The FR Please - nfpa.org · PDF fileFirst Revision No. 339-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 2.2 ]...

NOTE:

The pages included within this report are

organized in a manner consistent with

the FR list, provided to you in the agenda

package. Please note that the printed

page numbers may not be useful while

navigating this report.

First Revision No. 339-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 2.2 ]

2.2 NFPA Publications.

National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 2016 edition.

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2013 2016 edition.

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems,2011 2014 edition.

NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines,2010 2016 edition.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, 2011 2014 edition.

NFPA 75, Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2013 2016 edition.

NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2013 2016 edition.

NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2013 2016edition.

NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, 2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention, 2010 2016 edition.

NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment,2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services CommunicationsSystems, 2013 2016 edition.

NFPA 1600®, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs,2010 2016 edition.

NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, 2010 2016 edition.

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Richard Roux

Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Oct 03 11:13:33 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC updates 2.2 effective dates.

Response Message:

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...

28 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Items (7) and (8) would not be included in an owner’s manual as they are designdocuments.

Response Message:

Public Input No. 447-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 24.8.3]


22 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 158-NFPA 72-2013 [ Global Input ]

Revise 2.3.1 to update UL 864 to "2003, revised 2012" and upate ANSI/ASME A17 to 2013.


Submitter Full Name: [ Not Specified ]

Organization: [ Not Specified ]

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Wed Sep 11 11:08:52 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Updated references used in SIG-PRO chapters

Response Message:


5 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 340-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 2.3.1 ]

Global FR-158 Hide Deleted


2.3.1 ANSI Publications.



American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

ANSI A-58.1, Building Code Requirements for Minimum Design Loads in Buildings and Other Structures.

ANSI S1.4a, Specifications for Sound Level Meters, 1985, reaffirmed 2006.

ANSI S3.41, American National Standard Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal, 1990, reaffirmed 2008.

ANSI/ASME A17.1/CSA B44–10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators , 2010 2013 .

ANSI/IEEE C2, National Electrical Safety Code, 2007.

ANSI/TIA-568-C.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, June 2008.

ANSI/UL 217, Standard for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms, 2006, revised 2012.

ANSI/UL 268, Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, 2009.

ANSI/UL 827, Standard for Central-Station Alarm Services, 2008 2013 .

ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems , 2003, revised2011 2012 .

ANSI/UL 985, Standard for Household Fire Warning System Units, 2000, revised 2008.

ANSI/UL 1638, Visual Signaling Appliances — Private Mode Emergency and General Utility Signaling,2008.

ANSI/UL 1730, Standard for Smoke Detector Monitors and Accessories for Individual Living Units ofMultifamily Residences and Hotel/Motel Rooms, 2006, revised 2007.

ANSI/UL 1971, Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired, 2002, revised 2008.

ANSI/UL 1981, Central Station Automation Systems, 2003.

ANSI/ UL 2017, Standard for General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems, 2008, revised 2011.

ANSI/UL 2572, Mass Notification Systems, 2011 2012 .

ANSI/UL 60950, Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements,2007 2011 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement


29 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


2.3.3 IMSA Publication.

International Municipal Signal Association, 165 East Union Street, Newark, NY 14513-0539.

“IMSA Official Wire and Cable Specifications,” 1998 2012 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The reference is updated to the latest revision.

Response Message:


31 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


2.3.4 ISO Publications.

International Organization for Standardization, 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211Geneva 20, Switzerland.

ISO 7731, Danger signals for work places — Auditory danger signals, 2003 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Jul 19 11:27:34 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC updates the reference and date to the document.

Response Message:


32 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, 2011 2014 edition.

NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations,2011 2014 edition.

NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing,and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2013 edition.

NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment,2012 2015 edition.

NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services CommunicationsSystems, 2013 2016 edition.

NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2012 2015 edition.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The extract references need to be updated to reflect the latest edition.

Response Message:


33 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.11 Alarm.

A warning of danger. An indication of the existence of a condition that requires immediate action.(SIG-FUN)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The definition is revised to better correlate with the new condition - signal - responseconcept and terminology.

Response Message:



34 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 281-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 3.3.12 ]

3.3.13 Alarm Repeater System.

A device or system for the purpose of automatically retransmitting alarm information received by thealarm processing equipment. (SIG-PRS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: A new definition is needed to correlate with the changes in FR 280.

Response Message:


35 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 75-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.35.1 ]

3.3.36.1 Level Ceilings.

Ceilings that are level or have a slope of less than or equal to 1 in 8. (SIG-IDS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC revises 3.3.35.1 for consistency with 3.3.35.2.

Response Message:


36 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.43.2 Derived Channel.

A signaling line circuit that uses the local leg of the public-switched network as an active multiplexchannel while simultaneously allowing that leg’s use for normal telephone communications. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Jun 24 11:39:33 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "Derived Channel" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and theindex and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 252-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 3.3.43.2]


37 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.65 Derived Channel.

See 3.3.43 , Channel.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The term "derived channel" is no longer used in the code.

Response Message:



38 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.80 Dual Control.

The use of two primary trunk facilities over separate routes or different methods to control onecommunications channel. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The term "dual control" is not longer used in NFPA 72. See FR 10.

Response Message:


39 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.87 Emergency Communications Systems — Combination.

Various emergency communication systems such as fire alarm, mass notification, fire fightercommunications, area of refuge communications, elevator communications, or others and that can beserved through a single control system or through an interconnection of several control systems.(SIG-ECS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes “and” as it is extraneous.

Response Message:


40 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.90* Emergency Control Functions.

Building, fire, and emergency control elements or systems that are initiated by the fire alarm oremergency communications signaling system and either increase the level of life safety for occupants orcontrol the spread of the harmful effects of fire or other dangerous products. (SIG-PRO)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Sep 10 08:33:19 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change makes the definition more generic to allow other NFPA documents (such asNFPA 720) to extract the definition.

ResponseMessage:



41 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.92 Emergency Response Plan.

A documented set of actions to address response to natural, technological, and man-made disasters andother emergencies prepared by the stakeholders from information obtained during the risk analysis .(SIG-ECS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Problem: Too many diffrent terms in NFPA 72 describing the same item, such as: Emergencyresponse plan 3.3.93, 24…. Building fire safety plan 3.3.32, 24.4.2.8.3.1 Emergency plan 18.5.3.5Emergency evacuation plan Fire safety plan Fire response plan Building response plan 23.8.4.8,23.8.4.8.2 Fire Plan 10.18.5.2 Relocation plan 23.8.1.3.1.1 Evacuation plan 23.8.6.3.1 Reasons forProposed Change: 1.There should be only one consistent term throughout NFPA 72 to describe thesame item – “Emergency Response Plan (ERP)”. All other terms, referring to the same item, andindicated in different sections throughout the NFPA 72 document are inconsistent and could beconfusing. The different terms may be indicated on the annex to Section 3.3.93 clarifying that if adifferent term such as: “Emergency Plan”, “Emergency Evacuation Plan”, “Fire Response Plan”,“Building Response Plan”, Fire Safety Plan”, “Building Fire safety Plan”, “Fire Safety and EvacuationPlans” etc., is used, it refers to the same document. My suggestion is to use the term: EmergencyResponse Plan (ERP) throughout the NFPA 72 document, since it includes the three important words:“Emergency” – which could be any type emergency (man-made or natural), “Response” – whichshould describe the building occupants’ actions to address certain emergency conditions, and “Plan” -which include specific procedures to be implemented upon those emergencies and required drills to beperformed for practice purposes. 2.I suggest to revise the definition of this term in section 3.3.93 toread: “A documented set of actions to address response to natural, technological, and man-madedisasters and other emergencies”. The reason I suggest to delete the last sentence in this definition –“prepared by the stakeholders from information obtained during the risk analysis” is that an ERP is notnecessarily required ONLY when a risk analysis is required. An ERP may be required for any typebuilding (existing or new), depending on the specific AHJ’s requirements and the applicable codesadopted by that jurisdiction, even if a risk analysis is not required. For example, in San Francisco, anERP is required for all existing and new High-Rise buildings, regardless the age of the building andregardless the fire protection system/s provided in that building, and it is not required to develop a riskanalysis for any of these buildings (We have about 600 existing high-rise buildings in SF – All havingERPs but not having Risk Analysis, the term used in SF for this required ERP is “Facility EmergencyPlan” (or FEP) but it has the same meaning as defined in section 1 above. This FEP is specific foreach building and it must be signed by the owner or the owner’s representative and be approved bySFFD which is the only AHJ for this document. (See attached PDF Example for a High-Rise FEP inSF). 3.Currently, In San Francisco the applicable building and fire codes are the 2010 edition of theCalifornia Fire Code and the California Building Code which are based on the 2009 edition of the IFCand IBC. Section 404 of the 2009 IFC is: FIRE SAFETY AND EVACUATION PLANS which hasspecific requirements regarding fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans and associated drills.However, other jurisdictions may adopt other building and fire codes, and therefore, the definitions andterms in NFPA 72 should not be limited to certain codes or standards. 4.In my opinion, the


42 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

determination where (for which type building or facility) an ERP should be required, is dependent onthe specific AHJ requirements, based on applicable building and fire codes, and should not be relatedto or associated with a Fire Alarm system or Emergency Communication System (ECS or EVACS)requirements in NFPA 72. 5.The only place an ERP should be specifically required by NFPA 72, iswhen a Mass Notification System (MNS) is provided for a specific building/facility. Since any proposedMNS is required to have (or be based on) a Risk Analysis, an ERP should be specifically required forthat facility based on its specific Risk Analysis requirements. 6.When an ERP is required by NFPA 72for a MNS, Section 24.3.12 should mention that the ERP should be developed based on the RiskAnalysis in accordance with applicable codes and standards acceptable to the AHJ. An annex to thissection could reference examples for acceptable codes and standards to develop an ERP such asNFPA 1600, NFPA 1620, NFPA 101, IFC, etc. 7.It should be clarified in NFPA 72 that a Risk Analysisshould only be required where a MNS or ECS/MNS is provided. However, a risk Analysis should notbe required for any FA/ECS or EVACS which are not combined with MNS.

ResponseMessage:



43 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 220-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.102.2.1 ]

3.3.101.2.1* Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Control Unit.

A protected premises fire alarm control unit which that is intended to provide operation of a operatespecifically identified emergency control function(s) . (SIG-PRO)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

A dedicated function control unit can be used for multiple dedicated functions. The changecleans up the ambiguity in the current language.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 177-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 3.3.102.2.1]


44 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 86-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.122 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]

]

A full or partial decrease in the ability to detect or comprehend sounds. (SIG-NAS HOU )




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC reassigns this definition to SIG-HOU.

Response Message:


45 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.122 Heat Alarm.

A single- or multiple-station alarm responsive to heat. (SIG-IDS)

3.3.122.1 Mechanically Powered, Single-Station Heat Alarm.

A single-station heat alarm employing a mechanical power source such as a spring wound mechanism.(SIG-HOU)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Wed Jun 26 18:11:06 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The definition is provided for clarity for cases where the code uses this term.

Response Message:


46 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.129* Impairment.

An abnormal condition where a system, component, or function is out of order, and the condition canresult in the system or unit not functioning when required. , of either a planned or emergency event,where a system, component, or function is inoperable. (SIG-FUN)

3.3.129.1* Emergency Impairment.

An abnormal condition where a system, component, or function is out of order due to an unexpecteddeficiency. (SIG-FUN)

3.3.129.2* Planned Impairment.

An abnormal condition where a system, component, or function is out of service due to work that hasbeen planned in advance. (SIG-FUN)

Supplemental Information

File Name Description

Attachment_for_FR_244.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Sep 20 14:09:32 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The language “emergency impairment” and “planned impairment” appear in Chapter 3 of the Code,and nowhere else. This goes against the NFPA manual of style, so the definitions are being deleted.However to make it clear that an impairment can be either planned or not, language is being addedto the definition of impairment in 3.3.130. Examples of “emergency impairment” and “plannedimpairment” are being moved to the Annex to provide additional details on what an impairment canbe. This FR also deletes A.3.3.130.1 and A.3.3.130.2. This FR also modified A.3.3.130 - seeattached.

ResponseMessage:



47 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.3.3.130 Impairment.

An impairment is a system component or function that is not working properly, which can result in the

system or unit not functioning when required. This might be due to an intentional act, such as closing a

valve or disabling an initiating device. The impairment also might be caused by a deficiency in a piece of

equipment or subsystem. An example of emergency impairment is physical damage to a control unit or

wiring. Examples of a planned impairment include the addition of new devices or appliances or the

reprogramming of system software.


3.3.131* In-writing.

Any form of correspondence that can be verified upon request. (SIG-FUN)







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

“Electronic’ means of communication, can often provide for a “quicker’, “targeted” andpermanently archived mechanism of correspondence. This fulfills the requirements ofcommunication "in-writing". This FR also adds A.3.3.132 - see attached.

ResponseMessage:


48 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.3.3.132 In-writing.

In-writing communication is a letter, fax, email, or other means of documented transfer of information from one entity to another. This does not apply to written documents required, such as system layouts

or marked drawings


3.3.149 Low-Power Radio Transmitter. /Transceiver.

Any device that communicates with associated control/receiving equipment or other transceivers bylow-power radio signals. (SIG-PRO)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Wireless systems incorporate two-way communications. The terms “transceiver” added toreflect the two-way aspect of this communication.

ResponseMessage:


49 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.168 Network.

3.3.168.1 Wireless Network.

The method of communications used in a public emergency alarm reporting system when it consists of awireless type of communications infrastructure. that consists of two or more points that are not connectedby physical conductors. (SIG-PRS)

3.3.168.2 Wired Network.

The method of communications used in a public emergency alarm reporting system when it consists of awired type of communications infrastructure. that consists of two or more points that are connected byphysical conductors. (SIG-PRS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: These changes are needed to eliminate the use of the term defined in the definition.

Response Message:


50 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.173.3.1* Textual Visible Notification Appliance.

A notification appliance that conveys a stream of visible information that displays an alphanumeric orpictorial message. Textual visible notification appliances provide temporary text, permanent text, orsymbols. Textual visible notification appliances include, but are not limited to, annunciators, monitors,CRTs, displays, and printers. (SIG-NAS)



FR_87_annex_text.docx FR 87 annex text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC relocates the last two sentences to A.3.173.3.1.

Response Message:


51 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.3.173.3.1 Textual visible notification appliances provide temporary text, permanent text, or symbols. Textual visible notification appliances include, but are not limited to, annunciators, monitors, CRTs, displays, and printers. (SIG-NAS)


3.3.182 Open Area Detection (Protection).

Protection of an area such as a room or space with detectors to provide early warning of fire. (SIG-IDS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes the term as it is not currently used in the standard.

Response Message:


52 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.187 Parallel Telephone System.

A telephone system in which an individually wired circuit is used for each fire alarm box. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "Parallel Telephone System" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition andthe index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.

ResponseMessage:



53 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.202 Private Radio Signaling.

A radio system under control of the proprietary supervising station. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "Private Radio Signaling" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition andthe index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.

ResponseMessage:



54 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 278-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 3.3.215.2, 3.3.215.3 ]

3.3.212.2 Type A Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System.

A system in which an alarm from an alarm box is received and is retransmitted to fire stations anemergency response facility either manually or automatically. (SIG-PRS)

3.3.212.3 Type B Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System.

A system in which an alarm from an alarm box is automatically transmitted to fire stations an emergencyresponse facility and, if used, is transmitted to supplementary alerting devices. (SIG-PRS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

These changes are made to provide consistent with code terminology. The term "emergencyresponse facility" should be used instead of "fire station".

ResponseMessage:


55 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.223 Radio Alarm System (RAS).

A system in which signals are transmitted from a radio alarm transmitter (RAT) located at a protectedpremises through a radio channel to two or more radio alarm repeater station receivers (RARSR) and thatare annunciated by a radio alarm supervising station receiver (RASSR) located at the central supervisingstation. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

In the definition for a RASSR (3.3.225), which immediately precedes the definition for a RAS, theRASSR's location is said to be located at the "supervising station" which is a general term coveringall alarm signal receiving locations covered by NFPA 72. RASSR's can be found in central, remote orproprietary supervising station locations. The definition used for the RAS indicates that the RASSR islocated at the "central station". The definition for the RAS should be revised to coincide with 3.3.225by indicating the RASSR is located at a "supervising station".

ResponseMessage:



56 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 364-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 3.3.244.4 ]

3.3.242 Response Time Index (RTI).

A numerical value that represents the thermal response sensitivity of the sensing element in a heatdetector, sprinkler, or other heat-sensing fire detection device to the fire environment in terms of gastemperature and velocity versus time. ( See B.3.3.3.7 .) (SIG-IDS)


Submitter Full Name: Lee Richardson


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Oct 22 08:00:57 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

A new definition for Response Time Index [RTI has been provided to facilitate the use of thisterm in the Code.

Response Message:

Public Input No. 303-NFPA 72-2013 [Global Input]


57 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.247 Scanner.

Equipment located at the telephone company wire center that monitors each local leg and relays statuschanges to the alarm center. Processors and associated equipment might also be included. (SIG-SSS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "Scanner" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and the index and assuch no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.

ResponseMessage:



58 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.252* Shop Drawings.

Documents that provide information pertaining to the system, such as property location, scaled floorplans, equipment wiring details, typical equipment installation details, riser details, conduit/conductor sizeand routing information, and other information necessary for the installer to complete the fire alarminstallation. installation of a fire alarm and/or signaling system. (SIG-FUN)







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This was modified to remove explanatory information and move it to the annex. This FR addsannex material - see attachment.

ResponseMessage:



59 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.3.3.255 Shop Drawings.

Shop drawings typically include the property location, scaled floor plans, equipment wiring details,

typical equipment installation details, riser details, conduit/conductor size, and routing information

needed to install a fire alarm and/or signaling system.

First Revision No. 164-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.257 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

A message indicating An indication of a condition, communicated by electrical, visible, audible, wireless,or other means. (SIG-FUN)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The definition for "Signal" has been revised in an effort to better align with the termsCondition, Signal and Response,

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 160-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 3.3.257 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]


60 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


3.3.271 Spacing.

A horizontally measured dimension related to the allowable coverage of fire detectors. (SIG-IDS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes the word fire to make the definition more generic.

Response Message:


61 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.1.2

The documentation of the alteration, maintenance, and testing of existing systems previously installedunder this Code shall comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Sep 23 15:22:03 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text "previously installed under this code" is not needed to convey the expectations of thisrequirement, The revised wording improves the readability of the text.

ResponseMessage:



62 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.2.1*

Where documentation is required by the enforcing authority having jurisdiction , the following list shallrepresent the minimum documentation required for all new fire alarm systems, supervising station andshared communication equipment and emergency communications systems, including new systems andadditions or alterations to existing systems:

(1)

(2) Riser diagram

(3) Floor plan layout showing locations of all devices and control equipment , control equipment, andsupervising station and shared communications equipment with each sheet showing the following:

(a) Point of compass (north arrow)

(b) A graphic representation of the scale used

(c) Room use identification

(d) Building features that will affect the placement of initiating devices and notification appliances

(4) Sequence of operation in either an input/output matrix or narrative form

(5) Equipment technical data sheets

(6) Manufacturers’ published instructions, including operation and maintenance instructions

(7) Battery calculations (where batteries are provided)

(8) Voltage drop calculations for notification appliance circuits

(9) Completed record of inspection and testing in accordance with 7.6.6 and 7.8.2 Power loss dbcalculations for amplifier notification appliances

(10) Mounting height elevation for wall-mounted devices and appliances

(11) Where occupant notification is required, minimum sound pressure levels that must be produced bythe audible notification appliances in applicable covered areas

(12) Pathway diagrams between the control unit, supervising station and shared communicationsequipment

(13) Completed record of completion in accordance with 7.5.6 and 7.8.2

(14) Copy For software-based systems, a copy of site-specific software, where applicable includingspecific instructions on how to obtain the means of system and software access (password)

(15) Record (as-built) drawings

Periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation in accordance with Section 7.6

(16) Records, record retention, and record maintenance in accordance with Section 7.7




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


* Written narrative providing intent and system description


63 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Changes were made to clarify the enforcing authority is the AHJ. The scope of equipment wasmodified to include supervising station and communications equipment because they are an integralpart of the system. Details were added to the floor plan requirements to provide a more accuratedocumentation record. Power loss calculations were added to address speaker amplifiers foremergency communications systems. Documentation of mounting elevation for initiating devices andnotification appliances was added to accommodate irregular room configurations. Documentation ofrequired sound pressure levels was added to correlate with requirements of Chapter 18. Inspection,testing and maintenance requirements were eliminated because this section applies to new systemsnot existing systems. Specific instructions on how to obtain system access were included to allowowners to have access to their system. This FR also deletes A.7.2.1(9).

ResponseMessage:


64 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.2.2

The person responsible for system design (layout) shall be identified on the system design documents.System design documents shall identify the name and contact information of the system designer.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The requirement for contact information has been incorporated into 7.2.2 to accommodate27.3.7.1.2. This FR also deletes A.7.2.2 because it repeats the requirement of 7.2.2.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 123-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 7.2.2]

Public Input No. 124-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. A.7.2.2]


65 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 79-NFPA 72-2013 [ ]

7.3.4.2

The documentation specified in 7.3.4 shall be required in whole or in part by other governing laws,codes, or standards, or by other parts of this Code.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC agrees to delete 7.3.4.2. The text is redundant to 7.3.4.1. In addition, this section shouldconstitute requirements that apply whether or not required by other laws, codes, standards, etc.

ResponseMessage:



66 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.3.5.4 Gas Detectors.

Gas detection design documentation shall be provided in accordance with Section 17.10 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC adds new Paragraph 7.3.5.4 to address gas detector design documentation.

Response Message:


67 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.3.6* Risk Analysis Documentation. (SIG-ECS)

7.3.6.1

When a risk analysis is required to be prepared, findings and considerations of the risk analysis shall bedocumented.

7.3.6.2

When determined by the stakeholders, security and protection of the risk analysis documentation shall bein accordance with 7.3.7 and Section 7.7.

7.3.6.3

The risk analysis documentation shall list the various scenarios evaluated and the anticipated outcomes.

7.3.6.4

Risk analyses for mass notification systems shall be documented in accordance with 7.3.6 and24.3.11 24.3.13 .







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The Risk Analysis Checklist A.7.8.2(g) is not considered part of the Record of Completion so thechecklist needs to be relocated to appropriate existing Section 7.3.6 Risk Analysis Documentationas Annex material.

ResponseMessage:


68 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.7.3.6

The Risk Analysis Checklist in Figure A.7.3.6 is not mandatory, but it can be used to initiate the

thought process for identifying hazards in a facility.

Move and rename checklist from A.7.8.2(g) to A.7.3.6. Same title.


7.3.7.3

A copy of approval documentation resulting from performance-based designs shall be included with therecord drawings completion documentation in accordance with 7.5 7.57.5.6 . (SIG-FUN)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: This section should refer to the requirements of 7.5.

Response Message:



70 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.3.7.4

Performance-based design documentation for signaling line circuit zoning shall be in accordance with23.6.1.4 and 23.6.1.5 . (SIG-PRO)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text provides the link to sections 23.6.1.4 and 23.6.1.5 where documentation is requiredwhen designing a fire alarm system with signaling line circuit zoning. See FR 120 and 121.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 365-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 7.3.7.3]


69 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.3.9.1*

Evaluation documentation, such as identified in 23.4.3.1 and 24.4.3.24.2 , shall include a signedstatement(s) by the person responsible for the design attesting to the evaluation and the resultanttechnical decision and deeming it reliable and acceptable for the particular application.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The references to 23.4.3.1 and 24.4.3.3.24.2 are relocated to the annex because they areexample not requirements.

ResponseMessage:



71 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.5.5.1

Record drawings shall consist of current updated and shop drawings reflecting the actual installation of allsystem equipment, components, and wiring.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Editorial

Response Message:



72 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.5.6.4

The record of completion documentation shall be updated to reflect all system additions or modificationsand maintained in a current condition at all times .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 7.2.1 of the standard already requires the record to be updated when the system ismodified.

Response Message:



73 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.5.6.6.1

All fire alarm and/or signaling system modifications made after the initial installation shall be recorded ona revised version of the original completion documents.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The text is revised to make the requirement general for all systems.

Response Message:



74 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.5.8.1

Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, compliance of the completed installation with therequirements of this Code, as implemented via the referring code(s), specifications, and/or other criteriaapplicable to the specific installation, shall be certified by a qualified and impartial third-party organizationacceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

It is outside the scope of this code to dictate documentation requirements applicable tocompliance with other codes, specifications, or installation specific criteria not specified by thiscode.

ResponseMessage:



75 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.5.9 Owner’s Manual.

For new emergency communications systems, an owner’s manual shall be provided and shall containthe following documentation:

(1) Detailed narrative description of the system inputs, evacuation signaling, ancillary functions,annunciation, intended sequence of operations, expansion capability, application considerations,and limitations

(2) Written sequence of operation for the system, including an operational input/output matrix

(3) Operator instructions for basic system operations, including alarm acknowledgment, system reset,interpretation of system output (LEDs, CRT display, and printout), operation of manual evacuationsignaling and ancillary function controls, and change of printer paper

(4) Detailed description of routine maintenance and testing as required and recommended and aswould be provided under a maintenance contract, including testing and maintenance instructionsfor each type of device installed, which includes the following:

(a) Listing of the individual system components that require periodic testing and maintenance

(b) Step-by-step instructions detailing the requisite testing and maintenance procedures and theintervals at which those procedures shall be performed, for each type of device installed

(c) Schedule that correlates the testing and maintenance procedures required by this section

(5) Service directory, including a list of names and telephone numbers of those who provide servicefor the system

(6) Product data sheets for all system equipment (SIG-ECS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC adds new 7.5.8 which is incorporated from 24.8.3. The TC adds item (6).

Response Message:



76 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.7.1.3

If off-premises monitoring is provided, records of all signals, tests, and operations recorded at thesupervising station, including the public emergency alarm reporting system, shall be maintained by theoff-premise monitoring service provider for not less than 1 year unless more stringent requirements arerequired elsewhere in this Code.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The added language clarifies who needs to maintain this specific test record. As currently written,the test record retention could be interpreted to be the responsibility of the building owner eventhough they may never receive this documentation for the off-premise monitoring company.

ResponseMessage:


77 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.7.1.5

The emergency communications system and fire alarm system as-built plans and other relateddocumentation shall be permitted to be maintained together, including the appearance of both systemson the same drawings. (SIG-ECS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Incorporated from Chapter 24

Response Message:




78 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.7.1.6*

System documents shall be housed in the documentation cabinet as required by 7.7.2 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The section is redundant to 7.7.2.2. Suggest to the Correlating Committee that they consideraction to correlate the terms "system documents", "system record documents" and "recorddocuments" throughout the Code. This FR also moves A.7.7.1.6 to the end of existing A.7.7.2.2.

ResponseMessage:



79 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


7.7.2 Document Accessibility. (SIG-FUN)

7.7.2.1

With every new system, a documentation cabinet shall be installed at the system control unit or at anotherapproved location at the protected premises.


7.7.2.2

The documentation cabinet shall be sized so that it can contain all necessary documentation.

7.7.2.3*

All record documentation shall be stored in the documentation cabinet.

7.7.2.4

Where the documentation cabinet is not in the same location as the system control unit, its location shallbe identified at the system control unit.

7.7.2.5

The documentation cabinet shall be prominently labeled SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS.

7.7.2.6*

All documentation stored in electronic format shall be stored in current-day compatible media.

7.7.2.7

The contents of the cabinet shall be accessible by authorized personnel only.

7.7.2.8

Emergency communications system and fire alarm system record documentation shall be permitted tobe maintained together in the same documentation cabinet.



Attachment_for_FR_275.EC_edits.1382628182190_2_.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 7.7.2.2 (formerly 24.4.3.5.5.2) is better suited to appear in the Documentation Chapter.Incorporated the requirement from 24.4.3.5.5.3 into 7.7.2.8. The use of electronic media is becomingmore popular as time progresses. Electronic media today can be, thumb drives, CD ROM's, or floppydisc media. Some of this might be current today, the future does not support all media. Today'scomputers do not currently support floppy disc media. The stored media must be relevant to thesystem, today's computers, and programs. This FR also adds new A.7.7.2.6 - see attached.

ResponseMessage:



80 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



81 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.7.7.2.6

Documentation stored in electronic media can become obsolete, for example, 5.25 in. and 3.5 in. disks

and tape drives are not supported by current technology. Updating the stored media to current

technology concerns the programs used to operate them, and the computer or hardware used to

interface to the system installed. Thus, it is necessary to ensure that all components are still compatible

with the installed system.



82 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

7.8.2* Forms for Record of Completion, and Record of Inspection and Testing, and Risk Analysis .


83 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Unless otherwise permitted or required in 7.5.6, 7.6.6, or 7.8.1.2, the forms in Figure 7.8.2(a) throughFigure 7.8.2(l) shall be used to document the record of completion and record of inspection and testing.(SIG-FUN)

Figure 7.8.2(a) System Record of Completion. (SIG-FUN)


84 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(b) Emergency Communications System Supplementary Record of Completion.(SIG-FUN)


85 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(c) Power Systems Supplementary Record of Completion. (SIG-FUN)


86 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


87 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


88 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(d) Notification Appliance Power Panel Supplementary Record of Completion.(SIG-FUN)

Figure 7.8.2(e) Interconnected Systems Supplementary Record of Completion. (SIG-FUN)


89 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(f) Deviations from Adopted Codes and Standards Supplementary Record ofCompletion. (SIG-FUN)

Figure 7.8.2(g) System Record of Inspection and Testing. (SIG-TMS)


90 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


91 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(h) Notification Appliance Supplementary Record of Inspection and Testing.(SIG-TMS)


92 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(i) Initiating Device Supplementary Record of Inspection and Testing. (SIG-TMS)


93 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(j) Mass Notification System Supplementary Record of Inspection and Testing.(SIG-TMS)


94 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(k) Emergency Communications Systems Supplementary Record of Inspection andTesting. (SIG-TMS)


95 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


96 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


97 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Figure 7.8.2(l) Interface Component Supplementary Record of Inspection and Testing. (SIG-TMS)


98 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The title of 7.8.2 is modified to remove "Risk Analysis" since it is not in the mandatoryrequirements of the Code and no form is present.

ResponseMessage:



99 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Add material to Figure 7.8.2(c) Power Systems Supplementary Record of Completion and FigureA.7.8.2(c) as shown:

2.4 Supervising Station Transmission Equipment.

[this should be a box like 2.3] This system does not use transmission equipment within the buildingpowered by any other source than the alarm system control unit.

2.4.1 Primary Power.

Input voltage of shared transmission equipment:

Shared transmission equipment panel amps:

Overcurrent protection: Type: ____ Amps:

Location (of primary supply panelboard):

Disconnecting means location:

2.4.2 Engine Driven Generator

Location of generator:

Location of Fuel storage: __Type of Fuel:

2.4.3 Uninterruptible Power System

Equipment powered by UPS System:

Calculated capacity of UPS batteries to drive the sytem components connected to it:

In standby mode (hours): ______ In alarm mode (minutes):

2.4.4 Batteries

Location: _____ Type: ____ Nominal Voltage: ____ Amp/hour rating:

Calculated capacity of batteries to drive the system:

In standby mode (hours): ____ In alarm mode (minutes):




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

A place to record information about the supervising station transmitter has been added in thePower Systems Supplementary Record of Completion.

ResponseMessage:



6 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.3.4

All apparatus requiring rewinding or resetting to maintain normal operation shall be restored to normal aspromptly as possible after each abnormal condition and maintained in normal condition for operation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The text is revised for clarity and to remove unenforceable language.

Response Message:



100 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.4 Design and Installation and Design .

10.4.1*

All systems shall be installed in accordance with the plans, specifications, and standards approved by theauthority having jurisdiction.

10.4.2

Devices and appliances shall be located and mounted so that accidental operation or failure is not causedby vibration or jarring.

10.4.3

Equipment shall be installed in locations where conditions do not exceed the voltage, temperature, andhumidity limits specified in the manufacturer's published instructions.

10.4.4*

In areas that are not continuously occupied, an automatic smoke detection detector shall be provided atthe location of each fire alarm control unit(s), notification appliance circuit power extenders, andsupervising station transmitting equipment to provide notification of fire at that location. . The location ofthe required detector shall be in accordance with 17.7.3.2 .

Exception: Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of an automatic smoke detection detector , anautomatic heat detection detector shall be permitted.

10.4.5 Initiating Devices.

10.4.5.1

Initiating devices of the manual or automatic type shall be selected and installed so as to minimizenuisance and unintentional unwanted alarms.

10.4.5.2

Initiating devices shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17 and Chapter 23.

10.4.5.3

All manual Manual alarms shall be initiated by means of a listed manual fire alarm box or by means thatis key operated or located within a locked cabinet or arranged to provide equivalent protection againstunauthorized use. one of the following ways:

(1) A listed manual fire alarm box

(2) A key operated means

(3) A means contained within a locked cabinet or arranged to provide equivalent protection againstunauthorized use




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The section is revised to improve clarity and usability and to comply with the manual of style.Paragraph 10.4.4 clarify the requirement to use a single detector instead of detection.

ResponseMessage:


101 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.5.3* Inspection, Testing, and Service Personnel. (SIG-TMS)

Personnel, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization that is registered, licensed, orcertified by a state or local authority, shall be recognized as qualified and experienced in the inspection,testing, and maintenance of systems addressed within the scope of this Code.

10.5.3.1* Inspection Personnel.

Inspections shall be performed by personnel who have developed competence through training andexperience that are acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement of10.5.3.4 10.5.3.3 .

10.5.3.2* Testing Personnel.

Testing personnel shall have knowledge and experience of the testing requirements for fire alarm andsignaling equipment of this Code contained in this Code, of the equipment being tested, and of the testmethods. That knowledge and experience shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meetthe requirement of 10.5.3.4 10.5.3.3 .

10.5.3.3 Service Personnel.

Service personnel shall be qualified in have knowledge and experience of the maintenance and servicingof systems addressed within the scope of requirements contained in this Code. Qualified personnel shallinclude, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: , of the equipment being serviced ormaintained, and of the servicing or maintenance methods. That knowledge and experience shall beacceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement of 10.5.3.4 .

Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognizedtesting laboratory for the servicing of systems within the scope of this Code

10.5.3.4

Qualified personnel shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4) Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognizedtesting laboratory for the servicing of systems within the scope of this Code

10.5.3.5* Programming Personnel .

Personnel programming a system shall be certified by the system manufacturer.

10.5.3.5.1

Personnel programming a system shall be certified by the system manufacturer.

10.5.3.5.2

System installation personnel shall be permitted to configure systems in the field per manufacturers’published instructions.

* Personnel who are factory trained and certified for the specific type and brand of system beingserviced

* Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable to theauthority having jurisdiction

* Personnel, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization that is registered,licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform service on systems addressed withinthe scope of this Code

* Personnel who are factory trained and certified for the specific type and brand of system beingserviced

* Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable tothe authority having jurisdiction

* Personnel, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization that is registered,licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform service on systems addressed withinthe scope of this Code


102 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

10.5.3.5.3

System end users shall be permitted to manage system operation per manufacturers’ publishedinstructions or training.

10.5.3.6 Evidence of Qualification.

Evidence of qualifications shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.



A.10.5.3.5_for_FR_286.EC_edits.docx


Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Sep 26 09:29:22 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 10.5.3 text was deleted because the required qualifications are contained in the subsequentparts of this section. Section 10.5.3.2 indicates that testing personnel must also know somethingabout the specific equipment and test methods not just the requirements of the code. The textclarifies that it is the knowledge and experience that must be acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction and not the “fire alarm and signaling equipment”. The requirements for service personnelwere strengthened and modeled after the requirements for testing personnel. The examples ofpersonnel qualifications were made into a separate section for reference by all of the previoussections for inspection, testing and service personnel. The expansion of 10.5.3.5 (previously 10.5.3.4)identifies levels of system programming, system configuration and system management. The annextext was added to address that there are some system manufacturers that do not offer or requirecertification.

ResponseMessage:



103 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.10.5.3.5

This is not intended to require certification where it is not offered or required by the manufacturer.


10.6.1 Scope.

The provisions of this section shall apply to power supplies used for protected premises fire alarmsystems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, and emergencycommunications systems and equipment.

Exception: Low-power radio (wireless) systems that comply with the requirements of 23.16 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Eliminates a conflict with the low power wireless section where primary batteries arepermitted to be the sole source of power.

ResponseMessage:



104 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.2 Code Conformance.

All power supplies shall be installed in conformity accordance with the applicable requirements of NFPA70, National Electrical Code, for such equipment and with the requirements indicated in this subsection .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The proposed change is intended to improve the readability of the standard.

Response Message:



105 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.3.1

Power shall be supplied in compliance accordance with either 10.6.3.2 or 10.6.4.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The revised text improves readability.

Response Message:



106 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.5.1 Branch Circuit.

10.6.5.1.1

The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) or emergency communication system(s) shallsupply no other loads and shall be supplied by one of the following:

(1) Commercial light and power Electric utility

(2) An engine-driven generator or equivalent in accordance with 10.6.11.2, where a person specificallytrained in its operation is on duty at all times

(3) An engine-driven generator or equivalent arranged for cogeneration with commercial light andpower an electric utility in accordance with 10.6.11.2, where a person specifically trained in itsoperation is on duty at all times

10.6.5.1.2

The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment or emergency communication system(s) shallsupply no other loads.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text improves readability, while updating the term commercial light and power to thecurrently used term Electric Utility. The text “or equivalent” was deleted since 1.5 of this Codeprovides for equivalency and 10.6.11.2 deals specifically with engine driven generators.

ResponseMessage:



107 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



10.6.5.2.2*


System The system circuit disconnecting means shall be permanently identified as to its purpose inaccordance with . Methods for marking shall be permitted to include, but not be limited to, one of thefollowing:

(1) “FIRE ALARM” for fire alarm systems

(2) “EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS” for emergency communications systems

(3) “FIRE ALARM/ECS” for combination fire alarm and emergency communications systems




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This requirement has changed the specific words several times, but the intent remains the same.There is no need for the code to be so specific. In other words, if it says "FIRE ALARM SYSTEM"instead of "FIRE ALARM" it should be ok. Let the AHJ be the final call. See FR 171 for relatedannex material.

ResponseMessage:



108 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.5.4 Circuit Breaker Lock.

Where a circuit breaker is the disconnecting means, a listed an approved breaker locking device shall beinstalled.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

There is no listing for breaker lockout devices. Therefore, as written, a lockout device cannot beused. The revised text allows a locking device to be used if approved.

ResponseMessage:



109 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.5.5 Overcurrent Protection.

An overcurrent protective device of suitable current-carrying capacity that is capable of interrupting themaximum short-circuit current to which it can be subject shall be provided in each ungroundedconductor. accordance with NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Proper selection and sizing of overcurrent protective devices is addressed by the NEC.

Response Message:


110 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.6.1

The secondary power supply shall automatically provide power to the protected premises system within10 seconds whenever the primary power supply fails to provide the minimum voltage required forproper voltage is insufficient for required system operation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text of the requirement was revised for easier readability and to eliminate the vagueterm “proper”.

Response Message:



111 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.6.2

The secondary power supply shall automatically provide power to the supervising station facility andequipment within 60 seconds whenever the primary power supply fails to provide the minimum voltagerequired for proper voltage is insufficient for required system operation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text of the requirement was revised for easier readability and to eliminate the vagueterm “proper”.

Response Message:



112 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.7.2* Capacity.

10.6.7.2.1

The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load(system operating in a nonalarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and, at the end of that period, shallbe capable of operating all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or to direct aid to the locationof an emergency for 5 minutes, unless otherwise permitted or required by the following: 10.6.7.2.1through 10.6.7.2.2 2:

Battery calculations shall include a 20 percent safety margin to the calculated amp-hour rating.

The secondary power supply for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications serviceshall be capable of operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and thenshall be capable of operating the system during a fire or other emergency condition for a period of15 minutes at maximum connected load.

The secondary power supply capacity for supervising station facilities and equipment shall becapable of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

The secondary power supply for high-power speaker arrays used for wide-area mass notificationsystems shall be in accordance with 24.4.4.4.2.2 .

The secondary power supply for textual visible appliances shall be in accordance with24.4.4.4.7.1 .

The secondary power supply capacity for emergency command centers of a wide-area massnotification systems shall be capable of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

The secondary power supply for in-building mass notification systems shall be capable of operatingthe system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of operatingthe system during emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.

The secondary power supply for two-way radio communications enhancement systems shall be inaccordance with 24.5.2.5.5 .

10.6.7.2.1.1*

Battery calculations shall include a minimum 20 percent safety margin above the calculated amp-hourcapacity required.

10.6.7.2.1.2

The secondary power supply for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service shall becapable of operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall becapable of operating the system during a fire or other emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes atmaximum connected load.

10.6.7.2.1.3

The secondary power supply capacity for supervising station facilities and equipment shall be capable ofsupporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

10.6.7.2.1.4

The secondary power supply for high-power speaker arrays used for wide-area mass notificationsystems shall be in accordance with 24.6.4.2.2 .

10.6.7.2.1.5

The secondary power supply for textual visible notification appliances shall be in accordance with24.6.4.7.1 .

10.6.7.2.1.6

The secondary power supply capacity for emergency command centers of a wide-area mass notificationsystems shall be capable of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.


113 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

10.6.7.2.1.7

The secondary power supply for in-building mass notification systems shall be capable of operating thesystem under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of operating thesystem during emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.

10.6.7.2.1.8

The secondary power supply for two-way radio communications enhancement systems shall be inaccordance with 24.9.5.5 .

10.6.7.2.2

The secondary power supply capacity required shall include all power supply loads that are notautomatically disconnected upon the transfer to secondary power supply.




Text_for_FR_257_main_body_.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text has been updated for compliance with the manual of style and to improveusability. The value of 20% margin is specified as a minimum. This FR also adds A.10.6.7.2.1.1 -see attached. The added annex material is provided to explain how the safety margin could belarger depending on battery loading.

ResponseMessage:


114 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.10.6.7.2.1.1

The 20-percent minimum reserved capacity is intended to address both normal aging and effects of battery loading. Some systems with a high rate of alarm signaling battery discharge might require a greater safety margin. Battery calculations should take into account a discharge factor resulting from the discharge of batteries at a greater rate than the one specified in the battery data provided by the manufacturer. For example, valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are typically assigned a 20-hour discharge rate (C/20). Any rate greater than C/20 requires using the manufacturer's formula or discharge factor table.

10.6.7.2* Capacity.

10.6.7.2.1

The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent

load (system operating in a nonalarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and, at the end of

that period, shall be capable of operating all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or

to direct aid to the location of an emergency for 5 minutes, unless otherwise permitted or

required by the following: 10.6.7.2.1 through 10.6.7.2.2.

(1)10.6.7.2.1.1*

Battery calculations shall include a minimum 20 percent safety margin to above the calculated

amp-hour rating capacity required.

(2)10.6.7.2.1.2

The secondary power supply for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service

shall be capable of operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and

then shall be capable of operating the system during a fire or other emergency condition for a

period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.

(3)10.6.7.2.1.3

The secondary power supply capacity for supervising station facilities and equipment shall be

capable of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

(4)10.6.7.2.1.4

The secondary power supply for high-power speaker arrays used for wide-area mass notification

systems shall be in accordance with 24.4.4.4.2.2.

(5)10.6.7.2.1.5

The secondary power supply for textual visible notification appliances shall be in accordance

with 24.4.4.4.7.1.

(6)10.6.7.2.1.6

The secondary power supply capacity for emergency command centers of a wide-area mass

notification system shall be capable of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

(7)10.6.7.2.1.7

The secondary power supply for in-building mass notification systems shall be capable of

operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable

of operating the system during emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum

connected load.

(8)10.6.7.2.1.8

The secondary power supply for two-way radio communications enhancement systems shall be

in accordance with 24.5.2.5.5.

10.6.7.2.2

The secondary power supply capacity required shall include all power supply loads that are not

automatically disconnected upon transfer to secondary power supply.


10.6.8 Power Supply for Remotely Located Control Equipment.

10.6.8.1*

Additional power supplies, where provided for control units, circuit interfaces, or other equipmentessential to system operation, and located remotely from the main control unit, shall be comprised of aprimary and secondary power supply that shall meet the same requirements as those of required forsystem operation shall comply with 10.6.1 through 10.6.6 and with 10.6.9.

10.6.8.2

The location of any remotely located power supply supplies shall be identified at the master control unit.

10.6.8.3

The master control unit display shall be permitted to satisfy the requirement of 10.6.8.2.

10.6.8.4

The location of any remotely located power supply supplies shall be identified on the record drawings.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The revised text improves readability.

Response Message:



115 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.9 Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies.

10.6.9.1

Unless otherwise permitted or required by 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6, all primary and secondary powersupplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage at the point of connection to the system.

10.6.9.1.1

Failure of either the primary or secondary power supply shall result in a trouble signal in accordance withSection 10.15.

10.6.9.1.2

Where the Power failure indication for a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) is powered froma protected premises fire alarm system control unit, power failure indication shall be in accordance with10.6.9.1.

10.6.9.1.3

Monitoring shall not be required for a power supply for supplementary equipment.

10.6.9.1.4

Monitoring shall not be required for the neutral of a three-, four-, or five-wire alternating current (ac) ac ordirect current (dc) dc supply source.

10.6.9.1.5

Monitoring shall not be required for the main power supply in a central station, provided that the faultcondition supervising station if its failure is otherwise indicated so as to be and obvious to the operator onduty.

10.6.9.1.6

Monitoring shall not be required for the output of an engine-driven generator that is part of the secondarypower supply, provided that the generator is tested weekly in accordance with Chapter 14.

10.6.9.2*

Power supply sources and electrical supervision for digital alarm communications systems shall be inaccordance with Sections Section 10.6, 10.6.9, Section 10.19, and Section 12.6.

10.6.9.3*

Unless prohibited by the authority having jurisdiction, supervising Supervising station alarm systems shallbe arranged to delay transmission of primary power failure signals for a period ranging from 60 minutes to180 minutes. unless a delay is not permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.

10.6.9.4

Power supervisory devices shall be arranged so as not to used to monitor the integrity of power suppliesshall not impair the receipt of fire alarm or supervisory signals.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revision is intended to improve readability of the standard The exception in 10.6.9.1.5 shouldapply to any supervising station location since they are constantly attended by trained staff and notjust a central station. If it is obvious to the attendant that the main power supply has been lost there


116 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

should be no reason that the separate monitoring of the main power should be required. The text isrevised to clarify that no delay is acceptable where delay is prohibited by the AHJ and that a longerdelay is not intended to be permitted.

ResponseMessage:


117 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.6.10* Storage Batteries.

10.6.10.1 Marking.

10.6.10.1.1

Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture using the month/year format.

10.6.10.1.2

Where the battery is not marked with the month/year by the manufacturer, the installer shall obtain thedate-code and mark the battery with the month/year of battery manufacture.

10.6.10.2 Location Arrangement .

10.6.10.2.1

Storage batteries shall be located so that the equipment, including overcurrent devices, are not adverselyaffected by battery gases and shall conform to comply with the requirements of Article 480 of NFPA 70,National Electrical Code, Article 480 .

10.6.10.2.2

Storage batteries shall be located so that the equipment, including overcurrent devices, is not adverselyaffected by battery gases.

10.6.10.2.3

Cells Battery cells shall be suitably insulated against ground faults.

10.6.10.2.4

Cells Battery cells shall be suitably insulated against crosses. insulated to prevent short circuits betweenmultiple cells.

10.6.10.2.5

Cells Battery cells shall be mounted in such a manner so as to be protected from physical damage.

10.6.10.2.6

Racks Battery racks shall be suitably protected against deterioration corrosion .

10.6.10.2.7

If not located in or adjacent to the control unit, the batteries and their charger location shall bepermanently identified at the control unit.

10.6.10.3 Battery Charging.

10.6.10.3.1

Adequate facilities Battery charging equipment shall be provided to automatically maintain keep thebattery fully charged under all normal conditions of normal operation .

10.6.10.3.2

Adequate facilities Battery charging equipment shall be provided to recharge batteries within 48 hoursafter fully charged batteries have been subject to a single discharge cycle as specified in 10.6.7.2.

10.6.10.3.3

Upon attaining a fully charged condition, the charge rate shall not be so excessive as to result in batterydamage. The battery charging equipment operation shall not damage the battery.

10.6.10.3.4*

Batteries shall be either trickle-charged or float-charged.

10.6.10.3.5

Supervising stations shall maintain spare parts or units available, which shall be used to restore failedcharging capacity prior to the consumption Provisions for repair or replacement of failed battery chargerequipment shall be maintained at supervising stations and used to restore operation prior to depletion ofone-half of the capacity of the batteries for the supervising station equipment. battery capacity.

10.6.10.4 Overcurrent Protection.

Overcurrent devices shall be provided to protect the batteries from excessive load current.

10.6.10.4.1

The batteries shall be protected against excessive load current by overcurrent devices.


118 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

10.6.10.4.2

The batteries shall be protected from excessive charging current by overcurrent devices or by automaticcurrent-limiting design of the charging source.

10.6.10.5 Metering.

The battery charging equipment shall provide either include integral meters or readily accessible terminalfacilities for the connection of portable meters by which the terminals so that portable meters can be usedto determine battery voltage and charging current can be determined .

10.6.10.6 Monitoring Integrity of Battery Charger Charging Equipment .

10.6.10.6.1

Means for monitoring integrity appropriate for the batteries and charger employed shall be provided todetect the failure of a battery charger failure .

10.6.10.6.2

Failure of the battery charger shall result in the initiation of a trouble signal in accordance with Section10.15.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text improves readability and eliminates redundant charger overcurrentprotection requirements.

Response Message:


119 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.10.4*

An audible notification appliance on a control unit, or on multiple control units that are interconnected toform a system, or at a remote location, shall be permitted to have the same audible characteristics for allalerting functions including, but not limited to, alarm, trouble, and supervisory, provided that the distinctionbetween signals shall be by other appropriate means, such as visible annunciation .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text removed unenforceable word (appropriate) and explanatory material(such as...).

Response Message:



120 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.12.2

Visible notification appliances, textual visible notification appliances, and speaker notification applianceslocated in the same area shall be activated and deactivated as a group unless otherwise required by anECS emergency response plan. (SIG-ECS)

10.12.3*

Visible alarm strobe notification appliances shall not be activated when speaker notification appliancesare used as permitted by 24.3.7 for non-emergency paging. (SIG-ECS)



Annex_Material_for_FR_363.EC_edits.1382627828856.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Oct 07 12:24:12 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The material formerly in 10.13.2.1 is more clearly addressed in new 10.12.2 and 10.2.3. ThisfR also adds new A.10.12.2 - see attached

ResponseMessage:


121 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.12.2.3

The intent of this requirement is to ensure that hearing-impaired persons are alerted to seek additional

information regarding an emergency situation. Hearing-impaired persons might not be able to hear the

speaker notification appliances that provide evacuation tones or voice instructions. It is intended that

the speakers and visible devices located in the same area be activated together whenever tones,

recorded voice instructions, or live voice instructions are being provided.


10.12.6*

Resetting of alarm signals shall comply with the requirements of 23.8.2.2.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Revision improves readability.

Response Message:



122 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.12.7

Unacknowledged alarm signals shall not be interrupted if The subsequent occurrence of a fault on aninitiating device circuit or a signaling line circuit occurs while there is an alarm condition on that circuitunless the faulted circuit is used to interconnect control units. used for other than the interconnection ofcontrol units shall not affect previously transmitted unacknowledged alarm signals.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The proposed revision more clearly states the requirement (including chronology) and deletesthe term "condition" used in manner inconsistent with the definition.

ResponseMessage:



123 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.13.2.1*

When voice instructions are in progress, visible appliances in same area where speakers are activatedshall also be activated where required by the emergency response plan. (SIG-ECS)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Oct 07 11:58:22 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This paragraph and its related annex material is deleted. The subject matter is moreappropriately addressed under 10.12. See FR 363. This FR also deletes A.10.13.2.1.

ResponseMessage:


124 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.13.5.2

Subsequent actuation of addressable alarm initiating devices of a different type in the same room oraddressable alarm initiating devices in a different room on signaling line circuits shall cause thenotification appliances to reactivate.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "alarm" was added to make the requirement more specific to the type of initiatingdevice.

Response Message:



125 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


10.21* Impairments.

10.21.1

The system owner or their the owner’s designated representative shall be notified when a system or partthereof is impaired. Impairments to systems shall include out-of-service events.

10.21.2

A record of the impairments shall be maintained by the system owner or the owner’s designatedrepresentative for a period of 1 year from the date the impairment is corrected.

10.21.3

The supervising station shall report to the authority having jurisdiction any fire alarm system for whichrequired monitoring has been terminated.

10.21.4*

The service provider shall report to the authority having jurisdiction any fire alarm system that is out ofservice for more than 8 hours.

10.21.5*

Where required, mitigating measures acceptable to by the authority having jurisdiction, mitigatingmeasures shall be implemented for the period that the system is impaired.

10.21.6

The system owner or the owner’s designated representative and the authority having jurisdiction shall benotified when an impairment period is completed or discontinued ends .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Revisions were made to improve the clarity and readability of the requirements. In 10.21.3. and10.21.4 the term "fire alarm" was removed to make the requirement more generic. Section 10.21.2added the term "impairment" to "record" to be more specific.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 510-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 10.21]


126 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.2.3

The designation of the pathways shall be permitted to also include the performance of the pathway(interconnection) to survivability from attack by fire.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this change is to eliminate potential conflicts between sections 12.2.3 and12.7. Also see FR 211.

ResponseMessage:



127 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.2.4.2

All non-power-limited and power-limited signaling system circuits entering a building shall be providedwith transient protection. (SIG-FUN)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This new requirement added in 2013 is incomplete, unclear and potentially dangerous. The NECrecognizes that not all outside circuits require special transient suppression. There are two reasons forthis. The first is that not all circuits that enter or exit a building are prone to lightning or other surgeevents. Therefore, the NEC qualifies which circuits require transient protection. The second reasonthat not all circuits that enter or exit a building are required to have transient protection is that addingsurge suppression can actually attract lightning if not properly installed and may actually defeatprotection that is built into the control units. Listing requirements for control panels already requiresome measure of transient protection for all circuits. Where additional transient protection is installedon both ends of a circuit which extends between two buildings, unless the grounding is to the samepoint or at the same potential there will be ground loops that will attract surges and damage systems.Additional transient protection beyond that required by the product listing should only be required inareas that are prone to lightning - as already required by the NEC. In addition, the requirement doesnot specify whether the transient protection should be of the parallel type or the serial type, whichaffects whether the circuit will continue to operate upon catastrophic failure of the protection device.For example, in most cases a parallel type should be used for initiating device circuits and signalingline circuits. This will permit those circuits to continue to operate if the device has been destroyed bythe first strike. This can be important if that same lightning strike actually started a fire which could bedetected if the detection or signaling circuit continued to operate. If a serial type had been used, thecircuit might no longer be operational and would fail to detect the fire even though the panel would beprotected against a second potential strike. There is a lot more thought, planning and design neededto properly specify transient protection. This 2013 requirement goes beyond the minimumrequirements of a code or standard such as NFPA 72. NFPA 72 already requires compliance with theappropriate sections of the NEC.

ResponseMessage:



128 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.2.3.4*

Where operational capability is required to be maintained or continued during the application of a fault,the operational capability required in Section 10.11 and 23.8.1.1 shall be restored within 200 secondsfrom the time the fault is introduced.



A.12.2.4.5_for_FR_156_EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Paragraphs 12.2.5.2, 12.3.1(2), 12.3.1(4), 12.3.2(4), 12.3.6(2), 12.3.6(3), 12.3.6(4), and 12.3.6(6)require operational capability to be maintained or continued during the application of various identifiedfaults – single open, single ground, wire to wire (short) etc. This is to clarify when the operationalcapability is to begin after the introduction of the fault condition. The issue is the application of twoevents – fault and alarm – in rapid succession. The Code permits each event to have a differentresponse time. Faults = 200 s and alarms = 10 s. Because a fault affects the circuit performance untildetected and the circuit is “automatically reconfigured”, this is a hardware issue rather than just asoftware issue. Systems technology needed to process these two events in the order of occurrence.Where a fault is applied first, the system is permitted up to 200 s to detect and automaticallyreconfigure. Any alarm applied after 200 s is required to be annunciated and to actuate requiredsignals within 10 s. This is a minimum requirement and systems may process the signals faster. Thechange will correlate with proposed changes to ANSI/UL 864. This change also adds new annexmaterial - A.12.2.4.5

ResponseMessage:


129 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.12.2.4.5

In the event of an introduction of a fault and subsequent alarm condition, operational ability should be

restored within 200 seconds, and the alarm condition received at the fire alarm control unit is to be

within 10 seconds after the expiration of the 200 seconds. Any subsequent alarms initiated after the

initial 200‐second window should be actuated in accordance with Section 10.11 and 23.8.1.1.

First Revision No. 107-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 12.3 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

Pathways shall be designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class N, or Class X,depending on their performance.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Class N circuits were added to this section under FR 99.

Response Message:


130 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.3.3* Class C.

A pathway shall be designated as Class C when it performs as follows:

(1) It includes one or more pathways where operational capability is verified via end-to-endcommunication, but the integrity of individual paths is not monitored.

(2) A loss of end-to-end communication is annunciated as a trouble signal .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this change is to clarify that section 12.3.3 requires a trouble signal and makeit consistent with the other paragraphs in this section.

ResponseMessage:



131 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM





12.3.6 Class N.




A pathway shall be designated as Class N when it performs as follows:

(1)

(2) A loss of intended communications between endpoints shall be annunciated as a trouble signal.

(3) A single open, ground, short, or combination of faults on one pathway shall not affect any otherpathway.

(4)

(5)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Questions concerning the acceptability of using Ethernet and other non-fire or non-MNS networks forfire alarm and signaling systems applications are being raised more and more. Because of thesequestions and the rapidly changing technology, the Task Group on Networks in FA/ECS was formedby the Correlating Committee to address the risk analysis, design, application, installation, andperformance of networks and networking equipment used in fire alarm systems, fire EVACS andmass notification systems. This change is a result of that effort. Some of the concerns that wereraised during related discussions for the 2013 edition included: ground detection, systemmanagement, availability, and software control. Also see FR 101 and FR 103 for related annexmaterial and associated figures.

ResponseMessage:

* It includes two or more pathways where operational capability of the primary pathway and aredundant pathway to each device shall be verified through end-to-end communication.

Exception: When only one device is served, only one pathway shall be required.

* Conditions that affect the operation of the primary pathway(s) and redundant pathway(s) shall beannunciated as a trouble signal when the system’s minimal operational requirements cannot bemet.

* Primary and redundant pathways shall not be permitted to share traffic over the same physicalsegment.


132 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



133 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



12.3.8*


Class A , Class N, and Class X circuits using physical conductors (e.g., metallic, optical fiber) shall beinstalled such so that the primary and redundant, or outgoing and return conductors, exiting from andreturning to the control unit, respectively, are routed separately. The outgoing and return (redundant)circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable assembly (i.e., multi-conductor multiconductorcable), enclosure, or raceway only under the following conditions:

(1) For a distance not to exceed 10 ft (3.0 m) where the outgoing and return conductors enter or exit theinitiating device, notification appliance, or control unit enclosures

(2) For single raceway drops Single drops installed in raceway to individual devices or appliances

(3)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Changes are made for clarity. Class N circuits were added to correlate with other FRs. Sections12.3.7(3) now excludes primary and secondary conductors to emergency control function devicesfrom being permitted in the same cable assembly, enclosure or raceway. Changes to subparagraphs(2) and (3) were made to clarify the intent that only single drops in raceway are acceptable. Where acircuit enters a room that contains emergency control function interface devices (i.e., controlmodules/relays connected to and programmed to shutdown HVAC units and other fire and life safetycontrol functions), loss of both "legs" of this circuit could disable important fire and life safety controlfunctions that might be essential for prevention of circulation of smoke or some other requiredoperation, such as elevator recall functions.

ResponseMessage:

* For single raceway drops to multiple devices or appliances installed within In a single room not

exceeding 1000 ft 2 (93 m 2 ) in area , a drop installed in raceway to multiple devices or appliancesthat does not include any emergency control function devices


134 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.4* Pathway Survivability.

All pathways shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

12.4.1 Pathway Survivability Level 0.

Level 0 pathways shall not be required to have any provisions for pathway survivability.


Pathway survivability Level 1 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully protected by an automaticsprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, with anyinterconnecting conductors, cables, or other physical pathways installed in metal raceways.

12.4.3* Pathway Survivability Level 2.

Pathway survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

(1) 2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

(2) 2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective system(s)]

(3) 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

(4)


Pathway survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully protected by an automaticsprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and oneor more of the following:

(1) 2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

(2) 2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective system(s)]

(3) 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

(4)



Annex_Material_for_FR_212.EC_edits.1382627693497.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

There is no intention to recommend a certain hierarchical ranking. Also text has been revised toindicate that any performance analysis accepted by the AHJ is acceptable in lieu of the prescriptiverequirements for level 2 and 3. Annex material has been added to further clarify these issues.

ResponseMessage:

* 2-hour performance Performance alternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction

* 2-hour performance Performance alternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction


135 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.12.4

The intent of the pathway survivability designation is to provide options for the protection of the

pathway circuits and not to create a hierarchical ranking. Other chapters within NFPA 72 or other code‐

making jurisdictions can select the survivability option that best meets their needs.

A.12.4.3

Methods of survivability protection might alternate within a protected premise. For example, 2‐hour

resistive cable might extend from a 2‐hour fire‐rated enclosure.

A.12.4.3(4)

A performance‐based alternative is needed because it is possible to construct a nonsprinklered, Type

V(000) building that employs relocation or partial evacuation (e.g., a single‐story ambulatory health care

occupancy) that would not warrant either a 2‐hour fire resistance–rated enclosure or 2‐hour cable.

Examples of performance alternatives that might be considered in a design for survivability are a

strategic application of Class A, Class X, or Class N segments and also wireless communication pathways.

A.12.4.4(4)

A performance‐based alternative is needed because it is possible to construct a sprinklered single‐story

Type V(111) or multistory Type II(111) building that employs relocation or partial evacuation (e.g., a

health care occupancy) that would not warrant either a 2‐hour fire resistance–rated enclosure or 2‐hour

cable (a 1‐hour enclosure would suffice). Examples of performance alternatives that might be

considered in a design for survivability are a strategic application of Class A, Class X, or Class N segments

and also wireless communication pathways.


12.6.1

Unless otherwise permitted or required by 12.3.1 through 12.3.6 and by 12.6.3 through12.6.14 12.6.13 , all means of interconnecting equipment, devices, and appliances and wiring connectionsshall be monitored for the integrity of the interconnecting conductors or equivalent path so that theoccurrence of a single open or a single ground-fault condition in the installation conductors or othersignaling channels is automatically indicated within 200 seconds.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Several of the classes defined allow for operation without monitoring for some of the faults. Thechanges in this paragraph make it consistent with those paragraphs.

ResponseMessage:


137 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.6.2

Unless otherwise permitted or required by 12.3.1 through 12.3.6 and by 12.6.3 through12.6.14 12.6.13 , all means of interconnecting equipment, devices, and appliances and wiring connectionsshall be monitored for the integrity of the interconnecting conductors or equivalent path so that therestoration to normal of a single open or a single ground-fault condition in the installation conductors orother signaling channels is automatically indicated within 200 seconds. (SIG-FUN)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Several of the classes defined allow for operation without monitoring for some the faults. Thechanges in this paragraph make it consistent with those paragraphs.

ResponseMessage:



138 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.6.11

Monitoring for integrity shall not be required for central station circuits serving notification applianceswithin a central station.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: All fire alarms system notification appliance circuits should be monitored for integrity.

Response Message:



139 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.6.13

Monitoring for integrity of the installation conductors for a ground-fault condition shall not be required forthe communications and transmission channels extending from a supervising station to a subsidiarystation(s) or protected premises, or both, that comply with the requirements of Chapter 26 and areelectrically isolated from the fire alarm system (or circuits) by a transmitter(s), provided that a singleground-fault condition does not affect the required operation of the fire alarm system and/or signalingsystem .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change cleans up the wording of 12.6.14 to clarify the meaning and eliminateredundant requirements.

Response Message:



140 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


12.6.16

Where two or more systems are interconnected, the systems shall be connected using Class A, B, N, orX circuits as described in Section 12.3.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Class N circuits were added under other FRs and are acceptable for this type ofapplication.

Response Message:



141 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



12.7* Nomenclature.


To The following nomenclature shall be used to identify the required properties of the system(s)interconnections and survivability requirements, the following identification nomenclature shall be used :

(1) System(s) interconnections

(2) Survivability levels (not required if Level 0)

(3) Shared pathway levels (not required if Level 0)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this change is to clean up the wording of 12.7 and include the optionallanguage formerly found in 12.2.3. Also see FR 89.

ResponseMessage:



142 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.4.5 Single- and Multiple-Station Smoke Alarms.

14.4.5.1

Smoke alarms and all connected appliances shall be inspected, tested and tested maintained inaccordance with the manufacturer's published instructions at least monthly. The responsibility forinspection, testing and maintenance and testing shall be in accordance with 14.2.3. (SIG-HOU)

14.4.5.2

Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operabilitytests but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture, unlessotherwise recommended by the manufacturer’s published instructions. (SIG-HOU)

14.4.5.3*


Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms shall be replaced when the end-of-life signal activates or10 years from the date of manufacture, whichever comes first. (SIG-HOU)

14.4.5.4

Where batteries are used as a source of energy for combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms orsingle- and multiple-station smoke alarms, the batteries shall be replaced in accordance with the alarmequipment manufacturer’s published instructions. (SIG-HOU)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Jun 27 14:23:32 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text removes occupancy specific language and clarifies requirements for inspection,testing and maintenance. The revised language allows for equipment with different requirements forreplacement intervals and is consistent with previous code editions in that compliance withmanufacturers instructions has always been required. Manufacturer's instructions addressreplacement intervals, test methods and test frequencies.

ResponseMessage:


147 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.4.7 Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One- and Two-Family Dwellings.

14.4.7.1

Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer's published instructions, single- and multiple-station smoke alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall be replaced when they fail torespond to operability tests but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date ofmanufacture. (SIG-HOU)

14.4.7.2

Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms shall be replaced when the end-of-life signal activates or10 years from the date of manufacture, whichever comes first. (SIG-HOU)

14.4.7.3

Where batteries are used as a source of energy for combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms as wellas single- and multiple-station smoke alarms, they shall be replaced in accordance with the alarmequipment manufacturer's published instructions. (SIG-HOU)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The requirements 14.4.7 and associate annex material have been moved to 14.4.5.

Response Message:


148 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 296-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 14.2.2.2.3 ]

14.2.2.2.4

In the event that any equipment is observed to be part of a recall program, the building owner shall benotified.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Equipment that is subject to a recall is a relevant maintenance issue. The Code now providesdirection in the event that recalled equipment is observed.

ResponseMessage:



143 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.3.5

The visual inspection Periodic visual inspections in accordance with Table 14.3.1 shall be made toensure assure that there are no changes that affect equipment performance.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Revised to be consistent with 14.2.1.3 purpose statement.

Response Message:



145 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.3.4

Initial and reacceptance inspections shall be made to ensure compliance with approved designdocuments and to ensure installation in accordance with this Code and other required installationstandards.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This new paragraph reflects the requirements contained in 14.2.1.1 and parallels proposededits to the existing 14.3.4.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 521-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 14.3]


144 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.4.4.3.4

To ensure that each smoke detector is within its listed and marked sensitivity range, it shall be testedusing any of the following methods:

(1) Calibrated test method

(2) Manufacturer’s calibrated sensitivity test instrument

(3) Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose

(4) Smoke detector/fire alarm control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at thefire alarm control unit where its sensitivity is outside its listed sensitivity range

(5) Other calibrated sensitivity test methods approved by the authority having jurisdiction




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The test methods listed in 14.4.4.3.4 are listed in Table 14.4.3.2 item 17(h) under the"methods" column.

Response Message:



146 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.4.7 Circuits from Central Station.

Tests of all circuits Circuits extending from the central station that have had no signal activity in thepreceding 24 hours shall be made tested at intervals of not more than 24 hours.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Most central station circuits are in constant use, thus testing them is redundant andunnecessary when signals have already been processed

ResponseMessage:



149 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


14.6.1.2.1

For software-based systems, a copy of the site-specific software shall be provided to the system owner orowner’s designated representative. The site-specific software documentation shall include either thesystem programming password or specific instructions on how to obtain the password from the systemmanufacturer.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Software left by contractors is most often password protected. If a new servicing contractor isbrought it is often difficult to obtain the password to the system data-base. Either the password tothe database or instructions for obtaining the password must be left with the owner as a part of thesystem documentation

ResponseMessage:




150 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Changes to Table 14.3.1 Air Sampling line item 17(a)(2) and Candela line item22(c)(2)

Place "N/A" in Periodic Frequency column.

Change to Table 14.3.1 Sampling tube line item 17(b)(2)

Place "Annual" in Periodic Frequency column.

Add note to Table 14.3.1

Note: N/A = not applicable, no minimum requirement established.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Additions to Table 14.3.1 clarify the intended frequencies

Response Message:


13 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Table 14.4.3.2 line item 2(e) change to method column replace current text with:

Test under maximum load, including all alarm appliances requiring simultaneous operation. Test redundantpower supplies separately.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change clarifies the intent is to test the control unit as listed by the manufacturer undernormal power. Some control units utilize the secondary power system for filtering the power.

ResponseMessage:



10 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Table 14.4.3.2 Line 4(f) add new to paragraph to method column.

Where shared communications equipment is used as permitted by 26.6.3.1.14, providedsecondary (standby) power sources shall be tested in accordance with Table 14.4.3.2, Sections 7,8 or 9 as applicable.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The additional language reminds users of the code that fire alarm systems that useperformance-based transmission technologies often require shared communication equipment tocomplete the transmision of signals to supervising station locations. The shared communicationequipment is required by Chapter 26 to be provided with the same number of hours of secondarypower as is required of the fire alarm control equipment and its transmitter. While the secondarypower for the shared communication equipment may not be provided or serviced by the fire alarmsystem company, it still should be tested on an annual basis by its provider to assure that it is stillfunctional. "Secondary (standby)" was added to be consistent with use throughout table.

ResponseMessage:



9 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Change to Table 14.4.3.2 initiating devices Line item 17(j)(1)

"Annual" changed to "Semi-Annual" in Periodic Frequency column.

Change to Table 14.4.3.2 initiating devices Line item 17(j)(2) (3), (4) and (5)

"Annual" changed to "Quarterly" in Periodic Frequency column.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The frequencies were inadvertently changed in the 2013 edition without technicalsubstantiation.

Response Message:


15 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Table 14.4.3.2, line Item 17(l) add new paragraph to method column.

Verify by using the detector manufacturer's published instructions that the test gas used will notimpair the operation of either sensing chamber of a multi-sensor, multi-criteria or combination firedetector




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Silicone based test gasses can clog or damage the tin oxide sensor in CO and photoelectricsmoke detectors. The new requirement is added to ensure that the test gas does not impair theoperation of the detection device. See the definition of "manufacturers published instructions" in3.3.154.

ResponseMessage:



11 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Change to Table 14.4.3.2 Item 17(l) 3rd paragraph in method column. Replace 3rd paragraph withthe following.

Perform tests as described for the respective devices by introduction of the physical phenomena to thesensing chamber of element. An electronic check (magnets, analogue values, etc.) is not sufficient tocomply with this requirement.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Grammatical error in paragraph corrected.

Response Message:


14 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Change to Table 14.4.3.2 Line Item 25 "method" column only. Replace text with the following.

Use the manufacturer’s published instructions and the as-built drawings provided by the system supplierto verify correct operation after the initial testing phase has been performed by the supplier or by thesupplier’s designated representative.

Test the two-way communication system to verify operation and receipt of visual and audible signals atthe transmitting and receiving unit respectively.

Operate systems with more than five stations with a minimum of five stations operating simultaneously.

Verify voice quality and clarity

Verify directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistancevia the two-way communication system, and written identification of the location is posted adjacent to thetwo-way communication system.

Verify that all remote stations are readily accessible.

Verify the timed automatic communications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoringlocation per 24.5.3.4.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC adds additional testing criteria provided by SIG-ECS that was not previouslycovered.

Response Message:


12 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


REVISE TABLE 14.4.3.2 NOTE a

a Some transmission equipment (such as but not limited to cable modems, fiber-optic interfacenodes, and VoIP interfaces) are typically powered by the building's electrical system using aa secondary ( standby ) power supply that does not meet the requirements of this Code. This is intendedto ensure that the testing authority verifies full full secondary ( standby ) power as required by Chapter10. Additionally, refer to Table 14.4.3.2, Items 7 through 9 for secondary (standby) power supply testing.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Note a was changed three times to use "secondary (standby)" to be consistent with theterminology used throughout the table to describe power supplies.

ResponseMessage:



8 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


17.1.2*

This chapter establishes the minimum installation criteria for initiating devices required by other governinglaws, codes, standards, or sections of this document. This chapter does not, by itself, require theinstallation of initiating devices.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Editorial change to make the word "section" plural.

Response Message:



151 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

National Fire Protection Association

1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471

Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Technical Committee on Initiating Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems

From: Yvonne Smith, Project Adminstator

Date: November 25, 2013

Subject: First Revision 72 – Duplicate Text Showing

Please note while you are reviewing the ballot for NFPA 72, FR 72 is showing 17.4.7.1 and

17.4.7.2 listed twice. We apologize for the duplication of the text, if FR 72 passes ballot and is

incorporated into the First Draft, the duplicated text will be editorially removed prior to the

posting of the First Draft Report.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Yvonne Smith, at (617) 984-7489.

First Revision No. 72-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 17.4.1, 17.4.2, 17.4.3, 17.4.4, 17.4.5,

17.4.6, 17... ]

17.4.1

The requirements of 17.4.2 through 17.4.8 17.4.9 shall apply to all initiating devices.

17.4.2

Where subject to mechanical damage, an initiating device shall be protected. A mechanical guard used toprotect a smoke, heat, or radiant energy–sensing detector shall be listed for use with the detector.

17.4.3

Initiating devices shall be supported independently of their attachment to the circuit conductors.

17.4.4

Initiating devices shall be installed in a manner that provides accessibility for periodic inspection, testing,and maintenance.

17.4.5

Initiating devices shall be installed in all areas, compartments, or locations where required by othergoverning laws, codes, or standards.

17.4.6*

Duplicate terminals, leads, or connectors that provide for the connection of installation wiring shall beprovided on each initiating device for the express purpose of connecting into the fire alarm system tomonitor the integrity of the signaling and power wiring.

Exception: Initiating devices connected to a system that provides the required monitoring.

17.4.7

Where smoke fire detectors are installed in concealed locations more than 10 ft (3.0 m) above thefinished floor or in arrangements where the detector’s alarm or supervisory indicator is not visible toresponding personnel, the detectors shall be provided with remote alarm or supervisory indication in alocation acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

17.4.7.1*

If a remote alarm indicator is provided, the location of the detector and the area protected by thedetector shall be prominently indicated at the remote alarm indicator by a permanently attached placardor by other approved means.

17.4.7.2

Remote alarm or supervisory indicators shall be installed in an accessible location and shall be clearlylabeled to indicate both their function and any device or equipment associated with each detector.

17.4.7.3

Fire detectors installed in concealed locations where the specific detector alarm or supervisory signal isindicated at the control unit (and on the drawings with its specific location and functions) shall not berequired to be provided with remote alarm indicators as specified in 17.4.7 .

17.4.7.1*

If a remote alarm indicator is provided, the location of the detector and the area protected by thedetector shall be prominently indicated at the remote alarm indicator by a permanently attached placardor by other approved means.

17.4.7.2

Remote alarm or supervisory indicators shall be installed in an accessible location and shall be clearlylabeled to indicate both their function and any device or equipment associated with each detector.

17.4.8*

If the intent is to initiate action when smoke/fire threatens a specific object or space, the detector shall bepermitted to be installed in close proximity to that object or space.



FR_72_annex_text.1376505937827_1_.docx


152 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC clarifies the intent of 17.4.7 through 17.4.8 and renumbers the sections to bringclarity to the requirements.

ResponseMessage:


153 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.17.4.7.1 A.17.4.8 Embossed plastic tape, pencil, ink, or crayon should not be considered to be

a permanently attached placard.

A.17.4.8 A.17.4.10 Some applications that do not require full area protection do require

detection to initiate action when specific objects or spaces are threatened by smoke or fire, such

as at elevator landings that have ceilings in excess of 15 ft (4.6 m) and for protection of fire

alarm control units. In high-ceiling areas, to achieve the desired initiation, such as for elevator

recall and protection of fire alarm control units (FACUs), detection should be placed on the wall

above and within 60 in. (1.52 m) from the top of the elevator door(s) or FACU.


17.5.3.1* Total (Complete) Coverage.

Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards, and unless otherwise modified by17.5.3.1.1 through 17.5.3.1.5, total coverage of a building or a portion thereof, shall include all rooms,halls, storage areas, basements, attics, lofts, spaces above suspended ceilings, and other subdivisionsand accessible spaces, as well as the inside of all closets, elevator shafts, enclosed stairways,dumbwaiter shafts, and chutes .

17.5.3.1.1

Where inaccessible areas are constructed of or contain combustible material, unless otherwise specifiedin 17.5.3.1.2, they shall be made accessible and shall be protected by a detector(s).

17.5.3.1.2

Detectors shall not be required in combustible blind spaces if any of the following conditions exist:

(1) Where the ceiling is attached directly to the underside of the supporting beams of a combustible roofor floor deck.

(2) Where the concealed space is entirely filled with a noncombustible insulation. (In solid joistconstruction, the insulation shall be required to fill only the space from the ceiling to the bottom edgeof the joist of the roof or floor deck.)

(3) Where there are small concealed spaces over rooms, provided that any space in question does not

exceed 50 ft2 (4.6 m2) in area.

(4) In spaces formed by sets of facing studs or solid joists in walls, floors, or ceilings, where the distancebetween the facing studs or solid joists is less than 6 in. (150 mm).

17.5.3.1.3

Detectors shall not be required below open grid ceilings if all of the following conditions exist:

(1) Openings of the grid are 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) or larger in the least dimension.

(2) Thickness of the material does not exceed the least dimension.

(3) Openings constitute at least 70 percent of the area of the ceiling material.

17.5.3.1.4*

Where concealed accessible spaces above suspended ceilings are used as a return air plenum meetingthe requirements of NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems,detection shall be provided in one of the following means:

(1) Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with 17.7.4.2, or

(2) Smoke detection shall be provided at each connection from the return air plenum to the centralair-handling system.

17.5.3.1.5

Detectors shall not be required underneath open loading docks or platforms and their covers and foraccessible underfloor spaces if all of the following conditions exist:

(1) Space is not accessible for storage purposes or entrance of unauthorized persons and is protectedagainst the accumulation of windborne debris.

(2) Space contains no equipment such as steam pipes, electric wiring, shafting, or conveyors.

(3) Floor over the space is tight.

(4) No flammable liquids are processed, handled, or stored on the floor above.




154 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC edits Section 17.5.3.1 to clarify that total coverage could be by premises, area, room,etc. The TC adds annex text to provide guidance for these vertical spaces.

ResponseMessage:


155 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


17.7.1.11.1

Where detectors are installed for signal initiation during construction, they shall be cleaned and verified tobe operating in accordance with the listed sensitivity, or they shall be replaced prior to the finalcommissioning acceptance test of the system.

17.7.1.11.2

Where detectors are installed but not operational during construction, they shall be protected fromconstruction debris, dust, dirt, and damage in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations andverified to be operating in accordance with the listed sensitivity, or they shall be replaced prior to the finalcommissioning acceptance test of the system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The use of the word commissioning in these paragraphs in inappropriate. The way the term is usedin 17.7.1.11.1 and 17.7.1.11.2 of NFPA 72-2013 is to verify that an individual system component hasbeen installed and operates in compliance with the code. Technically this is incorrect with respect tothe definition of commissioning in NFPA 3. The term commissioning is defined as an owner-drivenrequirement to ensure that the building and its various systems are designed, installed, and operatedin accordance with the owner’s needs. Whereas an acceptance test is defined as functionally testingsystem components to verify that the “individual” system was installed and is operational inconformance with applicable standards and the AHJ.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 70-NFPA 72-2013 [Sections 17.7.1.11.1, 17.7.1.11.2]


156 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


17.7.2.1*

Smoke detectors shall be marked with their nominal production sensitivity and tolerance (percent per footobscuration) in percent per foot (percent per meter) obscuration , as required by the listing.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

UL268 states in the marking section- “The marked nominal sensitivity including range shall beindicated in the form of percent per meter (percent per foot) obscuration, and shall correspond tothe units of smoke measurement indicated on the sensitivity test meter.” In the above proposal, theSI units were placed in parentheses to match the format in earlier paragraphs (ie 17.7.1.8*).

ResponseMessage:



157 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


17.7.2.2

Smoke detectors that have provision for field adjustment of sensitivity shall have an adjustment range ofnot less than 0.6 percent per foot (1.95 percent per meter) obscuration.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: SI units were added to be consistent with earlier paragraphs (i.e.. 17.7.1.8).

Response Message:



158 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 77-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 17.7.5.6.5.1 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

If doors are to be closed in response to smoke flowing in either direction, the requirements of17.7.5.6.5.1(A) through 17.7.5.6.5.1(D) shall apply.



FR_77_Instruction_text..docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC edits Figure 17.7.5.6.5.1(A) to correlate with the requirements of Paragraph 17.7.3.2.1.The 4 in. dead air space requirement was removed in a previous Code cycle.

ResponseMessage:


159 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Edit Fig 17.7.5.6.5.1(A) as follows: In 3 places, change “4.0 in.–12.0 in. (100 mm–300 mm)” to “< = 12.0

in. (<= 300 mm)”

First Revision No. 285-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 17.7.5.6.5.3 ]

17.7.5.6.5.3

If there are multiple doorways, additional ceiling-mounted detectors shall be required as specified in17.7.5.6.5.3(A) through 17.7.5.6.5.3(C).

(A)

If the separation between doorways exceeds 24 in. (610 mm), each doorway shall be treated separately.Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(A) , part E, shall apply.

Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(A) Detector Location Requirements for Single and Double Doors.

(B)

Each group of three or more doorway openings shall be treated separately. Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(B) shallapply.

Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(B) Detector(s) Location +/-24 in. (0.6 m) Requirements for Group Doorways.

(C)

Each group of doorway openings that exceeds 20 ft (6.1 m) in width, measured at its overall extremes,shall be treated separately. Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(C) shall apply.

Figure 17.7.5.6.5.3(C) Detector(s) Location +/-24 in. (0.6 m) Requirements for Group Doorwaysover 20 ft (6.1 m) in Width.




160 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Delete 17.7.5.6.5.3 and the figure entirely. Has anyone ever asked why the smoke detector has tobe on the center line of the door opening? (Rhetorical question.) Yes, members of NFPA 101 and105 wonder why there is no allowance for being offset even just wee bit. By doing away with thissection, the requirements revert to the normal spacing and location requirements for smokedetectors as modified by the remaining parts of 17.7.5.6. While having the detectors closer to thecenter of the openings will likely improve response, this gets into factors of design that go beyond therequirements of a minimum code.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 642-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 17.7.5.6.5.3]


161 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


17.14.1

Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices for initiating signals other than for a fire alarm shall bepermitted if the devices are differentiated from manual for fire alarm boxes by a color other than red andlabeling.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC edits the text for the sentence to read correctly.

Response Message:


162 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


18.1.6

The requirements of Chapter 7 shall apply where referenced in Chapter 18 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Chapter 18 does not reference Chapter 7.

Response Message:



163 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


18.4.1.4

Audible notification appliances for alert and evacuation signal tones shall meet the requirements of 18.4.3(Public Mode Audible Requirements), 18.4.4 (Private Mode Audible Requirements), 18.4.5 (SleepingArea Requirements), or 18.4.6 (Narrow Band Tone Signaling for Exceeding Masked Thresholds), asapplicable. This requirement shall include audible tones that preceded or follow voice messages.

18.4.1.4.1*

The designer of the audible notification system shall identify the rooms and spaces that will have audiblenotification and those where audible notification will not be provided.

18.4.1.4.2*

Unless otherwise required by other sections of this Code, the coverage area for audible occupantnotification shall be as required by other governing laws, codes, or standards. Where the other governinglaws, codes, or standards require audible occupant notification for all or part of an area or space,coverage shall only be required in occupiable areas as defined in 3.3.178.

18.4.1.4.3

The sound pressure levels that must be produced by the audible appliances in the coverage areas tomeet the requirements of this Code shall be documented by the system designer during the planning anddesign of the notification system. The greater of the expected average ambient sound pressure level orexpected maximum sound pressure level having a duration of at least 60 seconds shall also bedocumented for the coverage area by the system designer to ensure compliance with 18.4.3, 18.4.4,18.4.5, or 18.4.6 for the coverage area.

18.4.1.4.4

The design sound pressure levels to be produced by the notification appliances for the various coverageareas shall be documented for use during acceptance testing of the system.

18.4.1.4.5

Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, documentation of the design sound pressure levels forthe various coverage areas shall be submitted for review and approval.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

It has always been the intent to require a specific audible sound pressure level only for tones andnot for voice. See existing 18.8.1.2 and Annex text for 18.4.1.5. The changes proposed and thoseaccomplished by the TC make this clear in the code text. The submitter referred only to requirementsfor Public Mode. Existing 18.4.1.4 refers to all possible alert and evacuation tones including thoseother than Public Mode that might be used to preceded or follow a voice message. This places therequirement in the same location for all audible tones. The exception for the voice message itselfremains unchanged and immediately follows this section.

ResponseMessage:


164 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


18.5.5.7.2*

Table 18.5.5.7.2 shall apply to sleeping areas.

Table 18.5.5.7.2 Effective Intensity Requirements for Sleeping Area Visible Notification Appliances

Distance from Ceiling

to Top of Lens Minimum Intensity

(cd)in. mm

≥24 ≥610 110

<24 <610 177



FR_84_Table.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC adds a minimum criterion to the third column heading. In regards to “minimum,” thiscorrelates with the table headings in Table 18.5.5.4.1(a) and (b).

ResponseMessage:


165 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Table 18.5.5.7.2 Effective Intensity Requirements for Sleeping Area Visible Notification

Appliances

Distance from Ceiling

to Top of Lens Minimum Intensity

(cd) in. mm

≥24 ≥610 110

<24 <610 177


21.1* Application.

The provisions of Chapter 21 shall cover the minimum requirements and methods for emergency controlfunction interfaces to fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems in accordance with thischapter.

21.1.1

The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 26 shall also apply, unless they are in conflictwith this chapter.

21.1.2

The requirements of Chapter 14 shall apply.

21.1.3

The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to Chapter 29 unless otherwise noted stated .



Figure_for_FR_222_Integrated_Systems_rev_5_.png

A.21.1_text_for_FR_222.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

New Annex text introduces the concepts of individual systems and integrated systems. Theproposed figure is a revision of one that has made it through the first draft of NFPA 4. AlthoughNFPA 4 is not yet been approved as a standard it is in cycle one year ahead of NFPA 72. It will bevoted on before NFPA 72 technical committees second draft meetings. It is easier to put in thereference now and make adjustments later than it would be to do the opposite. New A.21.1 is alsoadded (see attached).

ResponseMessage:



166 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.21.1

Fire alarm systems, signaling systems, and emergency communications systems are often part of a large,

integrated system serving a building or area. Figure A.21.1 shows examples of individual systems that

might be part of an integrated system.

A fire alarm system might monitor the status of one of the other individual systems or provide a form of

output to control another individual system, such as a smoke control system or an elevator controller.

In some cases, the fire alarm system shares information and control in two directions with another

individual system. NFPA 72 covers only the fire alarm or signaling system in the circuits powered by it,

not any part of the other individual systems.

See NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing, for additional

information on integrated systems.


21.2.6

The installation wiring between the fire alarm control unit and the emergency control function interfacedevice shall be Class A, Class B, Class N, Class D, or Class X in accordance with Chapter 12.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The change is made to add Class N to the list of classes. See FR 99.

Response Message:



167 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Revise the title of 21.3 to read: "Elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation."




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change is made to correlate with the terminology changes made in FRs affecting 21.3sub-paragraphs.

Response Message:


7 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.1

All fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate fire fighters’ service recall elevator Phase I EmergencyRecall Operation shall be connected to the required building fire alarm system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change corrects the inconsistencies in the language between NFPA 72 and ASMEA17.1.

Response Message:



168 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.2*

In facilities without a required building fire alarm system, fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate firefighters' service recall elevator Phase 1 Emergency Recall Operation shall be connected to either anonrequired building fire alarm system or a dedicated function fire alarm control unit that shall bedesignated as “elevator recall control and supervisory control unit,” permanently identified on thededicated function fire alarm control unit and on the record drawings.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text will allow fire alarm initiating devices to be connected to either the dedicatedfunction fire alarm control unit or to a non-required building fire alarm control unit.

ResponseMessage:



169 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.3

Unless otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction, only the elevator lobby, elevator hoistway,and elevator machine room, elevator control room, and elevator control space smoke detectors, or otherautomatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.10 21.3.9 , shall be used to recall elevators for fire fighters’service initiate elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation .

Exception: A waterflow switch shall be permitted to initiate elevator recall Phase I Emergency RecallOperation upon activation of a sprinkler installed at the bottom of the elevator hoistway (the elevatorpit), provided the waterflow switch and pit sprinkler are installed on a separately valved sprinkler linededicated solely for protecting the elevator pit, and the waterflow switch is provided without time-delaycapability.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change correlates terminology used in NFPA 72 to be consistent with that used in thereferenced published edition of ASME A17.1.

ResponseMessage:



170 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.5 Fire Alarm Initiating Device(s) Inside Elevator's Hoistway.

Fire alarm initiating device(s) required to be installed inside an elevator's hoistway by other sections ofthis Code or by other codes and standards shall be required to be accessible for repair, service, testing,and maintenance from outside the elevator's hoistway.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

In California, the Elevator Safety Order has a requirement that all hoistway FAIDs must beaccessible from outside the hoistway. However, this requirement only applies in the State ofCalifornia but it is not a national code requirement. This will significantly reduce the life-safety riskfor FA installers and service personnel, and cost to owners due to the great deal of requiredcoordination

ResponseMessage:



171 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.7

Smoke detectors shall not be installed in unsprinklered elevator hoistways unless they are installed toactivate the elevator hoistway smoke relief equipment. or to protect elevator control spaces or elevatormachinery spaces as required in 21.3.15.1 (2) and 21.3.15.2 (2).




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change was for correlation with the requirements in ASME A17.1. Because of newtechnology, elevator machinery and elevator control spaces can now be located in elevatorhoistways and as such, smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.9would be required in the hoistway.

ResponseMessage:



172 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.10*

If ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection used to initiate elevator Phase IEmergency Recall Operation , other automatic fire detection initiating devices shall be permitted.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: This change clarifies this section and to be consistent with ASME A17.1.

Response Message:



173 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.11

When actuated, any detector fire alarm initiating device that has initiated fire fighters’ recall elevatorPhase 1 Emergency Recall Operation shall also be annunciated at the building fire alarm control unit, orother at the fire alarm control unit as described in 21.3.2, and at required remote annunciators .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "and at any required remote annunciators" was vague and removed for clarity. Termswere changed to be consistent with the terms used in ASME A17.1.

ResponseMessage:



174 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.12

Actuation from the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator controlspace, or elevator control room smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by21.3.10 21.3.9 , shall cause separate and distinct visible annunciation at the building fire alarm controlunit, or at the fire alarm control unit described in 21.3.2, and at required annunciators to alert fire fightersand other emergency personnel that the elevators are no longer safe to use.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The phrase "and at required annunciators" is removed to be consistent with the action onFR 140.

Response Message:


175 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 141-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 21.3.14 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]


Separate outputs from the building fire alarm systems control unit or the fire alarm control unit describedin 21.3.2 to the elevator controller(s) shall be provided to implement elevator Phase I Emergency RecallOperation in accordance with Section 2.27 of ANSI/ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators andEscalators , as required in 21.3.15.1 21.3.14.1 through 21.3.15.3 21.3.14.3 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: This change correlates 21.3.1 and 21.3.2.

Response Message:



176 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.15.1 Designated Level Recall.

For each elevator or group of elevators, an output shall be provided to signal elevator recall to thedesignated level in response to the following:

(1) Activation of smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.10 21.3.9 ,located at any elevator lobby served by the elevator(s) other than the lobby at the designated level

(2) Activation of smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.10 21.3.9 ,located at any elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, or elevatorcontrol room serving the elevator(s), except where such rooms or spaces are located at thedesignated level

(3) Activation of smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.10 21.3.9 ,located in the elevator hoistway serving the elevator where sprinklers or elevator control spaces orelevator machinery spaces are located in the hoistway, unless otherwise specified in21.3.15.2 21.3.14.2 (3)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change for correlation with the requirements in ASME A17.1. Because of new technology,elevator machinery and elevator control spaces can now be located in elevator hoistways and assuch, smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.9 would be requiredin the hoistway.

ResponseMessage:



177 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.3.15.3* Visual Warning.

For each elevator or group of elevators, an output(s) shall be provided to the elevator controller for thepurpose of causing the elevator visual warning signal to operate in response to the following:

(1) Activation of the elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, orelevator control room initiating devices identified in 21.3.15.1 21.3.14.1 (2) or 21.3.15.2 21.3.14.2 (2)

(2) Activation of the elevator hoistway initiating devices identified in 21.3.15.1 21.3.14.1 (3) or21.3.15.2 21.3.14.2 (3)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: This change clarifies the purpose of the output signal to the elevator controller.

Response Message:



178 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.4.4*

Control circuits to shut down elevator power shall be monitored for the presence of operating voltage.Loss of voltage to the control circuit for the disconnecting means shall cause a supervisory signal to beindicated at the building fire control unit and required remote annunciators or at the control unit describedin 21.3.2 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term "and at any required remote annunciators" was vague and removed for clarity. Therevised text will require the loss of voltage to be reported at the either the dedicated function firealarm control unit or to a non-required building fire alarm control unit.

ResponseMessage:



179 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.7.2*

If connected to the fire alarm system serving the protected premises, all detection devices used to causethe operation of HVAC systems, smoke dampers, fire dampers, fan control, smoke doors, and or firedoors shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with 10.6.9 and Section 12.6.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Changes are made for grammatical correction to the compound sentence, and deletion ofreference to Section 10.6.9 which is not relevant to the paragraph/requirement.

ResponseMessage:



180 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.8.3

All door and shutter hold-open release and integral door and shutter release and closure devices used forrelease service shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with Section 21.2 12.6 .

Exception: Pathways installed as Class D circuits in accordance with 12.3.4 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The reference to 21.2 was changed to 12.6 in order to appropriately reference requirements forperformance. The exception clarifies that a “fail safe” installation is permitted.

ResponseMessage:



181 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.9.2

For all means of egress doors connected in accordance with 21.9.1 where secondary power supplies offire alarm control unit batteries units are used, they shall comply with 10.6.7.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term “fire alarm control unit batteries” is misleading (battery as group of devices). It should bemade clear here that the second power supply of the FACU is meant. A second power supplycould also come from a separate emergency power supply, a fuel cell or other independentsources.

ResponseMessage:



182 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


21.9.3*

Fire Secondary power supplies of fire alarm control unit batteries units shall not be utilized to maintainmeans of egress doors in the locked condition unless the fire alarm control unit is arranged with circuitryand sufficient secondary power to ensure that the means of egress doors will unlock within 10 minutes ofloss of primary power.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The term “fire alarm control unit batteries” is misleading (battery as group of devices). It should bemade clear here that the second power supply of the FACU is meant. A second power supplycould also come from a separate emergency power supply, a fuel cell or other independentsources.

ResponseMessage:



183 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 128-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 23.2.2.1 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

A record of installed software and firmware version numbers shall be maintained at the location of the firealarm control unit. prepared and maintained in accordance with Sections 7.5 and 7.7 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Documentation requirements for NFPA 72 are located in Chapter 7. The revised language insection 23.2.2.1 will require the software and firmware versions to be documented and retained inaccordance with Chapter 7. Specifically, section 7.5 outlines the requirements for CompletionDocumentation and 7.7 the requirements for Records, Records Retention, and RecordsMaintenance.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 624-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 23.2.2.1 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]


184 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6

The assignment of class designations to signaling line circuits shall be based on their performancecapabilities under abnormal (fault) conditions in accordance with the requirements for Class A,Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways specified in Chapter 12.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Nov 18 14:33:07 EST 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The proposed Class N pathways will address the issue of Ethernet being utilized for signalingline circuits in fire alarm and signaling systems.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 279-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 23.6 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]


26 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6.1*

A single fault on a pathway connected to the addressable devices shall not cause the loss of the devices inmore than 50 addressable devices one zone.



A.23.6.1_for_FR_237.docx Updated annex text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Nov 18 14:48:19 EST 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change was made to migrate away from a maximum of 50-devices to limiting the loss ofdevices to one zone because 50-devices is not appropriate for all applications. The annex materialgives additional guidance on how to approach the zoning of the system during the design stage.Annex A material is also revised - see attached.

ResponseMessage:


27 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.23.6.1

The intent of 23.6.1 applies to both short-circuit faults and open-circuit faults.

Fire alarm and signaling system communications technologies have evolved to the point that SLCs are

now the prevalent means of monitoring initiation devices, controlling output devices, and communicating

between panels, annunciators, and controllers.

The extent of coverage of traditional IDCs is inherently limited based on the quantity of powered initiation

devices or code limitations. Similarly, the extent and coverage of NACs also are limited by the power

required to operate the devices. SLCs, unlike IDCs and NACs, have few limitations, and it is now common

that a single SLC can monitor and control more than 250 devices. In addition, a single SLC can be the

only pathway by which alarms are initiated, emergency control functions are controlled, and audible and

visual notification appliances are activated.

A total catastrophic failure of a fire alarm and life safety system due to a single open or short on an SLC

can negate most, if not all, of this Code’s requirements for specifying an acceptable minimum level of

performance and reliability for the protection of life and property from fire.

Designers should carefully consider the potential that a single SLC short or open caused by a fire or

inadvertent damage to the SLC could disable an entire SLC prior to the activation of an alarm condition

along with the subsequent alarm signaling and emergency control functions.

With traditional IDCs and NACs, a single open, ground, or short fault on one circuit could not affect the

performance of other IDCs, NACs, and emergency control circuits. As such, the occurrence of a single

short or open limited the extent of the failure to a particular zone or area.

One method for providing an acceptable level of performance and reliability of SLCs is to limit the

potential catastrophic failure to one zone, in a way similar to how traditional IDCs and NACs have been

and are now required to do.

A single zone could be designated in the following ways:

(1) By floor where an SLC would not span multiple floors (2) By floor area, where a large floor would be split into multiple zones based on a maximum floor area

size (e.g., 22,500 ft2) (3) By fire barrier or smoke barrier compartment boundaries, which an SLC would not cross (4) By maximum length or circuit, where an SLC would not be longer than a predetermined length (e.g.,

300 ft)

See the definition of zone (3.3.320) for additional clarification.


23.6.1.1

For the purpose of this section, each floor of the building shall be considered a separate zone.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change better defines a zone is in terms of an SLC and the intended scope of FR237.

Response Message:



185 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6.1.2

For the purpose of this section, if a floor of the building is subdivided into multiple zones by fire or smokebarriers and the fire plan for the protected premises allows relocation of occupants from the zone oforigin to another zone on the same floor, each zone on the floor shall be considered a separate zone.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This change better defines a zone in terms of an SLC and clarifies the intended scope ofFR 237.

Response Message:



186 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6.2

No area or zone shall be serviced solely by a single device where Class N pathways are deployed, suchthat a single device failure would render an area or zone incapable of initiating input signals or receivingoutput signals.

Exception: When a risk analysis is performed to determine areas where a single device is sufficientand acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

23.6.2.1

Where a device as referenced by 23.6.2 is serviced by only a single pathway, it shall terminate thatpathway with no capability to connect additional endpoint devices to the pathway.

23.6.2.2

Class N pathways shall be required to use Shared Pathway Level 3 as specified in Section 12.5.4 .

23.6.2.3

A single fault on a Class N pathway connected to the addressable devices shall not cause the loss ofmore than one addressable device.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The creation of requirements for Class N pathways and their permitted use for signaling linecircuits are necessary to ensure a safe and reliable installation.

ResponseMessage:






190 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6.1.3*

The requirements in 23.6.1 shall not apply to the following:

(1) Circuits between enclosures containing transponders and control units regardless of the number ofinitiating devices, notification appliances, or control relays that might be connected to those controlunits.

(2) Circuits connecting short-circuit fault isolation modules to enclosures containing transponders andcontrol units where the conductors are installed in metallic raceway or equivalently protectedagainst mechanical injury and where the circuit does not exceed 3 ft (1 m) in length.



A.23.6.1.3_for_FR_119.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The installations referenced in this change should not be subject to the restrictions in FR 237.Theannex material serves to better clarify what is intended by the new language. New annex text isalso added - see attached.

ResponseMessage:



Public Input No. 364-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after A.23.6.1]


187 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.23.6.1.3

The intent is to clarify that the requirement identified in 23.6.1 applies only to SLCs that connect to

addressable devices and not to SLCs that interconnect fire alarm control units (FACU) or transponders.


23.6.1.4

The loss of more than one zone shall be permitted on a documented performance-based designapproach in accordance with 7.3.7.4 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

A performance based alternative to the requirements of the newly revised 23.6 will still providea safe design when the conditions of this change are followed.

ResponseMessage:



188 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.6.1.5*

Performance-based designs submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review and approval shallinclude documentation, in an approved format, of each performance objective and applicable scenario,together with technical substantiation used in establishing the proposed zone performance.



a.23.6.1.5_for_FR_121.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change provides better clarity as to what will be required for designers to exercise theperformance based alternative to FR 237, which has been adopted as a new 23.6.1. The annexmaterial gives some examples of how this alternative may be utilized. New annex material is alsoadded - see attached.

ResponseMessage:




189 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.23.6.1.5

Possible scenarios in which a designer might choose to permit loss of more than one zone include a

multistory building with a small floor plan footprint where a limited number of addressable devices are

located on the floor (e.g., one manual fire alarm box and two automatic fire detection devices). In this

scenario, the designer might choose to include multiple floors of devices on the same signaling line

circuit because the loss of such devices due to a single SLC short or open would disable a limited number

of devices.

Another scenario could include buildings with a small vestibule at the top of a stair that exits onto the

roof of a building. The vestibule might contain one manual fire alarm box and one or two automatic fire

detection devices that could be connected to the signaling line circuit on the floor below and considered

the same zone.

Designers providing documents for upgrades to an existing building where the control units and all fire

alarm system devices are being replaced but some portion of the existing circuits are being reused

might, because of constructability reasons, opt for combining zones and the associated risk of the loss of

those devices due to a single SLC short or open.

The intent of 23.6.1.5 is not to impose an unnecessary burden on building owners with existing systems

undergoing renovations, upgrades, or replacements. In these scenarios as well as others, the designer

would be required to provide a documented, performance‐based design approach to justify why the loss

of more than one zone is acceptable. Documentation must be composed in accordance with 23.6.2.2

and be submitted in accordance with 7.3.7.4.


23.8.1.1* Actuation Time.

Actuation of alarm notification appliances or emergency voice communications, emergency controlfunction interface devices, and annunciation at the protected premises shall occur within 10 secondsafter the activation of an initiating device.



Attachment_for_FR_129.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

23.8.1.1 and related annex text is deleted because the subject matter will be addressed in 10.11under the responsibility of the Fundamentals committee. The related annex material is also deleted -see attached. The following text is suggested for 10.11 and A.10.11: 10.11 * Actuation Time. Actuationof alarm notification appliances or emergency voice communications, emergency control functioninterface devices, and signal annunciation at the protected premises fire alarm control unit and otherdesignated locations shall occur within 10 seconds after the activation of an initiating device. A.10.11Other locations could include the following: (1) Building fire command center for in-building fireemergency voice/alarm communications systems (2) Fire alarm control unit for network fire alarmsystems Actuation of an initiating device is usually the instant at which a complete digital signal isachieved at the device, such as a contact closure. For smoke detectors or other automatic initiatingdevices, which can involve signal processing and analysis of the signature of fire phenomena,actuation means the instant when the signal analysis requirements are completed by the device or firealarm control unit software. A separate fire alarm control unit contemplates a network of fire alarmcontrol units forming a single large system as defined in Section 23.8. For some analog initiatingdevices, actuation is the moment that the fire alarm control unit interprets that the signal from aninitiating device has exceeded the alarm threshold programmed into the fire alarm control unit. Forsmoke detectors working on a system with alarm verification, where the verification function isperformed in the fire alarm control unit, the moment of actuation of smoke detectors is sometimesdetermined by the fire alarm control unit. It is not the intent of this paragraph to dictate the time framefor the local fire safety devices to complete their function, such as fan wind-down time, door closuretime, or elevator travel time.

ResponseMessage:


191 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Attachment for FR 129 A.23.8.1.1 Actuation of an initiating device is usually the instant at which a complete digital signal is achieved at the device, such as a contact closure. For smoke detectors or other automatic initiating devices, which can involve signal processing and analysis of the signature of fire phenomena, actuation means the instant when the signal analysis requirements are completed by the device or fire alarm control unit software. A separate fire alarm control unit contemplates a network of fire alarm control units forming a single large system as defined in Section 23.8. For some analog initiating devices, actuation is the moment that the fire alarm control unit interprets that the signal from an initiating device has exceeded the alarm threshold programmed into the fire alarm control unit. For smoke detectors working on a system with alarm verification, where the verification function is performed in the fire alarm control unit, the moment of actuation of smoke detectors is sometimes determined by the fire alarm control unit. It is not the intent of this paragraph to dictate the time frame for the local fire safety devices to complete their function, such as fan wind-down time, door closure time, or elevator travel time.


23.8.2* Fire Alarm Control Units.

23.8.2.1

Fire alarm systems shall be permitted to combine all detection, notification, and auxiliary functions in asingle system or be a combination of component subsystems.

23.8.2.2

Except as permitted in 23.8.2.3, the fire alarm systems components shall be permitted to share controlequipment or shall be able to operate as stand-alone subsystems, but, in any case, they shall bearranged to function as a single system in accordance with 23.8.2.4 through 23.8.2.10 .

23.8.2.3

Where the building is not served by a building fire alarm system, independent dedicated function fire alarmsystems and/or releasing fire alarm systems shall not be required to be interconnected to function as asingle system.

23.8.2.4

All component subsystems shall be capable of simultaneous, full-load operation without degradation of therequired overall system performance.

23.8.2.5

The method of interconnection of fire alarm control units shall meet the monitoring requirements ofSection 12.6 and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 760, and shall be achieved by the followingrecognized means:

(1) Electrical contacts listed for the connected load

(2) Data communications over a signaling line circuit(s) dedicated to the fire alarm or shared with otherpremises operating systems

(3) Other listed methods

23.8.2.6

Where the signaling line circuit is shared by other premises operating systems, operation shall be inaccordance with 23.8.4.

23.8.2.6.1

All signal control and transport equipment (such as routers and servers) located in a critical fire alarm oremergency control function interface device signaling path shall be listed for fire alarm service, unless thefollowing conditions are met:

(1) The equipment meets the performance requirements of 10.3.5.

(2) The equipment is provided with primary and secondary power and monitored for integrity as requiredin Section 10.6, 10.6.9, Section 10.19, and Section 12.6.

(3) All programming and configuration ensure a fire alarm system actuation time as required in 23.8.1.1.

(4) System bandwidth is monitored to confirm that all communications between equipment that is criticalto the operation of the fire alarm system or emergency control function interface devices take placewithin 10 seconds; failure shall be indicated within 200 seconds.

(5) Failure of any equipment that is critical to the operation of the fire alarm system or emergency controlfunction interface devices is indicated at the master fire alarm control unit within 200 seconds.

23.8.2.6.2

A listed barrier gateway, integral with or attached to each control unit or group of control units, asappropriate, shall be provided to prevent the other systems from interfering with or controlling the firealarm system.

23.8.2.7

Each interconnected fire alarm control unit shall be separately monitored for alarm, supervisory, andtrouble conditions with supervised pathways that are in accordance with the manufacturers’ publishedinstructions .


192 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

23.8.2.7.1

Alarm conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as alarm signals and initiatethe evacuation signals.

23.8.2.7.2

Supervisory conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as supervisorysignals.

23.8.2.7.3

Trouble conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as trouble signals.

23.8.2.7.4*

Where supervised pathways between interconnected fire alarm control units is not achievable, asupervised annunciator shall be installed adjacent to control unit(s) to annunciate the status of the eachcontrol unit.

23.8.2.8

Interconnected fire alarm control unit alarm signals shall be permitted to be monitored by zone or bycombined common signals.

23.8.2.9

Protected premises fire alarm control units shall be capable of being reset or silenced only from the firealarm control unit at the protected premises, unless otherwise permitted by 23.8.2.10.

23.8.2.9.1

Where multiple control units of the same manufacturer are interconnected in a network arrangementand serve the same protected premises, the control units shall be arranged to be reset or silenced fromone location.

23.8.2.9.2

Where multiple control units of the different manufacturers are interconnected in accordance with23.8.2.5 through 23.8.2.8 and serve the same protected premises, the control units shall bepermitted to be reset or silenced individually at each control unit.

23.8.2.9.3

Resetting procedures shall be documented and permanently posted beside each control unit andannunciator.

23.8.2.10

Remote resetting and silencing of a fire alarm control unit from other than the protected premises shall bepermitted with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revise and new paragraphs provide requirements for interconnecting fire alarm control units /systems and addresses the situation where multiple control units / systems installed aremanufactured by different fire alarm system manufacturers. New annex material is also provided -see attachment.


193 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

ResponseMessage:


194 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.23.8.2.7.4

Where interconnected fire alarm control units have unsupervised form C contacts that change status

during a trouble condition, annunciators installed at each control unit provide status indication.


23.8.5.6.3*

If a valve is installed in the connection between a sprinkler system and an initiating device, the valve shallbe supervised in accordance with 17.16.1 unless the valve is arranged to cause operation of thesupervisory signal initiating device when it is in its non-normal position .







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Bleeder valves are commonly used to isolate air pressure supervisory switches. The change andthe annex text clarify that equipment such as bleeder valves are permitted and that they are failsafe. Annex text is also added - see attached.

ResponseMessage:



195 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.23.8.5.6.3

Some ball valves installed on air pressure lines connected to a pressure switch for dry pipe sprinkler

systems or certain types of preaction sprinkler systems will cause the air pressure that is trapped in the

line between the valve and the supervisory signal initiating device to bleed off when the valve is turned

to isolate the initiating device. This will cause the initiating device to operate and signal the low air

supervisory condition. The arrangement is permitted by other standards and provides a failsafe way to

test a low air pressure signal without risking activation of the system.


23.16.2 Power Supplies.

A primary Primary battery(s) (dry cell) shall be permitted to be used as the sole power source of fordevices incorporating a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver where all of the following conditions aremet:

(1) Each transmitter/transceiver shall serve only one device and shall be individually identified at thereceiver/fire alarm system control unit.

(2) The battery(s) shall be capable of operating the low-power radio transmitter/transceiver and itsassociated device for not less than 1 year before the battery depletion threshold is reached.

(3) A low battery depletion signal shall be transmitted before the battery has been depleted to a levelbelow that required to support alarm transmission after 7 additional days of nonalarm operation.This device is no longer capable of providing 7 days of trouble signal operation followed by thesignaling of a single non-trouble response. The low battery signal shall be distinctive from alarm,supervisory, tamper, and trouble signals; shall visibly identify the affected low-power radiotransmitter/transceiver ; and, when silenced, shall automatically re-sound at least once every 4hours.

(4) Catastrophic (open or short) battery failure shall cause a trouble signal identifying the affectedlow-power radio transmitter at its receiver/fire alarm /transceiver at the system control unit. Whensilenced, the trouble signal shall automatically re-sound at least once every 4 hours.

(5) Any mode of failure of a primary battery in a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall not affectany other low-power radio transmitter/transceiver .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The 1-year battery requirement should also apply to the device being served by the radiotransmitter/transceiver (e.g. smoke detector). Wireless systems incorporate two-waycommunications. The terms “transceiver” and “system control unit” have been added to reflect thetwo-way aspect of this communication and provide clarity of the equipment which may initiate, repeat,receive and process the output signals. Additional revisions for clarity involving the battery end of life.The seven days should include the low battery trouble signal. The signal at the end of the 7 dayperiod needs to include a non-trouble signal response, as defined in the glossary for “response.”

ResponseMessage:



196 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.16.3 Alarm Signals.

23.16.3.1*

When a wireless initiating device is actuated, each its low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shallautomatically transmit an alarm signal.

23.16.3.2

Each low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall automatically repeat alarm transmissions at intervalsnot exceeding 60 seconds until the initiating device is returned to its nonalarm non-alarm condition.

23.16.3.3

Fire alarm signals Signals shall have priority over all other signals in accordance with 23.8.4.6 .

23.16.3.4

The maximum allowable response delay from activation of an initiating device to receipt and display by thereceiver/fire alarm system control unit shall be occur within 10 seconds.

23.16.3.5*

A fire alarm signal from a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall latch at its receiver/firealarm system control unit until manually reset and shall identify the particular initiating device in alarm.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Wireless systems incorporate two-way communications. The terms “transceiver” and “systemcontrol unit” have been added to reflect the two-way aspect of this communication and provideclarity of the equipment which may initiate, repeat, receive and process the output signals. Thepriority of signals was revised to be consistent with other parts of the code.

ResponseMessage:



197 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.16.4 Monitoring for Integrity.

23.16.4.1

The low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall be specifically listed as using atransmission communication method that is highly resistant to misinterpretation of simultaneoustransmissions and to interference (e.g., impulse noise and adjacent channel interference).

23.16.4.2

The occurrence of any single fault that disables transmission communication between any low-powerradio transmitter/transceiver and the receiver/fire alarm transceiver system control unit shall cause alatching trouble signal within 200 seconds at the system control unit .

Exception: Until the expiration date for this exception of June 30, 2013, the time period for a low-powerradio transmitter with only a single, connected alarm-initiating device shall be permitted to be increasedto four times the minimum time interval permitted for a 1-second transmission up to the following:

4 hours maximum for a transmitter serving a single initiating device

4 hours maximum for a retransmission device (repeater), where disabling of the repeater or itstransmission does not prevent the receipt of signals at the receiver/fire alarm control unit from anyinitiating device transmitter.

23.16.4.3

A single fault on the signaling channel shall not cause an alarm signal.

23.16.4.4

The periodic transmission communication required to comply with 23.16.4.2from a low-power radiotransmitter shall ensure successful alarm transmission capability.

23.16.4.5

Removal of a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver from its installed location shall cause immediatetransmission of a distinctive supervisory trouble signal that indicates its removal and individually identifiesthe affected device.

23.16.4.6

Reception of any unwanted (interfering) transmission by a retransmission device (repeater) or by themain receiver/control receiver system control unit, for a continuous period of 20 seconds or more, shallcause an audible and visible trouble indication at the main receiver/control system control unit. Thisindication shall identify the specific trouble condition as an interfering signal.

23.16.4.7

The indication required by 23.16.4.6 shall identify the specific trouble condition as an interfering signal.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Wireless systems incorporate two-way communications. The terms “transceiver” and “system controlunit” have been added to reflect the two-way aspect of this communication and provide clarity of theequipment which may initiate, repeat, receive and process the output signals. The exception wasdeleted as June 30, 2013 has come and gone. When a wireless device is removed it typically sends a


198 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

tamper signal to the control panel. Tamper and supervisory are common with suppressionterminology. When a wireless device is connected to a sprinkler supervisory switch it indicates asupervisory signal on the control unit. By changing the wording to trouble upon removal it eliminatesmisinterpretation. This would make this consistent with other trouble events on these wirelesssystems in which low battery, devices failing to report, end of line supervision and interfering signalsall report as a trouble signal. 23.16.4.6 included two requirements and was separated into twoclauses.

ResponseMessage:



199 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


23.16.5 Output Signals from Receiver/Control Receiver/Transceiver/System Control Unit .

When the receiver/control transceiver or system control unit is used to actuate remoteappliances devices , such as notification appliances and relays, by wireless means, the remoteappliances devices shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Power supplies shall comply with Chapter 10 or the requirements of 23.16.2.

(2) All monitoring for integrity requirements of Chapter 10, Chapter 12, Chapter 23, or 23.16.4 shallapply.

(3) The maximum allowable response delay from activation of an initiating device to activation ofrequired alarm functions shall be 10 seconds.

(4) Each receiver/control transceiver/system control unit shall automatically repeat alarmtransmission activated response signals associated with life safety events at intervals not exceeding60 seconds or until confirmation that the output appliance device has received the alarm signal.

(5) The appliances remote devices shall continue to operate (latch-in) until manually reset at thereceiver/control system control unit .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Wireless systems incorporate two-way communications. The terms “transceiver” and “system controlunit” have been added to reflect the two-way aspect of this communication and provide clarity of theequipment which may initiate, repeat, receive and process the output signals. The term “appliance”has been changed to “device” to generically describe remote equipment, such as notificationappliances and relays. Paragraph (4) was revised to expand the signaling to include life safetysignals other than fire and supervisory alarms such as emergency communication systems andcarbon monoxide.

ResponseMessage:



200 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Type your content here ...

Reorganize Chapter 24 in accordance with the attached outline. (Ch 24 ECS -Reorganization Global Input.docx)



Attachment_for_FR_346._no_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC accepts the submitter’s Chapter 24 reorganization. The TC agrees to renumber therequirements and the corresponding annex text. This numbering produces a high levelrenumbering outline only and Editorial is to develop the lower level renumbering.

ResponseMessage:



23 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Reorganization of Chapter 24 – Global Input

Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)

24.1 Application.

24.2 Purpose.

24.3 General.

24.4 One-Way Emergency Communications Systems.

24.4.1 General.

[24.4.1.1 through 24.4.1.4 relocated by separate PI]

24.4* [24.4.2*] In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems (EVACS).

24.5* [24.4.3*] In-Building Mass Notification Systems.

24.6* [24.4.4*] Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems.

24.7* [24.4.5*] Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems (DRMNSs).

24.5 Two-Way, In-Building Emergency Communications Systems.

24.8* [24.5.1*] Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems.

24.9* [24.5.2*] Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems.

24.10* [24.5.3*] Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems.

24.11 [24.5.4] Elevator Emergency Communications Systems.

24.12* [24.6*] Information, Command, and Control.

24.13* [24.7*] Performance-Based Design of Mass Notification Systems.

24.14 [24.8] Documentation.


24.3.1* Emergency Message Content.

Emergency messages shall have a content that is:

(1) Appropriate for the intended message recipients

(2) Focused on protective actions that the intended message recipients are to take




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Wed Oct 02 17:47:26 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Emergency Communication Systems messages need to have content that is thought throughand is based on technical studies on the content of messaging. This proposed section is the startof this process.

ResponseMessage:



201 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.3.6.4

The utilization of shared pathway levels, as specified in Section 12.5 , for Class N pathways used inemergency communication systems to support ancillary functions, devices, or systems via commonpathways, shall be determined by a risk analysis and approved by the AHJ.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

MNS and ECS designs can be straightforward or complex depending on the evaluation of the risksand the requirements of emergency response plans. With the introduction of the Class N proposal, aconverged network, where MSN equipment (i.e. digitally sourced PoE speakers/intercoms and textualand graphical visual appliances) could be co-located and integrated on a shared network with otherinfrastructure systems and components (i.e. security access control, surveillance cameras,environmental controls including air handling and lighting). All of these system may be required tohave a role in an emergency response plan. In some cases integrated systems may be able toachieve higher levels of performance and functionality then separate isolated systems. A commoninfrastructure, that also supports ancillary functions, may be integrated into the business functions of afacility providing efficiencies for maintenance that are more challenging with separate divergenttechnologies. For example, in a Local Area Network, that was depended on for every day everyminute operation, an outage would not be tolerated, where as a trouble indication on a fire alarm panelmay receive a lower level of attention. Currently, it is proposed that a Class N network be limited toShared Pathway level 3, which requires dedicated equipment, separate from any other system. Thiscode does not specifically indicate conditions were Shared Pathway Class 0-2 are permissible. Thisproposal seeks to address this by taking advantage of the risk analysis approach used in chapter 24.For MNS and ECS system design, there is the opportunity for converged networks to become feasiblewithin the structure of this code. Not all facilities would have the technical competencies such that theevaluation of the risks of shared pathway level 0-2 (converged network) would result in an improvedoverall MNS/ECS design. However, in instances where technical competencies do exist (i.e. military,law enforcement, national security organizations, transportation authorities, etc.), this code should notunduly restrict innovation of design, and the ongoing support and maintenance benefits that arepossible, which established technologies can provide for a MNS or ECS.

ResponseMessage:



202 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Relocate 24.3.6 and related annex material to become the last subsection in 24.3.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revision allows alternatives to address situations where the cabling would have a fire ratingexceeding the building construction and an option to provide robustness through redundancy andperformance.

ResponseMessage:



16 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.4.1 General.

24.4.1.1 *

Messages shall be developed for each scenario developed in the emergency response plan.

24.4.1.2 *

A message template shall be developed for each message required in 24.4.1.1 .

24.4.1.3

For an evacuation message, a tone in accordance with 18.4.2 shall be used with a minimum of twocycles preceding and following the voice message.

24.4.1.4

Test messages shall clearly state the phrase “This is a test.”




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Relocate paragraphs 24.4.1.1, 24.4.1.2, 24.4.1.3, and 24.4.1.4 and associated Annex material tonew 24.3.6 Messages for One-Way Emergency Communications Systems and renumbersubsequent sections. Relocation places the requirements in a more user-friendly location. Thisproposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TGmembers: Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



17 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM




24.3.14 Pathway Survivability.

24.3.14.1

Pathway survivability levels shall be as described in Section 12.4 .

24.3.14.2

Other component survivability shall comply with the provisions of 24.4.8.5.6 .

24.3.14.3*

The pathway survivability requirements in 24.3.14.4 through 24.3.14.12 shall apply to notificationand communications circuits and other circuits necessary to ensure the continued operation of theemergency communications system.

24.3.14.4

In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall comply with 24.3.14.4.1 or24.3.14.4.2 .

24.3.14.4.1

For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 2 or Level 3 pathway survivability shallbe required.

Exception No. 1: Level 1 shall be permitted where notification or evacuation zones are separated byless than 2-hour fire-rated construction.

Exception No. 2: Level 1 shall be permitted where there are at least two pathways provided that areseparated by at least one-third the maximum diagonal of the notification or evacuation zones that thepathways are passing through and the pathway is Class X or Class N.

24.3.14.4.2

For systems that do not employ relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3pathway survivability shall be required.

24.3.14.4.3

Refer to Annex F for previous nomenclature and cross reference.

24.3.14.5

Pathway survivability levels for in-building mass notification systems shall be determined by the riskanalysis.

24.3.14.6

Pathway survivability levels for wide area mass notification systems shall be determined by the riskanalysis.

24.3.14.7

Two-way in-building wired emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability ofLevel 2 or Level 3.

Exception: Level 1 shall be permitted where the building is less than 2-hour fire-rated construction.

24.3.14.8

Two-way radio communications enhancement systems shall comply with 24.3.14.8.1 through24.3.14.8.4 .

24.3.14.8.1*

Where a two-way radio communications enhancement system is used in lieu of a two-way in-buildingwired emergency communications system, it shall have a pathway survivability of Level 1, Level 2, orLevel 3.

Exception: Where leaky feeder cable is utilized as the antenna, it shall not be required to be installedin metal raceway.

24.3.14.8.1.1

The feeder and riser coaxial cables shall be rated as plenum cables.


203 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.3.14.8.1.2

The feeder coaxial cables shall be connected to the riser coaxial cable using hybrid coupler devices of avalue determined by the overall design.

24.3.14.8.2

Where a two-way radio communications enhancement system is used in lieu of a two-way in-buildingwired emergency communications system, the design of the system shall be approved by the authorityhaving jurisdiction.

24.3.14.8.3*

Riser coaxial cables shall be rated as riser cables and routed through a 2-hour-rated enclosure.

24.3.14.8.4

The connection between the riser and feeder coaxial cables shall be made within the 2-hour-ratedenclosure, and passage of the feeder cable in and out of the 2-hour-rated enclosure shall be firestoppedto 2-hour ratings.

24.3.14.9*

Area of refuge (area of rescue assistance) emergency communications systems shall comply with24.3.14.9.1 and 24.3.14.9.2 .

24.3.14.9.1

Area of refuge emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 orLevel 3.

Exception: Level 1 shall be permitted where the building is less than 2-hour fire-rated construction.

24.3.14.9.2

Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2,or Level 3.

24.3.14.10

Elevator emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1,Level 2, or Level 3.

24.3.14.11

Central command station emergency communications systems shall have pathway survivability asdetermined by the risk analysis.

24.3.14.12

All other emergency communications system circuits shall have pathway survivability as determined bythe risk analysis.



FR_357.docx FR 357 legislative text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Oct 04 13:17:10 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revision to 24.3.6.4.1 permits alternatives to address situations where the cabling would have afire rating exceeding the building construction and an option to provide robustness throughredundancy and performance. The revision to 24.3.6.7 permits the alternative to address thesituation where the cabling would have a fire rating exceeding the building construction. The revisionto 24.3.6.9.1 permits the alternative to address the situation where the cabling would have a fire


204 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

rating exceeding the building construction.

ResponseMessage:





205 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.3.14 24.3.6 Pathway Survivability.

24.3.14.1 24.3.6.1 Pathway survivability levels shall be as described in Section 12.4.

24.3.14.2 24.3.6.2 Other component survivability shall comply with the provisions of

24.4.2.8.5.6.

24.3.14.3* 24.3.6.3* The pathway survivability requirements in 24.3.14.4 through 24.3.14.12

shall apply to notification and communications circuits and other circuits necessary to ensure the

continued operation of the emergency communications system.

24.3.14.4 24.3.6.4 In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall

comply with 24.3.14.4.1 or 24.3.14.4.2.

24.3.14.4.1 24.3.6.4.1 For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 2 or

Level 3 pathway survivability shall be required.

Exceptions:

(1) Level 1 shall be permitted where notification or evacuation zones are separated by less than

2-hour fire rated construction.

(2) Level 1 shall be permitted where there are at least two pathways provided that are separated

by at least 1/3 the maximum diagonal of the notification or evacuation zones that the pathways

are passing thru and the pathway is Class X or Class N.

24.3.14.4.2 24.3.6.4.2 For systems that do not employ relocation or partial evacuation, a Level

0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 pathway survivability shall be required.

24.3.14.4.3 24.3.6.4.3 Refer to Annex F for previous nomenclature and cross reference.

24.3.14.5 24.3.6.5 Pathway survivability levels for in-building mass notification systems shall

be determined by the risk analysis.

24.3.14.6 24.3.6.6 Pathway survivability levels for wide area mass notification systems shall be

determined by the risk analysis.

24.3.14.7 24.3.6.7 Two-way in-building wired emergency communications systems shall have

a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.

Exception:

Level 1 shall be permitted where the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction.

24.3.14.8 24.3.6.8 Two-way radio communications enhancement systems shall comply with

24.3.14.8.1 through 24.3.14.8.4.

24.3.14.8.1* 24.3.6.8.1* Where a two-way radio communications enhancement system is used

in lieu of a two-way in-building wired emergency communications system, it shall have a

pathway survivability of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

Exception: Where leaky feeder cable is utilized as the antenna, it shall not be required to be

installed in metal raceway.

24.3.14.8.1.1 24.3.6.8.1.1 The feeder and riser coaxial cables shall be rated as plenum cables.

24.3.14.8.1.2 24.3.6.8.1.2 The feeder coaxial cables shall be connected to the riser coaxial

cable using hybrid coupler devices of a value determined by the overall design.

24.3.14.8.2 24.3.6.8.2 Where a two-way radio communications enhancement system is used in

lieu of a two-way in-building wired emergency communications system, the design of the system

shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

24.3.14.8.3* 24.3.6.8.3* Riser coaxial cables shall be rated as riser cables and routed through a

2-hour-rated enclosure.

24.3.14.8.4 24.3.6.8.4 The connection between the riser and feeder coaxial cables shall be

made within the 2-hour-rated enclosure, and passage of the feeder cable in and out of the 2-hour-

rated enclosure shall be firestopped to 2-hour ratings.

24.3.14.9* 24.3.6.9* Area of refuge (area of rescue assistance) emergency communications

systems shall comply with 24.3.14.9.1 and 24.3.14.9.2.

24.3.14.9.1 24.3.6.9.1 Area of refuge emergency communications systems shall have a

pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.

Exception:

Level 1 shall be permitted where the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction.

24.3.14.9.2 24.3.6.9.2 Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a pathway

survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

24.3.14.10 24.3.6.10 Elevator emergency communications systems shall have a pathway

survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

24.3.14.11 24.3.6.11 Central command station emergency communications systems shall have

pathway survivability as determined by the risk analysis.

24.3.14.12 24.3.6.12 All other emergency communications system circuits shall have pathway

survivability as determined by the risk analysis.


24.3.8* System Classification.

Emergency communications systems (ECS) shall consist of two classifications of systems, one-way andtwo-way.

24.3.8.1

One-way emergency communications systems shall consist of the following:

(1) In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems (EVACS) (see 24.4.2)

(2) In-building mass notification systems (see 24.4.3)

(3) Wide-area mass notification systems (see 24.4.4)

(4) Distributed recipient mass notification systems (DRMNS) (see 24.4.5)

24.3.8.2

Two-way emergency communications systems shall consist of the following:

(1) Two-way, in-building wired emergency services communications systems (see 24.5.1)

(2) Two-way radio communications enhancement systems (see 24.5.2)

(3) Area of refuge (area of rescue assistance) emergency communications systems (see 24.5.3)

(4) Elevator emergency communications systems (see 24.5.4)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This material provides additional information for the benefit of the document user. This proposal isthe work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members:Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



206 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.3.10* Design Documentation .

Design documents in accordance with Section 7.3 shall be prepared prior to installation of any newsystem.

24.3.10.1

Systems that are altered shall have design documents prepared applicable that apply to the portions ofthe system that are altered.

24.3.10.2

Documents shall be revised as necessary following installation to represent as-built conditions and includerecord drawings.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

More clearly describes the section. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Documentation. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), AndrewWoodward, and Rodger Reiswig.

ResponseMessage:



207 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.3.11 Listing Control Unit Listing for Mass Notification Systems .

Control units installed as part of a mass notification system shall be in compliance with this Code andapplicable standards such as ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire AlarmSystems, ; or ANSI/UL 2017, Standard for General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems, ; orANSI/UL 2572, Mass Notification Systems.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

More clearly describes the section. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward,Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



208 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.3.12.3

The detail and complexity of the risk analysis shall be commensurate with the complexity of the facilityfor which the mass notification system is designed.

24.3.12.4

The risk analysis shall be permitted to be limited in scope to address the communication requirementsof an existing emergency response plan.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC adds text to 24.3.11 for risk analysis for mass notification systems.

Response Message:


209 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.3.12.3 The detail and complexity of the risk analysis shall be commensurate with the

complexity of the facility for which the mass notification system is designed.

24.3.12.4 The risk analysis shall be permitted to be limited in scope to address the

communication requirements of an existing emergency response plan.


24.3.12.5

Performance-based design and the risk analysis shall be applied in accordance with Section 24.7 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

As written, Section 24.3.11.3 is confusing since it refers to performance-based designs which iscovered in Section 24.7. Section 24.3.11 is titled "Risk Analsiis for Mass Notification Systems" andtherefore should not be referencing performanced-based designs. Performanced-based designsincorporate risk anaylsis and not vise-vers. This revision should make this Section more userfriendly.

ResponseMessage:



210 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.4.5 Operating Controls.

24.4.5.1*

Controls for the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications system shall be at a locationapproved by the authority having jurisdiction.

24.4.5.2

Controls shall be located or secured to allow access only by trained and authorized personnel.

24.4.5.3

Operating controls shall be clearly identified.

24.4.5.4

If there are multiple in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications control locations, only oneshall be in control at any given time.

24.4.5.5

The location having control of the system shall be identified by a visible indication at that location.

24.4.5.6

Manual controls shall be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off status for their associatedevacuation signaling zone.

24.4.5.7

If live voice instructions are provided, they shall perform as follows:

(1) They shall override previously initiated signals to the selected notification zone.

(2) They shall have priority over any subsequent automatically initiated signals to the selectednotification zone.

(3) If a previously initiated recorded message is interrupted by live voice instructions, upon release of themicrophone, the previously initiated recorded messages to the selected notification zones shall notresume playing automatically unless required by the emergency response plan.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

More clearly describes the section. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward,Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:


211 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



212 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.5 24.4.2.5 Operating Controls.

24.4.5.1* 24.4.2.5.1* Controls for the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications

system shall be at a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

24.4.5.2 24.4.2.5.2 Controls shall be located or secured to allow access only by trained and

authorized personnel.

24.4.5.3 24.4.2.5.3 Operating controls shall be clearly identified.

24.4.5.4 24.4.2.5.4 If there are multiple in-building fire emergency voice/alarm

communications control locations, only one shall be in control at any given time.

24.4.5.5 24.4.2.5.5 The location having control of the system shall be identified by a visible

indication at that location.

24.4.5.6 24.4.2.5.6 Manual controls shall be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off

status for their associated evacuation signaling zone.

24.4.5.7 24.4.2.5.7 If live voice instructions are provided, they shall perform as follows:

(1) They shall override previously initiated signals to the selected notification zone(s).

(2) They shall have priority over any subsequent automatically initiated signals to the selected

notification zone(s).

(3) If a previously initiated recorded message is interrupted by live voice instructions, upon

release releasing of the microphone, the previously initiated recorded messages to the

selected notification zones shall not resume playing automatically unless required by the

emergency response plan.


24.4.8* Relocation and Partial Evacuation.

The requirements of 24.4.8 shall apply only to systems used for relocation or partial evacuation during afire condition.

24.4.8.1

New systems employing relocation or partial evacuation shall require documentation in accordance withSections 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 in addition to the minimum documentation requirements of Sections 7.2 and24.15.

24.4.8.2

Systems shall be provided with manual voice transmission capabilities selectively to one or more zones oron an all-call basis.

24.4.8.3

Under a fire condition, where the system is used to transmit relocation instructions or other fire emergencynon-evacuation messages, a 1-second to 3-second alert tone followed by a message (or messages wheremulti-channel capability is used) shall be provided.

24.4.8.3.1

The sequence [the alert tone followed by the message(s)] shall be repeated at least three times to informand direct occupants in the signaling zone where the alarm initiation originated, as well as otherevacuation signaling zones in accordance with the building fire safety plan.

24.4.8.3.2

Approved alternative fire alarm notification schemes shall be permitted so long as the occupants areeffectively notified and are provided instructions in a timely and safe manner in accordance with thebuilding fire safety plan.

24.4.8.4

Where provided, loudspeakers in each enclosed stairway, each exit passageway, and each group ofelevator cars within a common hoistway shall be connected to separate notification zones for manualpaging only.

24.4.8.4.1

The evacuation signal shall not operate in elevator cars, exit stair enclosures, and exit passageways.

24.4.8.4.2

Manually activated speakers shall be permitted in exit stair enclosures and exit passageways in buildingsthat have emergency voice/alarm communications systems in accordance with 24.4.

24.4.8.5

The requirements of 24.4.8.5 shall apply to both audible (tone and voice) and visible notification appliancecircuits.

24.4.8.5.1*

Fire alarm systems used for partial evacuation and relocation shall be designed and installed such thatattack by fire within a signaling zone does not impair control and operation of the notification appliancesoutside the evacuation signaling zone.

24.4.8.5.2

Performance features provided to ensure operational reliability under adverse conditions shall bedescribed and technical justification provided in the documentation submitted to the authority havingjurisdiction with the analysis required in 23.4.3.1.

24.4.8.5.3*

All circuits necessary for the operation of the notification appliances shall be protected until they enter thesignaling zone that they serve by the protection provided by the pathway survivability level required in24.3.14.4.1 or by performance alternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction.


213 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.8.5.4

Where the separation of in-building fire emergency voice/alarm control equipment locations results in theportions of the system controlled by one location being dependent upon the control equipment in otherlocations, the circuits between the dependent controls shall be protected against attack by fire by theprotection provided by the pathway survivability level required in 24.3.14.4.1 or by performancealternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

24.4.8.5.5

Protection of circuits between redundant control equipment locations that are not mutually dependent shallnot be required.

24.4.8.5.6

Where the separation of the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm control equipment occurs as in24.4.8.5.4, and where the circuits are run through junction boxes, terminal cabinets or control equipment,such as system control units, power supplies and amplifiers, and where cable integrity is not maintained,these components shall, in addition to the pathway survivability required by 24.3.14.4.1, be protected byusing one of the following methods:

(1) A 2-hour fire-rated enclosure

(2) A 2-hour fire-rated room

(3) Other equivalent means to provide a 2-hour fire resistance–rating approved by the authority havingjurisdiction

24.4.8.5.7

Paragraphs 24.4.8 through 24.4.8.5.6 shall not automatically apply when relocation or partial evacuationis of a non-fire emergency unless identified and required by a risk analysis.



FR_358_Legislative_Text.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes “evacuation” in 24.4.2.8.3.1, 24.4.2.8.5.1 and 24.4.2.8.5.3.

Response Message:



214 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.8* 24.4.2.8* Relocation and Partial Evacuation. The requirements of 24.4.2.8 shall apply

only to systems used for relocation or partial evacuation during a fire condition.

24.4.8.1 24.4.2.8.1 New systems employing relocation or partial evacuation shall require

documentation in accordance with Sections 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 in addition to the minimum

documentation requirements of Sections 7.2 and 24.8.

24.4.8.2 24.4.2.8.2 Systems shall be provided with manual voice transmission capabilities

selectively to one or more zones or on an all-call basis.

24.4.8.3 24.4.2.8.3 Under a fire condition, where the system is used to transmit relocation

instructions or other fire emergency non-evacuation messages, a 1-second to 3-second alert tone

followed by a message (or messages where multi-channel capability is used) shall be provided.

24.4.8.3.1 24.4.2.8.3.1 The sequence [the alert tone followed by the message(s)] shall be

repeated at least three times to inform and direct occupants in the evacuation signaling zone

where the alarm initiation originated, as well as other evacuation signaling zones in accordance

with the building fire safety plan.

24.4.8.3.2 24.4.2.8.3.2 Approved alternative fire alarm notification schemes shall be permitted

so long as the occupants are effectively notified and are provided instructions in a timely and

safe manner in accordance with the building fire safety plan.

24.4.8.4 24.4.2.8.4 Where provided, loudspeakers in each enclosed stairway, each exit

passageway, and each group of elevator cars within a common hoistway shall be connected to

separate notification zones for manual paging only.

24.4.8.4.1 24.4.2.8.4.1 The evacuation signal shall not operate in elevator cars, exit stair

enclosures, and exit passageways.

24.4.8.4.2 24.4.2.8.4.2 Manually activated speakers shall be permitted in exit stair enclosures

and exit passageways in buildings that have emergency voice/alarm communications systems in

accordance with 24.4.2.

24.4.8.5 24.4.2.8.5 The requirements of 24.4.2.8.5 shall apply to both audible (tone and voice)

and visible notification appliance circuits.

24.4.8.5.1* 24.4.2.8.5.1* Fire alarm systems used for partial evacuation and relocation shall be

designed and installed such that attack by fire within a an evacuation signaling zone does not

impair control and operation of the notification appliances outside the evacuation signaling zone.

24.4.8.5.2 24.4.2.8.5.2 Performance features provided to ensure operational reliability under

adverse conditions shall be described and technical justification provided in the documentation

submitted to the authority having jurisdiction with the analysis required in 23.4.3.1.

24.4.8.5.3* 24.4.2.8.5.3* All circuits necessary for the operation of the notification appliances

shall be protected until they enter the evacuation signaling zone that they serve by the protection

provided by the pathway survivability level required in 24.3.6.4.1 or by performance alternatives

approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

24.4.8.5.4 24.4.2.8.5.4 Where the separation of in-building fire emergency voice/alarm control

equipment locations results in the portions of the system controlled by one location being

dependent upon the control equipment in other locations, the circuits between the dependent

controls shall be protected against attack by fire by the protection provided by the pathway

survivability level required in 24.3.6.4.1 or by performance alternatives approved by the

authority having jurisdiction.

24.4.8.5.5 24.4.2.8.5.5 Protection of circuits between redundant control equipment locations

that are not mutually dependent shall not be required.

24.4.8.5.6 24.4.2.8.5.6 Where the separation of the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm

control equipment occurs as in 24.4.2.8.5.4, and where the circuits are run through junction

boxes, terminal cabinets or control equipment, such as system control units, power supplies and

amplifiers, and where cable integrity is not maintained, these components shall, in addition to the

pathway survivability required by 24.3.6.4.1, be protected by using one of the following

methods:

(1) A 2-hour fire rated enclosure

(2) A 2-hour fire rated room

(3) Other equivalent means to provide a 2-hour fire resistance rating approved by the authority

having jurisdiction

24.4.8.5.7 24.4.2.8.5.7 Paragraphs 24.4.2.8 through 24.4.2.8.5.6 shall not automatically apply

when relocation or partial evacuation is of a non-fire emergency unless identified and required

by a risk analysis.


24.5.3 Notification Coverage.

24.5.3.1*

The mass notification system shall provide for live voice and prerecorded localized messaging within aprotected individual building, areas surrounding the building, and other outdoor designated areas.

24.5.3.2

System design shall incorporate designation of acoustically distinguishable spaces (ADS) within anyoccupiable areas as required in Chapter 18.

24.5.3.3

Notification zones shall be established on the basis of a risk analysis.

24.5.3.4*

If the mass notification system serves more than one building, it shall be capable of providing separatemessages to one individual building or to multiple buildings at any given time.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Additional wording provides heading more clarity. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), AndrewWoodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



215 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

25.5.3 24.4.3.3 Notification Coverage.

24.5.3.1* 24.4.3.3.1* The mass notification system shall provide for live voice and prerecorded

localized messaging within a protected individual building, areas surrounding the building, and

other outdoor designated areas.

24.5.3.2 24.4.3.3.2 System design shall incorporate designation of acoustically distinguishable

spaces (ADS) within any occupiable areas as required in Chapter 18.

24.5.3.3 24.4.3.3.3 Notification zones shall be established on the basis of a risk analysis.

24.5.3.4* 24.4.3.3.4* If the mass notification system serves more than one building, it shall be

capable of providing separate messages to one individual building or to multiple buildings at any

given time.


24.4.3.5.1* Security.

Security for mass notification systems documentation shall be determined by the stakeholders inaccordance with 7.7.3 .

24.4.3.5.2 Record of Completion.

24.4.3.5.2.1*

A record of completion shall be required in accordance with Chapter 7 for documentation of the massnotification system.

24.4.3.5.2.2

All systems that are modified after the initial installation shall have the original, or latest overall system,record of completion revised or attached to show all changes from the original information and shall beidentified with a revision date.

24.4.3.5.3 Required Documentation.

Every system shall include the following documentation, which shall be delivered to the owner or theowner’s representative upon final acceptance of the system:

(1) Owner’s manual including a complete set of operations and maintenance manuals, manufacturer’spublished instructions, and product data sheets covering all system equipment

(2) Record and as-built drawings

(3) Written sequence of operation

(4) One current copy of the record of completion form, updated to reflect all system additions ormodifications

(5) For software-based systems, a record copy of the system-specific software

(6) Copy of the site-specific software stored on-site in nonvolatile, nonerasable, nonrewritablememory

(7) Emergency response plan, with operational management procedures defined for managementand activation of the system

(8) Risk analysis, when provided

24.4.3.5.4 Risk Analysis Documentation.

Document accessibility shall be in accordance with 7.7.2 and 24.4.3.5.4 .

24.4.3.5.4.1

When a risk analysis is required to be prepared, such as for a mass notification system, findings of therisk assessment shall be documented.

24.4.3.5.4.2

When identified by the stakeholders, security and protection of the risk analysis shall be in accordancewith 24.4.3.5.1 .

24.4.3.5.5 Document Accessibility.

24.4.3.5.5.1

An as-built plans cabinet shall be provided to house the documentation required in 24.4.3.5.3 .

24.4.3.5.5.2

The cabinet shall be sized so that it can neatly contain all necessary documentation, including futureinspection and service reports.

24.4.3.5.5.3

Mass notification system and fire alarm system as-built plans and other related documentation shall bepermitted to be maintained together, including the appearance of both systems on the same drawings.



216 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM






Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Eliminate duplicative material – covered by 24.4.3.5, 24.8, 7.3.6, and 24.3.11 This proposal is thework product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Documentation. TG members:Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward, and Rodger Reiswig.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 444-NFPA 72-2013 [Sections 24.4.3.5.1, 24.4.3.5.2, 24.4.3.5.3, 24.4.3.5.4, 24...]



217 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.3.5.1* Security. Security for mass notification systems documentation shall be determined by the stakeholders in accordance with 7.7.3.

24.4.3.5.2 Record of Completion.

24.4.3.5.2.1* A record of completion shall be required in accordance with Chapter 7 for documentation of the mass notification system.

24.4.3.5.2.2 All systems that are modified after the initial installation shall have the original, or latest overall system, record of completion revised or attached to show all changes from the original information and shall be identified with a revision date.

24.4.3.5.3 Required Documentation. Every system shall include the following documentation, which shall be delivered to the owner or the owner’s representative upon final acceptance of the system:

(1) Owner’s manual including a complete set of operations and maintenance manuals, manufacturer’s published instructions, and product data sheets covering all system equipment

(2) Record and as-built drawings

(3) Written sequence of operation

(4) One current copy of the record of completion form, updated to reflect all system additions or modifications

(5) For software-based systems, a record copy of the system-specific software

(6) Copy of the site-specific software stored on-site in nonvolatile, nonerasable, nonrewritable memory

(7) Emergency response plan, with operational management procedures defined for management and activation of the system

(8) Risk analysis, when provided

24.4.3.5.4 Risk Analysis Documentation. Document accessibility shall be in accordance with 7.7.2 and 24.4.3.5.4.

24.4.3.5.4.1 When a risk analysis is required to be prepared, such as for a mass notification system, findings of the risk assessment shall be documented.

24.4.3.5.4.2 When identified by the stakeholders, security and protection of the risk analysis shall be in accordance with 24.4.3.5.1.

24.4.3.5.5 Document Accessibility.

24.4.3.5.5.1 An as-built plans cabinet shall be provided to house the documentation required in 24.4.3.5.3.

24.4.3.5.5.2 The cabinet shall be sized so that it can neatly contain all necessary documentation, including future inspection and service reports.

24.4.3.5.5.3 Mass notification system and fire alarm system as-built plans and other related documentation shall be permitted to be maintained together, including the appearance of both systems on the same drawings.


24.5.15* Mounting of LOC Controls

24.5.15.1

Unless otherwise established through the emergency response plan, controls that are intended to beaccessed by authorized users shall be mounted in accordance with 24.5.15.

24.5.15.2

LOC controls, including switches, microphone, latches, and so forth, shall be located above the finishedfloor a minimum of 36 in. (91 cm) and a maximum of 48 in. (122 cm) where the horizontal reach is lessthan 10 in. (25 cm).

24.5.15.3

If a horizontal reach of 10 in. (25 cm) to 24 in. (61 cm) is required, the maximum elevation shall be limitedto 42 in. (107 cm) above the finished floor and the minimum elevation shall be limited to 28 in. (71 cm).

24.5.15.4

Text and visual indicators, including lamps, screens, displays, instructions, or labels, associated withcontrol or operation shall be visible within all points of elevation between 40 in. (102 cm) and 60 in. (152cm) above the finished floor.

24.5.15.5

Where controls and information are provided in accordance with 24.5.15.2 through 24.5.15.4, provision ofadditional or redundant controls shall be permitted within the same vicinity at an elevation or reach otherthan those indicated.

24.5.15.6

Dimensions other than those identified in 24.5.15.2 through 24.5.15.4 shall be permitted whendocumented within the emergency response plan that ADA guidelines are not applicable, or whenotherwise required by the AHJ.



Attachment_for_FR_319.docx

Attachment_Figures_for_FR_319.pdf




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposed language was assignment of an ECS task group to address mounting heights ofcontrols related to mass notification. These elevations could also apply to other control equipmentsuch as area of refuge communications, etc.

ResponseMessage:



218 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Attachment for FR 319

A.24.4.3.14. Control functions need to be accessible for those intended to use them. This

requirement is not intended to require that the control enclosure be within the dimensions, but

rather the respective buttons, latches, microphone, and other items the user will need to have

within reach and view. Figure A.24.4.3.14(a) applies when the horizontal reach is less than 10

in. (25 cm). Figure A.24.4.3.14(b) applies when the horizontal reach is between 10 in. (25 cm)

and 24 in. (61 cm).

Titles for figures:

Figure A.24.4.3.14(a) Horizontal Reach of Less Than 10 in. (25 cm).

Figure A.24.4.3.14(b) Horizontal Reach of 10 in. (25 cm) to 24 in. (61 cm).

Metric dimensions for figures:

10” = 25cm

28” = 71cm

24” = 61cm

36” = 91cm

40” = 102cm

42” = 107cm

48” = 122cm

60” = 152cm


24.5.19.4

Primary textual and graphical visible appliances other than a main control unit shall be permitted to nothave a dedicated primary power circuit as required by Chapter 10 but shall meet all other requirementsfor the monitoring of primary power and all requirements for secondary power.



FR_317_LEGISLATIVE_TEXT.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

In the 2013 edition of 72 section 24.4.3.18.7 was changed so that a requirement, applied tounmonitored textual and graphical visual appliances, was clarified to be specifically applied tosupplemental textual and graphical visual appliances. The conclusion being that it is permissible notto monitor supplemental textual and graphical appliances. However 24.4.3.18.4 makes no distinctionbetween primary and supplementary textual or graphical appliances, requiring the monitoring ofpower and secondary power for both. This change makes it clearer so that now the monitoringrequirements only apply only to primary textual and graphical appliances, which harmonizes with24.4.3.18.7, such that the two sections no longer have a conflicting context.

ResponseMessage:



219 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.5.19.4 24.4.3.18.4 Primary textual and graphical visible appliances other than a main

control unit shall be permitted to not have a dedicated primary power circuit as required by

Chapter 10, but shall meet all other requirements for the monitoring of primary power and all

requirements for secondary power.


24.5.19.8

Addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliances using signaling line circuits shall meet theperformance requirements of Section 23.6.

24.5.19.9

Non-addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliance circuits shall meet the performancerequirements of Section 23.7.



FR_318.docx FR 318 in legislative text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Graphical and textual appliances are directly referenced in multiple sections of NFPA 72 (in bothchapter 18 and 24), which also subject to chapters 7, 10, 12, 17, 21, 23, 26, & 27. Also they arefurther subdivided into two groups primary and supplemental, both being subjected to differentrequirements for monitoring for integrity. They are also referred to as appliances, implying that theyare notification appliances, but never stating directly the monitoring for integrity requirements for thetwo groups of textual and graphical appliances. The implication that they are notification appliances,and would therefore be subject to notification appliance circuit performance requirements, is confusedby the primary and secondary designations which have different monitoring requirements. Overall thiscomplexity creates the opportunity for misinterpretation. These two new sections clearly establish thereference to the performance requirements for both addressable and non-addressable appliancecircuits. It also makes it clear that supplemental textual and graphical appliances, which by definitionare not required by this code, are also not subject to these performance requirements. This distinctionsupports section 24.4.3.18.7, which establishes criteria for not monitoring supplemental textual andgraphical visual appliances.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 489-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 24.4.3.18.7]


220 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.5.19.8 An addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliance using signaling line circuits shall meet the performance requirements of Section 23.6.

24.5.19.9 Non-addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliance circuits shall meet the performance requirements of Section 23.7.


24.4.4.4 Wide-Area Mass Notification System Components.

24.4.4.4.1 Emergency Command Center. Refer to Section

24.6 for requirements of an emergency command center.

24.4.4.4.2* High Power Speaker Array (HPSA). When required

by the risk analysis, high power speaker arrays (HPSAs)

shall be provided, installed, and maintained.

24.4.4.4.2.1 The HPSAshall be arranged in such a manner to

provide intelligible voice and audible tone communications.

(A) When multiple HPSAs are used, they shall be arranged in

physical or virtual notification zones so that each notification

zone can be individually controlled by the emergency command

center.

(B)* HPSAs shall be designed to maintain the intelligibility of

voice signals within the notification zone in accordance with

the requirements of Chapter 18.

24.4.4.4.2.2 Secondary power for HPSAs used for wide-area

mass notification systems shall have sufficient capacity to operate

the unit for a minimum of 7 days in standby, followed by 60

minutes of operation at full load.

24.4.4.4.2.3 An HPSA shall have the capability to provide

voice communications and tones as determined by the emergency

response plan.

24.4.4.4.2.4* An HPSA shall operate in the environment in

which it is located, considering such factors as temperature, humidity,

wind, dust, vibration, and other environmental factors.

24.4.4.4.3 High Power Speaker Array Enclosures.

24.4.4.4.3.1 Enclosures for HPSAs shall be of the NEMA 4 or

4X type.

24.4.4.4.3.2 HPSA enclosures shall have intrusion detection

that signals the emergency command center.

(A) The signal shall be initiated whenever the door of the

enclosure is in the open position.

(B) The transmitted signal shall be a latching supervisory signal.

24.4.4.4.4 High Power Speaker Array Mounting.

24.4.4.4.4.1 HPSAs shall be mounted at a minimum mounting

height that is based on the rated output of the array.

24.4.4.4.4.2* HPSAs shall be installed at a height and orientation

to prevent hearing damage to anyone in the immediate

vicinity of the speakers.


18 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.4.4.4.3 All external conductors (conductors passing outside

of the HPSA equipment cabinet) shall be provided with

surge suppression to minimize potential equipment damage

from lightning strikes.

24.4.4.4.5 High Power Speaker Array Noise Consideration.

HPSA notification zones shall not be used to provide mass

notification inside any structures.

24.4.4.4.6* High Power Speaker Array Structural Loads,Wind,

and Seismic Design. HPSAs and their supporting structures

shall meet the structural, wind, and seismic loads as identified

in the risk analysis.

24.4.4.4.7 Textual Visible Appliances. Textual visible appliances

shall meet the requirements of Section 18.9 and

24.4.3.18.

24.4.4.4.7.1 After loss of primary power, textual visible appliances

shall have sufficient secondary power to operate for a

minimum of 2 hours of continuous display time during an

emergency event.

24.4.4.4.7.2 Scrolling message boards shall be provided with

means to control the scrolling rate.

24.4.4.4.8 In-Building Mass Notification Systems. The inbuilding

mass notification system shall meet the requirements

of 24.4.3.

24.4.4.4.9 Interfaces with Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems.

Interfaces between wide-area mass notification systems

and in-building mass notification systems, other alert and notification

systems, regional mass notification systems, and offsite

interfaces shall have a standard interface method (such as

an audio line-level output and multiple relay contacts) or supply

the necessary communications protocols to provide interoperability

and a secure communications link.

24.4.4.4.9.1 The interface shall be such that the primary

function of both systems shall not be compromised.

24.4.4.4.9.2 The interface shall be monitored for integrity in

accordance with 10.6.9 and Sections 10.19 and 12.6, so that an

abnormal condition that could prevent reliable system operation

is audibly and visibly annunciated as a trouble signal at

both systems’ control units.

24.4.4.4.10 Control Hierarchy. There shall be a predefined

control hierarchy between the wide-area mass notification system,

the in-building mass notification system, and the regional

mass notification system for information flow from the remote

control center, as well as information from specific locations.

24.4.4.4.11 Communications Links.


19 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.4.4.11.1 The wide-area mass notification system, including

communications links, shall minimize the potential for

interference from jamming, spoofing, hacking, eavesdropping,

or other malicious acts.

24.4.4.4.11.2 The wide-area mass notification system shall have

a primary and redundant communications link with minimal

functional and spatial interconnection with each other.

24.4.4.4.11.3 Wide-area and in-building mass notification systems

equipment and interface methods connecting to, or utilizing,

public emergency alarm reporting systems and associated

communications infrastructure shall be electrically and

operationally compatible so as not to interfere with the public

emergency alarm reporting systems.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC agrees to renumber the requirements and the corresponding annex text.

Response Message:



20 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.6.5.2

Secondary power for HPSAs used for wide-area mass notification systems shall have sufficient capacity tooperate the unit for a minimum of 3 days in standby, followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC revises 24.4.4.4.2.2 to be performance rated only and to correlate with the currentrequirements of UFC 4-021-01.

ResponseMessage:



221 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.6.5.2 24.4.4.4.2.2 Secondary power for HPSAs used for wide-area mass notification

systems shall have sufficient capacity to operate the unit for a minimum of 3 7 days in standby,

followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load.


24.6.10.1

After loss of primary power, primary textual visible notification appliances shall have sufficient secondarypower to operate for a minimum of 2 hours of continuous display time during an emergency event.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposal attempts to clarify that this requirement is applicable to textual visible notificationappliances.

Response Message:



222 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.6.10.1 24.4.4.4.7.1 After loss of primary power, primary textual visible notification

appliances shall have sufficient secondary power to operate for a minimum of 2 hours of

continuous display time during an emergency event.


24.4.4.4.8 In-Building Mass Notification Systems.

The in-building mass notification system shall meet the requirements of 24.4.3 .







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This paragraph is unnecessary and is covered by 24.4.3 This proposal is the work product of aChapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair),Andrew Woodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



223 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.4.4.4.8 In-Building Mass Notification Systems. The in-building mass notification system

shall meet the requirements of 24.4.3.


24.7* Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems (DRMNS).

24.7.1* Overview.

Distributed recipient mass notification system (DRMNS) alerting shall not be used in lieu of requiredaudible and visible alerting mass notification systems but shall be integrated with mass notificationsystems whenever possible.

24.7.2* Targeted Recipients.

The DRMNS shall be capable of sending alert messages to target recipients.

24.7.3* Network Security Compliance.

DRMNSs shall be installed behind the appropriate Internet system firewalls to protect the integrity of thenetwork.

24.7.4 Network Architecture.

The network shall be provided with net-centric architecture that fully supports local designatedstandards and security requirements.

24.7.5* Delivery Methods.

The DRMNS shall be capable of sending alert messages to end users (recipients) via multiple deliverymethods.

24.7.6* Backup Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems.

A DRMNS used to send emergency messages shall be provided with a backup configuration to facilitatedistribution of messages.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Editorial Maintain the Annex material and renumber for adherence to Manual of Style

Response Message:




224 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.7* 24.4.5* Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems (DRMNSs).

24.7.1* 24.4.5.1* Overview. Distributed recipient mass notification system (DRMNS) alerting

shall not be used in lieu of required audible and visible alerting mass notification systems but

shall be integrated with mass notification systems whenever possible.

24.7.2* 24.4.5.2* Targeted Recipients. The DRMNS shall be capable of sending alert messages

to target recipients.

24.4.5.2.1* DRMNS shall provide means of populating and updating distributed recipients' data.

24.7.3* 24.4.5.3* Network Security Compliance. DRMNSs shall be installed behind the

appropriate Internet system firewalls to protect the integrity of the network.

24.7.4 24.4.5.4 Network Architecture. The network shall be provided with net-centric

architecture that fully supports local designated standards and security requirements.

24.7.5* 24.4.5.5* Delivery Methods. The DRMNS shall be capable of sending alert messages to

end-users (recipients) via multiple delivery methods.

24.7.6* 24.4.5.6* Backup Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems. DRMNS used to

send emergency messages shall be provided with a backup configuration to facilitate distribution

of messages.


24.9.3.1 Inbound.

A minimum inbound signal strength sufficient to provide usable voice communications as specified by theAHJ shall be provided throughout the coverage area. The minimum acceptable inbound signal level shallbe specified in dBm with an associated acceptable bit error rate (BER) for digital radio systems.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

There are a number of radios systems in use by public safety agencies in the United States. Anumber of these have different operational characteristics. A prescribed signal strengthmeasurement (-95 dBm) as specified may not produce usable voice communications for all systems-VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz, analog, P-25, 4 slot TDMA, 2 slot TDMA etc. Requiring the AHJ to providethe operational parameters that are required for usable voice communications for the systems in useeliminates any possible confusion regarding the specified value (-95 dBm) and the value specified bythe AHJ.

ResponseMessage:



225 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.9.3.1 24.5.2.3.1 Inbound. A minimum inbound signal strength of −95 dBm, or other signal

strength as required by the authority having jurisdiction sufficient to provide usable voice

communications as specified by the AHJ shall be provided throughout the coverage area. The

minimum acceptable inbound signal level shall be specified in dBm with an associated

acceptable bit error rate (BER) for digital radio systems.


24.9.3.2 Outbound.

A minimum outbound signal strength sufficient to provide usable voice communications as specified by theAHJ shall be provided at the donor site. The minimum acceptable outbound signal level shall be specifiedin dBm with an associated acceptable bit error rate (BER) for digital radio systems.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

There are a number of radios systems in use by public safety agencies in the United States. Anumber of these have different operational characteristics. A prescribed signal strengthmeasurement (-95 dBm) as specified may not produce usable voice communications for all systems-VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz, analog, P-25, 4 slot TDMA, 2 slot TDMA etc. Requiring the AHJ to providethe operational parameters that are required for usable voice communications for the systems in useeliminates any possible confusion regarding the specified value (-95 dBm) and the value specified bythe AHJ.

ResponseMessage:



226 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.9.3.2 24.5.2.3.2 Outbound. A minimum outbound signal strength of −95 dBm at the donor

site, or other signal strength as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided

from the coverage area. sufficient to provide usable voice communications as specified by the

AHJ shall be provided at the donor site. The minimum acceptable outbound signal level shall be

specified in dBm with an associated acceptable bit error rate (BER) for digital radio systems.


24.9.6.2* Dedicated Monitoring Panel.

A dedicated monitoring panel shall be provided within the fire command center to annunciate the status ofall signal booster locations. The monitoring panel shall provide visual and labeled indication of thefollowing for each signal booster:

(1) Normal ac power

(2) Signal booster trouble

(3) Loss of normal ac power

(4) Failure of battery charger

(5) Low-battery capacity







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Provides a better description for the user This proposal is the work product of a Chapter 24Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), AndrewWoodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



227 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.9.6.2* 24.5.2.6.2* Dedicated Monitoring Panel. A dedicated monitoring panel shall be

provided within the fire command center to annunciate the status of all signal booster locations.

The monitoring panel shall provide visual and labeled indication of the following for each signal

booster:

(1) Normal ac power

(2) Signal booster trouble

(3) Loss of normal ac power

(4) Failure of battery charger

(5) Low-battery capacity


24.10* Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems.

24.10.1*

Where required by the building code in force, an area of rescue assistance two-way emergencycommunications system shall be installed in accordance with 24.10 .

24.10.2

The area of refuge (rescue assistance) emergency communications system shall be comprised ofremotely located area of refuge stations and a central control point.

24.10.3

The remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall communicate with each other viapathways based on their performance capabilities under abnormal (fault) conditions in accordance withthe requirements for Class A, Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways specified in Chapter 12 .

24.10.4

All pathways between a remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall be monitoredfor integrity.

24.10.5*

If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall have a timed automatic communicationscapability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction where responsible personnel can initiate the appropriate response.

24.10.6

The physical location of the central control point shall be as designated by the building code in force orthe authority having jurisdiction.

24.10.7

The area of refuge station shall provide for hands-free, two-way communication, provide an audible andvisible signal to indicate communication has occurred, and indicate to the receiver the location sendingthe signal.

24.10.8

Instructions for the use of the two-way communications system, instructions for summoning assistancevia the two-way communications system, and written identification, including in braille, of the locationshall be posted adjacent to the two-way communications system.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

From a reliability standpoint, it is important for crucial emergency communications systems toidentify pathway faults so service can be initiated as soon as possible.


228 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

ResponseMessage:




229 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.10* 24.5.3* Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications

Systems.

24.10.1* 24.5.3.1* Where required by the building code in force, an area of rescue assistance

two-way emergency communications system shall be installed in accordance with 24.5.3.

24.10.2 24.5.3.2 The area of refuge (rescue assistance) emergency communications system

shall be comprised of remotely located area of refuge stations and a central control point.

24.10.3 24.5.3.3 The remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall

communicate with each other via pathways based on their performance capabilities under abnormal (fault) conditions in accordance with the requirements for Class A, Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways specified in Chapter 12.

24.10.4 All pathways between remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity.

24.10.5* 24.5.3.4* If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall have a timed

automatic communications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location

acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction where responsible personnel can initiate the

appropriate response.

24.10.6 24.5.3.5 The physical location of the central control point shall be as designated by the

building code in force or the authority having jurisdiction.

24.10.7 24.5.3.6 The area of refuge station shall provide for hands-free, two-way

communication, provide an audible and visible signal to indicate communication has occurred

and indicate to the receiver the location sending the signal.

24.10.8 24.5.3.7 Instructions for the use of the two-way communications system, instructions

for summoning assistance via the two-way communications system, and written identification,

including included in braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way

communications system.


24.11 Elevator Emergency Communications Systems.

24.11.1

Elevator two-way emergency communications systems shall be installed in accordance with therequirements of ANSI/ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators .

24.11.2

Communication shall be provided for the lobbies where the elevators are used for occupant-controlledevacuation.

24.11.3

Inspection and testing of elevator emergency communications systems shall be performed inaccordance with ANSI/ASME A17.2, Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks .







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

To address T&I requirements. This might also have to go to SIG-TMS This proposal is the workproduct of a Chapter 24 Task Group on elevator emergency communications systems. TGmembers: Bruce Fraser (chair), Wayne Moore

ResponseMessage:



230 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.11 24.5.4 Elevator Emergency Communications Systems.

24.11.1 24.5.4.1 Elevator two-way emergency communications systems shall be installed in

accordance with the requirements of ANSI/ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators

and Escalators.

24.11.2 24.5.4.2 Communication shall be provided for the lobbies where the elevators are used

for occupant-controlled evacuation.

24.11.3 Inspection and testing of elevator emergency communications systems shall be performed in accordance with ASME/A17.2, Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks.


New Section after 24.5.4

24.5.5* Stairway Communications Systems

24.5.5.1 Where required by the building code in force, and not included as part of anotheremergency communications system, a stairway communications system shall be installed inaccordance with 24.5.5.

24.5.5.2 It shall be permissible for the stairway communications system to be integrated withanother two-way emergency communications system providing it is installed in accordance with24.5.5.

24.5.5.3 The stairway communications system shall be comprised of remotely locatedcommunications points and a central control point.

24.5.5.4 Each remote point shall have the capability to communicate with the central controlpoint.

24.5.5.5* Quantity and locations of the remote communications points shall be as required by thebuilding code in force and engineer specifications.

24.5.5.6* If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall have a timed automaticcommunications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptableto the authority having jurisdiction where responsible personnel can initiate the appropriateresponse.

24.5.5.7 The physical location of the central control point shall be as designated by the buildingcode in force or the authority having jurisdiction.

24.5.5.8 The remote communications points shall provide for two-way communications, providean audible and visible signal to indicate communication has occurred and indicate to the receiverthe location sending the signal.

24.5.5.9 Instructions for the use of the stairway communications system, instructions forsummoning assistance via the system, and written identification, included in braille, of the locationshall be posted adjacent to each remote communications point.



Attachment_to_FR_354.EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC provides new requirements for stairway communications systems.

Response Message:


24 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.24.5.5

Stairway communications systems are typically provided between a constantly attended central

location, such as the fire command center, and remote points located at not less than every fifth

floor in stairways where the doors to the stairway are locked. It is important that a method to

communicate exists between that remote location and a central control point so that appropriate

action for assistance can be initiated.

A.24.5.5.5

Generally, the building code or engineer specification will provide the specifics on the required

locations of the stairway communications points, as well as the central control point.

Requirements found in 24.5.5 should be coordinated with the requirements of the building code

in force.

A.24.5.5.6

To ensure a timely response to a call for assistance, the call is to be forwarded to a constantly

attended approved location, such as a supervising station, 911 communications center, or other

monitoring location.


24.13.1.4* Staffing.

Emergency command center personnel requirements shall be defined in the documentation in theemergency response plan.

24.12.1.4.1

Emergency command center personnel requirements shall be defined in the documentation in theemergency response plan.

24.12.1.4.2*

Individuals expected to operate an emergency communications system shall be properly trained in thepurpose, functions, procedures, and anticipated actions of such systems.

24.13.1.5*

Individuals expected to operate an emergency communications system shall be properly trained in thepurpose, functions, procedures, and anticipated actions of such systems.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Delete heading, renumber (promote) sub-paragraphs, and move Annex material to new 24.6.1.4.Remove unnecessary header. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward,Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



231 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.6.1.4* Staffing.

24.13.1.4* 24.6.1.4.1 Emergency command center personnel requirements shall be defined in

the documentation in the emergency response plan.

24.13.1.5* 24.6.1.4.2* Individuals expected to operate an emergency communications system

shall be properly trained in the purpose, functions, procedures, and anticipated actions of such

systems.

24.13.1.6 24.6.1.5 The emergency command center shall be capable of receiving voice

messages by telephone or radio and transmitting via equipment at the emergency command

center.

24.13.1.7 24.6.1.6 The emergency command center operator shall have the ability to monitor

inputs/sensors and control output devices automatically, manually, or automatically with

operator override.


24.13.2.2

The system operator shall be able to send broadcast live voice signals or activate prerecorded voicemessages, tones, and other signals.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The word broadcast better describes the activity. This proposal is the work product of a Chapter24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering. TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), AndrewWoodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



232 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.13.2.5 Multiple Emergency Communications Control Units.

In wide-area mass notification systems, the emergency command center shall have a primaryemergency communications control unit.

24.13.2.5.1

In wide-area mass notification systems, the emergency command center shall have a primaryemergency communications control unit.

24.13.2.5.2

Multiple emergency communications control units shall be permitted.

24.13.2.6

Multiple emergency communications control units shall be permitted.



FR_359.docx FR 359 in legislative text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC changes the title as the paragraph applies to more than just control equipment. TheTC renumbers the requirements.

ResponseMessage:



233 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.6.2.5 Multiple Emergency Communications Control Units.

24.13.2.5 24.6.2.5.1 In wide-area mass notification systems, the emergency command center

shall have a primary emergency communications control unit.

24.13.2.6 24.6.2.5.2 Multiple emergency communications control units shall be permitted.

24.13.3* 24.6.3* Signals. Where identified by the risk analysis and defined in the emergency

response plan, the emergency communications control unit shall be permitted to automatically or

manually send different messages or signals to different locations.


24.13.4 Power Supply.

All control units shall meet the power supply requirements of Section 10.6 and 24.13.5 .

24.13.4.1

All control units shall meet the requirements of Section 10.6 .

24.13.4.2

The power supply for the emergency command center shall include an uninterrupted power source withcapacity sufficient to support the emergency response plan established for the specific premises.

24.13.5

The power supply for the emergency command center for emergency communications systems shallinclude an uninterrupted power source with capacity sufficient to support the emergency response planestablished for the specific premises.



FR_333.docx FR 333 legilslative text




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This modification eliminates an unnecessary section header and adds supportive wording. Thisproposal is the work product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Renumbering.TG members: Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward, Rodger Reiswig, and Sean Remke.

ResponseMessage:



234 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.6.4 Power Supply.

24.13.4 24.6.4.1 All control units shall meet the power supply requirements of Section 10.6

and 24.6.5.

24.13.5 24.6.4.2 The power supply for the emergency command center for emergency

communications systems shall include an uninterrupted power source with capacity sufficient to

support the emergency response plan established for the specific premises.

24.13.6 24.6.5 Transmission. Signals shall be capable of being automatically or manually

transmitted to a regional or national emergency response center or to other nearby facilities that

have a need to be alerted of the emergency.

24.13.7* 24.6.6* Other Systems. The emergency command center shall be capable of

interfacing with and controlling other notification systems, such as telephone dialers, tone alert

systems, computer network alerting systems, pagers, facsimile machines, textual devices, and

other visual control signs, as determined by the emergency response plan.

24.13.8 24.6.7 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance. Inspection, testing, and maintenance

shall be performed on a periodic basis, as described in Chapter 14, to verify and ensure proper

system operation and readiness.

First Revision No. 334-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 24.7 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

The requirements of Section 24.14 24.7 shall apply to mass notification systems designedto using recognize performance-based practices.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: More clearly describes the intent.

Response Message:

Public Input No. 643-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 24.7 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]


235 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

24.14* 24.7* Performance-Based Design of Mass Notification Systems. The requirements of

Section 24.7 shall apply to mass notification systems designed using to recognize performance-

based practices.


24.14.1 Goals and Objectives.

The performance-based design shall meet the following goals and objectives:

(1) The risk analysis, design criteria, design brief, system performance, and testing criteria aredeveloped in accordance with this section.

(2) The system disseminates information to the target audience in an accurate and timely manner.

(3) The design and performance criteria are specific to the nature and anticipated risks of each location.

The system is capable of withstanding various scenarios and survives even if some damage hasalready occurred.

(4) Message initiation can be effected by all responding entities responsible for the safety and security ofoccupants those affected by the events of concern .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes item (4) as the goal is too vague and immeasurable.

Response Message:



236 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.15 Documentation for Emergency Communications Systems .

24.15.1 New Systems.

Documentation requirements for new emergency communications systems shall comply with Sections 7.3through 7.8 in addition to the minimum requirements of Section 7.2.

24.15.2* Existing Systems

The documentation that shall be provided for all additions or alterations to existing emergencycommunications systems shall be at the direction of the authority having jurisdiction.

24.15.3 Owner’s Manual.

For new emergency communications systems, an owner’s manual shall be provided and shall containthe following documentation:

(1) Detailed narrative description of the system inputs, evacuation signaling, ancillary functions,annunciation, intended sequence of operations, expansion capability, application considerations,and limitations

(2) Written sequence of operation for the system including an operational input/output matrix

(3) Operator instructions for basic system operations, including alarm acknowledgment, system reset,interpretation of system output (LEDs, CRT display, and printout), operation of manual evacuationsignaling and ancillary function controls, and change of printer paper

(4) Detailed description of routine maintenance and testing as required and recommended and aswould be provided under a maintenance contract, including testing and maintenance instructionsfor each type of device installed, which includes the following:

(a) Listing of the individual system components that require periodic testing and maintenance

(b) Step-by-step instructions detailing the requisite testing and maintenance procedures, andthe intervals at which these procedures shall be performed, for each type of device installed

(c) Schedule that correlates the testing and maintenance procedures that are required by thissection

(5) Service directory, including a list of names and telephone numbers of those who provide servicefor the system




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Expanded header provides additional information for users of this document. This proposal is thework product of a Chapter 24 Chairman-appointed Task Group on Documentation. TG members:Bruce Fraser (chair), Andrew Woodward, and Rodger Reiswig.

ResponseMessage:


237 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM





238 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


24.8.3 Owner’s Manual. For new emergency communications

systems, an owner’s manual shall be provided and shall contain

the following documentation:

(1) Detailed narrative description of the system inputs, evacuation

signaling, ancillary functions, annunciation, intended

sequence of operations, expansion capability, application

considerations, and limitations

(2) Written sequence of operation for the system including

an operational input/output matrix

(3) Operator instructions for basic system operations, including

alarm acknowledgment, system reset, interpretation

of system output (LEDs, CRT display, and printout), operation

of manual evacuation signaling and ancillary

function controls, and change of printer paper

(4) Detailed description of routine maintenance and testing

as required and recommended and as would be provided

under a maintenance contract, including testing and

maintenance instructions for each type of device installed,

which includes the following:

(a) Listing of the individual system components that require

periodic testing and maintenance

(b) Step-by-step instructions detailing the requisite testing

and maintenance procedures, and the intervals at

which these procedures shall be performed, for each

type of device installed

(c) Schedule that correlates the testing and maintenance

procedures that are required by this section

(5) Service directory, including a list of names and telephone

numbers of those who provide service for the system

Delete 24.8.3




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



21 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Items (7) and (8) would not be included in an owner’s manual as they are designdocuments.

Response Message:



22 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.2.1 Alarm Signal Disposition.

Except as permitted by 26.2.2 and 29.7.9.2 , all fire alarm signals received by a supervising stationshall be immediately retransmitted to the communications center.

26.2.1.1

Alarm signals initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow from theautomatic sprinkler system, or actuation of other fire suppression system(s) or equipment shall betreated as fire alarm signals.

26.2.1.2*

Except as permitted by 26.2.3 and 29.7.9.2 , all fire alarm signals received by a supervising stationshall be immediately retransmitted to the communications center.

26.2.1.3

Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station by a zone or zones shall be retransmitted by zoneto the communications center.

26.2.1.4

Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station that are identified as an individual point or pointsshall be retransmitted by point identifier to the communications center.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

In the 2013 edition 26.3.8.1.1 specifies what a fire alarm signal is under central station service butthis is not specified for the other categories of supervising stations. This revision relocates theexisting text from central station service to the front of the chapter in 26.2.1.1 to apply to allsupervising station fire alarm systems. 26.2.1.2 is renumbered from 26.2.1 and related A.26.2.1 isrelocated to A.26.2.1.2. 26.2.1.3 and 26.2.1.4 are added to clarify that zone or point identificationsignals are required to be retransmitted in the same form.

ResponseMessage:




239 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 17-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 26.2.2, 26.2.3 ]

26.2.2 Alarm Signal Preverification.

26.2.2.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department, the supervising stationshall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has been received andverification is in process.

26.2.2.2

Verification shall meet the requirements of 26.2.3 .


26.2.2* Alarm Signal Verification.

26.2.2.1


For applications other than those addressed under the scope of 29.7.9.2, supervising station personnelshall attempt to verify alarm signals prior to reporting them to the communication center where all thefollowing conditions exist:

(1)

(2) Documentation of the requirement for alarm signal verification is provided by the responsible firedepartment to the supervising station and the protected premises.

(3) If the requirement for verification changes, the responsible fire department shall notify thesupervising station and the protected premises.

(4)

(5) Verification of a true fire is received from anyone on premises or verification of the an unwantedalarm signal is received only from a pre-assigned list of authorized personnel within the protectedpremises.

(6)

(7)

(8)

26.2.3.2

Alarm signals not reported to the communications center shall be reported to the responsible firedepartment in a manner and at a frequency specified by the responsible fire department.


Where alarm signal verification is required by other governing laws, codes, or standards, or by otherparts of this code, by the authority having jurisdiction, or by the responsible fire department inaccordance with 26.2.2 , the supervising station shall immediately notify the communications centerthat a fire alarm signal has been received and verification is in process.

26.2.3.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department in accordance with26.2.2 , the supervising station shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarmsignal has been received and verification is in process.


* Alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department for a specific protectedpremises.

* The verification process does not take longer than 90 seconds from the time the alarm signal isreceived at the supervising station until the time that retransmission of the verified alarm signal isinitiated.

* Verified alarm signals are immediately retransmitted to the communications center and includeinformation that the signal was verified at the protected premises to be an emergency.

* Alarm signals where verification is not conclusive are immediately retransmitted to thecommunications center.

* Alarm signals that are verified as nuisance unwanted alarms are not dispatched and are handledin accordance with 26.2.3.2 . shall be reported to the responsible fire department in a manner and ata frequency specified by the responsible fire department.


240 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Alarm_verification_TG_recommendation_EC_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Jun 25 10:14:06 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Sections 26.2.2 and 26.2.3 were reordered and revised for clarity. Item 5 of the conditions isrevised to clear up confusion of what an authorized list is, and clarifies that any indication of anemergency should be acted upon.

ResponseMessage:




241 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

26.2.32 Alarm Signal Verification.

26.2.32.1

For applications other than those addressed in 29.7.9.2, supervising station personnel shall verify alarm signals prior to reporting them to the communication center where all the following conditions exist:

(1)* Alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department for the specific protected premises.

(2) Documentation of the requirement for alarm signal verification is provided by the responsible fire department to the supervising station and the protected premises.

(3) If the requirement for verification changes, the responsible fire department notifies the supervising station and the protected premises.

(4)* The verification process does not take longer than 90 seconds from the time the alarm signal is received at the supervising station until the time that retransmission of the verified alarm signal is initiated.

(5) Verification of a true fire is received from anyone on premises or verification of the an unwanted alarm signal is received only from a preassigned list of authorized personnel within the protected premises.

(6)* Verified alarm signals are retransmitted immediately to the communications center and include information that the signal was verified at the protected premises to be an emergency.

(7)* Alarm signals where verification is not conclusive are retransmitted immediately to the communications center.

(8) Alarm signals that are verified as unwanted nuisance alarms are not dispatched and are handled in accordance with 26.2.3.2. are reported to the responsible fire department in a manner and at a frequency specified by the responsible fire department.

26.2.3.2* Alarm signals not reported to the communications center shall be reported to the responsible fire department in a manner and at a frequency specified by the responsible fire department.


Where alarm signal verification is required by other governing laws, codes, or standards, by other parts of this Code, by the authority having jurisdiction, or by the responsible fire department in accordance with 26.2.2, the supervising station

shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has been received and that verification is in process.

26.2.23.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department in accordance with 26.2.2, the supervising station shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has been received and verification is in process.

26.2.223.2 Verification shall meet the requirements of 26.2.32


26.2.7.1*


Supervising station customers or clients and the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified in writing bythe new supervising station within 30 calendar days of any scheduled change in service of serviceprovider that results in signals from the client's property being handled by a different new supervisingstation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposed changes clarify who is responsible to make the notification to the client and that thetime frame is measured in calendar days.

ResponseMessage:




242 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.2.7.2

Where the new provider of supervising station provides the required testing and where servicechanges services covered by 26.2.7.1occur, the supervising station also provides the required testing,the new provider shall test all zones, points, and signals from each affected property in accordance withthe requirements of Chapter 14 at or prior to the next scheduled periodic test .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposed changes clarifies who is responsible to complete the required testing and appliesa time frame.

Response Message:



243 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.2.7.3

Where the new provider of supervising station services does not provide the required testing and whereservice changes covered by 26.2.7.1occur, the supervising station shall notify the prime contractor doesnot provide the required testing, the new provider shall notify the alarm system owner of the need to testall zones, points, and signals from each affected property in accordance with the requirements of Chapter14 prior to or at the next scheduled periodic test .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposed changes clarify who is responsible to make notifications, adds the alarm system ownerto the list of who needs to be notified, and also clarifies the time frame. The prime contractor wasremoved because only central station service systems have a prime contractor.

ResponseMessage:



244 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.3.3 Contract Requirements.

The central station service elements shall be provided under contract to a subscriber by one of thefollowing: a prime contractor that has a listing for central station fire alarm services.

A listed central station that provides all of the elements of central station service with its ownfacilities and personnel.

A listed central station that provides, as a minimum, the signal monitoring, retransmission, andassociated record keeping and reporting with its own facilities and personnel and shall be permittedto subcontract all or any part of the installation, testing, and maintenance and runner service.

A listed alarm service–local company that provides the installation, testing, and maintenance withits own facilities and personnel and that subcontracts the monitoring, retransmission, andassociated record keeping and reporting to a listed central station with the required runner serviceprovided by the listed alarm service–local company with its own personnel or the listed centralstation with its own personnel.

A listed central station that provides the installation, testing, and maintenance with its own facilitiesand personnel and that subcontracts the monitoring, retransmission, and associated record keepingand reporting to another listed central station with the required runner service provided by eithercentral station.

26.3.3.1

The prime contractor shall be responsible for code-compliant service delivery, regardless of anysubcontracting arrangements involved in the delivery of service.

26.3.3.2

Signal monitoring, retransmission, and associated recordkeeping and reporting shall be provided by acompany that has a listing for central station alarm services covering these elements.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Effective compliance is less a matter of asset ownership or legal employment status and muchmore about prime contractor or central station management control mechanisms, due diligence andqualifications/knowledge of the individuals doing the work. Replacing restrictive/prescriptivelanguage with more performance based language that draws on the strengths & capabilities oflisting organizations is appropriate.

ResponseMessage:



245 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.3.4.7

The authority(ies) having jurisdiction identified in 26.3.4.2(5) shall be notified within 30 calendar days ofthe expiration or cancellation by the organization that has listed the prime contractor.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revise text attaches a time frame for the notification to take place which did notpreviously exist.

Response Message:



246 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.3.8.1.1

Alarm signals initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow from theautomatic sprinkler system, or actuation of other fire suppression system(s) or equipment shall betreated as fire alarms.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change intended by the submitter was not properly identified and emulated. This has beenresolved by creation of FR 13 and FR 14 that properly make the intended changes.


247 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.3.8.3* Supervisory Signals.

Upon receipt of a supervisory signal from a sprinkler system, other fire suppression system(s), or otherequipment that is not prearranged , the central station shall perform the following actions:

(1)

(2) Dispatch a runner or maintenance person to arrive within 2 hours to investigate unless thesupervisory signal is cleared in accordance with a scheduled procedure determined by 26.3.8.3(1)

(3) Notify the authority having jurisdiction and the subscriber when sprinkler systems or other firesuppression systems or equipment have been wholly or partially out of service for 8 hours

(4) When service has been restored, provide notice, if required, to the subscriber or the and theauthority having jurisdiction, or both, as to of the nature of the signal, the time of occurrence, and therestoration of service when equipment has been out of service for 8 hours or more

Exception: If the supervisory signal results from a prearranged test, the actions specified by26.3.8.3 (1), (3), and (4) shall not be required.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text has been revised to clarify that the actions are not required if the signal is prearrangedand to clarify that the system owner should be notified for extended outages and when equipmentis returned to service.

ResponseMessage:



* Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber and notify the firedepartment or , law enforcement agency, or both, when required by the authority having jurisdiction


248 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.4.6.6.1 Alarms.

Upon receipt of an alarm signal, the proprietary supervising station operator shall initiate action to performthe following:

(1) Notify the fire department communications center , the emergency response team, and such otherparties as the authority having jurisdiction requires in accordance with 26.2.1

(2) Dispatch a runner or technician to the alarm location to arrive within 2 hours after receipt of a signal

(3) Restore the system as soon as possible after disposition of the cause of the alarm signal




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

For consistency between the operations of the three supervising station types, notification ofalarm signals should be made to the communications center.

ResponseMessage:



249 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.4.7.3

The proprietary supervising station shall make arrangements to furnish reports of signals received to theauthority having jurisdiction in a form manner approved by the authority will accept having jurisdiction .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The change is made to provide consistency with 26.3.9.3

Response Message:



250 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.5.3.1.3

Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be permitted to be received at a listed central supervisingstation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The added paragraph clarifies that listed central supervising stations can provide remotestation service.

Response Message:


251 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.5.6 Operations. Disposition of Signals.

26.5.6.1

If the remote supervising station is at a location other than the communications center, alarm signals shallbe retransmitted to the communications center in accordance with 26.2.1.

26.5.6.2

Upon receipt of an alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal by the remote supervising station, the operator onduty shall be responsible for immediately notifying the owner or the owner’s designated representative,and, where required, the authority having jurisdiction.

26.5.6.3

All operator controls at the remote supervising station shall be operated at the beginning of each shift orchange in personnel, and the status of all alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be noted andrecorded.

26.5.7 Operations.

All operator controls at the remote supervising station shall be operated at the beginning of each shift orchange in personnel, and the status of all alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be noted andrecorded.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Proposal renames section 26.5.6 to Disposition of Signals to match similiar sections in 26.3(26.3.8.1) and 26.4 (26.4.6.6) for continuity purposes. Moves the testing of the operator controls to26.5.7, Operations. Renumbers 26.5.7 and 26.5.8 because of the addition of the new section onDisposition of Signals.

ResponseMessage:



252 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.1.1

The methods of communications between the protected premises and the supervising station shall complywith the requirements in Section 26.6. These requirements shall include the following:

(1) Transmitter located at the protected premises

(2) Transmission channel between the protected premises and the supervising station or subsidiarystation

(3) If used, any subsidiary station and its communications channel

(4) Signal receiving, processing, display, and recording equipment at the supervising station

Exception: Transmission channels owned by, and under the control of, the protected premisesowner that are not facilities leased from a supplier of communications service capabilities, such asvideo cable, telephone, or other communications services that are also offered to other customers.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

All communications should meet the same criteria required for alarm system signaltransmission. Privately owned channels should not be excepted from these requirements.

ResponseMessage:



253 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.2.3.2

Radio receiving equipment Equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70, National ElectricalCode, Article 810 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

All equipment should be installed in accordance with NFPA 70 where applicable so thisrequirement, which is located in the General section, eliminates references to radio equipmentand Article 810.

ResponseMessage:



254 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.2.4 Dual Control.

26.6.2.4.1

Dual control, if required, shall provide for redundancy in the form of a standby circuit or other alternatemeans of transmitting signals over the primary trunk portion of a transmission channel.

26.6.2.4.2

The same method of signal transmission shall be permitted to be used over separate routes, oralternate methods of signal transmission shall be permitted to be used.

26.6.2.4.3

Public switched telephone network facilities shall be used only as an alternate method of transmittingsignals.

26.6.2.4.4

If using facilities leased from a telephone company, that portion of the primary trunk facility between thesupervising station and its serving wire center shall not be required to comply with the separate routingrequirement of the primary trunk facility. Dual control, if used, shall require supervision as follows:

(1) Dedicated facilities that are able to be used on a full-time basis, and whose use is limited tosignaling purposes as defined in this Code, shall be exercised at least once every hour.

Paragraphs 26.6.2.4.4(2) and 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) were revised by a tentative interim amendment(TIA). See page 1.

(2) Public switched telephone network facilities shall be exercised at least once every 6 hours.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Dual Control was a concept carried over from NFPA 71 and applied to transmission methods thatwere removed from NFPA 72 in 2010. The functions and redundancy required by this section arealready included in the remaining prescriptive communications methods as well as in the section onperformance based communications methods. Surveys of senior members of the technicalcommittee verify that this section has been obsolete for a number of cycles.

ResponseMessage:



255 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Renumber 26.6.3 to become 26.6.2.5 entitled "Communications Technologies."

Renumber 26.6.3.1 to become 26.6.3.

Renumber 26.6.3.2 to become 26.6.4.

Renumber 26.6.3.3 to become 26.6.5




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The proposed revisions eliminates an extra number in the numbering of the variouscommunications methods (technologies) and makes the code easier to use.

ResponseMessage:


4 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.3.13.1 Premises Equipment.

Secondary The secondary power capacity for all e quipment necessary for the transmission of alarm,supervisory, trouble, and other signals located at the protected premises shall be as follows: transmittersand shared equipment necessary for the transmission of alarm, supervisory, trouble, and other signalslocated at the protected premises shall be a minimum of 24 hours or as permitted by 10.6.7.3.1 (2).

Fire alarm transmitters not requiring shared on-premises communications equipment shall complywith 10.6.7 .

If the fire alarm transmitter is sharing on-premises communications equipment, the sharedequipment shall have a secondary power capacity of 24 hours.

Exception: Secondary power capacity for shared equipment shall be permitted to have a capacity of 8hours where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and where a risk analysis is performed toensure acceptable availability is provided.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The current code text does not allow for installations that utilize an automatic starting generatorwhich would permit a reduction of the secondary power requirements for the FACU to 4 hours.Sub-sections (1) and (2) are proposed to be eliminated as it should not matter if the transmissionequipment is sharing on-premises equipment or not. Any equipment included in the transmission ofsignals should either meet the 24 hour requirement or the permitted 4 hour requirement with anauto-start generator just as the FACU is permitted to do.

ResponseMessage:



259 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.3.1.2 Federal Communications Commission.

Alarm system equipment and installations shall comply with the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) rules and regulations, as applicable, concerning electromagnetic radiation, use of radiofrequencies, and connections to the public switched telephone network of telephone equipment,systems, and protection apparatus.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This is a redundent requirement which is verbatum to 26.6.2.3.1 located in the General sectionof Communications Methods and is not needed to be repeated in Performance-BasedTechnologies.

ResponseMessage:



256 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.3.1.3 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

Equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: As a result of FR 27 the deleted language is redundant.

Response Message:



257 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 31-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 26.6.3.1.6, 26.6.3.1.7 ]

26.6.3.4 Multiple Communications Paths.

If multiple transmission paths are used, the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Each path shall be supervised within not more than 6 hours.

(2) The failure of any path of a multipath system shall be annunciated at the supervising station withinnot more than 6 hours.

(3) Multiple communications paths shall be arranged so that a single point of failure shall not causemore than a single path to fail.

(4) The failure to complete a signal transmission shall be annunciated at the protected premises inaccordance with Section 10.15.

26.6.3.5* Single Technology.

A single technology shall be permitted to be used to create the multiple paths provided that therequirements of 26.6.3.1.4 26.6.3.4 (1) through 26.6.3.1.4 26.6.3.4 (3) (4) are met .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text clarifies that a single path of failure cannot disable multiple paths on a multiplecommunications path technology. Other editorial changes are made for clarity.

ResponseMessage:


Public Input No. 162-NFPA 72-2013 [Sections 26.6.3.1.6, 26.6.3.1.7]



258 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.4.1.1* Public Switched Telephone Network.

A DACT shall be connected to the public switched telephone network upstream of any private telephonesystem at the protected premises.

(A)

The connections to the public switched telephone network shall be under the control of the subscriber forwhom service is being provided by the supervising station alarm system.

(B)

Special attention shall be required to ensure that this connection is made only to a loop start telephonecircuit and not to a ground start telephone circuit.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Public switched telephone network is a defined term and the code should be precise in itsuse.

Response Message:



260 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 33-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.6.3.2.1.4(B) ]

(B)

The following requirements shall apply to all combinations listed in 26.6.3.2.1.4(A) 26.6.4.1.4(A) :

(1) The means for supervising each channel shall be in a manner approved for the method oftransmission employed.

(2) The interval for testing each channel shall not exceed 6 hours. If a signal has not been processedover the subject channel in the previous 6 hours, a test signal shall be processed.

(3) The failure of either channel shall send a trouble signal on the other channel within 4 minutes.

(4) When one transmission channel has failed, all status change signals shall be sent over the otherchannel.

(5) The primary channel shall be capable of delivering an indication to the DACT that the message hasbeen received by the supervising station.

(6)

(7) Simultaneous transmission over both channels shall be permitted.

(8) Failure of telephone lines (numbers) shall be annunciated locally.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: There are regular signals, such as openings and closing, that are a “test” of the channel.

Response Message:

Public Input No. 317-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 26.6.3.2.1.4(B)]

* The first attempt to send a status change signal shall use the primary channel.

Exception: When the primary channel is known to have failed.


261 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


26.6.4.1.5 DACT Transmission Means.

The following requirements shall apply to all DACTs:

(1) A DACT shall be connected to two separate means of transmission at the protected premises sothat a single point of failure on one means of transmission shall not affect the second means oftransmission .

(2) The DACT shall be capable of selecting the operable means of transmission in the event of failure ofthe other means.

(3) The primary means of transmission shall be a telephone line (number) connected to the publicswitched network.

(4)

(5) Each DACT shall be programmed to call a second receiver when the signal transmission sequenceto the first called line (number) is unsuccessful.

(6) Each transmission means shall automatically initiate and complete a test signal transmissionsequence to its associated receiver at least once every 6 hours. A successful signal transmissionsequence of any other type, within the same 6-hour period, shall fulfill the requirement to verify theintegrity of the reporting system, provided that signal processing is automated so that 6-hourdelinquencies are individually acknowledged by supervising station personnel.

(7)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change is made to clarify that a single path of failure cannot disable multiple telephonelines (numbers) or other means of transmission for DACTs.

ResponseMessage:


* The first transmission attempt shall utilize the primary means of transmission.

* If a DACT is programmed to call a telephone line (number) that is call forwarded to the line(number) of the DACR, a means shall be implemented to verify the integrity of the call forwardingfeature every 4 hours.


262 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


27.3.7.4 Qualification.

27.3.7.4.1

Personnel shall demonstrate qualification by being trained and certified in public emergency alarmreporting system design, installation, or service (as appropriate) by one or more of the following: .

Certified by the manufacturer of the system or equipment

Licensed or certified by a state or local authority

27.3.7.4.2

Personnel who are trained and certified for the specific type of public emergency alarm reporting systemand comply with one the following shall be considered qualified:

(1) Personnel who are licensed or certified by a state or local authority, if applicable

(2)

(3) Personnel who are employed and qualified by an organization listed by a nationally recognizedtesting laboratory for the design, installation, or servicing of systems within the scope of thischapter

(4)

27.3.7.4.3

Evidence of qualifications and/or certification shall be provided when requested by the authority havingjurisdiction. A license or qualification listing shall be current in accordance with the requirements of theissuing authority or organization.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Changes are made to clarify personnel qualification requirements. Current A.27.3.7.4.1(2) isretained and will become A.27.3.7.4.2(2). This FR also adds new A.27.3.7.4.2(4) - see attached.

ResponseMessage:

* Certified by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

* Personnel who are certified by a nationally recognized certification organization acceptable tothe authority having jurisdiction

* Personnel who are employed and certified by an equipment manufacturer for the specific type ofsystem


263 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.27.3.7.4.2(4)

Factory training and certification are intended to allow individuals to service only the

equipment for which they have specific brand and model training.


27.5.3* Alarm Processing Equipment at a Remote Communications Center.

Where the alarm-receiving equipment is located at a location other than where the box circuit protection,controls, and power supplies are located, communications center is remotely located from the wired orwireless alarm processing equipment, the requirements of 27.5.3.1 through 27.5.3.8, in addition to all ofthe requirements of Section 27.5, shall apply.

27.5.3.1

All equipment used to provide the primary and remote receiving facilities shall be listed for its intendeduse and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

27.5.3.2

The monitoring for integrity of all box circuits shall be provided with a visual and audible means to indicatea 20 percent or greater reduction or increase in the normal current in any box alarm circuit. The visualmeans shall identify the exact circuit affected. Alarm processing equipment located remote from thecommunications center shall be capable of providing basic dispatching information independent of thecommunications center.

27.5.3.3

Monitoring for integrity of all power supplies shall be provided with visual and audible means to indicate aloss of primary or standby power supplies at both the communications center and remotecommunications center. The alarm processing equipment shall be located where it can be monitored foralarm and trouble conditions and shall be accessible to be manned in case of a pathway orcommunications failure with the communications center.

27.5.3.4

A minimum of two separate means of interconnection shall be provided between the communicationscenter and remote communications center receiving equipment. This interconnection shall be dedicatedand shall not be used for any other purpose. Wired or wireless alarm repeating systems used to repeatsignals between a remote communication center and the alarm processing equipment location shall meetthe requirements of 27.5.3.4.1 through 27.5.3.4.7 .

27.5.3.4.1

There shall be a minimum of two complete and independent alarm repeater systems, including batteriesand power supplies, to provide redundancy.

27.5.3.4.2

If the alarm repeater system is configured with one alarm repeater in standby mode, the system shall becapable of detecting a communications failure and shall automatically switch to the backup systemwithout interruption or loss of any alarm or trouble transmission.

27.5.3.4.3

Alarm repeater systems shall not be used for any purpose other than alarm communications betweenthe communications center and the alarm processing equipment.

27.5.3.4.4

If wireless alarm repeaters are used, they shall operate on a licensed frequency dedicated for thispurpose and be licensed to a public entity. Unlicensed frequencies shall not be permitted.

27.5.3.4.5

The communications method used for the alarm repeater, wired or wireless, shall be two-way.

27.5.3.4.6

The public emergency alarm reporting system communications infrastructure shall be used to repeatalarm and trouble signals between the alarm processing equipment and a remote communicationscenter.

27.5.3.4.7

Where it is not possible to use the public emergency alarm reporting system communicationsinfrastructure to provide communications between the alarm processing equipment and the remotecommunications center, an alternative repeater method shall be permitted and shall meet therequirements of 27.5.3.4.7.1 and 27.5.3.4.7.2 .


264 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

27.5.3.4.7.1

If an alternative alarm repeater method is used it shall be publically owned, operated, and controlled.

27.5.3.4.7.2

The alternative alarm repeater method shall meet the requirements of 27.5.3 , except 27.5.3.4.2 and27.5.3.8 shall not apply.

27.5.3.5

Where data transmission or multiplexing equipment is used that is not an integral part of the alarm-receiving equipment, a visual and audible means shall be provided to monitor the integrity of the externalequipment. This shall include monitoring all primary and standby power supplies as well as thetransmission of data. Pathways between the remote communications center and the alarm processingequipment shall be monitored for integrity and shall be dedicated and not used for any other purpose.

27.5.3.6

Power shall be provided in accordance with 27.5.2.5 . When communications between thecommunications center and the alarm processing equipment fails, the requirements of 27.5.3.6.1through 27.5.3.6.3 shall apply.

27.5.3.6.1

A pathway or communications trouble condition shall be detected and annunciated at both thecommunication center and the alarm processing equipment location within 200 seconds and shall meetthe requirements of 27.5.2.4 .

27.5.3.6.2

Visual and audible trouble alarm indications pertaining to a pathway or communications failure betweenthe communications center and the alarm processing equipment location shall be distinct from all othertrouble alarms.

27.5.3.6.3

The alarm processing equipment shall be manned by trained personnel until communications can bere-established.

27.5.3.7

The use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to comply with standby power requirements shall notbe permitted. Power supplies shall be provided in accordance with 27.5.2.5 .

27.5.3.8

Tie circuits shall be provided in accordance with 27.5.3.8.1 through 27.5.3.8.3 .

27.5.3.8.1

A separate tie circuit shall be provided from the communications center to each subsidiarycommunications center.

27.5.3.8.2

The tie circuit between the communications center and the subsidiary communications center shall notbe used for any other purpose.

27.5.3.8.3

In a Type B wired system, where all boxes in the system are of the succession type, it shall be permittedto use the tie circuit as a dispatch circuit to the extent permitted by NFPA 1221 , Standard for theInstallation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems .







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


265 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The original 27.5.3 did not adequately provide requirements for those circumstances where themunicipality or government agency has located the Communications Center at a location remotefrom the Alarm Processing Equipment for the public emergency alarm reporting system. Thiscircumstance might occur when the municipality or government agency has moved theCommunications Center to combine its service with other emergency dispatching, such as police andemergency medical services, or has decided to combine with neighboring towns or cities(regionalization). In such a case, it may be impractical to completely relocate the alarm processingequipment. This FR also adds A.7.5.3 - see attached.

ResponseMessage:


266 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.27.5.3

Subsection 27.5.3 provides requirements for circumstances in which a municipality or government

agency has situated a communications center at a location remote from the alarm processing

equipment for the public emergency alarm reporting system. This might occur when the municipality or

government agency has moved the communications center to combine services with other emergency

dispatching, such as police emergency and medical services, or to combine with neighboring towns or

cities (regionalization). In such cases, it might be impractical to relocate the alarm processing

equipment.


27.6.2.1.11.2*

The exterior wire Outside plant cables entering buildings or other structures shall be installed in rigidmetal conduit or , intermediate metal conduit in accordance with Chapter 3 of , or electrical metallictubing. The installation shall comply with the requirements of the applicable raceway article of NFPA 70,National Electrical Code.

Exception: Schedule 80 PVC or RTRC rigid nonmetallic conduit shall be permitted for undergroundinstallations, provided that all elbows used are rigid or intermediate metal conduit.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 27.6.2.1.11.2 was revised to include the use of EMT for outside plant cable installedinside buildings. The exception was revised to include the use of RTRC. This FR also addsA.27.6.2.1.11.2 - see attached.

ResponseMessage:


267 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.27.6.2.1.11.2

Environmental and ambient conditions should be considered in the selection of the wiring method to be

employed.

First Revision No. 283-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 27.6.3.1.2, 27.6.3.1.3 ]

27.6.3.1.2*

All exterior wire and cable Outside plant cables entering buildings or other structures shall be installed inrigid metal conduit or , intermediate metal conduit in accordance with Chapter 3 of , or electrical metallictubing. The installation shall comply with the requirements of the applicable raceway article of NFPA 70,National Electrical Code.

Exception: Schedule 80 PVC or RTRC rigid nonmetallic conduit shall be permitted for undergroundinstallations, provided that all elbows used are rigid or intermediate metal conduit.

27.6.3.1.3*

Wiring between the auxiliary alarm system and the auxiliary alarm box or master alarm box shall beinstalled in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing and shall meet therequirements of pathway survivability Level 2 (see 12.4.3).







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 27.6.3.1.2 was revised to include the use of EMT for outside plant cable installed insidebuildings. The exception was revised to include the use of RTRC. Section 27.6.3.1.2 was revised toclarify the need to use metal raceway in addition to the level 2 survivability requirement. This FRalso adds A.27.6.3.1.2 and modifies the caption of Figure A.27.6.3.1.3 - see attached.

ResponseMessage:


268 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.27.6.3.1.2

Environmental and ambient conditions should be considered in the selection of the wiring method to be

employed.

Figure A.27.6.3.1.3 Interconnecting wiring from auxiliary alarm system to auxiliary box or master

box installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.


27.8 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS).

27.8.1*

ECS Public emergency alarm reporting systems that are capable of two-way wired or wirelesscommunications with command and control capabilities and/or voice communications capabilities shall bepermitted to be connected to used as part of the communications infrastructure of an emergencycommunications system (ECS), provided that it does not interfere with the public emergency alarmreporting systems system .

27.8.2

ECS equipment and interface methods connecting to or utilizing public emergency alarm reportingsystems shall be electrically and operationally compatible so as not to interfere with the public emergencyalarm reporting systems. The method of interfacing and monitoring for integrity between the publicemergency alarm reporting system and the ECS shall be in accordance with 27.6.3.2.3 and treated asan auxiliary alarm system connected to a protected premises.

27.8.3

Wired or wireless alarm boxes shall be permitted for shared use with an emergency communicationssystem and shall meet all the requirements of Chapter 27 .

27.8.4

Trouble and alarm indications in the emergency communications system shall be visually and audiblyannunciated at the communications center, except under fault conditions that prevent such a notificationprocess.

27.8.5

When a fault condition prevents communications between the ECS and the communications center, anaudible and visual trouble indication shall be activated at the fire command center in the protectedpremises.

27.8.6

Communications between the public emergency alarm reporting system and the emergencycommunications system shall be monitored for integrity, and faults shall be annunciated at thecommunications center, as well as at the fire command center or the emergency command center orboth, in the protected premises.







Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The committee revised and expanded 27.8 to establish requirements if the public emergencyalarm reporting system is also used as the infrastructure for an emergency communicationssystem. This FR also modifies A.27.8.1 - see attachment.


269 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

ResponseMessage:


270 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.27.8.1

The public emergency alarm reporting system infrastructure can be used to facilitate the operation of

wide-area signaling, which might include voice, and which some communities now done use for

emergency notifications to the publicand as.


29.3.5*

Fire-warning equipment to be installed in residential occupancies shall produce the audible emergencyevacuation signal described in ANSI S3.41, American National Standard Emergency Evacuation Signal,whenever the intended response is to evacuate the building.

Exception: Where mechanically powered single-station heat alarms are used as supplementarydevices, unless required by applicable laws, codes, or standards, such devices shall not be required toproduce the emergency evacuation signal described in ANSI S3.41.

29.3.5.1

The audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted to be used for other devices as long as thedesired response is immediate evacuation.

29.3.5.2*

Fire-warning equipment producing the audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted toincorporate voice notification under either or both of the following conditions:

(1) Where the voice message is contained completely within the 1.5-second pause period of the audibleemergency evacuation signal

(2) Where the voice message complies with 29.3.5.2(2)(a) and 29.3.5.2 (2) (b) as follows:

(a) The voice message is first preceded by a minimum of eight cycles of the audible emergencyevacuation signal.

(b) The voice message periodically interrupts the signal for no longer than 10 seconds, followed bya minimum of two cycles of the audible emergency evacuation signal between each voicemessage. The initial eight-cycle period shall not be required to be repeated.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Revisions are needed to allow for the use of mechanically operated heat alarms to beconsistent with the allowance in 29.5.2.1.1.

ResponseMessage:




271 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.6.1 Smoke and Heat Alarms.

Smoke and heat alarms shall meet the requirements of 29.5.2.1.1 and be powered by one of thefollowing means:

(1) A commercial light and power source along with a secondary power source that is capable ofoperating the device for at least 7 days in the normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm

(2) If a commercial light and power source is not normally available, a noncommercial ac power sourcealong with a secondary power source that is capable of operating the device for at least 7 days in thenormal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm

(3) A nonrechargeable, nonreplaceable primary battery that is capable of operating the device for atleast 10 years in the normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm, followed by 7 days of trouble

(4) If a battery primary power supply is specifically permitted, a battery meeting the requirements of29.6.6 (nonrechargeable primary battery) or the requirements of 29.6.7 (rechargeable primarybattery)

(5) A suitable spring-wound mechanism for the nonelectrical portion of a listed single-station alarm witha visible indication to show that sufficient operating power is not available




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The revised text clarifies that interconnection is required regardless of the type of powersupply used.

Response Message:


272 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.6.3 AC Primary Power Source.

The ac power source specified in 29.6.1 and 29.6.2 shall comply with the following conditions:

(1) A visible “power on” indicator shall be provided.

(2) All electrical systems designed to be installed by other than a qualified electrician shall be poweredfrom a source not in excess of 30 volts that meets the requirements for power-limited fire alarmcircuits as defined in NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 760.

(3) A restraining means shall be used at the plug-in of any cord-connected installation.

(4) AC primary (main) power shall be supplied either from a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitchedportion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting.

(5) Operation of a switch (other than a circuit breaker) shall not cause loss of primary (main) power.Operation of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) receptacle shall not cause loss of primary(main) power. Smoke alarms powered by branch circuits protected by arc-fault circuit-interrupters(AFCI) or GFCI circuit breakers shall have a secondary power source.

(6) Neither loss nor restoration of primary (main) power shall cause an alarm signal.

Exception: An alarm signal shall be permitted but shall not exceed 2 seconds.

(7) Where a secondary (standby) battery is provided, the primary (main) power supply shall be ofsufficient capacity to operate the system under all conditions of loading with any secondary (standby)battery disconnected or fully discharged.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Revisions are provided to add clarity.

Response Message:


273 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.7.6.8

Any data exchange between the fire alarm system and separate independent devices via remote accessshall not compromise the integrity of the fire alarm system.

29.7.6.9

Remote resetting and silencing of a fire alarm control unit from other than the protected premises shallbe inhibited for a minimum of 4 minutes from the initial activation of the fire alarm signal.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

With the advent of smart phones and internet access to almost any device, remote access toresidential security equipment is prevalent. Ability to establish remote access to fire alarm systems, ifnot here already, is on the horizon. This proposal seeks to establish minimum requirements forremote control access to household fire alarm systems. The proposed changes are considered anda work in progress to be further developed in the second draft stage. While the committee continuesto work on this, addition comments are welcome.

ResponseMessage:



274 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.7.8.3 Mesh Networks.

29.7.8.3.1

Wireless household fire alarm system networks shall meet the requirements of 29.7.8.1 .

29.7.8.3.2

Devices used in any critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listed for fire alarmservice.

29.7.8.3.3

Shared communications equipment used in supplementary (noncritical) signaling path(s) is permitted tobe listed for communications or information technology use.

29.7.8.3.4

All devices and appliances used in the critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listedfor use together.

29.7.8.3.5

Where the mesh network is shared by other premise operating systems, its operation shall be inaccordance with the following:

(1) Network bandwidth shall be monitored to confirm that all communications between devices criticalto the operation of the fire alarm system take place within 20 seconds; failure shall be indicatedwithin 200 seconds.

(2) All programming accepted by devices in the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarmresponse time of 20 seconds.

(3) All specified configurations of the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm response time of20 seconds.

(4) Failure of any equipment that is critical to the operation of the fire alarm system shall be indicatedat the operator interface of the fire alarm control unit by the annunciation of a trouble signal.

(5) The occurrence of any single fault that disables a transceiver shall not prevent other transceiversin the system from operating (formerly 29.7.8.2.5 ).




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Mesh networks are becoming prevalent in homes. These networks typically integrate energymanagement, security and entertainment equipment. Some of the networks are based upon industrystandard network layer protocols, such as zigbee or z-wave. It is anticipated that at some point firealarm signaling will either be included in the network or will utilize similar technologies. This proposalseeks to establish minimum requirements for these networks relative to fire alarm signaling. Theproposed changes are considered and a work in progress to be further developed in the second draftstage. While the committee continues to work on this, addition comments are welcome.


275 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

ResponseMessage:



276 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.7.9.1.3 Other Than DACT.

Where a communication or transmission means other than DACT is used, only a single communicationtechnology and path is required to serve the protected premises.

29.7.9.1.3.1

Where a communication or transmission means other than DACT is used, only a single communicationtechnology and path shall be required to serve the protected premises.

29.7.9.1.3.2

Where a communication or transmission means other than DACT is used, all equipment necessary totransmit an alarm signal shall be provided with a minimum of 24 hours of secondary power capacity andshall report a trouble condition indicating loss of primary power.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Jun 28 09:03:17 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Household systems today are becoming more reliant on the home network equipment. Homenetwork equipment does not have the ability to transmit critical events when there is a loss ofprimary power. The installation of a power inverter to supply ac in the event of a power loss is onemethod however there is a need to provide both local and remote notification of a trouble condition.The requirement for 24 hours is consistent with power supply requirements in Chapter 10 and 26.

ResponseMessage:



277 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.8.2 Interconnection of Detectors or Multiple-Station Alarms.

29.8.2.1

Smoke detectors shall be connected to central controls for power, signal processing, and activation ofnotification appliances.

29.8.2.1*

The interconnection of smoke or heat alarms shall comply with the following:

(1) Smoke or heat alarms shall not be interconnected in numbers that exceed the manufacturer’spublished instructions.

(2) In no case shall more than 18 initiating devices be interconnected (of which 12 can be smokealarms) where the interconnecting means is not supervised.

(3) In no case shall more than 64 initiating devices be interconnected (of which 42 can be smokealarms) where the interconnecting means is supervised.

(4) Smoke or heat alarms shall not be interconnected with alarms from other manufacturers unless listedas being compatible with the specific model.

(5) When alarms of different types are interconnected, all interconnected alarms shall produce theappropriate audible response for the phenomena being detected or remain silent.

29.8.2.2

A single fault on the interconnecting means between multiple-station alarms shall not prevent single-station operation of any of the interconnected alarms.

29.8.2.3

Remote notification appliance circuits of multiple-station alarms shall be capable of being tested forintegrity by activation of the test feature on any interconnected alarm. Activation of the test feature shallresult in the operation of all interconnected notification appliances.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Section 29.8.2 is intended to address just the interconnection of alarms. The languageinvolving smoke detectors is not needed and adds confusion.

ResponseMessage:


278 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


29.8.3.4 Specific Location Requirements.

The installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located where ambient conditions, includinghumidity and temperature, are outside the limits specified by the manufacturer's publishedinstructions.

(2) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located within unfinished attics or garages or inother spaces where temperatures can fall below 40ºF (4ºC) or exceed 100ºF (38ºC).

(3)

(4)

(5) Effective January 1, 2016 2019 , smoke alarms and smoke detectors used in household fire alarmsystems installed between 6 ft (1.8 m) and 20 ft (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationaryor fixed cooking appliance shall be listed for resistance to common nuisance sources from cooking.

(6)

(7) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside ofthe direct airflow from those registers.

(8) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan.

(9) Where stairs lead to other occupiable levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located sothat smoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smokedetector by an intervening door or obstruction.

(10) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on thebasement ceiling near the entry to the stairs.

(11)

(12) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with therequirements of 17.7.3.2.4.

(13) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirementsof 17.6.3.

* Where the mounting surface could become considerably warmer or cooler than the room, such as apoorly insulated ceiling below an unfinished attic or an exterior wall, smoke alarms and smokedetectors shall be mounted on an inside wall.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within an area of exclusion determined bya 10 ft (3.0 m) radial distance along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cookingappliance, unless listed for installation in close proximity to cooking appliances. Smoke alarms andsmoke detectors installed between 10 ft (3.0 m) and 20 ft (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from astationary or fixed cooking appliance shall be equipped with an alarm-silencing means or usephotoelectric detection.

Exception: Smoke alarms or smoke detectors that use photoelectric detection shall be permitted forinstallation at a radial distance greater than 6 ft (1.8 m) from any stationary or fixed cookingappliance when the following conditions are met:

(a) The kitchen or cooking area and adjacent spaces have no clear interior partitions or headersand

(b) The 10 ft (3.0 m) area of exclusion would prohibit the placement of a smoke alarm or smokedetector required by other sections of this code.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub unless listed for installation in close proximityto such locations.

* For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installedon the highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 in. (300 mm)vertically down from the highest point.


279 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Due to the lack of data that can be used to formulate repeatable product performance tests, moretesting is needed to develop nuisance immunity criteria. We are still waiting on the final publication ofthe NIST Nuisance Alarm Study. There is a project in the planning stages through the FPRF that isaimed at providing data that can be used as testing criteria. Meeting the existing date of January 1,2016 is not realistic. Changing the effective date for common cooking nuisance sources to January 1,2019 also correlates this requirement with the effective date for 29.7.3 Resistance to NuisanceSource.

ResponseMessage:


280 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 221-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.3.3.102.2.1 ]

A.3.3.101.2.1 Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Control Unit.

Examples of a A dedicated function fire alarm control unit include an automatic sprinkler alarm andsupervisory control unit or an elevator recall control and supervisory control unit. could serve more thanone emergency control function, for example a dedicated function fire alarm control unit could serve as asingle control unit for sprinkler system monitoring and elevator recall. In that case, the control unit shouldbe labeled as follows:

Sprinkler Waterflow AND Elevator Recall Control and Supervisory Control Unit




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

A dedicated function fire alarm control unit can be used for multiple dedicated functions. Thechange clears up the ambiguity in the current code language.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 178-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. A.3.3.102.2.1]


281 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 195-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after A.7.2 ]

A.7.2.1

In many cases, the installer might not have adequate record drawings or other completiondocumentation for the existing system. As an example, where a temporary school building is beinginstalled, the fire alarm system subpanel in the temporary building should be fully documented, but thefire alarm system for the entire existing school might be so old that adequate documentation might notexist. In this example, documentation required in Section 7.2 should be completed only for the newsubpanel and the interfaces to the existing school fire alarm system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

There are many instances where the minimum documentation required in Section 7.2 is notavailable for the existing system which is being altered or added to. This section helps clarify that,with the permission of the AHJ, the requirements of Section 7.2 to apply only to the modifications oradditions, as well as the interfaces to the existing older fire alarm system.

ResponseMessage:



282 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 269-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.7.3.9.1 ]

A.7.3.9.1

Evaluation documentation can also include documentation such as that associated withperformance-based alternatives and documentation related to equivalencies as well as any other specialdocumentation that is specific to a particular system. Examples of where evaluations might be requiredare found in 23.4.3.1 and 24.5.25.2 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The examples were previously contained in the main body text associated with this annexmaterial, but are more appropriate for the annex since they are not minimum requirements.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 126-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. A.7.3.9.1]


283 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.10.5.3.1

Inspection personnel knowledge should include equipment selection, placement, and installationrequirements of this Code and the manufacturer's published documentation. The requirements forinspection personnel can vary depending on the type of inspection being performed. The purpose forinitial and reacceptance inspections is to ensure compliance with approved design documents and toensure installation in accordance with this Code and other required installation standards. Therefore, theacceptance inspection should be performed by someone who is familiar with the specific requirements,the design documents, and the applicable codes and standards. This implies that acceptance inspectionsshould be performed by the persons or entities responsible for the system design and by authoritieshaving jurisdiction.

Once a system or a change to a system has been accepted, the inspection needs also change. Thepurpose for periodic inspections is to assure that obvious damages or changes that might affect thesystem operability are visually identified. Those persons performing periodic system inspections might ormight not be familiar with all the specific system design goals and requirements. While many periodicinspections could uncover design faults, the intent of this Code is for such problems to be discovered atthe acceptance inspection. The Code does not intend to require persons performing periodic inspectionsnecessarily to be knowledgeable or qualified for inspecting and verifying the design of a system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The annex text was modified to address changes made in 14.2.1 of the 2013 edition. The changesclearly point out different purposes for the different types of inspections and tests. Those differenceslead to the need for different qualifications. It is not necessary for persons doing routine periodicinspection testing and maintenance to have the same qualifications of those that do acceptanceinspection and test. While many inspection requirements are performed as a part of semiannual orannual testing there are other inspection requirements that may have to be done weekly monthly orquarterly and that can be accomplished by the owner using a checklist.

ResponseMessage:



284 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 171-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after A.10.6.6 ]

A.10.6.5.2.2

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that circuit disconnecting means for fire alarm andsignaling systems are readily identifiable so that users will not mistakenly disconnect the power to thesystem or so that they can quickly disconnect power without having to search the electrical panelboardchart to identify the circuit. The intent of this requirement is not to require specific text for marking.

It would be acceptable to show the text using upper and/or lower case, such as “fire alarm”, or “FireAlarm,” or “FIRE ALARM.”




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The new annex material is intended to clarify the purpose for the marking and that there aremultiple ways to provide the text.

ResponseMessage:


Public Input No. 495-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 10.6.5.2.2]


285 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 182-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.10.10.4 ]

A.10.10.4

Control unit signals can be audible, visible, or both for any particular function. Some older systems usedonly audible indicators that had to be coded in order for users to know what the signal meant. Where acontrol unit uses both audible and visible indicators, the purpose of the audible signal is to get someone'sattention. In large system configurations, there might be multiple control units with audible signals. Also,there might be several different functions requiring an audible alert as a part of the whole signal. Thus,there could be several different audible signals. It is not the intent of the this Code to have separate anddistinct audible signals where there is clear visual distinction that provides the user with the neededinformation. Visible signals, whether a lamp with a text label, an LCD screen, or a computer monitor, orother textual visible appliances, are a better form forms of human interface.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text is changed to add other visible textual appliances to provide a more completelist.

Response Message:


286 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 263-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after A.10.13 ]

A.10.13.2

Where it is desired to deactivate the notification appliances for fire service operations and also providenotification that the fire alarm is still active, it is recommended that a separate notification zone beprovided that is non-silenceable with audible and visible notification appliances outside each entrance tothe protected building or space. These notification appliances could serve as a warning signal to preventoccupant re-entry during fire service operations.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

An example has been provided to show one possible way to provide signaling to keepoccupants from entering the building when the interior notification appliances have beendeactivated.

ResponseMessage:


287 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 191-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections A.10.21, A.10.21.4 ]

A.10.21

The term impairments encompasses a broad range of circumstances wherein a fire alarm system orportion thereof is taken out of service for a variety of reasons. Fire alarm systems Systems are routinelyimpaired in order to perform allow hot work (e.g., open flame operations) to be performed in areas withautomatic detection, construction, painting, etc. and so forth , as well as to conduct normal fire alarmsystem maintenance and testing. Impairments can be limited to specific initiating devices and/or functions(e.g., disconnecting the supervising station connection during system testing), or they can involve takingentire systems or portions of systems out of service. This section Section 10.21 is intended to helpbuilding owners control impairments of the fire alarm system(s) in their building(s) and to ensure thatsystems are restored to full operation and/or returned to service afterward.

Additional requirements for impairments and out-of-service conditions exist are in 14.2.2.2.

A.10.21.4


It is important for the authority having jurisdiction, typically the local fire official, to be informed when firealarm systems have been out of service for more than 8 hours so that appropriate measures can betaken. Out The term out of service is meant to be refer to the entire system or a substantial portionthereof.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The term "fire alarm" was removed to make the annex material more generic.

Response Message:


288 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 215-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.12.3 ]


289 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.12.3


290 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

The intent of the circuit designations is not to create a hierarchal ranking; rather it is to provide guidanceon the levels of performance.

The initiating device circuit, signaling line circuit, and notification appliance circuit performance class/styletables from previous editions of the Code have been included as Table A.12.3(a) , Table A.12.3(b) , andTable A.12.3(c) but have been modified to include the enhanced class references. These tables reflectthe classifications as applied to fire alarm systems. Some of the operations are a combination of therequirements of Chapter 12 in conjunction with the requirements of Chapters 10 and 23 . Singularground-fault conditions that do not affect operation of the pathway are not specifically covered in Chapter12 , but are covered by the requirements of other chapters. Users of the Chapter 12 designations shouldreview whether there are other abnormal conditions not specified in Chapter 12 that the pathways need toannunciate and operate through for their application.

Table A.12.3(a) Performance of Initiating Device Circuits (IDCs)

NFPA 72-2007 Class B A

NFPA 72-2010 Class B A

Alm Trbl ARC Alm Trbl ARC

Abnormal Condition 1 2 3 4 5 6

Single open — X — — X R

Single ground — X R — X R

Alm: Alarm. Trbl: Trouble. ARC: Alarm receipt capability during abnormal condition. R: Requiredcapability. X: Indication required at protected premises and as required by Chapter 26.

Table A.12.3(b) Performance of Signaling Line Circuits (SLCs)

NFPA 72-2007 Class B A A

Style 4 6 7

NFPA 72-2010 Class B A X

Alarm Trouble ARC Alarm Trouble ARC Alarm Trouble ARC

Abnormal Condition 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Single open — X — — X R — X R

Single ground — X R — X R — X R

Wire-to-wire short — X — — X — — X R

Wire-to-wire short and open — X — — X — X —

Wire-to-wire short andground — X — — X — — X —

Open and ground — X — — X R — X R

Loss of carrier (ifused)/channel interface — X — — X — — X —

ARC: Alarm receipt capability during abnormal condition. R: Required capability. X: Indication required atprotected premises and as required by Chapter 26.

Table A.12.3(c) Notification Appliance Circuits (NACs)

NFPA72-2007Class

B A

NFPA72-2010Class

B A

TroubleIndications at

Protective Premise

Alarm CapabilityDuring Abnormal

Condition

TroubleIndications at

Protective Premise

Alarm CapabilityDuring Abnormal

Condition


291 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

AbnormalCondition

1 2 3 4

Single open X - X R

Single ground X R X R

Wire-to-wireshort X - X -

X: Indication required at protected premises and as required by Chapter 26. R: Required capability.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this public input is to improve the Annex material for section 12.3. It deletes theold style tables and rewrites some of the Annex material to provide better clarity.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 203-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. A.12.3]


292 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.1

The Class A references for initiating device circuit and notification appliance circuit performance havebeen changed to eliminate the need for alarm receipt capability during a single ground or annunciation ofa single ground fault. The signaling line circuit performance has changed to provide a clear separationbetween the Class A Style 6 and Class A Style 7 performance. The Class A Style 7 performance is nowdefined as Class X.

Fiber optic Fiber-optic or wireless pathways are examples of Class A circuitry not impaired by earthground connection, and or short-circuits, and therefore do not annunciate those conditions as a fault.Users of the code are advised that fire alarm circuits still require alarm receipt capability during a singleground. See Chapter 23 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this public input is to improve the Annex material for section 12.3. It deletes theold style tables and rewrites some of the Annex material to provide better clarity for fiber opticand wireless pathways.

ResponseMessage:



293 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.2

The Class B references for initiating device circuit, signaling line circuit, and notification appliance circuitperformance have been changed to eliminate the need for alarm receipt capability during a singleground or annunciation of a single ground fault. Users of the code are advised that fire alarm circuits stillrequire alarm receipt capability during a single ground. (See Chapter 23 .)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this change is to delete the Annex material for section 12.3.2. It deletes the oldstyle tables and information relevant to the 2010 edition.

ResponseMessage:



294 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.3

The Class C reference is new and is intended to describe technologies that supervise the communicationpathway by polling or continuous communication “handshaking, ” such as the following:

(1) Fire alarm control unit or supervising station connections to a wired LAN, WAN, or Internet

(2) Fire alarm control unit or supervising station connections to a wireless LAN, WAN, and Internet

Fire alarm control unit or supervising station connections to a wireless (proprietary communications)

(3) Fire alarm control unit digital alarm communicator transmitter or supervising station digital alarmcommunicator receiver connections to the public switched telephone network

Individual pathway segments are not required to be monitored. Supervision is accomplished by end toend end-to-end communications.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Class C circuits are no longer new and the reference is no longer required. Subparagraph (3)was deleted because the intent was unclear and the original meaning was lost.

ResponseMessage:


295 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.4

The Class D reference is intended to describe pathways that are not supervised but have a fail-safeoperation that performs the intended function when the connection is lost. Examples of such pathwaysinclude the following:

(1) Power to door holders where interruption of the power results in the door closing

(2) Power to locking hardware that release upon an open circuit or fire alarm operation




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The purpose of this change is to improve the readability of A.12.3.4.

Response Message:



296 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.5

The Class E reference is new and is intended to describe pathways that do not require supervision asdescribed in Section 12.6.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The change is made to provide clarity and remove "reference" and "new" Class E since it isnot new.

Response Message:


297 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.7

The Class X reference is new and is intended to describe pathways as described as Class A Style 7 ofthe signaling line circuit performance of Table A.12.3(b) . (Also see A.12.3 .)




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The purpose of this change is to clean up the appendix materials around class descriptions. Thecommittee deleted the tables because they were confusing. This annex section only referred tothe deleted tables and therefore also needed to be deleted.

ResponseMessage:



298 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Add A.12.3.6(1) to go with new 12.3.6 associated with FR 99 as follows.

A.12.3.6 (1) Class N consists of pathways between control equipment and devices. The pathways arecomprised of metallic conductor communications cable, such as a 100 ? balanced twisted-pair (e.g.,Category 5E) including single pair or multi-pair cable, or other communications media such as optical fibercable or wireless transmission, or a combination of two or more of these. Pathways consists ofuninterrupted communications media between control equipment and an endpoint device, or consists of anetwork of multiple interconnected communications media pathway segments connecting multiple devices. Media pathway segments are created by the use of transmission equipment such as Ethernet switches,wireless repeaters, or media converters that interrupt an otherwise continuous pathway. It should be notedthat the requirements for Class N pathway transmission equipment are not covered by Chapter 12, but byother Chapters in NFPA 72.

A network of pathway segments are also described as Primary Pathway Segments, Redundant PathwaySegments, or Non-Designated Pathway Segments. Primary and Redundant Pathways, from controlequipment to each device, are independently and continuously verified for their ability to support end to endcommunications to and from each endpoint device. Each device will be provided a Primary Pathwayconsisting of one or more pathway segments. For Primary Pathway Segments that services more than onedevice, additional Redundant Pathway Segments provide alternate verified communication pathways to thedevices. Should any Primary Pathway Segment fail, communications is supported by the RedundantPathway Segments. Should either a Primary or Redundant Pathway Segment fail, trouble will be indicatedby virtue of the continuous verification of all Primary and Redundant Pathway Segments. The RedundantPathway Segments are generally independent and do not normally share media with the Primary Pathways. However, there are exceptions such as different frequencies for wireless, or ring topologies (explainedbelow).

There is an opportunity to enhance the robustness of a Class N network by providing physically distinctpathway segments (i.e. an alternate conduit, or cable tray route, or wireless transmission frequency range,or a combination of distinct media). It is also permissible to provide other Non-Designated PathwaySegments. Additional pathway segments, in excess of the minimum requirements of Class N, increase theoverall robustness of the network, and are often desirable. However, since these additional pathwaysegments exceed the minimum equipment standards, there is no intention to create an additional monitoringburden, so verification of these pathways is optional.

For Class N, where a conductor-based media is used, it is not the intention to monitor faults on individualconductors, but rather to monitor the operational capability and performance of the pathway as a whole. Unlike Class C, where multiple pathways are not required, for Class N some pathway segments that carrycommunications for multiple devices (such as Ethernet Uplinks or Backbones) will have Redundant PathwaySegments present. The intention is that any one pathway segment can fail without a loss in operationalcapability to more than one device. For example, connections to control equipment (Fire Alarm ControlUnits, ACUs, or ECCU), where any interruption in communications could potentially affect all devices, wouldhave Redundant Pathway Segments. Additionally, Backbone and Uplink pathway segments that supportscommunications for more than one device, positioned between transmission equipment would also have aRedundant Pathway Segment. But the requirement for Redundant Pathway Segments does not apply tothose pathway segments used to service a single device (see Figure A.12.3.6 (1)(a)).

The term “devices” is used generically in this section refers to endpoint devices, and includes:

• input components such as alarm initiating switches, sensors,

• output components such as Ethernet speakers ( i.e. IEEE 802.3af PoE speakers), strobes, textualsignage, audio amplifiers.

Transmission equipment (e.g., Media Converters, Ethernet switches, patch panels, cross-connects) are notconsidered devices with respect to Class N Pathways.

The Audio Amplifier example is included to explain a type of addressable device that may receive a digitalaudio input from the Class N Pathway, but provide a Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC) output to supportClass A, B or X speaker connections. Other similar devices are also possible to provide alternate ClassPathway connections for strobes (NACs) or Initiating Devices (IDCs). From the perspective of the Class N


1 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

pathway, this is considered an endpoint device. However, since these types of endpoints may supportmultiple Notification Appliance Devices or Initiating Devices they are subject to the Redundant PathwaySegment requirement and are provided with dual pathway connections.

Control equipment connected to a Class N network for communications with devices would generally utilizeRedundant Pathway Segments. Control equipment connected to other control equipment on a Class Nnetwork would utilize Redundant Pathway Segments if the control equipment was dependent on any of thepathway segments such that a failure of a Primary Pathway Segment in-between control equipment couldimpair the operation of the control equipment (see Figure A.12.3.6 (1)(b)).

Another utilization of endpoints is permitted for devices providing two connection ports and supporting dualpathway segment connections. The description of endpoint devices is not intended to exclude devices thatsupport dual pathway connections. Since these pathways are servicing a single device only a singlePrimary Pathway connection is required. The second pathway connection exceeds minimum equipmentstandards and is therefore not required to be verified as a Redundant Pathway Segment; it can beconsidered connected to a Non-Designated Pathway Segment (see Figure A.12.3.6 (1)(c)).



Figure_A_12_3_6-1-a_for_FR_101.tif

Figure_A_12_3_6-1-b_for_FR_101.tif

Figure_A_12_3_6-1-c._for_FR_101.tif




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The result of this change is to add annex material for Class N circuits. This material providesessential background for Class N circuits and their operation.

ResponseMessage:


2 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


Add A.12.3.6(4) and (5) associated with FR 99

A.12.3.6 (4) The operational conditions of the pathway include factors such as Latency, Throughput,Response Time, Arrival Rate, Utilization, Bandwidth, and Loss. It is intended that the Life Safety equipmentconnected to a Class N network actively monitor some or all of the pathway’s operational conditions, so thatan improperly installed or configured pathway, or a subsequently degraded pathway, or network of pathwaysegments, is detected by the life safety equipment and reported as a Trouble. This monitoring is intended tobe continuous such that a degradation of pathway performance over time is detected and reported. Troublewould be reported when operational conditions of the pathway(s) have deteriorated to the point where theequipment is no longer capable of meeting its minimum required performance requirements, even if somelevel of communication to endpoint devices is still maintained. Examples of performance requirementsinclude the activation of an alarm within 10 seconds, the reporting of a trouble signal within 200 seconds,synchronization of strobes, and delivering audio messages with required intelligibility.

It is worth noting, that it is possible to have a pathway, where end to end communications is operationalunder system idle conditions, but in the event of an alarm, the increased load on a degraded pathway couldcause a partial or complete failure to deliver the required Life Safety signals. This is the situation intended tobe actively detected and reported.

A.12.3.6 (5) Devices with dual path connections are permitted to be connected so as to create a daisy chainof devices on a ring. In this circumstance they cannot be considered endpoint devices because eachpathway segment supports multiple devices; therefore verified Redundant Pathway Segments would benecessary. This can be accomplished with a ring topology, as long as each segment of the ring is verified asfunctional, and the failure of any one segment does not result in the loss of functionality of more than onedevice. In this circumstance the requirements for Class N are satisfied by allowing the Primary andRedundant Pathway Segments to share the same media by providing two possible directions ofcommunications on a ring topology (see Figure A.12.3.6 (5)). This configuration is fully compliant with12.3.6. (5).

The daisy chain configuration is also a permissible connection method for multiple control units that requireverified Primary and Redundant Pathway Segments.



Figure_A_12_3_6-5_for_FR_103.tif




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The result of this change is to add annex material for Class N circuits. This material providesessential background for Class N circuits and their operation.

ResponseMessage:


3 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.3.8(3)

This exception would not permit an entire room of emergency control function interface devicescontrolled by the fire alarm system to be installed on a circuit where the feed and return legs are

installed in the same raceway for rooms smaller than 1000 ft 2 (93 m 2 ) in area.

Where a circuit enters a room that contains emergency control function interface devices (e.g., controlmodules/relays connected to and programmed to shut down HVAC units and other fire and life safetycontrol functions), loss of both “legs” of this circuit could disable important fire and life safety controlfunctions that might be essential for prevention of circulation of smoke or another required operation,such as elevator recall functions.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: This adds clarity to the revisions made to 12.3.7(3). See FR 105.

Response Message:


299 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.12.7

The nomenclature described in Section 12.7 can be found on drawings, specifications, and the actualinstalled circuits. Some examples of the nomenclature are X.2.3, A, B.3.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The annex paragraph is intended to clarify when the nomenclature is used and provideexamples of what it might look like.

ResponseMessage:


300 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM



301 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.14.4.3.2


302 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Table 14.4.3.2, Item 24. The extent of testing of a fire alarm or signaling system, including devices thatwere not tested, should be documented per the Test Plan in 14.2.10. NFPA 72 does not require testing ofan emergency control function, such as elevator recall, but does require testing of the emergency controlfunction interface device, such as the relay powered by the fire alarm or signaling system. Where theemergency control function is not being tested concurrent with the fire alarm or signaling system testing,measurement of the emergency control function interface device output should be verified using theproper test devices. This might require reading or observing the condition of a relay, a voltagemeasurement, or the use of another type of test instrument. Once testing is complete, verification that anydisabled or disconnected interface devices have been restored to normal is essential and this verificationshould be documented in the testing results.

Testing of the emergency control functions themselves is outside of the scope of NFPA 72. A completeend-to-end test that demonstrates the performance of emergency control functions activated by the firealarm or signaling system might be required by some other governing laws, codes, or standards, or theauthority having jurisdiction. In that situation, other applicable installation standards and designdocuments, not NFPA 72, would address testing and performance of the emergency control functions.NFPA 3, Recommended Practice for Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and LifeSafety Systems, provides guidance for integrated (end-to-end) testing of combined systems. The followingexcerpt from NFPA 3 includes guidance on when integrated testing should be performed.

7.2 Test Frequency. [3, 2012 3: 7.2 ]

7.2.1 In new construction, integrated testing of fire protection and life safety systems should occurfollowing:

(1) Verification of completeness and integrity of building construction

(2) Individual system functional operation and acceptance as required in applicable installation standardstests

(3) Completion of pre-functional tests of integrated systems [3, 2012 3: 7.2.1 ]

7.2.2 Existing fire protection and life safety systems should have periodic integrated testing. [3,2012 3: 7.2.2 ]

7.2.2.1 Integrated systems that were commissioned upon installation in accordance with Chapter 6should have integrated testing at the interval specified in the commissioning plan. [3, 2012 3: 7.2.2.1 ]

7.2.2.2 For integrated systems that were not commissioned, an integrated testing plan should bedeveloped to identify the appropriate extent and frequency of integrated system testing. [3,2012 3: 7.2.2.2 ]

7.2.3 In addition to periodic integrated testing, integrated system testing should be done when any of thefollowing events occurs:

(1) New component fire protection or life safety systems are installed and interconnected to existing fireprotection and life safety systems.

(2) Existing fire protection or life safety systems are modified to become components of interconnectedsystems.

(3) Interconnections or sequence of operations of existing integrated fire protection and life safetysystems are modified. [3, 2012 3: 7.2.3 ]

NFPA 3 also includes guidance on test methods for integrated testing. It is important to note that theappropriate NFPA standard would provide the acceptance criteria for the overall emergency controlfunction operation requirements including performance and test methods while NFPA 72 covers therequired performance and testing of the emergency function interface device.

For instance, if an end-to-end test for a building with an engineered smoke control system is required bysome other governing laws, codes, standards, or the authority having jurisdiction, the test protocol wouldhave unique criteria for the smoke control system design and a special inspector would be responsible forthe overall operation and performance of the smoke control system in accordance with the appropriatestandard (NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code) during thetesting, including measuring pressure differentials and ensuring proper fan and damper operation. Refer tothe following extract from NFPA 101 on smoke control:

9.3.2 The engineer of record shall clearly identify the intent of the system, the design method used, theappropriateness of the method used, and the required means of inspecting, testing, and maintaining thesystem. [101 , 2012 101 : 9.3.2 ]


303 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

9.3.3 Acceptance testing shall be performed by a special inspector in accordance with Section 9.9.[101 , 2012 101 : 9.3.3 ]

Even though the fire alarm or signaling system initiating device might activate the smoke control system,the actual testing of the dampers and fan operation would be as required by the smoke control design andnot part of the fire alarm or signaling system.

Other emergency control operation requirements might be as follows: For fan shutdown and smokedamper operation, the fan and damper operations would be in accordance with NFPA 90A, Standard forthe Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke DoorAssemblies and Other Opening Protectives, respectively, and those equipment operations would beverified by those responsible for HVAC systems in combination with the fire alarm system personnel.Guidance for elevator inspection and testing can be found in ASME A.17.2, Guide for Inspection ofElevators, Escalators and Moving Walks. For elevator systems, the recall function, elevator powershutdown, and hat illumination would be done with the elevator mechanics present during the test. Thisoperational test is often accomplished during routine periodic fire alarm testing. For fire door holder andfire shutter release, it would be expected that the emergency control function operation of thedoors/shutters would be verified in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other OpeningProtectives, and NFPA 101 during the test. In some cases, the door manufacturer representative mightneed to be present to reset the equipment.

Guidance on documenting and handling of faults, failures, and corrective action for integrated testing canbe found in 7.4.5 of NFPA 3.

Table 14.4.3.2 Item 22(a) and 22(b)

If during the course of the periodic test of audible appliances, it is suspected that alarm sound levelscould be lower than the required minimum, the building owner or designated building representativeshould be notified. Such notification will allow the building owner or designated building representative todetermine whether sound pressure level readings should be taken for the area(s) in question.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This annex note allows the building owner or designated building representative to decidewhether sound level testing is warranted. The annex note addresses the submitters concern.

ResponseMessage:



304 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.14.4.5.3

Carbon monoxide alarm replacement is covered under NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of CarbonMonoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The paragraph is renumbered to correlate with the changes in FR 51.

Response Message:


305 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.18.4.1.5

Because voice is composed of modulated tones, it is not valid to compare loudness measurements oftone signals with loudness measurements of voice signals. A voice signal that is subjectively judged to beequally as loud as a tone signal will actually produce a dB reading below that of the tone signal. Themodulated tones of a voice signal can have the same or greater peak amplitude as that of a tone signal.However, because they are modulated meters with fast or slow time, constants will show a lower dB ordBA reading.

A voice signal must have sufficient audibility to result in intelligible communication. Intelligibilitymodeling/measurements (subject based and instrument based) include audibility as well as many otherfactors when determining whether a voice signal is adequate or not adequate.

Where a voice signal includes an audible alert or evacuation tone, the tone portion of the signal shouldmeet the audible signal requirements listed in 18.4.3 .




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The TC deletes the text based on the changes that were made to 18.4.1.4. Refer toFR-81.

Response Message:


306 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.21.3.15

It is recommended that the installation be in accordance with Figure A.21.3.15(a) and FigureA.21.3.15(b) . Figure A.21.3.15(a) should be used where the elevator is installed at the same time asthe building fire alarm system. Figure A.21.3.15(b) should be used where the elevator is installed afterthe building fire alarm system.

Figure A.21.3.15(a) Elevator Zone — Elevator and Fire Alarm System Installed at Same Time.

Figure A.21.3.15(b) Elevator Zone — Elevator Installed After Fire Alarm System.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement


307 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Committee Statement: These figures are based outdated technology and are no longer relevant nor necessary.

Response Message:





308 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.21.7.2

See A.21.7.3 . This standard does not specifically require detection devices used to cause the operationof HVAC system smoke dampers, fire dampers, fan control, smoke doors, or fire doors to be connected tothe fire alarm system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The existing appendix content (just a reference to the next section) would be clearer by movingthe content from A.21.7.3 to A.21.7.2 and deleting A.21.7.3

ResponseMessage:



309 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.21.7.3

This standard does not specifically require detection devices used to cause the operation of HVACsystem smoke dampers, fire dampers, fan control, smoke doors, and fire doors to be connected to thefire alarm system.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This appendix content would be clearer by moving it to A.21.7.2 and deleting A.21.7.3. SeeFR 146.

Response Message:



310 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.24.3.1

When a rapid-onset emergency occurs, it is not always sufficient simply to initiate alarm notificationappliances. Individuals might not know what the alarm signal means (or even hear it) and as a resultmight not respond appropriately to the warning signal. Mass notification and emergency communicationsystems have been designed and installed to be used to disseminate audible and visual messages inthe event of an emergency. Such systems are based upon guidance and requirements provided ininternational codes and standards.

There is limited guidance on how to use emergency communication systems and mass notificationsystems in the most effective manner. For example, buildings often use these systems to disseminateprerecorded, general emergency voice alarm messages that leave occupants wanting and needingfurther information before they can respond effectively. As the use of newer technologies, includingmobile devices with multiple message delivery platforms (e.g., SMS text, Internet, email, socialnetworking) increases, guidance on message content and dissemination becomes even more critical toensure effective and safe response of building occupants during an emergency.

However, for any specific application, there are characteristics that any emergency message shouldhave to be effective. Messages being appropriate means that the messages should get the attention ofthe recipients in a timely manner, the messages are credible to the recipients, and comprehensible bythe intended recipients. Being comprehensible means that the language, method of delivery, andcontent of the message are such that the intended message recipients should be able to understand themessage in enough time to be able to decide to take the appropriate response to the message.

Messages that are focused on protective actions means that the message should tell the intendedaudience what they should do to protect themselves and others.

The following referenced document describes the process in which people receive and processinformation in order to take action during rapid-onset emergencies. The document presents guidance onhow to create and disseminate emergency information in the face of rapid-onset disasters — providingguidance on dissemination of alert signals, creation of the warning message, formatting of messages forboth visual and audible means, and dissemination of the warning message. Although this document isfocused on emergency notification within buildings, many of the general principles apply to outdoor andwide-area notification as well.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This annex material will support the proposed code section 24.3.2, by explaining whymessage content is important to review and think through

ResponseMessage:



311 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 344-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after A.24.4.3.18 ]

A.24.5.19.2

The requirement of 24.5.19.2 does not imply that multiple primary methods of visible appliancescannot exist in a common area. Both strobes and graphical or textual appliances are designated asprimary where the authority having jurisdiction declares both to be required. When textual audiblenotification is required, consideration is warranted for high-noise areas and for a hearing-impairedperson’s capability of clearly receiving instructions.

As mass notification systems are deployed, the more complex emergency management communicationrequirements that go beyond what can be indicated by a strobe and a tone are being addressed. Theintelligibility requirements of a MNS/ECS are a direct reflection of this reality. However, for a hearing-impaired person, no degree of intelligibility might be sufficient. Additionally, there are physical spaceswhere intelligibility is impossible or impractical to provide. In designating a primary visual notificationappliance, it is easy to assume that a strobe is sufficient and all other visual notification is automaticallysupplemental.

However, where the risk analysis and an emergency response plan require the communication of MNStextual audible instructions for occupants, a strobe should not be considered a sufficient primarynotification appliance where intelligibly cannot be achieved or where consideration for lone individuals orgroups of individuals with hearing impairments might prevent them from responding appropriately toemergency instructions.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC adds the substantiation from the submitter as part of the annex material.

Response Message:

Public Input No. 492-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after A.24.4.3.18]


312 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.2.2

The term immediately in this context is intended to mean “without unreasonable delay.” Routinehandling should take a maximum of 90 seconds from receipt of an alarm signal or at the end of theverification time by the supervising station until the initiation of retransmission to the communicationscenter.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

This annex item is to make supervising station response to verification consistent withresponse in the current edition of NFPA 72

ResponseMessage:



313 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.2.1.2

The term immediately in this context is intended to mean “without unreasonable delay.” Routine handlingshould take a maximum of 90 seconds from receipt of an alarm signal.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Jul 15 08:28:29 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The annex number is revised to correlate with the action on FR 13.

Response Message:


314 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.2.2.1(8)

When verification of a fire alarm signal results in a signal not being reported to the communications center,it is important that fire department personnel be made aware of the alarm and the reason for nondispatchso that problematic systems can be identified.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: A.26.2.3.2 is relocated to 26.2.2.1(8) for consistency with the changes made by FR 17.

Response Message:



315 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.2.7.1

The phrase “notified in writing” can include any form of correspondence that can be verified uponrequest, such as a letter, fax, email or other means of documented transfer of information from oneentity to another.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The annex language is provided to clarify the options available to satisfy the requirementsfor written notification.

ResponseMessage:


316 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.3.4.6

The prime contractor should be aware of statutes, public agency regulations, or certifications regardingalarm systems that might be binding on the subscriber. The prime contractor should identify for thesubscriber which agencies could be an authority having jurisdiction and, if possible, advise the subscriberof any requirements or approvals being mandated by these agencies.

The subscriber has the responsibility for notifying the prime contractor of those private organizations thatare being designated as an authority having jurisdiction. The subscriber also has the responsibility tonotify the prime contractor of changes in the authority having jurisdiction, such as where there is a changein insurance companies. Although the responsibility is primarily the subscriber’s, the prime contractorshould also take responsibility for seeking out these private authority(ies) having jurisdiction through thesubscriber. The prime contractor is responsible for maintaining current records on the authority(ies) havingjurisdiction for each protected premises.

The most prevalent public agency involved as an authority having jurisdiction with regard to alarmsystems is the local fire department or fire prevention bureau. These are normally city or county agencieswith statutory authority, and their approval of alarm system installations might be required. At the statelevel, the fire marshal’s office is most likely to serve as the public regulatory agency.

The most prevalent private organizations involved as authorities having jurisdiction are insurancecompanies. Others include insurance rating bureaus, insurance brokers and agents, and privateconsultants. It is important to note that these organizations have no statutory authority and becomeauthorities having jurisdiction only when designated by the subscriber.

With both public and private concerns to satisfy, it is not uncommon to find multiple authorities havingjurisdiction involved with a particular protected premises. It is necessary to identify all authorities havingjurisdiction in order to obtain all the necessary approvals for a central station alarm system installation.

The phrase “in writing” can include any form of correspondence that can be verified upon request, suchas a letter, fax, email or other means of documented transfer of information from one entity to another.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:


ResponseMessage:


317 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.4.6.6.3(5)

The phrase “written notice” can include any form of correspondence that can be verified upon request,such as a letter, fax, email or other means of documented transfer of information from one entity toanother.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:


ResponseMessage:


318 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.26.6.3.5

When considering a fire alarm system utilizing a single communication path to the supervising station,consideration should be given to the risk exposure that results from the loss of that path for any period oftime and for any reason. Some of these outages can be regular and predicable and others transitory.

One example of a single technology used to produce two paths is the use of a digital cellular premisesunit communicating with two or more cell towers. In this case, the supervising station and the protectedpremises must be made aware if communications degrades to below two towers. Another example is theuse of two different cellular carriers to produce the two paths. Similarly, in this case the supervisingstation and the protected must be made aware if communications degrades to one carrier.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The text in chapter 26 requires an example to illustrate what was meant by this paragraph.The annex addition is a viable and often used technology.

ResponseMessage:

Public Input No. 346-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. A.26.6.3.1.7]


319 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 57-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.29.2 ]


320 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

A.29.2

Fire Danger in the Home. In 2005 2009 , fire was the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths inthe home, and the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths overall. (Injury Facts, 2007edition 2011 , National Safety Council).

Eighty-four five (84.4 84.8 ) percent of the fire fatalities in 2007 2011 resulted from residential fires —68.5 82.5 percent resulted from fires in one- and two-family dwellings, including manufacturedhomes, homes; 15.0 16 percent were caused by apartment fires, fires; and 0.9 0.98 percent resulted fromfires in other residential occupancies. (“Fire Loss in the United States during 2007 2011 ,” Michael J.Karter, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division).

Approximately half (53 54 percent) of the home (dwellings and apartments) fire fatalities resulted fromfires reported between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the common sleeping hours. (“Home Structure Fires,”Marty Ahrens, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division, February 2007 2012 ).

Over three-quarters (76.9 82 percent) of all reported fire injuries occurred in the home, with more thanone-half (54.6 66 percent) in one- and two-family dwellings dwelling units (including manufacturedhousing), and more than one-fifth (22.3 30 percent) in apartments (“Fire Loss in the United States during2007 During 2011 ,” Michael J. Karter, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division).

It is estimated that each household will experience three five (usually unreported) fires per decade andtwo fires lifetime and one in four fires serious enough to report to a fire department per lifetime. (“A FewFire Facts at the Household Level,” NFPA Fire Analysis Division, Fire Journal , May 1986). July 2009.)

Fire Safety in the Home. NFPA 72 is intended to provide reasonable fire safety for persons in family livingunits. Reasonable fire safety can be produced through the following three-point program:

(1) Minimizing fire hazards

(2) Providing fire-warning equipment

(3) Having and practicing an escape plan

Minimizing Fire Hazards. This Code cannot protect all persons at all times. For instance, the application ofthis Code might not provide protection against the following three traditional fatal fire scenarios:

(1) Smoking in bed

(2) Leaving children home alone

(3) Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline

However, Chapter 29 can lead to reasonable safety from fire when the three-point program is observed.

Fire-Warning Equipment. There are two types of fire to which household fire-warning equipment needs torespond. One is a rapidly developing, high-heat fire. The other is a slow, smoldering fire. Either canproduce smoke and toxic gases.

Family Escape Plan. There is often is very little time between the detection of a fire and the time itbecomes deadly. This interval can be as little as 1 or 2 minutes. Thus, this Code requires detection meansto give a family some advance warning of the development of conditions that become dangerous to lifewithin a short period of time. Such warning, however, could be wasted unless the family has planned inadvance for rapid exit from their residence. Therefore, in addition to the fire-warning equipment, this Codeassumes that the residents have developed and practiced an exit plan.

Planning and practicing for fire conditions with a focus on rapid exit from the residence are important.Drills should be held so that all family members know the action to be taken. Each person should plan forthe possibility that exit out of a bedroom window could be necessary. An exit out of the residence withoutthe need to open a bedroom door is essential.

Household fires are especially dangerous at night when the occupants are asleep. Fires produce smokeand deadly gases that can overcome occupants while they are asleep. Furthermore, dense smokereduces visibility. Most fire casualties are victims of smoke and gas inhalation rather than burns. To warnagainst a fire, Chapter 29 provides smoke detector (alarm) requirements in accordance with 29.5.1, andthe associated annex recommends heat or smoke detectors (alarms) in all other major areas.




321 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

2013_CH29_Annex_Revisions_ec_edits.docx




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Jun 28 10:45:59 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

Committee Statement: References in A.29.2 are updated.

Response Message:


322 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

Revisions to CH 29 Annex References

A.29.2

Fire Danger in the Home. In 2009, fire was the third leading cause of unintentional

injury deaths in the home and the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths

overall. (Injury Facts, 2011, National Safety Council

Eighty-five (84.8) percent of the fire fatalities in 2011 resulted from residential fires —

82.5 percent resulted from fires in one- and two-family dwellings, including

manufactured homes; 16 percent were caused by apartment fires; and 0.98 percent

resulted from fires in other residential occupancies. (“Fire Loss in the United States

During 2011,” Michael J. Karter, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division.)

Approximately half (54 percent) of the home (dwellings and apartments) fire fatalities

resulted from fires reported between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the common sleeping

hours. (“Home Structure Fires,” Marty Ahrens, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research

Division, February 2012.)

Over three-quarters (82 percent) of all reported fire injuries occurred in the home, with

more than one-half (66 percent) in one- and two-family dwelling units (including

manufactured housing), and more than one-fifth (30 percent) apartments. (“Fire Loss in

the United States During 2011,” Michael J. Karter, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research

Division).

It is estimated that each household will experience five (usually unreported) fires per

lifetime and one in four fire serious enough to report to a fire department per lifetime. (“A

Few Fire Facts at the Household Level,” NFPA Fire Analysis Division, July 2009.)

Fire Safety in the Home. NFPA 72 is intended to provide reasonable safety for persons

in family living units. Reasonable fire safety can be produced through the following

three point program:

(1) Minimizing fire hazards

(2) Providing fire-warming equipment

(3) Having and practicing an escape plan

Minimizing Fire Hazards. This Code cannot protect all persons at all times. For instance,

the application of this Code might not provide protection against the following three

traditional common fatal scenarios:

(1) Smoking in bed

(2) Leaving children home alone

(3) Cleaning with flammable liquids such as gasoline.

Revisions to CH 29 Annex References

However, Chapter 29 can lead to reasonable safety from fire when the three-point

program is observed.

Fire Warning Equipment. There are two types of fires to which household fire-warning

equipment needs to respond. One is a rapidly developing, high-heat fire. The other is a

slow, smoldering fire. Either can produce smoke and toxic gases.

Family Escape Plan. There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and

the time it becomes deadly. This interval can be as little as 1 or 2 minutes. Thus, this

Code requires detection means to give a family some advance warning of the

development of conditions that become dangerous to life within a short period of time.

Such warning, however, can be wasted unless the family has planned in advance for

the rapid exit from their residence. Therefore, in addition to the fire-warning equipment,

this Code assumes that the residents have developed and practiced an exit plan.

Planning and practicing fir fire conditions with a focus on rapid exit from the residence

are important. Drills should be held so that all family members know the action to be

taken. Each person should plan for the possibility that an exit out of a bedroom window

could be necessary. An exit out of the residence without the need to open a bedroom

door is essential.

Household fires are especially dangerous at night when the occupants are asleep. Fires

produce smoke and deadly gases that can overcome occupants while they are asleep.

Furthermore, dense smoke reduces visibility. Most fire casualties are victims of smoke

and gas inhalation rather than burns. To warn against a fire, Chapter 29 provides smoke

detector (alarm) requirements in accordance with 29.5.1, and the associated annex

recommends heat or smoke detectors (alarms) in all other major areas.


A.29.5.2.1.1

Fire-warning performance is improved when all alarms are interconnected so that alarm notification isachieved throughout the occupiable areas. In some cases for existing construction, interconnection ofalarms is specifically exempted by jurisdictional requirements. This allowance takes into consideration thecost of hard-wired interconnection. As of the 2007 edition of NFPA 72, the code required theinterconnection of alarms for both new and existing construction. The introduction of wireless interconnectsmoke alarms allows installation of interconnect devices in existing construction without the need for acwiring modifications that once were required to retrofit interconnected alarms. Work by the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has concluded that interconnection of alarms is animportant factor that can affect proper notification and life safety [1,2]. The CPSC study shows thatinterconnected smoke alarms alerted residents to the fire more than twice as often as noninterconnectedalarms. A Victoria University study [3] also emphasizes the need for interconnected alarms. The studyindicates that interconnected smoke alarms in every room in every dwelling would lead to about 50percent fewer fatalities. A study by Underwriters Laboratories shows the benefit of interconnection [4].

(1) Green, M. A., and Andres, C. “2004-2005 National Sample Survey of Unreported Residential Fires.”CPSC, 2009.

(2) Ahrens, M. “Factors in Smoke Alarm Performance.” National Fire Protection Association. December2009.

(3) Thomas, I., and Bruck, D. “Smoke Alarms in Dwellings: Timely Activation and Effective Notification.”Victoria University. June 2010.

(4) Fabian, T. “…” Report in preparation.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: Revisions are made to emphasize the importance of interconnection.

Response Message:


323 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM


A.29.7.6.2

Listed household fire alarm systems have a means to allow users to cancel or abort an activated firealarm signal when they know it is an unwanted alarm.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

The added annex material clarifies that household fire alarm systems include a feature thatallows users to abort unwanted alarm signals.

ResponseMessage:


324 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 356-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after G.1.2.12.1 ]

G.1.2.12.2 References to A.24.3.1.

Kuligowski, Erica D., "NIST Technical Note 1779: “General Guidance on Emergency CommunicationStrategies for Buildings,” Feb. 2013.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC adds reference source for annex text to A.24.1.

Response Message:


326 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

First Revision No. 83-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. G.1.2.8 ]

G.1.2.8 NEMA Publication.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209.

NEMA SB-30, Fire Service Annunciator and Interface , 2005.

NEMA SB-40, Communications Systems for Life Safety in Schools, 2008.

NEMA SB-50, Emergency Communications Audio Intelligibility Applications Guide, 2008.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee Statement

Committee Statement: The TC deletes SB-30 as it is not referenced in the Annex.

Response Message:


325 of 326 12/9/2013 1:40 PM

The FR Please - nfpa.org · PDF fileFirst Revision No. 339-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 2.2 ]...

Documents

Transcript of The FR Please - nfpa.org · PDF fileFirst Revision No. 339-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 2.2 ]...