NFPA Surivability Level

[Npstewart]

Im helping a friend out with a code issue, specifically as NFPA survivability ratings such as Level 0, Level 1, Level 2. Does anyone have a explanation for these ratings and how they are used? I appreciate it.

 

[Npstewart]

Also, does anyone know what dictates which level you are required to install? Im pretty confused with this.

 

[ron]

The Pathway Survivability Levels are relatively clear in NFPA 72.

Has he reviewed the latest NFPA 72 on the website?

 

[Npstewart]

Yes, we actually both did.

Im having a hard time understanding which level you are required to install though.

 

[ron]

Yes, we actually both did.

Im having a hard time understanding which level you are required to install though.

Actually, NEMA put out a nice bulletin on this topic.

NEMA Wiring Options for Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems based on NFPA 72 Survivability Requirements

http://www.nema.org/stds/eng-bullet...500&rdepth=0&sufs=0&order=r&cq=&id=4d9f319a11

 

[Npstewart]

Yea, that article is pretty much what im looking for.

Lets say you have a sprinklered building with a voice notification system. Would you classify that as level 1 or 2 though?

 

[bwyllie]

The level you are looking for depends what type of wiring you have installed, if it's a vocie evac system and the wiring between the control panel and the equipment on each floor is 2 hr rated than it would be Level 2. NFPA 72 is where to look. I am not sure if a sprinkled building would be acceptable to the AHJ as 2-HR rated, there was an exception in NFPA 72 2007 that allowed a sprinkled building to be considered a way to satisfy the 2 hr rating requirement however that was removed in 72-2010.