certification for alarm system contractors also includes the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric locks; however, this provision governing the scope of certification does not create any mandatory licensure requirement.

Are you asking if we think the 120V circuit from a loadcenter to a firealarm control panel is covered under Article 760?

Then if we think it is we can speculate about Florida licensing law.