Heavy Industrial - Fire Alarm - Education

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Alarmed72

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Newton, NH
Hello. I have been working with fire alarms for about 18 years, but with little exposure to systems in facilities such as - Power Plants, Chemical Processing, Water Treatment, etc... I have some potential for upcoming work in these types of facilities. I am looking to beef up my education on the raceway, wiring, equipment utilized, etc.

I have reviewed the basic requirements for Rigid emt, Hazardous locations, etc., in the NEC. I am wondering though if there are more detailed 'application guides' or some form of 'electrical systems for dummies' guide for these types of facilities?

Any suggestions for documents or information that would help me educate myself in this arena?

Thanks,
Troy
 
Just like the NEC, 72 is not a design guide or application guide.

Bulk up on the I-codes (fire, mechanical, building). They tell us where and WHEN an FA is required, then 72 tells us HOW.

Industrial fire alarm can be quite limited, most spaces are fully sprinkled and unless NFPA 1/101 are adopted you wouldn't need more than one pull and, notifications applicances. However, the owner/insurance/local AHJ's may require much more. It's more nuisanced selecting devices- sure 100% heat detectors in a power plant sounds like a good idea but they really aren't for a lot of reasons

You should learn the limitations of all the devices you make encounter (hazardous loc. Etc) and how determine where to use them. Unless you will be doing design/layout knowing the materials and how to install them will suit you well. That's not to say learning more wouldn't be helpful- glad to hear you're interested

Also- manufacturer training would be helpful to get you exposed to all they have and they have application experts you can use as a resource
 
Sorry I missed you had 18 years experience, hope that didn't come across condescending.

Most industrial work is either in rigid (maybe EMT) but it's a job spec not a code requirement. If it's a classified location then there will be a defined boundary with seal offs required and the devices are listed for that class/div. cable type may also affected by the class/div. those kinds of jobs are usually engineered in great detail, or should be
 
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