Addressable Fire Alarm - Materials and Enactment

In Addressable Fire Alarm - Materials and Enactment, you'll learn ...

• The principles and evolution of code box, zoned, and addressable fire alarm systems.
• Key provisions from NFPA 70, NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and other relevant codes and standards related to fire alarm systems.
• The function of major components in addressable fire alarm systems, including initiating and notification devices.
• Proper wiring methods, cable types, and installation practices in accordance with NFPA 70 Article 760 and other applicable standards.

Overview

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Credit: 7 PDH

Length: 148 pages

This course provides a comprehensive overview of modern proprietary supervising-station fire alarm systems, focusing on addressable technology. It is designed to equip stakeholders with both foundational principles and practical insights for system selection, design, integration, and maintenance.

The course begins with an introduction to the historical evolution of fire alarm systems, covering code box, zoned, and modern addressable systems, emphasizing the principles each system has contributed to today’s standards. It also highlights the importance of understanding the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, especially NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code), and related standards like the International Fire Code and CSI MasterFormat.

In Part 2 – MATERIALS, the course details the components of addressable systems, including control panels, annunciators, initiating devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations), and notification appliances (speakers, strobes). It uniquely pairs these components with applicable NFPA 72 and CSI MasterFormat entries and provides comprehensive information about cabling requirements, backup power systems, and how these systems interface with other building systems. Visuals of real installations help illustrate practical application and integration with other systems.

Part 3 – ENACTMENT focuses on the execution phase, including design coordination, system interconnection with building services (e.g., HVAC, elevators, security), inspection, and enforceability through specifications. It stresses frequent testing, AHJ collaboration, and the value of redundancy and system self-diagnostics.

Throughout the course, the author draws from extensive professional experience to provide practical insights beyond theoretical knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of specifying adequate testing procedures, creating detailed descriptions of system functions, and ensuring proper integration with other building systems like HVAC, elevators, and security.

The course highlights how fire alarm systems have become increasingly sophisticated, incorporating digital communication, automated testing capabilities, and integration with emergency communication systems. It also addresses contemporary issues like cybersecurity concerns and the potential integration with building management systems.

The content is valuable for building owners, architects, engineers, project managers, and anyone involved in the design, installation, or maintenance of modern fire alarm systems.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

• The evolution of fire alarm systems from coded master box systems to conventional zoned systems to modern addressable systems, including the principles established by each technology.
• The main components of addressable fire alarm systems, including control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, and supervised interface hardware.
• Types of fire detection technologies (heat, smoke, beam, aspirating, etc.) and explain their appropriate applications in various environments.
• Key requirements from NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, and other relevant codes as they apply to fire alarm systems.
• The interconnection requirements between fire alarm systems and other building systems such as HVAC, elevators, sprinkler systems, and security systems.
• Circuit integrity requirements for fire alarm systems, including proper cable selection, installation methods, and testing procedures.
• The roles and qualifications of personnel involved in fire alarm system design, installation, inspection, and testing according to NFPA standards.
• Proper inspection and testing procedures for fire alarm systems, including the importance of 100% inspection versus partial inspection.
• The considerations involved in deciding whether to reuse existing fire alarm system components or install new systems during renovations.
• The relationship between fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems, including their integration capabilities and respective functions.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 35 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.