Chapter 6 <br />• Fire Alarm and <br />Communication Systems <br />GENERAL <br />A fire alarm system consists of interconnected <br />devices and controls to alert building occupants to <br />fire or dangerous conditions and provide emer- <br />gency responders with information on those condi- <br />tions. Clear and concise information will enable <br />responders to operate efficiently and safely. <br />Fire alarm systems monitor alarm-initiating <br />devices such as manual pull stations, automatic <br />detectors, or water flow indicators (Figure 6.1 a). <br />If a signal is received, the control components <br />process it via software programs or relays (Figure <br />6.1 b). The system then activates audible and visual <br />evacuation notification devices (Figure 6.1c); sends <br />a remote signal to the fire service or other authori- <br />ties; displays the location of the alarm; recalls ele- <br />vators; and controls ventilation systems. <br />Systems can vary widely in complexity. A basic, <br />fundamental system consists; of a control panel, <br />initiating devices, and notification devices. On the <br />krq <br />I <br />(Fig. 6.1a) Initiating device <br />(smoke detector). <br />• <br />other end of the spectrum are complex selective <br />voice evacuation systems with integrated fire <br />department phone communications systems. <br />Detection systems have devices that automatical- <br />ly sense fire or its byproducts. Detection systems <br />are often integrated into fire alarm systems, and <br />this chapter covers both. <br />Building and fire codes often specify require- <br />ments for fire alarms systems. Commonly used <br />codes include the IBC, NFPA 5000, and NFPA 101. <br />The National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72, is a com- <br />prehensive installation standard. This code, along <br />with the fire alarm wiring portion of the National <br />Electric Code, NFPA 70, sets the requirements for <br />design, installation, and maintenance. In addition, <br />OSHA standards create obligations with respect to <br />employee alarm systems. <br />This chapter covers fire service personnel inter- <br />action with fire alarm systems and provides guid- <br />ance for designers to facilitate operational efficien- <br />cy. Elevator control, often interconnected with the <br />fire alarm system, is discussed in the section, <br />Firefighter Access, on page 21. The section, Smoke <br />Control Systems, on page 63, covers these systems. <br />(Fig. 6.1c) Notification device <br />(horn/strobe). <br />50 OSHA <br />Occupational'Safety and 166 <br />Health Administration <br />(Fig. 6.1 b) Control panel. <br />