Interconnected Smoke Alarms

[Double Edge]

For more that 4 dwelling units, it requires a fire alarms system for the common areas, with audible notification in each bedroom.

A system in the common area yes but a system audible in each bedroom doesn't seem to be the case here. Is that NFPA 72 or a local requirement?

 

[George Stolz]

We have run into a problem that will soon come to a head in my area. The FM is demanding that the electrician REMOVE the bonding jumper the Metal fire sprinkler system before he will pass the job.

Not to say I condone this, but in my area the sprinkler mains tend to get overlooked in the application of 250.104(A) and 250.50. I see to it that they are bonded, but I believe it's usually not intentional around here. The way they plumb the drinking water and the sprinkling water tend to become one system around here, IIRC.

 

[celtic]

A system in the common area yes but a system audible in each bedroom doesn't seem to be the case here. Is that NFPA 72 or a local requirement?

With our condo project, the "house system" did not require horn/strobe in "each bedroom" ....rather horn/strobe on each LEVEL in the individual units (some were 2 story units, some were single story).

 

[satcom]

A system in the common area yes but a system audible in each bedroom doesn't seem to be the case here. Is that NFPA 72 or a local requirement?

The botton line here seems to be, check with your local FI before moving on with any multi family fire project, local requirements may differ, from one city to another.

 

[Double Edge]

For sure. The local fire marshal requires a set of fire alarm installation shop drawings with voltage drop calcs and diagrams to be submitted and approved before construction when a system is involved. But it's not always easy to get those answers beforehand.

 

[satcom]

For sure. The local fire marshal requires a set of fire alarm installation shop drawings with voltage drop calcs and diagrams to be submitted and approved before construction when a system is involved. But it's not always easy to get those answers beforehand.

Sure, you have to be prepared first, fire installations are not the same as installing other electrical work, there is more involved then just installing wires, and devices.

 

[tallguy]

And that would be a bad thing???

Theoretically, no. In practice though, they tend to go a little over the top with the requirements imposed on remodels of houses that were built long ago -- we're talking 19th century and earlier.

The inspector was being ironic, but his jab at them was basically that they are so lazy that they don't want to have to budge from their desks...

Unfair, but an apt illustration of the tension between the two roles.

 

[iwire]

It was not really a question just an observation that complaining that the fire inspector wants safer buildings is a little odd.

Unfair, but an apt illustration of the tension between the two roles.

IMO they also have very different roles and perspectives.

 

[peter d]

A system in the common area yes but a system audible in each bedroom doesn't seem to be the case here. Is that NFPA 72 or a local requirement?

Yes, this is a local requirement. Sorry that I wasn't clear about that. The system must also be in metal raceway and/or MC cable. That's always fun to install in an occupied apartment building or condo complex.

 

[JohnE]

We have uniform requirements here in MA. The problem is the knowledge and percieved requirements of each FI varies wildly........I always check in with the FI to get his take on things in anything other than a single family dwelling.

 

[g@friendly]

Ok I am the EC that had to refund 2800 to the customer. I called all manufacture and here is the problem. They are rated for Multi family use for the units but not the interconnected common hallways I was on the phone with Tech & Enger. to get a letter so that I can submit to the Fire Marshal. They all said nope and they know that they are used in this matter. This is a problem and I have not been able to find an answer and everyone tell you stuff but when asked let me read or can I have it in Writing they say I am not sure it what I think. So my quest continuous. If there is a Fire Marshall or Inspector Please help. I contacted the DCA, NFPA(which told me to contact a fire alarm specialist glad I am a member)and serveral other inspector, but they all said I will find out and I will get back to you. Still waiting! Any inside on this Mike H?

 

[LarryFine]

The FM is demanding that the electrician REMOVE the bonding jumper the Metal fire sprinkler system before he will pass the job. This is only one missinformed FM in one district but I shure would like to know what he basis his info for doing this on.

. . . in my area the sprinkler mains tend to get overlooked . . . . I see to it that they are bonded, but I believe it's usually not intentional around here.

Interestingly enough, I was told, and subsequently read for myself, that we are not permitted to bond to the sprinkler piping around these parts.

Admittedly, it specifies not using the sprinkler piping as an electrode, but as the only metallic piping in the building, how would that be avoided?