Fire Alarm AC Connection

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smo

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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.
 
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?
 
No, it's not up to the AHJ......

No, it's not up to the AHJ......

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'.
 
Breaker Lock

Breaker Lock

480sparky said:
And typically with a breaker lock on it.
Click to expand...

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.
 
DUCKMAN said:
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.
Click to expand...

You're right, it's not an NFPA 72 requirement. It's a local code in my area.
 
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...
 
smo said:
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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
DUCKMAN said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
smo said:
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...
Click to expand...

Be aware that NICET is currently overhauling their certs and are about to roll out a substantially changed testing format.
 
Fire Alarm said:
Be aware that NICET is currently overhauling their certs and are about to roll out a substantially changed testing format.
Click to expand...


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.
 
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