Secure Existing Fire Alarm system Wiring

As stated in the “Existing Fire Alarm System Description” section of this report, during Zari Consulting Group’s site investigation, numerous fire alarm system SLC and NAC circuits were observed to loosely secured to the building structure. Junction boxes were found to be missing covers.

Loose wiring can cause unwarranted movement of the fire alarm system wiring, which can lead to rubbing and wearing of the wiring covers. Loose wiring can also be easily torn or pulled apart inadvertently by contractors of other disciplines who are working in the area. Junction boxes with missing covers can be tampered with by unqualified personnel and the wiring can be pulled apart easily, if not adequately secured.

Securing the fire alarm system wiring and closing junction boxes for the Phase 1 improvements will improve the security of the fire alarm system and assist in reducing the chances of a nuisance alarm.

 

Program Duct Detectors as Supervisory Signals

It appears that numerous duct smoke detectors throughout the Acme Company Anytown may have been programmed it initiate a general, evacuation alarm, upon activation. As stated in the “Building Code Analysis” section of this report, Section 21.7.4 of the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 and Section 907.3.1 of the 2012 IBC require these devices to activate a supervisory signal, rather than a general alarm signal.

Being that they are observing the transportation of air, duct smoke detectors have a much greater likelihood of observing dust and dirt in their photoelectric sensing chamber, leading to a greater likelihood of nuisance alarms. Programming all duct detector devices to be recorded as a supervisory signal rather than a general alarm signal will send a message to the FACU as well as the central station, but it will not initiate occupant notification for egress of the building.

 

Replace Existing Smoke Detectors in 3-Story Area with New

As stated in the “Building Description” section of this report, the 3-story portion of the Acme Company Anytown building was permitted under an Alternate Means and Methods, which included agreement to provide full-coverage smoke detection throughout this portion of the facility. As a result, these devices must remain.