Can you mix Fire Alarm with Nurse Call in the same box?

[Jamie07]

Wondering if anyone knows the code for this situation

I have an existing fire alarm running though my nurse call box. Is this allowed?

if not, does anyone know where i can find this in the code book?

 

[tom baker]

Nurse call is typically an Art 725 class 3 circuit.
725.136 discusses separation from various other systems, including non power limited fire alarm.
I think your answer is in 725.139 (E) Class 3 cables with other circuit cables, including power limited fire alarm.
Hows that?

 

[tom baker]

And yes Art 725 is the mother of all low voltage articles... I am kind of familiar with it as I did a couple of low voltage classes.

 

[gadfly56]

Wondering if anyone knows the code for this situation

I have an existing fire alarm running though my nurse call box. Is this allowed?

if not, does anyone know where i can find this in the code book?

Most likely yes, as Tom points out, as long as the FA system is power-limited. The vast majority of fire alarm systems installed are power limited. The only non-power limited portions MIGHT be some of the speaker zones. Detection and control will be power limited.

 

[Jamie07]

Nurse call is typically an Art 725 class 3 circuit.
725.136 discusses separation from various other systems, including non power limited fire alarm.
I think your answer is in 725.139 (E) Class 3 cables with other circuit cables, including power limited fire alarm.
Hows that?

Thank you, I forgot to mention that this is a hospital. Does that make a difference?

 

[GoldDigger]

Thank you, I forgot to mention that this is a hospital. Does that make a difference?

Some may have gotten that from the presence of a nurse call box.

 

[Jamie07]

Some may have gotten that from the presence of a nurse call box.

Thank you!! I'm super new to all this, i appreciate everyone's help!

 

[gadfly56]

From a strict code perspective, being a hospital wouldn't affect whether or note you can mix those cables. However, in many states there are commissions or panels that have oversight authority for health care facilities. In NJ, it's the Joint Commission. They can, and do, require things that go above and beyond code. You would have to contact them to see if this is one of those instances.

 

[ismaelyork]

Are there different requirements for different states or does there exist one universal requirement for that? Thanks

 

[tom baker]

Each state that adopts the NEC typically will have modifications, for example in WA emergency systems use orange, not red for identification. Some cities do their own adoption and enforcement of the NEC, often their rules are more strict than the code. For example Aberdeen WA, near salt water, does not allow aluminum wire.

 

[GoldDigger]

Just FYI, notice that this is a year old thread. Since the new question was asked and answered, I am closing the thread.