Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
(OP)
I would like a little guidance from the experts here. I am not too familiar with fire alarms but I would like to start preparing for my first NICET test in alarms ever.
I know that it is not the intent of the NFPA 25 to identify installations flaws. My questions is: Does the same philosophy applies to NFPA 72
I know that it is not the intent of the NFPA 25 to identify installations flaws. My questions is: Does the same philosophy applies to NFPA 72





RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
NFPA 13 is the standard for the installation of fire sprinkler systems.
NFPA 72 is the standard for the installation of fire alarm systems.
NFPA 25 is the standard for the inspection, testing and maintenance of water based systems which includes sprinkler systems.
Fire alarms do not have a standard that dedicates to the inspection and testing besides a chapter within NFPA 72.
With that said I am a 100% sure that NFPA 25 is not intended to identify installations flaws.
My question is: Does anyone know if that is the same for Fire Alarms and where can I find that statement.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
Not sure if that answers your question
It is thought that the system met the standard when installed and any new provisions Normaly do not apply
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
Another possible reason is these systems are limited to either notifying occupants of an emergency, shutting down equipment, or releasing an agent from a fire-extinguishing system. They don't apply the agent and they don't have a minimum discharge density. They just respond and notify - therefore, any deficencies could result in the system being rendered incapble of properly performing its intended function.
The person who could best answer your question is Tom Hammerburg with the American Fire Alarm Association. I believe his office is located in the metro Atlanta area.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
A smoke/heat device is required inside the room where the fire alarm panel is located.
A Certificate of Occupancy was issued but 2 years later during an annual inspection and testing the alarm company realizes that it was never installed.
That is consider an installation flaw. What you do as a alarm contractor?
I know during an NFPA 25 I am not required to identify missing or lack of sprinkler heads but what about during this alarm inspection scenario.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
Should still be in later editions also
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
You saw what happened to that contractor that went outside the scope of NFPA 25 on my other post:(NFPA 13 Deficiencies?)
You see NFPA 25 tells you that installation flaws are outside the standard but you can not find same statement on NFPA 72. It is weird.
I figure I asked before I assume.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
For your scenario the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued in error. If I am the fire code official, you fix it or we revoke your CO.
Here's a problem using your scenario. I install a IFC required fire alarm system in a fully sprinklered building using the 2007 edition of NFPA 72. Under the cited edition a smoke detector protecting the fire alarm control unit is not required because the building is fully sprinklered. In the 2010 edition of the NFPA 72, the committee decided that a sprinklered building didn't offer adequate protection and brought back the requirement for a means of smoke or fire detection to protect the fire alarm control unit. So what happens under this scenario? In my world, it's legal because it met the 2007 edition. But how do you, as the ITM provider deal with it?
I don't think I can answer your original question because my primary audiences are designers and code officials. ITM is part of my arena but I never get into the liabilities of performing those inspections.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
It's not unknown for a local authority (like a municipality or a fire chief) to issue a deficiency notice which would require a building owner to upgrade their fire protection usually within a certain amount of time. Where I come from (Australia), the authority would probably have to go to court and get a court order before they force a building to shut down and the owner can challenge this by obtaining their own expert opinions or requesting an extension of time.
In my role of providing fire protection advice to building owners, if I see anything which does not comply with current building regulations, In my inspection report, I would advise them to have it brought into compliance at some time in the future, but not necessarily right away.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
That is my whole point however NFPA 25 has that statement but NFPA 72 does not.
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements
Do testing contractors do all this?
RE: Fire Alarms Testing and Inspections Requirements