Restrictions on Ceiling Fire Alarm Devices

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mh06670

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I'm working on a healthcare project in Florida (tell me about it) and I'm trying to figure out if there are any restrictions on the use of ceiling mounted fire alarm devices. All other projects I've worked on have been wall mounted devices. That seems to be ACHA's preference, however I was wondering if there are any actual restrictions. Whether it's FBC or FAC or possibly something else. I don't see any issues with ceiling mounted devices, but I have a feeling that ACHA will make a comment. If you're not familiar with healthcare or Florida projects, I'm also curious about other restrictions for ceiling mounted fire alarm devices.
 
mh06670 said:
I'm working on a healthcare project in Florida (tell me about it) and I'm trying to figure out if there are any restrictions on the use of ceiling mounted fire alarm devices. All other projects I've worked on have been wall mounted devices. That seems to be ACHA's preference, however I was wondering if there are any actual restrictions. Whether it's FBC or FAC or possibly something else. I don't see any issues with ceiling mounted devices, but I have a feeling that ACHA will make a comment. If you're not familiar with healthcare or Florida projects, I'm also curious about other restrictions for ceiling mounted fire alarm devices.
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Seeing as how NFPA 72 makes specific provisions for ceiling-mounted notification appliances, I can't see the issue. Now, the ACHA may have their own guidelines, but I can't find anything on their web site and they reference the Florida Building Code for various health care facilities, so anything unique to Florida should be found there.

Personally, ceiling mounted devices can make your life a lot easier, especially if the space is liable to frequent re-fit (mall space, for example). It's a lot easier to mount a T-bar and box and punch through a ceiling tile than worry about if someone is going to reposition a CRAC unit smack dab where your wall-mount horn/strobe is located.
 
mh06670 said:
I'm working on a healthcare project in Florida (tell me about it) and I'm trying to figure out if there are any restrictions on the use of ceiling mounted fire alarm devices. All other projects I've worked on have been wall mounted devices. That seems to be ACHA's preference, however I was wondering if there are any actual restrictions. Whether it's FBC or FAC or possibly something else. I don't see any issues with ceiling mounted devices, but I have a feeling that ACHA will make a comment. If you're not familiar with healthcare or Florida projects, I'm also curious about other restrictions for ceiling mounted fire alarm devices.
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You might want to put the pulls lower. :)
 
gadfly56 said:
Seeing as how NFPA 72 makes specific provisions for ceiling-mounted notification appliances, I can't see the issue. Now, the ACHA may have their own guidelines, but I can't find anything on their web site and they reference the Florida Building Code for various health care facilities, so anything unique to Florida should be found there.

Personally, ceiling mounted devices can make your life a lot easier, especially if the space is liable to frequent re-fit (mall space, for example). It's a lot easier to mount a T-bar and box and punch through a ceiling tile than worry about if someone is going to reposition a CRAC unit smack dab where your wall-mount horn/strobe is located.
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The original design was to have wall mounted devices, however the owner has requested ceiling mounted devices for strangely shaped rooms where the wall mounted strobe might not be able to reach. They can reduce the amount of fixtures and save a few pennies, so they asked us if that could be part of our design. Also it's a pre-fabricated building, so the ceiling mounted devices mean that installation is much easier.
 
mh06670 said:
The original design was to have wall mounted devices, however the owner has requested ceiling mounted devices for strangely shaped rooms where the wall mounted strobe might not be able to reach. They can reduce the amount of fixtures and save a few pennies, so they asked us if that could be part of our design. Also it's a pre-fabricated building, so the ceiling mounted devices mean that installation is much easier.
Click to expand...

In shops or similar spaces where a lot of stuff can get crammed up against a wall, ceiling notification appliances are by far the best choice. And as you point out, they can make short work of coverage in oddly shaped spaces.
 
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