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APPLYING THE NEW 72
Q: There appear to be a lot of changes in the new National Fire Alarm Code. When should I start to apply the new 72?
A: In the fall of last year, NFPA published its latest edition of the National Fire Alarm Code. There are three (unlikely) reasons that you would wish to follow this latest edition of NFPA 72 shortly after it was published.
First, if it was immediately adopted by your state or local jurisdiction it would make it mandatory, since it would be part of your code requirements. Second, if you are awarded a contract that specifically states that the contractor (you) comply with NFPA 72, 2007. Third is when you have determined that compliance with 2007 may be safer than compliance with the edition currently adopted by your state/local government.
If you choose this course of compliance, then your client should first be informed that this is an option, and offer it as an upgrade. The client should sign off on any deviations from the legally adopted edition of the same standard. You don't want them to claim ignorance after a fire loss is suffered. Plus, you can show how you offered the additional protection.
The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 continues to be seduced by the trend in "building code trade-offs" where fire sprinkler systems are installed. For example, Exception No. 5, added to the 2007 edition states:
"6.9.10.4.2 All circuits necessary for the operation of the notification appliances shall be protected until they enter the evacuation signaling zone that they serve. Any of the following methods shall be considered acceptable as meeting the requirements of this subsection:
- A 2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) cable.
- A 2-hour fire rated cable system (electrical circuit protective system).
- A 2-hour fire rated enclosure.
- Buildings fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and with the interconnecting wiring or cables used for the operation of notification appliances installed in metal raceways and in accordance with Article 760 of NFPA 70."
While there may be some technical merit to new Exception No. 5, such is not the case with the new exception for the rule that requires protection of control units:
"4.4.5* Protection of Fire Alarm System in areas that are not continuously occupied, automatic smoke detection shall be provided at the location of each fire alarm control unit(s), notification appliance circuit power extenders, and supervising station transmitting equipment to provide notification of fire at that location.
Exception No. 1: Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, automatic heat detection shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: Fully sprinklered buildings shall not require protection in accordance with 4.4.5."
Here NFPA favors sprinkler systems over traditional alarm and detection methods. If you believe that Exception No. 2 allows a fire to grow large enough to allow a sprinkler head to activate and spray water on electronics, rather than providing the early detection afforded by a smoke detector, then you should not allow this trade-off to be part of your company's business plan.
Greg Kessinger, SET, CFPS, president of an alarm installing company since 1981, teaches NICET training classes to fire alarm system designers and installers and continuing education seminars for Ohio's fire alarm inspectors. You can reach him at 888-910-2272; e-mail: Greg@firealarm.org; or visit his website at www.FireAlarm.org.
author: By Greg Kessinger