Fire Side Chat

Conscientious fire systems professionals realize they not only need to keep abreast of current codes and standards but also keep their ear to the ground to be prepared when requirements change. Cut through the din of hundreds of recent proposed ICC fire code changes with this overview of those that matter most.

Accurate recordkeeping is essential to be successful in any business enterprise, but for fire systems contractors it could be a matter of life or death. Brush up on the requirements and catch up on new additions to NFPA 72’s Documentation specifications.

Those in the fire/life-safety industry should be conversant in the processes both ICC and NFPA use for code and standards development. As the ICC process is open to all for the submittal of changes or additions, those who use its codes should not be shy about submitting proposals if they see a need for a change. Read on to better understand how ICC functions.

Although NFPA codes may be foremost in most fire technicians’ minds and practices when it comes to how they install and service safety systems, there are other important documents that come into play. At the top of that list are the codes emanating from the International Code Council (ICC).

Saying something is very European usually means it is provocative. Similarly, it is across the Atlantic where the adoption of new fire/life-safety technology is often swifter and more progressive than domestically. A recent venture abroad offers a glimpse into our industry’s larger scope.

Fire/Life-Safety standards endure much analysis and scrutiny by a number of committees and interested parties en route to ratification. As these decisions affect installing professionals, it is wise to be familiar with the process and participate where and when appropriate.

The NFPA 72 standard, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, has long been the most highly referenced and respected guide for building managers, AHJs and fire systems contractors alike. The recently adopted 2013 edition contains several important changes to support the mission of protecting lives and property within built environments.

As in other professions entailing a high level of skill, toiling in fire/life safety demands practitioners adhere to a well-defined and stringent set of regulations, codes and guidelines. Whether you plan to design, install or service systems, find out what is expected.

Mass notification systems have received a lot of attention in recent years and represent a growing market for installing life-safety system contractors. Find out how this area developed, where it differs and overlaps with emergency communication systems, and where this market is heading.

Fire/life-safety pros unite to stem false alarms, or face disconcerting consequences.

Due to the criticality of their mission, fire/life-safety practices and systems tend to change more slowly than a lot of industries. However, even it is beginning to reflect technology’s accelerating pace. Find out what to expect in 2012 and just beyond.

Video image detection is pushing past the boundaries of long established fire safety systems. Able to detect smoke or flame anywhere within cameras’ field of view, this method is not limited by standard detectors’ reliance on distance and area.

While codes go into great detail about how to ensure fire and life-safety systems perform as intended, making sure the systems operate in concert with each other remains a work in progress. Integrated testing is a means to bridge existing gaps and maximize systems’ ability to mitigate loss of property and life.

Commissioning is a process of documentation, adjustment, testing, verification and training, performed to ensure the facility operates in accordance with the owner’s documented project requirements and construction documents. As a fire systems integrator, knowing commissioning fundamentals helps meet expectations for your aspect of the project.

The benefits of video technology are being extended from surveillance and intrusion detection to assisting in fire detection and verification. Find out what considerations, practices and codes figure prominently for successful deployment.

Voltage drop is critical to the proper operation of devices attached to a fire alarm system. Nowhere is this as true as with notification appliance circuits (NACs) that connect to a fire alarm control panel. Seven steps show how to do the calculations.

Combination fire-intrusion alarm systems are a viable life-safety and security solution, providing they adhere to NFPA guidelines. Key considerations include nothing impeding the fire detection function and that it also supercedes security alarm signaling.

Backed with the mandates set forth by codes and bolstered with new technologies, the fire/life-safety market offers robust sales opportunities. Success is predicated on deriving necessary state and local credentials, and knowing the local building authority’s requirements and procedures ...

Proper fire detection is essential not only for life safety but also to avoid false alarms or system malfunctions that could cost the business a bundle. In particular, this holds true for financial institutions ...

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