Fire Alarm Lessons 5 & 6 Flashcards

NEC and Wiring

• Article 725 of the NEC covers wiring for burglary systems.
• Non-power-limited circuits can operate with voltages up to 600 V.
• Tables 12A and 12B outline limitations for power-limited circuits.
• Part III of Article 760 contains power-limited wiring requirements.
• Power-limited circuits typically operate at less than 100 VA.

Fire Alarm Circuit Requirements

• Power-limited equipment circuit limitations are verified by testing laboratories.
• Underground power-limited copper fire alarm circuits must comply with Articles 800 and 300.
• Fire alarm cables cannot be laid directly on top of suspended ceiling tiles.
• Circuit integrity cable should not be spliced with standard connectors.
• Power-limited circuits may use Chapter 3 or power-limited wiring methods.

Circuit Specifications

• Class 2 conductors are permitted in the same cable as power-limited circuit conductors.
• FPLP is the suitable cable type for two hours of fire exposure.
• Fire alarm circuits must maintain functionality for partial evacuation.
• Abandoned fire alarm cables can remain if tagged for future use.

Equipment and Installation Guidelines

• Non-power-limited circuits may utilize THHN wire in EMT.
• Fire alarm circuit conductors above ceilings cannot use ceiling support wires.
• Fire alarm cables must not be strapped to other conduits.
• Control relays and modules need to be listed for fire alarm use.

Firestopping and Penetrations

• Firestopping materials classification is essential; a minimum F rating of 120 is required for two-hour rated firewalls.
• NEC 300.21 mandates firestopping for electrical penetrations.
• Intumescent materials expand when heated; ablative materials cool as they burn.
• Wet locations are identified for the inside of conduits under concrete slabs.

Detection and Suppression Systems

• UL Fire Resistance Directory assists in determining assembly ratings.
• Automatic sprinkler systems, kitchen hoods, and dry chemical suppression systems usually work with fire alarms.
• Phase I recall smoke detectors must be installed within 21 feet of elevator car centerlines.

Control Units and Integration

• Fire alarm control units must connect to buildings' suppression systems; they need to be monitored for alarms and troubles.
• Maximum delay for a waterflow switch is 90 seconds.
• Control modules must be installed within 3 feet of components controlling emergency functions.

HVAC System Requirements

• NFPA 90A necessitates duct detectors for HVAC systems exceeding 2000 cfm capacity.
• Detection on the return side in multi-story systems is required for HVAC systems over 15000 cfm.

Regulatory Compliance

• The AHJ selects the designated elevator recall level for fire alarm systems.
• NFPA mandates specifications for fire alarm control outputs based on the number of elevator systems.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Lessons 5 and 6 of fire alarm systems. Focus on important articles from the NEC and the specifications for power-limited circuits. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of fire alarm installations.