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FireFighter UL 985 Audio Detector - Do You Need Special Disclaimer
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Ken
    If I decide to use the FireFighter UL 985 audio detector fire warning component do I need a separate disclaimer in the contract?  I notice that some of the big national companies have a specific disclaimer for this product in their contracts.
KF
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RESPONSE
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    This audio component essentially listens for a smoke detector to sound and communicates with the fire alarm panel.  Here is the product description:
    Household Fire Warning System Units escription Audio Detector
    "The product covered by this report is a household, indoor use, primary battery powered smoke alarm listener. This acoustic device reacts to the sound pattern of smoke detector when detector is in alarm. Once this sound is recognized by smoke alarm listener, it sends alarm signal to the fire alarm system control unit. The unit is compatible with 2GIG and Honeywell receivers. 
    Conditions of Acceptability
    The product covered in this Report is limited in performance capabilities and are intended for use and evaluation in other products. Consideration should be given to the following when the component is used in or with another product.
1.The end use Fire Alarm system which incorporates the Audio Detector shall be used for Residential application only and must be in compliance with UL 985.
2. The end use Fire Alarm system which incorporates the Audio Detector shall be tested for compatibility with Listed Self contained Smoke Detector (listed to UL 217).
3. The end use Fire Alarm system which incorporates the Audio Detector shall be tested for compatibility with Listed Fire Alarm Control Unit (listed to UL 985).
4. Accompanying documentation for end use Fire Alarm system which incorporates the Audio Detector shall include Installation and User instructions for Audio Detector.
5. Alarm system incorporating listed CO and fire detectors along with the smoke detector must be tested for compatibility at end-use site if it is used as Audio Detector for above detectors.
"
    
    I see no need for special disclaimer language in the alarm contract.  The Residential All in One contains sufficient language to provide contractual protection covering any alarm equipment failure or alarm services failure.  This component is not any more likely to expose risk than any other.  
    So the good news is ..... no update to the All in One deemed necessary.
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ADT'S LOUD FIRE ALARM FROM JANUARY 19, 2015 ARTICLE
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Ken,
Re:  Loud Fire Alarm System
    In regards to Jeff’s questions about excessively loud fire alarm systems, 2013 NFPA72 para 18.4.1.2  
    “The total sound pressure level produced by combining the ambient sound pressure level with all audible notification appliances operating shall not exceed 110 DBA at the minimum hearing distance.”  
    Additionally, para 18.4.1.4.4 reads 
    “The design sound pressure levels to be produced by the notification appliances for the various coverage areas shall be documented for use during acceptance testing of the system.”  
    For a public mode system, testing is measured at 5’ above the floor in the area required to be served.  If is exceeded anywhere in the area changes must be made.  Even a "Professional Engineer" (PE) can’t argue with the code.
    By the way, although we have a decibel meter, there are free decibel meter for your phone that are very accurate.  The in this area use the.
Regards,
Tony Barlow, Pres./CEO
North Coast Signal Inc.
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Ken
    Jeff raises a very good point on liability and your answer is right on. I would recommend however that on the acceptance test, to emphasize his point about excessive noise he should RECORD the DB METER READINGS that he has taken.     Using an accurate decibel meter would confirm 'suspicions' about sound pressure when the alarm trips. He could then indicate that his testing reveals.......... NFPA 72 is explicit about the RATINGS of the devices installed, (85DBa at 10 feet for the first and 75 DBa for additional sound.) The exception would be in PRIVATE MODE or Public mode with high ambient noise levels.
    Thank you for everything you do for the industry.
Joel Kent,
FBN
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I DID MAKE A MISTAKE ONCE; CAN'T RECALL WHEN THOUGH  
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Ken,
    I remember when it was. It was when you were in San Antonio speaking at my dealer meeting. You thought you were wrong about something. The mistake was that it turned out that you were not wrong after all! J
    Keep up the good work.
Gary
Security Partners
San Antonio, TX
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RESPONSE
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    Thanks Gary
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