Fire Prevention Coffee Break Training

Fire Prevention Coffee Break Training February 2017

Agenda FDC’s - Lund Standpipes - Phelan Fire Alarm Testing – Phelan/Dooley Questions and Answers – Open Forum

Standpipe requirement Standpipes are required by IFC Section 905 for any building with an occupied level greater than 30’ above the lowest level of fire department access. High-rise buildings require automatic wet standpipes. Buildings between 30’and 75’ occupied levels are permitted to install manual wet standpipes. Standpipes are required in every required stairwell. More may be required if the hose lay from any point in the building is greater than 200’ from the nearest hose connection on the standpipe. They are also required on either side of a horizontal exit, unless the exit is less than 130’ from a hose connection on stairwell standpipe.

Standpipe Hose Connections • Hose connections are required at each floor on the intermediate landing. • Risers can be run in the wall or main landing if preferable. • A hose connection is also required at the highest landing of the stairway with roof access.

Calculations Design calculations are required for any standpipe. The design calculations shall show, per NFPA 14, how either the supply, fire pump, or fire truck pumper can supply 2x250 gpm at the hydraulically most remote standpipe and 250 gpm at the top of every other standpipe all provided at 100 psi. Manual wet standpipes should be calculated from the FDC.

Volume Demand • Also per NFPA 14, one hose connection is required per 750 gpm demand. • The first required standpipe requires two FDC hose connections • Each additional standpipe would require another FDC hose connection.

Construction Standpipes Construction standpipes are required if a building will exceed 40’ in height once they are complete. If that is the case then a construction standpipe, which may be a dry manual standpipe, is required. The standpipe must be installed before construction reaches 40’. It must then be maintained one floor below the highest installed floor. The FDC for the manual dry system must be installed in an approved location. Ideally, provisions should be made to install the construction standpipe and FDC in the location of one of the permanent standpipes to minimize cost, labor, and materials waste. A permit is required for construction standpipes.

Standpipes • Automatic Wet Standpipes Required • In every Required Stairwell • Hose connections on every intermediate landing • Calculation • Hydraulically most remote Standpipe • 2x250 gpm @ 100psi • AND Each other standpipe 250 gpm @ 100psi • Drain should be piped for testing • PRV • By floor • Master PRV

Submittal Process Overview • Submittal • Review • Resubmittal • Inspection • Testing

Plan submittal Plans and calculations should be submitted as early in the construction/renovation project as possible. While the goal of the FPB is to return initial review comments or approval within 10 business days of submittal that is frequently not possible due to record construction volume over the past 2 years. Also, construction and occupation timelines often fail to contemplate the frequent need for resubmittals and re-testing.

Resubmittals This fee is 1/2 the permit fee. The fee will be applied when any substantive item is not included in the submittal or requires correction or modification.

Installation Prior to Receiving a Permit This fee is equal to the permit fee. This fee can be applied to any system installed prior to the issuance of a permit.

All Submittals Drawing Size. Drawings shall be submitted on sheets no less than 24x36 inches and shall be drawn to ⅛”=1’ scale. Where ⅛” scale is not large enough to show pertinent details, then a ¼” =1’ scale shall be used in a detail drawing. Other scales may be accepted on an as-needed basis, please contact the DMFD Fire Protection Engineer if you have questions regarding the use of different scales. Number of Drawing Sets. One set of fire alarm plans shall be submitted. To accommodate existing storage arrangements in our office only folded plans will be accepted.

All Submittals Cut Sheets/Specifications. One set of the manufacture’s product information (cut sheets) shall be provided for review, they may be provided electronically. This is to include the information on all devices that are part of, or being connected to, the fire protection system. When cut sheets show multiple models/type of devices, the specific item being installed shall be highlighted. As an example, the use of multi-candela horn/strobes shall have the specific model number highlighted and the current draws associated with that model and candela rating highlighted. Cut sheets shall be stapled, bound, placed in a binder or otherwise neatly organized when submitted. Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. Approved plans and permits will be returned in this envelope. If an envelope is not included, the plans and permit will be available for pick up.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provision of the IFC, and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the DMFD. Refer to the attachments within this packet for a checklist of items to be included on construction drawings.

RESUBMITTALS When a resubmittal is required; plans, cutsheets, and calculations shall be clouded with an attached explanation of the changes made to the plans. Only documents required to be altered for the resubmittal shall be resubmitted. 1 set of the required documents shall be provided for review.

Upon Permit Approval Two full-size hard copy sets of the final approved documents including drawings and calculations and one electronic copy along with payment for the permit shall be submitted to receive the permit. The hardcopy documents will be stamped at the time of payment and retained by the contractor for their records and for use onsite.

Sprinkler Systems Hydraulic Calculations. One set of hydraulic calculations for all remote areas, including standpipes will be included. They may be submitted electronically. Design area Reduction Calculations. When utilizing the design area reduction allowances allowed by reduced ceiling heights and Quick Response sprinklers, be sure to justify your percent reduction by including the calculation procedure.

Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Secondary Power Calculations (Battery Calculations). One set of the secondary power (battery) calculations shall be provided for all power supplies being installed within the system for review. This is to include the voltage and amperage information on all batteries being installed within the main panel and any supplemental power panels being provided. One copy of the battery calculations will be returned to the contractor and must remain with the approved plans, on the job site. Battery calculations shall include the following information: a. Standby and Alarm current draws for each device/appliance connected to the fire alarm system. b. The Model number of each device/appliance. c. Description of each device/appliance. d. Standby time (i.e. 24 hours, 60 hours, etc.) e. Alarm time (i.e. 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 60 minutes etc.) f. Total current draw of the system. g. Batteries provided, size of batteries and whether wired in series or parallel.

Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Voltage Drop Calculations. Two (2) sets of voltage drop calculations shall be submitted with the plans. Sample calculations may be obtained from the DMFD Fire Protection Engineer. One copy of the voltage drop calculations will be returned to the contractor and must remain with the approved plans, on the job site. These calculations are to include the following information: a. The total number of devices on each wiring circuit. b. The current draw of each device. c. The maximum length of wire utilized on each circuit. d. The wire size being used. e. The voltage remaining at the last device. f. Intelligent Horn/Strobes must show the manufactures information of how the voltage drops shall be calculated. g. Adjustable Multi-Candela Horn/Strobes - the battery calculations shall be calculated according to the candela rating on the fire alarm plans. For example, if the fire alarm plans indicate the candela rating is 110, the battery calculation shall be calculated for 110 candela.

Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics Sequence of Operations. The sequence of operation of the fire alarm system shall be provided in matrix format. An example of the typical input/output matrix format is located in the 2002 edition of NFPA 72: Figure A.10.6.2.3(9). The sequence of operations shall be specific to each submittal and shall not include functions that do not pertain to the specific submittal.

Fire Alarm Submittal Specifics • Other stuff that is frequently forgotten • Ceiling heights • Smoke detector above the panel • Voice • Acoustically Distinguishable Spaces • Intelligibility Test Locations

Testing No system testing will be conducted prior to the issuance of a permit. Some preliminary inspection of the system may be accomplished prior to issuance of a permit, for example sprinkler rough-in. However, this would likely mean the application of the fee for installation prior to a permit. If you call for a test be prepared with your permit number. Tests will not be scheduled without a permit number.

Testing If the GC wants to schedule a test they will be required to complete a newly developed form, available on our website. This form includes the basics about the job, scope, and contact information for the appropriate sub-contractors. It also includes blanks for the system permit numbers. This form shall be completed in its entirety prior to scheduling a test. All tests must be requested by email, call, or voice mail to Captain Dooley’s office phone. Requests for scheduling made to any mobile phone will not be honored.

Frequent Testing Issues Here we will discuss some of the issues that need to be addressed to have a successful acceptance test. First, you should have, done, or received the following prior to scheduling a a test with DMFD FPB. Paid for the Fire Alarm Permit Approved Plans As-built Plans and Calculations Completed the installation including programming If your as-built plans significantly differ from the approved plans including but not limited to any addition of devices the changes should be submitted.

Frequent Testing Issues NFPA 72 Chapter 14 requires the installer/contractor to provide the AHJ with a written statement that the system is installed in accordance with approved plans and specifications, and that it has been pre-tested. All pretests must be conducted as if they were an actual test for the AHJ. At least 24 hours prior to the test you should have submitted the NFPA 72 Record of Completion (ROC). If this document has not be received the test can be cancelled. If it becomes apparent upon arriving at the test or during the test that the ROC is incomplete or incorrect the test can be abandoned.

Frequent Testing Issues Chapter 14 of NFPA 72 contains all requirements for inspection and testing of fire alarm systems. Chapter 14 is not optional, where NFPA 72 adopted in the jurisdiction or referenced by local building codes. NFPA 72 requires all new systems to be 100% inspected prior to testing. It also requires a 100% test of all system components at the time of acceptance. The methods of testing each component on the system must follow Chapter 14. So, before you call to schedule the acceptance test, be sure you are ready. Conduct a 100% inspection and pretest before scheduling the acceptance test. Pre-testing will expose errors that must be corrected, such as programming problems, missing devices, and inoperative devices and appliances. You should also be sure all tools, materials, and documentation are ready.

After completion of all tests provide the owner with copies of all required documentation: Operations & Maintenance (OM) Manual Record (as-built) drawings Site-Specific software Project specifications Record of Completion

Fire Alarm Testing Receive Permit. Schedule test by providing permit number. NFPA 72 record of submittal submitted at least 24 hours in advance or test may be cancelled.

Fire Alarm Testing • Candela Setting • WireGauge • Circuit routing • Notification appliance settings and layout • Occupanciesand uses • Notification devices synced • Audibility & Intelligibility • Any or all initiating devices • Monitoring and loss of signal • Battery Backup • Pull station location

Fire Alarm Testing Receive Permit. Schedule test by providing permit number. NFPA 72 record of submittal submitted at least 24 hours in advance or test may be cancelled. Tests may include but are not limited to the following:

Frequent Testing Issues All strobes set to 15 cd Speakers tapped at wrong wattage d-b levels below requirements Room usage inconsistent with design Incorrect F/A strobe coverage (candela rating) Incorrect fire alarm box/cable supports

Frequent Testing Issues Compatibility of equipment Incorrect programming of fire alarm system Matrix/Sequence of operations inconsistent with design No record of completion sent Inaccurate record of completion

Frequent Testing Issues Auxiliary systems fail to operate properly (HVAC shut down shunt-trip (i.e. elevator-ansul interlock-suppression system interlock-door holders -door release-fire doors & shutters) F/A and suppression systems redesigned and installed without having changes approved. Smoke detectors that are improperly placed near air diffusers or in dead air spaces will not operate properly. Smoke detectors placed too close to bathrooms or cooking appliances Monitoring not set up or on “test” with the monitoring company

Frequent Testing Issues The primary reasons for failure during the installation phase are: The installer isn’t following approved plans and specifications The plans don’t contain sufficient details The approved drawings are not on the project site A lack of communication between the installer and the design team.

Questions and Discussion What else do we need to talk (more) about?

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