Based on reviewed fire alarm drawings and Zari Consulting Group’s site visit, it appears that a manual fire alarm system has been installed. The system cannot be defined as an automatic fire alarm system since full coverage smoke detection hasn’t been provided. Rather, smoke detectors and heat detectors appear to have been sporadically located in corridors and rooms.
Based on reviewed fire alarm system drawings and Zari Consulting Group’s site visit, it appears that the Fire-Lite MS 9600 FACU can adequately sustain all the existing fire alarm system initiating devices.
During Zari Consulting Group’s site visit, numerous area smoke detectors were observed to be provided without labels, indicating their unique address. Also, numerous drop ceilings were not labeled, indicating that a duct smoke detector is located in the interstitial space above.
The sprinkler waterflow switches in the building appear to operate ineffectively. Sprinkler waterflow switches should be designed to activate within 90 seconds of sprinkler activation. However, waterflow switches should not activate for flows less than 10 gpm.
The existing Building Management System (BMS) is currently not tied into the existing fire alarm system. Duct detector devices are wired to shut down associated fans and close associated dampers. This procedure should be maintained for the new fire alarm system.
System Wiring
System wiring was completed using multiple Signal Line Circuits (SLC) and Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC). Appropriate fire alarm system wiring appears to have been installed with the suggested manufacturers’ wire type, gauge shielding.
During Zari Consulting Group’s site visit, neither SLC nor NAC circuits were observed to be installed in dedicated conduit. Neither SLC nor NAC circuits were observed to be secured tightly to the structure, and in numerous instances, they loosely dangled below mechanical equipment.
Various junction boxes were observed to be provided without covers, and 3-way t-taps were observed.