Some of the changes in the new codes?
1. Permits use of low voltage smoke detectors in place of line voltage smoke alarms in residential applications?
2. Sprinklers? ..no longer required to install smoke detection?
3. Phone lines for fire panels? Can be replaced with single path cellular communicator?
Ask us... we have the answers
What is required for fire alarm submittals? The answer is probably much more than you expected. At a minimum
1. A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms;
2. Locations of alarm-initiating devices;
3. Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances;
4. Design minimum audibility level for occupant notification. (NEW);
5. Location of fire alarm control unit, transponders and notification power supplies;
6. Annunciators, and where required, environmental enclosures to protect annunciator;
7. Power connection location and type;
8. Standby Battery calculations;
9. Conductor type and sizes;
10. Voltage drop calculations;
11. Manufacturers’ data sheets indicating model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices and materials;
12. Details of ceiling height and construction;
13. The interface of fire safety control functions, such as door holders, elevator recall, fan shutdown;
14. Classification of the supervising station;
Also, a narrative explaining the code requirements driving the installation of the system (required or voluntary) and the type of system being installed (manual, automatic or both) and supervising station type (remote station, central station, proprietary). Any special conditions must be listed. Depending on the jurisdiction (location) there may be more or special requirements.
We are your experts in providing the document package which will satisfy the local fire code official.
"RELICS OF A BY-GONE ERA" THE IMMINENT DEATH OF THE DACT
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to discontinue the use of land line telephone systems. This change will have a significant impact on the many fire alarm systems across the United States that utilize landline telephone technology and DACTs (digital alarm communicator transmitters) to monitor their fire alarm system activity.
In 2012, the FCC gave permission to AT&T to begin the process of dismantling the landline telephone network. The due date for "unplugging" the network is almost here, and yet there are fire alarm systems installed every day still utilizing DACT technology.
Since many fire alarm systems throughout the country utilize the DACTs, it is advantageous for business owners and fire officials to start considering alternatives. It is recommended that all stakeholders plan appropriately to prepare for this change and transition to another technology.
Up until recently, New York State used the 2015 versions of the NY State code suite which included the Building, Fire, Existing Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy and Property Maintenance codes.
Early in December of 2019, the State of New York announced the February 6, 2020 adoption of a new set of codes for our state. The Division of Code Enforcement Administration announced that effective May 12th, the new 2020 codes take effect . NYS decided to use the 2018 versions of the International Code Council's (ICC) suite of codes......with some changes specific to New York.
If you need to reference the actual codes, free of charge, go to this link and enjoy.
https://NewYorkState BuildingCodes|UpCodes
If you find that you have an application and are unsure of the code requirements. give us a call and we will be able to assist your effort. We are a fee for service firm, so our advice may have a cost, but call us.... you have nothing to lose. Remember, "quality design is not expensive, it's priceless".