Fire Alarm System Fundamentals

Mircom is the largest and oldest privately owned fire alarm and life
safety manufacturer in North America and 5th largest overall with 50
years of industry experience. Mircom offers a full line of fire panels
from conventional to intelligent FACP’s ranging from 6 points of
protection to over 500,000. As well, we manufacture a full line of
mass notification systems, area of refuge, telephone entry/intercom
systems, access control, and nurse call systems.
 Introduce Yourself

 Hi, my name is …
 My employer is …
 I’ve been in this industry for …
 I’m here because …

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Building Emergency Plan

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 Roster, hot beverages,
baños, smokers, lunch, etc.
 Goals and Objectives
 To review Basic Fire Alarm Systems,
including their purpose, their
operation, and their pieces & parts.
 Attendees must attend the entire
seminar to receive a Certificate of
Attendance.

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 Outline
 Codes and Standards
 History and Terminology
 Hardware
 FACU, Adders, Annunciators, Power Supplies, etc.
 Wiring Methods and Materials
 Devices
 Automatic and Manual Initiating Devices & Modules
 Appliances
 Horns, Bells, Buzzers, Chimes, Strobes, & Speakers
 Holistic Fire Protection

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 Referenced Publications
 International Building Code, 2012 edition
 NFPA 72-2013 National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code
 History
1. The evolution of Codes and Standards
 Code of Hammurabi (1760 BC);
 The Rebuilding of London Act (1670);
 London Building Act (1844);
 BOCA/ICBO/SBCCI (1915/1922/1941);
 IBC (2000 to present)
 NBFU 70 (1883 to present)
 NBFU 72 (1896 to present
2. Early alarm and detection
3. Modern addressable analog systems

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 Codes and Standards

 Why are fire alarm systems installed?

 Where do Building and Fire Codes
fit?
 What about Installation Standards?
 “Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!”

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 Terminology
Approved.
Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
NFPA 72-2013 3.2.1*
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
An organization, office, or individual
responsible for enforcing the requirements of
a code or standard, or for approving
equipment, materials, an installation, or a
procedure.
NFPA 72-2013 3.2.2*
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 Terminology
Listed. Equipment, materials, or services
included in a list published by an organization
that is acceptable to the AHJ and concerned
with evaluation of products or services, that
maintains periodic inspection of production of
listed equipment or materials or periodic
evaluation of services, and whose listing
states that either the equipment, material, or
service meets appropriate designated
standards or has been tested and found
suitable for a specified purpose.
NFPA 72-2013 3.2.5*
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 Terminology
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL)

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 Terminology
Qualified. A competent and capable person
or company that has met the requirements
and training for a given field acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction.
NFPA 72-2013 3.3.222*
*Qualified might also mean that the person
has knowledge of the installation,
construction, or operation of apparatus and
the hazards involved.

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 Terminology
 Device refers to an input (e.g.
automatic fire detector, manual box,
waterflow switch, etc.)
 Appliance refers to an output (e.g.
horn, bell, chime, strobe, speaker,
etc.).
 Module refers to an addressable input
or output (e.g. monitor module,
control module etc.)

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 Terminology
 Circuit refers to an electrical interface,
(e.g. IDC, SLC, and NAC).
 Zone refers to an area, which may
include devices and/or appliances.
 Circuit Class refers to its fault
tolerance or how the circuit will
perform during a fault condition, by
labeling it Class A, B, C, D, E, or X.

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 Hardware

 Fire Alarm Control Panel

 Adder Modules
 Remote Annunciators
 Remote Power
 Circuits and Pathways

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 Fire Alarm Control Panel
Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU).
A component of the fire alarm system,
provided with primary and secondary
power sources, which receives signals
from initiating devices or other fire alarm
control units, and processes these
signals to determine part or all of the
required fire alarm system output
function(s).
NFPA 72-2013 3.3.102* 18
 Signal
A message indicating a condition,
communicated by electrical, visible,
audible, wireless, or other means.
NFPA 72-2013 3.3.257
Condition. A situation, environmental
state, or equipment state of a fire alarm
or signaling system.
Condition  Signal  Response
NFPA 72-2013 A.3.3.57
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Condition  Signal  Response
Alarm Condition. An abnormal condition
that poses an immediate threat to life,
property, or mission.
Alarm Signal. A signal that results from
the manual or automatic detection of an
alarm condition.
Alarm Response. The response to the
receipt of an alarm signal.

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Condition  Signal  Response
Supervisory Condition. An abnormal
condition in connection with the
supervision of other systems,
processes, or equipment.
Supervisory Signal. A signal that results
from the detection of a supervisory
condition.
Supervisory Response. The response to
the receipt of a supervisory signal.
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Condition  Signal  Response

Trouble Signal. A signal that results

from the detection of a trouble condition.
Trouble Condition. An abnormal
condition in a system due to a fault.
Trouble Response. The response to the
receipt of a trouble signal.

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Hardware Adder Modules
 Network Card
 Conventional, Non-addressable
Circuits
 Loop Adders (SLC)
 Graphic Driver

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 Transmitters
Digital Alarm Communicator Systems.
Radio Systems.
NFPA 72-2013 26.6
A.26.6.2.2 It is not the intent of Section 26.6 to
limit the use of listed equipment using alternate
communications methods, provided these methods
demonstrate performance characteristics that are
equal to or superior to those technologies
described in Section 26.6 ...

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Remote Annunciators
Distribute Control

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Remote Power Supplies
Distribute Power

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 Secondary Power Supply
Sized to operate the system for 24 hours
in the non-alarm condition and then for 5
or 15 minutes in the alarm condition.
(Emergency Voice/Alarm
Communication systems for 15 minutes
at full load.)
NFPA 72-2013 10.6.7.2

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 Battery-set Size Calculation
3-step Process
Step 1: Total quiescent (non-alarm) load
times 24 hours plus;
Step 2: Total alarm load times 5 minutes
(15 minutes for EVAC systems)
plus;
Step 3: A 20% safety margin
NFPA 72-2013 10.6.7.2
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 Circuits and Pathways
Pathway Class Designations.
Pathways shall be designated as Class
A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E,
or Class X, depending on their
performance.
NFPA 72-2013 12.3*

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ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

FIRE End-of-line
ALARM Resistor
CONTROL
UNIT

Class B Initiating Device Circuit

alarm and trouble condition
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ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

FIRE
ALARM
CONTROL
UNIT

Class A Initiating Device Circuit

alarm and trouble condition

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 Compatibility
All devices and appliances that receive
their power from the initiating device
circuit or signaling line circuit of a control
unit shall be listed for use with the
control unit.
NFPA 72-2013 10.3.3
This requirement does not apply to
notification appliance circuits.
NFPA 72-2013 A.10.3.3

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 Addressable Device
A fire alarm system component with
discrete identification that can have its
status individually identified or that is
used to individually control other
functions.
NFPA 72-2013 3.3.8
Devices are polled and changes in
condition are reported; alarm,
supervisory, and trouble.
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 SLC Supervision

4 13

12
3

1 2 5
11

Addressable 7 8 9 10
Fire Alarm
Control Panel 6

Signaling Line Circuit (SLC)

Analog Initiating Device (Sensor)

An initiating device that transmits a

signal indicating varying degrees of
condition as contrasted with a
conventional initiating device, which can
only indicate an on–off condition.
NFPA 72-2013 3.3.132.1

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Analog Addressable System
Certain systems are able to upwardly
adjust sensor alarm threshold
automatically to avoid a nuisance alarm
resulting from hostile environments.
This type of system will identify the
affected detector when the limit of
compensation is reached.
NFPA 72-2013 23.8.5.4.2

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Analog Addressable System

Node 1 Loop 2 Device #101

Smoke Detector Dirty

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 Conventional vs. Addressable
Initiating Device Circuit (IDC)
1 1 1 1 1 1 EOL
Resistor

Conventional 4 13
Fire Alarm
Control Panel
12
3

1 2 5
11

Addressable 7 8 9 10
Fire Alarm
Control Panel 6 Signaling Line Circuit (SLC)
ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

FIRE -
ALARM End-of-line
+ + +
CONTROL - - - Resistor
UNIT
+

Class B Notification Appliance Circuit

trouble condition
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ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

-
+ + +
- - -
FIRE
ALARM +
CONTROL
UNIT +

Class A Notification Appliance Circuit

trouble condition
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 Bringing it all Together
Primary Power Transmitter 
Dedicated 120VAC Supervising
Station

S S S S
Fire Alarm
Smoke Detectors Control Panel
Remote
Annunciator
Initiating P H P
Device
Circuits
(IDC)
Manual Boxes
Secondary Power
Battery-set
H H H
Event Printer /
Heat Detectors Hyperterminal

HS HS HS HS HS
Notification Appliance Circuits
(NAC)
Fire Alarm System Wiring Methods
Fire alarm systems are unique. Circuits are
either supervised, redundant, or both.
Therefore, their wiring methods are a bit
different than that for light, power, and other
limited-energy electrical systems. Install IAW
NFPA 70, Article 760.
NFPA 72-2013 12.2.4.3
Installation and Use. Listed or labeled
equipment shall be installed and used in
accordance with any instructions included in
the listing or labeling.
NFPA 70-2014 110.3(B) 42
Wiring Methods and Materials
NFPA 70-2011 Chapter 3
I. General Requirements
300.1 Scope.
(A) All Wiring Installations.
This article covers wiring methods for all
wiring installations unless modified by
other articles.

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 Voltage Drop
Equipment shall be designed so that it is
capable of performing its intended
functions under the following conditions:
(1)*At 85% and at 110% of the nameplate
primary (main) and secondary (standby)
input voltage(s)
(2) At ambient temperatures of 32°F and
120°F
(3) At a relative humidity of 85% and an
ambient temperature of 86°F
NFPA 72-2013 10.3.5 44
Circuit Fundamentals

Source Load
ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

FIRE -
ALARM End-of-line
+
CONTROL Circuit Conductors - Resistor
UNIT
+

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 Voltage Drop
 Is a function of current and resistance.
 Resistance is a function of conductor
length and size.
AWG DC Resistance /1000’
10 1.24
12 1.98
14 3.07
16 4.89
18 7.77

NFPA 70-2011, Chapter 9, Table 8 Conductor Properties

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 End-of-line Method

Total circuit length = distance x 2

ALARM SUPERVISORY TROUBLE

Distance

FIRE -
ALARM End-of-line
+
CONTROL - Resistor
UNIT
+

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 Devices
Automatic;
 Smoke, heat, flame, gas, waterflow
Manual
 Boxes; single action, double action
Supervisory Signal
 Valve Position, Air Pressure, Fire
Pump
Addressable Modules
 Monitor (input), SO (output), Relay
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Heat-Sensing Fire Detectors
NFPA 72-2013 17.6
Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors

NFPA 72-2013 17.7

Radiant Energy-Sensing Fire Detectors

NFPA 72-2013 17.8

Gas Detection

NFPA 72-2013 17.10

 Manually Actuated
Alarm-Initiating Devices
NFPA 72-2013 17.14
 Manually Actuated
Alarm-Initiating Devices
 Each manual fire alarm box shall be
securely mounted.
 The operable part of each manual fire
alarm box shall be not less than 42 in.
and not more than 48 in. above floor
level.
 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be
installed so that they are
conspicuous, unobstructed, and
accessible.
NFPA 72-2013 17.14
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 Fire Extinguisher
Electronic Monitoring Device

NFPA 72-2013 17.15

Supervisory Signal–Initiating Devices

NFPA 72-2013 17.16

Notification Appliances

NFPA 72-2013 18.1

Public Mode Audible Requirements
To ensure the audible public mode
signals are clearly heard, they shall be:
 15 dBA above average ambient or;
 5 dBA above maximum (having a duration
of at least 60 seconds)
Whichever is greater, in the area
required to be served by the system on
the A-weighted scale (dBA).
NFPA 72-2013 18.4.3.1*
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Average Ambient Sound Level
Business Occupancies................................. 55 dBA
Education Occupancies................................ 45 dBA
Industrial Occupancies................................. 80 dBA
Institutional Occupancies............................. 50 dBA
Mercantile Occupancies............................... 40 dBA
Piers & Water Surrounded Structures......... 40 dBA
Places of Assembly....................................... 55 dBA
Residential Occupancies.............................. 35 dBA

NFPA 72-2013 Table A.18.4.3

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Sleeping Area Requirements
Where audible appliances provide
signals for sleeping areas, they shall
have a sound level of at least 15 dB
above the average ambient sound level
or 5 dB above the maximum sound level
having a duration of at least 60 seconds
or a sound level of at least 75 dBA,
whichever is greater, measured at the
pillow on the A-weighted scale (dBA).
NFPA 72-2010 18.4.5.1
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Visible Notification Appliance

NFPA 72-2013 18.5

Visible Signaling Requirements
Visible notification appliances shall be installed in
accordance with Table 18.5.5.4.1(a) or Table 18.5.5.4.1(b)
using one of the following:
(1) A single visible notification appliance.
(2) *Two groups of visible notification appliances, where visual
appliances of each group are synchronized, in the same
room or adjacent space within the field of view. This shall
include synchronization of strobes operated by separate
systems.
(3) More than two visible notification appliances or groups of
synchronized appliances in the same room or adjacent space
within the field of view that flash in synchronization.
NFPA 72-2013 18.5.5.4.2

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Visible Signaling Requirements
1. Wall-mounted appliance location
 The entire lens 80” - 96” above the finished
floor (except sleeping areas)

2. Ceiling-mounted appliances
 Within 30’ of the finished floor

3. Sleeping areas
 177cd within 2’ of ceiling
 110cd more than 2’ below ceiling
NFPA 72-2013 18.5

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Textual Audible Appliance

NFPA 72-2013 18.8

Annunciator Formats

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Emergency Communication
System (ECS)
 One-Way Emergency Communications
System.
 Distributed Recipient Mass Notification
System (DRMNS).
 In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm
Communications System.
 In-Building Mass Notification System.
 Wide-Area Mass Notification System.
 Two-Way Emergency Communications
System.
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 Survivability

For systems employing relocation or

partial evacuation, a Level 2 or Level 3
pathway survivability shall be required.
NFPA 72-2013 24.3.6.4.1

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 Survivability
Pathway survivability Level 2 shall
consist of one or more of the following:
(1) 2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) cable
(2) 2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical
circuit protective system(s)]
(3) 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected
area
(4) 2-hour performance alternatives approved
by the authority having jurisdiction
NFPA 72-2013 12.4.3
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 Survivability
Pathway survivability Level 3 shall consist of
pathways in buildings that are fully protected
by an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with NFPA 13, and one or more
of the following:
(1) 2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) cable
(2) 2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit
protective system(s)]
(3) 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
(4) 2-hour performance alternatives approved by the
authority having jurisdiction
NFPA 72-2013 12.4.4
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 Balanced Fire Protection
• Alarm and Detection
To provide occupant early warning
• Sprinkler System
To suppress and extinguish
• Fire and Smoke Barriers
To provide tenability

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 NFPA 72-2013 21.1
Emergency Control Function Interfaces
 Elevator Recall for Fire Fighters’ Service
 Elevator Shutdown
 Fire Service Access Elevators
 Occupant Evacuation Elevators
 HVAC Systems
 Door and Shutter Release
 Electrically Locked Doors
 Exit Marking Audible Notification Systems
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 Emergency Control
Functions and Interfaces
 Maintain Path of Egress
 Maintain Areas of Refuge
 Provide Clear Approach for
Firefighters
 Minimize Fire and Smoke Damage

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 Elevator Recall for
Firefighters’ Service
When sprinklers are installed in elevator pits,
install automatic fire detection to initiate
elevator recall IAW ASME A17.1 2.27.3.2.1(c)
(1) Where sprinklers are located above the lowest
level of recall, locate the fire detection device at
hoistway top.
(2) Where sprinklers are located in the bottom of the
hoistway (the pit), fire detection device(s) shall be
installed in the pit in accordance with Chapter 17.
(3) Outputs to the elevator controller(s) shall comply
with 21.3.14 [Satisfy ASME A17.1].
NFPA 72-2013 21.3.7* 75
 Elevator Code
Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by
Fire Alarm Initiating Devices
Fire alarm initiating devices shall be
installed in conformance with NFPA 72,
and located:
 At each floor served by the elevator;
 In the associated elevator machine room;
 In the elevator hoistway, when required.
ASME A17.1 2.27.3.2

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 Elevator Recall for
Firefighters’ Service
Smoke detectors shall not be installed in
unsprinklered elevator hoistways unless
they are installed to activate the elevator
hoistway smoke relief equipment.
NFPA 72-2013 21.3.6
If ambient conditions prohibit installation of
automatic smoke detection, other automatic
fire detection shall be permitted.
NFPA 72-2010 21.3.9*
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 Smoke Control Systems
Smoke control, as required by the
building code, is intended to:
1. Limit the spread of smoke
2. Direct the smoke out of the building
NFPA 92A Smoke Control Systems Standard
NFPA 92B Smoke Management Systems
Standard

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 Smoke Control Methods
Natural
 The use of windows, panels and/or
hatches so that smoke will flow
directly to the outside.
Mechanical
 The use of building HVAC equipment
to exhaust smoke and bring in outside
air.

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 Smoke Detectors for
Control of Smoke Spread
Classifications. Smoke detectors installed and
used to prevent smoke spread by initiating
control of fans, dampers, doors, and other
equipment shall be classified in the following
manner:
(1) Area detectors that are installed in the related
smoke compartments
(2) Detectors that are installed in the air duct systems
(3) Video image smoke detection that is installed in
related smoke compartments
NFPA 72-2013 17.7.5*
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 Smoke Detectors for
Control of Smoke Spread

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Emergency Control Functions

Emergency control function interface

devices shall be located within 3 ft (1 m)
of the component controlling the
emergency control function.
NFPA 72-2013 21.2.4*

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 Exit Marking
Audible Notification Systems

NFPA 72-2013 21.10

 Discussion Questions

• What NFPA chapter governs commercial fire

alarm systems?
• What NFPA chapter governs fire alarm
electrical circuits and wiring?
• What NFPA chapter governs the standard for
Smoke Control Systems?
• *Bonus* What IBC chapter governs commercial
fire protection systems?
In Conclusion …