smoke detector

[Jay Pai]

I have a remote building (pumphouse) in which there is a fire alarm booster panel, by code I need a smoke detector within 5'(?). The smoke detector is a photoelectric type.

There is a unit heater mounted relatively close to the fire alarm panel, the fan blower on heater could potentially prevent smoke reaching the detector in a timely fashion. The electrical inspector has brought the issue up...what "approach" can I take to tell the inspector that everything will be OK or am I screwed?

 

[1793]

Would relocating the unit heater be an option? If not, maybe some type of deflector could be installed to redirect the air flow.

 

[bdarnell]

Is this a NAC booster ? I'm not so sure you need a smoke detector there if it is.

 

[rr]

Provide another smoke detector or add a heat detector to assure proper FA reaction times.

 

[sceepe]

Is this a NAC booster ? I'm not so sure you need a smoke detector there if it is.

I thought NFPA 72 requires a smoke detector at any panel that supplies power or controls the function of other devices. Based on that definition, a detector would be required at a NAC panel.

 

[bdarnell]

NFPA 72-4.4.5 requires a smoke detector at each " fire alarm control unit(s) to provide notification of fire at that location".

I only said that I wasn't sure about the requirement since I've never had an AHJ or fire marshal require one at a remote NAC panel. I guess a NAC booster could be considered a "fire alarm control unit".

I'd check with the local authority to be sure.

 

[benaround]

Jay Pia,

Why would this heater be treated any differently than any other common

type of HVAC equipment? Ceiling fans, open windows, supply and return ducts

,drafts, etc. can all affect the reaction time on a smoke detector but only by

the smallest amount of time. I'm sure you have seen video on how fast a room

fills with smoke,maybe an agreement can be made on such terms?