NFPA Visual strobe and Pull station requirements

[shortcircuit1]

Hello,

I know this is not a forum for NFPA questions but i figured there was no separate section i can post on to.I am trying to see where can i find the requirements as to where i can mount the pull station and Visual strobes in NFPA 2010 edition.I wasn't able to find looking in different sections...I would appreciate if anyone has done some fire alarm design that can refer to me those sections..

Thanks,
shortcircuit.

 

[ron]

In NFPA 72 2010 edition, pull stations (aka manual fire alarm boxes) are covered in initiating device Chapter 17 section 17.14, Notification devices are in Chapter 18.

You'll also find other requirements are in the applicable building code.

 

[shortcircuit1]

In NFPA 72 2010 edition, pull stations (aka manual fire alarm boxes) are covered in initiating device Chapter 17 section 17.14, Notification devices are in Chapter 18.

You'll also find other requirements is in the applicable building code.

I was able to find the manual fire alarm box requirements but for the audio and visual requirements i was not able to see where they say you have to mount audio strobe here and visual strobes here apart from the obvious requirement being in ADA units....In pull boxes it was mentioned clearly that the manula pull stations shall be located with in 60" of each exit on each floor.I cant find that reference for visual/audio strobes..

 

[ron]

I cant find that reference for visual/audio strobes..

Unfortunately notification devices are not that prescriptive.

Start from the applicable building code which usually says that audible is needed everywhere. So when you look at NFPA 72 you have to consider the performance rules "they shall have a sound level at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, measured 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system using the A-weighted scale (dBA)."

Visual is usually needed in spaces that groups or the public accesses such as open offices, corridors, bathrooms, conf rooms, etc. They get laid out with the tables in section 18.5.4

 

[shortcircuit1]

Unfortunately notification devices are not that prescriptive.

Start from the applicable building code which usually says that audible is needed everywhere. So when you look at NFPA 72 you have to consider the performance rules "they shall have a sound level at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, measured 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system using the A-weighted scale (dBA)."

Visual is usually needed in spaces that groups or the public accesses such as open offices, corridors, bathrooms, conf rooms, etc. They get laid out with the tables in section 18.5.4

Thanks Ron..I guess we have to just identify where they require visual strobes...And even for the audio strobes..There is no mention of the requirement for the audio strobes as well.How about Flow switch and tamper switch requirements?

 

[gadfly56]

Thanks Ron..I guess we have to just identify where they require visual strobes...And even for the audio strobes..There is no mention of the requirement for the audio strobes as well.How about Flow switch and tamper switch requirements?

If you're doing the fire alarm part, just coordinate with the sprinkler contractor regarding quantities and locations. With addressable systems, it's usually one module per switch of either type.