smoke detector required?

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FBarrera

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per NFPA 72, is it required to install smoke detection devices near pre-action cabinets? if so, what article can I reference to get this information.

thank you.
 
sprinkler pre-action system cabinets - cabinets are equipped with control boards in order to interface with fire alarm system
 
If, you are referring to a stand alone FACP that controls a preaction system, then yes, because you need a smoke located above any FACP.

Even though it would be a sub-panel it still is a fire alarm control panel and an inspector could reasonably argue that the code applies to this.

If you had interconnected panels in a building you would be required to put a smoke above all the panels, not just the main one. Of course, if you already have one in the area based on the spacing already laid out then no. But, some AHJ's want a smoke dedicated to be above the panels.

If the cabinet is just the mechanical portion of the system then, no.

I cannot find my 72 book here at home, to quote a section.
 
4.4.5* Protection of Fire Alarm System. In areas that are not continuously occupied, automatic smoke detection shall be provided at the location of each fire alarm control unit(s), notification appliance circuit power extenders, and supervising station transmitting equipment to provide notification of fire at that location.

Exception No. 1: Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, automatic heat detection shall be permitted.

Exception No. 2: Fully sprinklered buildings shall not require protection in accordance with 4.4.5.
 
the engineer of record for the project stated that no smoke detectors are required for this application since the connections to the pre-action cabinet are for interface purposes only - all fire alarm control fuctions are in the main FACP.

Thank you all for your input.
 
So is the interface a Control Unit?

I would agree if there is no control circuit boards, just relays.

Of course the engineer would be wrong if there are multiple/interconnected panels, it wouldn't be just the main Control Unit.
 
I personally disagree with the engineer as the control panel interface also monitors the status of the pre-action system - difficult to win arguments with those guys! plus, the fire alarm system passed inspection today so it's a dead issue.
 
As a side note, why was there a slave pre-action releasing panel?
Was the main panel not listed for releasing? Was the battery backup time not adequate in the main panel? Was the main panel not listed to release the specific solenoid/valve?
Why not just release from the main panel modules?
 
I personally like sub panels to handle the releasing part. Unless the whole building in a pre-action system. Just my opinion though.
 
Scannless,
If the sub-releasing panel doesn't have the detection connected to it, because it is connected to the main panel, then you have very specific requirements to follow for that main panel, essentially making it listed for releasing too. See NFPA 72
 
I ment using the sub panel to handle all the releasing functions and all the detection and notification function's for the protected area, the building main panel just monitors the sub panel for alarm and trouble conditions.
 
The system was designed as a double interlock system – smoke detection from multiple zones as well as loss of air pressure is required in order to activate (flood) the pre-action system. Smoke detection is reported from the main FACP. The pre-action cabinets were purchased as a pre-assemble stand alone unit with the FA interface panels included which also monitor the air pressure in the system. The main panel is not listed as a releasing component since the pre-action panels take care of that function.
 
FBarrera,
I think you'll find that if the detection is connected to the main panel and it signals release to the pre-action releasing panel, that the main panel must be listed for releasing too, per NFPA 72.
 
FBarrera,
Take a look at the text below from NFPA 72
6.12.8 Suppression systems or groups of systems shall be controlled by a single control unit that monitors the associated initiating device(s), actuates the associated releasing device(s), and controls the associated agent release notification appliances. If the releasing control unit is located in a protected premises having a separate fire alarm system, it shall be monitored for alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals, but shall not be dependent on or affected by the operation or failure of the protected premises fire alarm system.
Exception: If the configuration of multiple control units is listed for releasing device service, and if a trouble condition or manual disconnect on either control unit causes a trouble or supervisory signal, the initiating devices on one control unit shall be permitted to actuate releasing devices on another control unit.
 
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