INTRODUCTION:  Automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms have long been used together to protect building inhabitants and improve fire prevention. A fire alarm system is defined by the International Fire Code (IFC) as a system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to the signals. Alarm starting devices and supervisory devices are among the parts that a fire alarm system keeps an eye on. If a monitored alarm device detects a probable fire condition, the fire alarm control panel (FACP) will detect a signal and initiate the proper reaction. If the building has an occupant alerting system, the horn/strobes or voice evacuation system will activate.

Fire alarm systems with dedicated functionalities can handle emergency tasks such as turning on smoke control systems, reaction or deluge valves, and recalling elevators. An alert signal is sent to a central station, while a difficulty signal indicates a problem with the fire alarm system itself. Not all FACPs are obliged to alert a central station, but some do. The IFC specifies the locations where sprinkler systems are necessary in Section 903.2 and the locations where fire alarm systems are needed in Section 907.2. NFPA 72 distinguishes between a fire alarm panel installed to monitor a general function and a full fire alarm system comprised of horns/strobes, detection, and manual pull stations.

When a fire alarm system with occupant notification is mandated by IBC Section 907, one or more of the following must occur before the fire alarm notification appliances (horns, speakers, strobes) will operate: automatic devices for sprinkler system waterflow, automatic fire detectors, manual pull stations, and automatic fire-extinguishing systems. Section 7.7 of the NFPA 13 2022 edition was changed to divide the requirements based on whether a waterflow alarm device is mechanical or electrical. The 5-minute threshold set forth by NFPA 13 is meant to account for variations in water flow in buildings with mechanical alarms but no fire alarm system. Section 903.4 of the IBC mandates that waterflow be under the supervision of a listed fire alarm control unit. Additionally, the waterflow alarm device has an additional ten seconds after the initial 90 seconds to activate the building’s notification. Hospitals present particular difficulties for sprinkler and fire alarm systems. The IBC mandates that floors be segregated into two smoke compartments separated by smoke barriers, and the NFPA 99 Healthcare institutions Code requires sprinkler zones to match with smoke compartment borders. Elevator inspectors, fire sprinkler installers, and fire alarm technicians have expressed concern about the fire protection regulations for elevator shafts. NFPA 13 stipulates that a sidewall sprinkler in the lift hoist way must be installed no higher than 2 feet above the pit’s floor. For traction type elevators, sprinkler protection is not necessary.

Fire alarm detection must be offered if Phase I emergency recall is necessary. Heat detectors must have a lower temperature rating and higher sensitivity than sprinklers when they are used to shut off the lift power before sprinkler operation. Smoke detectors are not allowed to be used to turn on sprinklers or cut off the main line power supply to the lift equipment.

Jelly with peanut butter. Pepper and salt. bacon with eggs. The NFPA 13 and NFPA 72…? Despite the fact that this pairing may appear odd, automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms have long worked in concert to safeguard building inhabitants and improve fire prevention generally. It only makes sense that sprinklers and alarms are frequently referenced in the same phrase when discussing fire safety because many modern structures are mandated by model codes to have both.

 

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM BASICS

MODEL CODES, SPRINKLERS AND FIRE ALARMS

FIRE SPRINKLERS and OCCUPANT NOTIFICATION

FIRE SPRINKLER CONTROL VALVE SUPERVISION

SPECIAL RULES FOR HOSPITALS

ELEVATOR, SPRINKLER AND FIRE ALARM REQUIREMENTS