Fire alarm circuit 120v source separate conduit

[brother]

We have always run the fire alarm circuit (120v) in new construction in separate conduit, dedicated circuit etc.. per NEC. I use to think the separate conduit was a requirement, but I have not found it in the NEC 2023. Dedicated circuit yes, conduit no. Am I missing something? Where is this found in the NEC?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There is no requirement in either the NEC or NFPA 72 for a separate conduit for the fire alarm system power supply.

 

[infinity]

What if the circuit is an emergency circuit?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

What if the circuit is an emergency circuit?

I have never worked on a project where it required an emergency circuit to supply a fire alarm control panel as the panel itself is required to have battery backup power.

However, if the power source to the fire alarm control panel is supplied by an Article 700 system, then 700.10(B) would apply.

 

[Strathead]

What if the circuit is an emergency circuit?

Just for the sake of being contrary, the fire alarm circuit can still share a conduit with other emergency circuits.

 

[infinity]

Just for the sake of being contrary, the fire alarm circuit can still share a conduit with other emergency circuits.

Correct. For the fire alarm systems we install the fire alarm power is always from an emergency source so it cannot be run within the same raceway as normal power. On our last project the FA power was run in Vitalink 2 hour rated cable.

 

[gadfly56]

Correct. For the fire alarm systems we install the fire alarm power is always from an emergency source so it cannot be run within the same raceway as normal power. On our last project the FA power was run in Vitalink 2 hour rated cable.

New York City?

 

[infinity]

New York City?

Yup. Separate FA Service Switch>Vitalink>ATS>FA Power Panel. Might be a transformer if the generator and service are not the same voltage.

 

[brother]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I found my answer , its more a 'local' state implied code.

WAC 296-46B-760​

Fire alarm systems.​

Device and junction boxes for fire alarm systems other than the surface raceway type, must be substantially red in color, both inside and outside. Power-limited fire protective signaling circuit conductors must be durably and plainly marked in or on junction boxes or other enclosures to indicate that it is a power-limited fire protective signaling circuit.

WAC 296-46B-760:

app.leg.wa.gov

The red color requirement was implied also marking the conduit with red color. When we did this we didn't like other non fire alarm circuits in the same boxes and conduits since the boxes and conduits were red. ;-) This is even with normal power supplying the circuits for fire alarm.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I found my answer , its more a 'local' state implied code.

WAC 296-46B-760​

Fire alarm systems.​

Device and junction boxes for fire alarm systems other than the surface raceway type, must be substantially red in color, both inside and outside. Power-limited fire protective signaling circuit conductors must be durably and plainly marked in or on junction boxes or other enclosures to indicate that it is a power-limited fire protective signaling circuit.

WAC 296-46B-760:

app.leg.wa.gov

The red color requirement was implied also marking the conduit with red color. When we did this we didn't like other non fire alarm circuits in the same boxes and conduits since the boxes and conduits were red. ;-) This is even with normal power supplying the circuits for fire alarm.

That all appears to be talking about the actual fire alarm circuits and not about the power supply to the fire alarm control panel.

 

[brother]

That all appears to be talking about the actual fire alarm circuits and not about the power supply to the fire alarm control panel.

The power supply, ( or fire alarm 120v circuit that supplies the fire alarm panel) is considered to be part of the fire alarm system. This is how they have enforced it here.

This why the Circuit had to be dedicated and the breaker had to be red with a lock in the "on" position.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The power supply, ( or fire alarm 120v circuit that supplies the fire alarm panel) is considered to be part of the fire alarm system. This is how they have enforced it here.

This why the Circuit had to be dedicated and the breaker had to be red with a lock in the "on" position.

I don't see anything in NFPA 72 or the NEC(70) that even suggests that the power supply is a fire alarm system circuit. The red color is found in both 72 and 70, while the lock-on requirement is only in 72.

 

[brother]

I don't see anything in NFPA 72 or the NEC(70) that even suggests that the power supply is a fire alarm system circuit. The red color is found in both 72 and 70, while the lock-on requirement is only in 72.

I do like your points. However, it would be hard press to convince the AHJ here in some areas that the primary power or secondary alternate power source for the fire alrm panel is not part of the "fire alarm system " seeing that the very main control panel is essential to sounding the alarm and monitoring it. And yes the power source is also monitored:

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Take a look at this definition from NFPA 72. The fire alarm system does not include the power supply to the control panel.

3.3.120 Fire Alarm System.
A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.