Location of fire alarm panel

[Elecme]

Can someone refer to the NFPA cluase where i can find where to locate the fire alarm panel, i mean at the ground floor or could it be located at upper levels and if the hight of the building has any relation to that ? Elecme

 

[dennisz]

You’ve left out building type, building age, occupancy, if sprinkled, and combustibles present. But under normal conditions, the FACP should be located within or along the designated entrance corridor or lobby, as approved by AHJ. Area in front of FACP should remain clear of obstructions. Remote Anunciators may be required by AHJ, where multiple entrances exist. If you are concerned with voltage drop issues, nominal supplemental power extenders can be remote of FACP for lengthy applications to alarm notification appliances.

 

[SAFTENG]

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code® is the standard you will want to refertence in your decision making process. It covers the application, installation, location, performance, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. In NFPA 72, the panel you are calling the control panel is called a "Fire Command Center".

The standard says this..."A fire command center shall be provided at a building entrance or other location approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The fire command center shall provide a communications center for the arriving fire department and shall provide for control and display of the status of detection, alarm, and communications systems. The fire command center shall be permitted to be physically combined with other building operations and security centers as permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. Operating controls for use by the fire department shall be clearly marked." So check with your local fire department about any local fire codes that may be more specific in where you should put yours. I hope this helps.

Bryan

http://www.SAFTENG.net

 

[peebee]

Slight correction to Dennisz, often times the FACP is located in the bowels of the building, and only a fire alarm annunciator panel (FAAP) is required at the main entrance.