fire alarm question

[tcmalker]

Hi,

What does the code says about fire alarm system that is not required but is not working (it's about 30 years old). Does the old system HAVE to be remove or replaced? Don't forget that the fire alarm system is not required for this type of building. Please refer to specific section if possible. The building is in Chicago, so if you can refer to the Chicago code that would be nice too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ron]

Re: fire alarm question

Chicago has it's own codes, so I couldn't quote.

It is hard to imagine that a fire alarm system is not required at all. Many times it is required for manual station (pull station)activation, notification, HVAC shutdown or sprinkler monitoring.

From the national fire alarm code NFPA 72 it states:

5.5.2.4 Nonrequired Coverage.
5.5.2.4.1 Where installed, detection that is not required by an applicable law, code, or standard, whether total (complete), partial, or selective coverage, shall conform to the requirements of this Code.

So if it is there, it must be compliant (and work, in my opinion)

[ June 27, 2005, 06:02 PM: Message edited by: ron ]

 

[tcmalker]

Re: fire alarm question

I believe the section you are refering to is for detection devices and not the fire alarm system itself.
However, 6.2.3 Nonrequired (Voluntary) Systems could be it...

 

[petersonra]

Re: fire alarm question

I don't know about Chicago, but in general it seems like a bad idea to have fire alarm equipment in place that is not functional. For instance, one would not want someone to trip a manual pull station in the event of a fire, and have no alarm relayed to the FD.

 

[marinesgt0411]

Re: fire alarm question

If it is there it has to work. call the Fire Marshall and ask him you do not have to tell him where it is. ask it as a hypothetical question.