Programming for Fire Alarm & Security

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I?m an electrical contractor that just opened up my shop and I?m looking to get more experience in Fire Alarm systems and programming as well as programming for Security systems. I have the high voltage down pat, but LV programming, not so much. So I guess what I?m looking for is some books on practical app not code I know that well or class weather online or in person. Thanks in advance for any and all INFO.


Just because I passed the test, dosen't mean I know everything.
 
Serous question, is your insurance set up for you to be programing fire alarm systems?

We do (or did) a ton of fire alarm work but always had the vendor handle programing issues.
 
Some of the fire alarm manufacturers have training classes on programming their panels, Silent Knight for instance, but other only allow their dealers to do programming, Simplex, Notifier are examples.

You can go to the Silent Knight website and download their software, manuals, and get a training class schedule and find one in your area. Other than that i would say just get a hold of the manuals and learn from them. Each system is different so it may be hard to find a one stop shop for programming a verity of panels.
 
There are serious requirements with regards to design and installation of fire alarm systems, you will need to check with your jurisdictions Bldg/Fire departments to assure you are not violating any State and local ordinances. Not sure about your jurisdiction, but here in So. Cal. factory training and State certifications are required. Virtually all Govt jobs require minimum Level III NICET Certification.

The best thing to do if you are going to get into FA systems is hire a few qualified installers, get them NICET Certified and factory trained in over the counter systems, like Silent Knight. Eventually, you may be able to become a distributor for the high end systems such as EST (now GE Security), Notifier, Pyrotronics, but you will need to sell in the Mil of $$ to become a distributor.

EST does sell low end systems over the counter at many alarm distributors, but until you are authorized by the factory, you wont be able to sell/install the hight ends systems.
 
Thanks for the positive feed back Scannless.
As far as training goes I hade to study more than just Fire alarms and signaling systems to get state license here. Don't forget Security by Neil Cumming, Understanding and servicing Alarm systems third edition, Life safety 101 and every EC's favorite NFPA 72. But as Just as a worker bee in another life I have never done any programming. So I thought that now I have my own business that I should be proactive and learn about something I’m weak at, that’s all.
 
Imho

Imho

Well if you are looking for simplification, try picking one brand Fire alarm and one brand security, learn them well, then troubleshooting other brands wont be so bad.

I recommend Firelite or Silent Knight, they are both open source and in wide spread use. I recommend Silent Knight personally.

Burg, there are sooooo many choices. Everyone likes Napco, but I feel they are difficult to program. Ademco is available at ADI only, but a sold product. DSC is simple and tech support is east to talk with and they have been patient for me.

Check with ADI (www.adi-dist.com) They are a nationwide distributor and hold classes all the time. So does alarmax.

Also Edwards just rolled out a 128 and 256 panel under the EST line. Small FACP footprint. The other systems are still dealer only.
 
You really need to pick a brand and learn them well. There are many differences between brands, and models. For example, DSC Power Series versus DSC Maxsys series are very different as far as programming goes.

For fire alarms, I suggest leaving them to a fire alarm company - there is a lot of liability and specific knowledge required for fire alarms. If you are going to do it, get your NICET level 2 or higher, and get some factory training for the brand you want to use. Personally, I use Silent Knight. Don't just go installing fire alarms without REALLY knowing your stuff, though.

EDIT:

Also note that many states require a seperate license for fire and\or burglar alarm systems, seperate from your electrical contracting license. Additionally, some states also require certification with the State Fire Marshal for fire alarm work. (Utah, for example...)
 
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Programming

Programming

Okay - I would suggest you sub out the programming to a distributor of the fire panel you are installing. Are you providing the monitoring as well?
If you are not, the monitoring company would be a good source for you.
how are you getting the permits to install? Are you doing the design as well?

look into firelite. they are having a free training right now on the west coast and more than likely the U.S.

All panels are different, so you will never know all.
 
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