Physical Location for Fire Alarm Panels

[joanie]

I have a facility where fire alarm panels were installed directly above each other, amid other electrical and mechanical equipment. Portable ladders must be used to access the top panel and work clearance is essentially zero, although the panel door will open at least the 90 degrees required. I know that all electrical equipment must be readily accessible, but Article 760 doesn't mention that this equipment must be readily accessible. Article 760.51 mentions that the "conductors and equipment on the supply side of the power source shall be installed in accorance with the appropriate requirements.....," but I cannot find enough specific verbiage to have the contractor relocate the fire alarm panel. It is approximately 7 feet off the floor. If someone can help me with specifics, I would appreciate it.

 

[earshavewalls]

There are no NEC regulations for the mounting location of a fire alarm panel. It is not considered that getting to that panel in an emergency is a priority. So what if the alarm is going off? The reasons for the accessibility of power panels is obviously for safety reasons. You need to be able to get to the panels immediately if there is a problem or someone could be severely injured or killed. If you can't get to the alarm panel, nobody is going to suffer injury or death because of it.
JMHO.
It sounds like they installed the FACP in a difficult location, but it is not prohibited by the NEC. Now, NFPA 72 may have some restrictions. Have you checked that document?

 

[joanie]

Physical Location for Fire Alarm Panels

No, I have not checked that document. Thanks for your help.

Joanie

 

[goindowner]

110.26 may come into play. AHJ can allow said installation on low voltage.
I would not allow it.

 

[celtic]

110.26 may come into play. AHJ can allow said installation on low voltage.
I would not allow it.

Care to expand on your comments?

 

[steve66]

I think goindowner is refering to 110.26(A)(1)(b): By special permission, smaller working spaces shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms......

I think the problem is that just because the panel is high on a wall doesn't mean the working clearance isn't met. After all, disconnects can be mounted above a ceiling grid.

Steve

 

[earshavewalls]

The thing is, this is NOT a disconnect and is NOT a line-voltage panel. It is a fire alarm control panel, you could liken it to a telephone terminal board, a regular burglar alarm, and several other low voltage system panels that does not fall under any of the requirements for electrical panelboards or switchboards. Therefore, none of those requirements apply.
I think that common sense (there's that phrase again) dictates that you should locate this panel where you could get to it easily, nothing in the code tells you to do it.
I don't think you can show any regulation that will require this panel to be located anywhere, specifically, unless your building requires a fire control room.

 

[goindowner]

I work where there are a lot of Fire Marshall inspections and the fire alarm panels have to be readily accessible for rutine maintenance. If there is a fire alarm the fire fighters and fire techs will have no problems with access to the panels. I know I have different circumstances than most. But it safety first for everyone.

 

[steve66]

The thing is, this is NOT a disconnect and is NOT a line-voltage panel. It is a fire alarm control panel, you could liken it to a telephone terminal board, a regular burglar alarm, and several other low voltage system panels that does not fall under any of the requirements for electrical panelboards or switchboards. Therefore, none of those requirements apply.
I

But 110.26 isn't limited to disconnects and line voltage panels. If you read the first sentance it says;

"...working space shall be maintained about all electric equipment..."

That includes fire alarm panels, telephone boards, burglar alarms, and all other low voltage systems.

The only reason you find these systems with less working clearance is due to 110.26(A)(1)(b) which says that less clearance may be provided by special permission for low voltage equipment.

I think a lot of installations are made just assuming the "special permission" will be given, and the inspector will be willing to allow zero clearance. But the inspector doesn't necessarliy have to decrease the working space at all.

Steve

 

[earshavewalls]

I stand corrected. Just by it being included in the article (110.26(A)(1)(b)), indicates that this article DOES have application to this installation. Thank you for pointing this out, Steve.
I have never had this issue arrise on inspections, installations, or at any time. This is why I love this line of work..........you are always learning something, and I have been working out of the NEC since 1975!!! Gotta love it.
Thanks again, Steve............good point.

 

[steve66]

Your welcome. Just don't tell any of the inspectors:smile: