December 8, 2011
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Comments on fire alarms
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Ken,
I have to disagree with some of the comments made by Joel [Nov 24, 2011 article - re published below in case you missed it]. Adding a smoke detector or similar device to a burglar alarm system does not make it a fire alarm system, in my view. It remains simply a burglar alarm with a fire device connected to it. If it were to change to a fire alarm, would there not be more requirements involved? I am referring to the "standard" 12VDC 4.0AH battery Joel mentioned. If the system were to become a fire alarm system just by adding one fire device, wouldn't it seem obvious that the manufacturer of the control unit would have some type of caveat indicating that the battery they recommend is not sufficient. Would they not mention if a fire device is added, the dealer must now use a 12VDC 7.0AH or whatever size meets the battery standby requirements for a fire alarm system? I have not seen such a warning accompany an installation manual, nor has anyone during any fire related training session I have attended, ever brought this to the attention of the group.
If a horse had wings, would it be a bird? No, it would remain a horse with an added feature of wings. The burglar alarm panel remains a burglar alarm with the added feature of a fire device. That is the way I see it anyway.
Jim Anderson
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Joel Kent's comments on Nov 24, 2011 were very well expressed and said. We agree, time spent in instruction with the client, more than yields fewer falses.
Brian Hamon
Alarm Specialists, Inc
Freeport, NY
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Response
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Does adding a fire detection device to a burglar alarm system turn the system into a fire alarm system? Joel says yes; Jim says no. Guess we need 4 more opinions, for a civil trial jury, or 10 more for a criminal trial jury. I doubt that there is a definitive legal answer, and that's because it's a matter of interpretation, understanding, intent and perception. Here's what I mean.
I think we can agree that in the industry there are at least some guidelines we can look to [and all of you are more familiar with them then me]. Some equipment is specifically manufactured as fire alarm equipment, and I suppose some that specifically exclude fire alarm devices. Recognized industry regulatory agencies no doubt have specific equipment and installation guidelines for fire alarm systems [NFPA 72; UL; ETL] The contract you have with your subscriber may [and should] describe the system, i.e., intrusion or fire or both. There may be building code requirements for any type of alarm system, particularly fire alarm systems.
There are some situations that do in fact define the issue. Your commercial subscriber calls you in to install a mandatory fire alarm system. There are some jurisdictions that have requirements for residential systems as well. But when you are installing a mandatory fire alarm system the rules are pretty clear - you have to comply with building codes. fire codes and AHJ requirements and interpretations [I almost said whims]. In a commercial setting the issue more often comes up when the fire alarm is requested by the subscriber for a building not covered by local requirements, referred to as a voluntary fire alarm system. Some jurisdictions simply do not recognize or regulate a voluntary fire alarm system, but other jurisdictions, notably New York City, takes the position that once you install a voluntary fire alarm system you must comply with all mandatory fire alarm system requirements.
Assuming you are not in a jurisdiction that defines and governs all fire alarm systems and devices,[because if you are then you need to comply with the law] it then becomes essential that you and your subscriber are on the same page as far as interpretation, understanding, intent and perception. This can best be covered in your contract by carefully drafting the system coverage and expectations. You should be aware that more than likely you and your subscriber have different expectations, based on different understanding, intent and perception. I've expressed this many times before. You understand the system to be a detection device system; your subscriber understands it to be a preventative system, which is why you are do blame for a loss that the system should have protected against.
Because fire alarm systems are often treated differently by statutes and courts, it's important that you and your subscriber understand that the alarm system you are installing, is, or is not, a fire alarm system. And, since you are the professional, I think you are the one that has to define what is meant by a fire alarm system. In other words, make sure your subscriber knows that the few fire detection devices you install does not make the intrusion system into a fire alarm system.
If you are asked to install a fire alarm system then you should be careful to install that system in accordance with code, manufacturer's specs, customary practices, AHJ requirements. If the system will not meet all fire alarm system specs then make sure your contract specifies that the alarm is an intrusion alarm system [or whatever it is] and fire detection devices are being installed which "do not make the system a fire alarm system. Subscriber has been advised to install a fire alarm system".]
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Here is Joel's comment
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Comment on licensing / smoke detector battery
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Ken
Lee raises many good points about proper installation and service as it relates to FALSE ALARMS and UNNECESSARY DISPATCHES. As you and the rest of your readers know, I am very involved with alarm education as well as installation and service. Education in the proper methods to use and proper supervision to ensure that work is done properly are necessary to raise the quality of work in any trade.
With regard to the 4AH battery that is standard in most kits, if you have 1 smoke detector installed, this battery cannot meet the code requirement for standby time. ( Adding 1 fire device makes this a FIRE SYSTEM) The selling company cannot allow the customer to ELECT to violate the code and NOT install the proper battery. To not install a properly sized battery seems to me would expose someone to liability? (That is why you are the attorney and I am not...)
We must first educate the consumer to only deal with properly trained and licensed installers. In those states that have no licensing and training requirements the operating companies must understand that a properly drafted and enforced license requirement is a good thing for a trade that wants professional recognition. Even if training is NOT required in your state, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain in taking advantage of any training you can get. (Manufacturers seminars, ESA/NTS training, and technical schools.)
TRAINING DOES NOT COST. IT PAYS......
All I can do from this perch is thank you for presenting the wealth of information and knowledge and maintaining a forum for professionals to communicate with each other.
Joel Kent
FBN Security
Windsor Ct.