As with everything in our business, the Building and Fire codes govern when and where what type of fire alarm system is or is not required. That's the starting point. NFPA 72 gives the direction on installation details and other requirements for the systems. Some facilities require everything, pull stations, horn/strobes, evacuation, etc. Other conditions might require no FA system at all and there's different situation with requirements in between both extremes.
Sometimes, owners or their insurers desire to have a FA system installed even when it's not required by Code. That's their option. But if they opt to have one, the design and installation still has to follow NFPA 72. They can't just create some cobbled together "system". Typically the FA requirements are based on the occupancy of the building which is typically defined by the Architect of record. But if there isn't one (an architect), it's not that difficult to determine what the occupancy will be as defined by the IBC. There are other factors involved in determining what type of FA system is required such as whether or not you have sprinklers. There are also what is called Special Function systems where you have an alarm panel supervising sprinkler systems but you have no other typical FA devices like pull stations or strobes. This is the super simplified explanation. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead/SME - Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | www.jacobs.com<http://www.jacobs.com/> 1041 East Butler Road Greenville, South Carolina 29606 From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Irwin via Sprinklerforum Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2019 5:32 AM To: [email protected] Cc: John Irwin <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Alarms I would guess some of you are pretty familiar with fire alarm code as well as sprinkler code. Our fire alarm division falls under my purview and I really don't know the first thing about them. They certainly don't seem to follow the same reasoning we use when determining how we are going to protect a building with sprinklers. The client base isn't the same, the way they bid and sell them isn't the same. They seem to have less regard for what's actually required and more interest in what the bid plans show. Are they like sprinklers insofar as ... this book says fire alarm yes or no ... this book tells you what's required ... this book tells you how to design them... etc ? Can anyone recommend where or how I can get some basic knowledge of how alarms should be done? Probably starting with 101, 72 and ... 70? Design class or code class? Does anyone have a fire alarm design class like AFSA and NFSA do for sprinklers? John Irwin ________________________________ NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
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