User: Npstewart, Location: Fl
Asked on: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:34 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:08 am EDT
Question: For years we have done fire alarm by just showing devices, a zoned fire alarm riser with details and specifications. One particular municipality around here suddenly became more strict on what they require. They are now asking for battery calculations for all the devices on the system, show all the monitoring modules, booster supplies and extender panels if required etc. these are all the items that are typically provided to us for review from the contractor and he provides us with shop drawings.I am curious, is this typical for your area? What is required where you live.Also, anyone know what companies offer the spreadsheets for their products? Ie, simplex etc.Thanks Guys
Typical Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems
The level of detail required for fire alarm system plans varies depending on the municipality and jurisdiction. Generally, the following items are typically required: Device Schedule
List of all fire alarm devices, including type, location, and device address.
Zoned Fire Alarm Riser Diagram
Detailed diagram showing the location and zoning of all fire alarm devices.
System Specifications
Outline of the system's capabilities, including detection, notification, and control functions.
Floor Plans
Drawings showing the location of fire alarm devices and other system components.
Wiring Diagrams
Detailed diagrams showing the electrical connections between system components.
Increased Requirements
The municipality in your area may have implemented stricter requirements due to specific safety concerns or recent incidents. These additional requirements can include: Battery Calculations
Calculations demonstrating that the battery capacity is sufficient to power the system for the duration required by code.
Monitoring Modules
Diagrams showing the location and function of all monitoring modules, including panels, controllers, and communicators.
Booster Supplies
Details on the location and capacity of any booster supplies that are used to extend the range of the system.
Extender Panels
Diagrams showing the location and function of any extender panels that are used to connect additional devices to the system.
Companies Offering Spreadsheets
Many manufacturers of fire alarm systems provide spreadsheets for calculating battery capacity and other system parameters. Some examples include: Simplex: https://www.simplexgrinnell.com/resources/technical-documents Notifier: https://www.notifier.com/en-US/support-and-downloads/tools-calculators Edwards: https://www.edwardsbyhoneywell.com/resources/calculatorsBest Practices
To ensure compliance with local requirements, it is important to consult with the local building department and follow their specific guidelines. It is also essential to coordinate with the fire alarm contractor to obtain all necessary documentation and shop drawings. Flag for review