F/a 760.51

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760.51 states that conductors and equipment on the supply side of the power source shall be installed in accordance with the apporpiate requirements of Part II and Chapters 1 through 4.

I have 2 FACP in modules in an industrial complex that are feed with temporary power cables, the temporary power cables is going to be removed in a couple of years when the rest of the project is completed. The FACP's has to be operational for the entire Fire Alarm system to work correctly. Is this permissable to have the FACP's on temporary power cables.
 
The fact that you've stated that the power is temporary implies that it will eventually be installed in accordance with local codes, but as I'm sure we've all seen, that seldom happens. We're currently experiencing that on a 5 year old project that was to have had shunt trip circuits installed and it never happened.

My suggestion it that you obtain written direction from your customer explaining why they can't make the connections permanent so that you can get a variance from the local authority. The reason for requesting the variance is more to protect your license. Remember next year someone is going to have to inspect that system. I suspect most AHJ's will understand the issue as to why they've not installing the power permanently but may what a say in what defines "Temporary". An extension cord plugged into to a nearby wall outlet might not make them too happy, but a circuit installed in conduit to a near by source may be acceptable.

While you may be the guy that comes back next year to do the inspection, what happens when the local AHJ comes by, sees the defect, and no documentation that say's it's OK for the X years?

In many states they have a process for tagging fire alarm systems with a "GREEN" tag (it's installed and working per code), A "YELLOW" tag (It's installed and will work, but not to code), and a "RED" tag (this sucker isn't working). If the power is temporarily installed, you'd apply the "YELLOW" tag, which would be a good reminder to others that something has got to be fixed.

If you install something incorrectly, your license may be in jeopardy as may be your wallet, or at least your companies wallet.

I recall a small defect where one of our tech's was inspecting a fire sprinkler system, applied a "GREEN" tab, and within a month, the State Fire Marshal (and these guys carry guns) was at our door because one of the Sprinkler Heads had some paint on the arm of the head. Turns out the company that lost the service inspection to us, came by to check out our work, and called the State Fire Marshal when they saw the painted sprinkler heads. We had to replace the sprinkler heads (no cost to the customer), and pay a $10,000 fine in order to maintain our license in the state.

Regards,
Dan
 
I am actually a third party inspector. We turn in our report to the owner and they are aware of the temporery power, but I need to cover my ___.The modules have a panel in them that the FACP is feed from. The feeder to the module is temporary and in SO cord.
 
Are these prefabricated buildings (MCC, RIE's, or something similar)?

We do a lot of work on electrical buildings built here in Texas, that get shipped to plants somewhere around the world. Depending on the final location determines what code we have to follow (Canadian, European Union, or US mostly). I have never had a situation where they didn't have the means to provide a breaker that met spec (i.e. NFPA 72, NFPA 70) within the building.

We'll often test a panels with a client using a temporary cord such as you mentioned, however there is always a "Punch List Item" that reflects the need to do something properly, such as in your case, but we've never had to wait for 2 years.

Assuming the building is destine for some place in the US or the project specifications required compliance with NFPA 72 and 70, someone somewhere is going to have to put their license/neck on the line (see NFPA 72, 2007 edition, Section 4.5.3, and the "...Record Of Completion"). Personally I don't like this certificate because it's limited and is more applicable for commercial applications. It doesn't go into enough detail for my liking, as it relates to fire suppression systems.

To my thinking, the lack of proper electrical supply, would be a "Punch List" item that would have to be completed by someone, especially if the building is either being shipped somewhere or is waiting on another aspect of the project to be complete (i.e. installation of Emergency Generator).

Regards,
Dan.
 
This module is in Alaska and has been on site for 2 years and the Stsate Fire Marshal says that the wehole site has too be up this year with the new system. The Module itself is for a project that is suppose to be done in the future, but the FACP has to be working for the whole F/A system to work.
 
Ah...Alaska...Know it well...

I'm guessing this is for an Oil Company. The State of Alaska has some strict requirements to "Who" can install, design, and commission fire alarm systems (see "Title 13, Part 2"). They require that the person installing be a NICET Level II, and the designer be a NICET Level III.

My recommendations are as follows:
1. Note the defect on the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) I'm assuming project spec's require such a document. If not on the NFPA 72 required form: "Fire Alarm Record of Completion".

2. Hang a tag on the power supply in the FACP noting the issue with the power.

3. Note the issue in your report to the owner.

Regards,
Dan

P.S. The Fire Marshal in Anchorage can issue the variance but it would have to be to either the "Alaska Licensed Fire Alarm Contractor" or the end user.
 
Always Glad to help...

Just remember if you run across a guy name Dan, trying to get a system passed where you're the inspector...be gentle :smile:
 
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