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CODES • GUIDES • STANDARDS • BY-LAWS CODES • GUIDES • STANDARDS • BY-LAWS
2011 2011
Canadian Fire Alarm Association
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CODES • GUIDES • STANDARDS • BY-LAWS CODES • GUIDES • STANDARDS • BY-LAWS
2011 2011
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Alarm Industry
Canadian Fire Alarm Association
Fire Alarm Systems
A Reference Manual
2010 Edition
Canadian Fire Alarm Association
85 Citizen Court – Units 3 & 4
Markham, Ontario, Canada L6G 1A8
TEL: 1- (800) 529-0552
FAX: 1- (905) 479-3639
www.cfaa.ca
email: [email protected]
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FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
A REFERENCE MANUAL
2010 EDITION
A Module of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program
ISBN: 978-0-9734001-0-6
Copyright © 2010 Canadian Fire Alarm Association.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system, without prior permission, in writing, from the publisher.
Printed in Canada
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Fire Alarm Systems Table of Contents
- A Reference Manual
Chapter 1: Fire Alarm Systems - An Overview 1-1
1.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 1-1
1.2 Learning Objectives 1-2
1.3 General 1-5
1.4 It Begins With The Building Code 1-8
1.5 Interrelationship Of Codes And Standards 1-9
1.6 Plans and Specifications 1-12
1.7 Requirements For A Fire Alarm System 1-12
1.8 When is a Fire Alarm System Required? 1-16
1.9 Additional Requirements for High Buildings 1-18
1.10 Two More Things To Remember About the Building Code 1-19
1.11 Chapter Summary 1-20
1.12 Review Questions 1-21
Chapter 2: Manual Stations 2-1
2.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 2-1
2.2 Learning Objectives 2-1
2.3 Manual Station Design Standard 2-4
2.4 Building Code Requirements 2-5
2.5 Requirements of the Installation Standard 2-5
2.6 Types of Manual Stations 2-6
2.7 Special Situations 2-8
2.8 Chapter Summary 2-9
2.9 Review Questions 2-10
Chapter 3: Fire Detectors 3-1
3.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 3-1
3.2 Learning Objectives 3-1
3.3 Codes and Standards 3-3
3.4 Application Requirements 3-4
3.5 Fire Signatures and Device Selection 3-7
3.6 Exemption for Sprinklers 3-10
3.7 Optical Flame Detectors 3-10
3.8 Detection beyond the Minimum 3-12
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Table of Contents Fire Alarm Systems
- A Reference Manual
3.9 Chapter Summary 3-14
3.10 Review Questions 3-15
Chapter 4: Heat-Actuated Fire Detectors 4-1
4.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 4-1
4.2 Learning Objectives 4-1
4.3 Design Standard 4-4
4.4 Principles of Operation – Conventional Devices 4-4
4.5 Multiple Circuit Detectors 4-8
4.6 Electrical Wiring Supervision 4-8
4.7 Code Requirements 4-9
4.8 Detector Spacing 4-10
4.9 Hazardous Areas 4-12
4.10 Testing 4-13
4.11 Linear Heat Detection 4-14
4.12 Chapter Summary 4-15
4.13 Review Questions 4-16
Chapter 5: Smoke-Actuated Fire Detectors 5-1
5.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 5-1
5.2 Learning Objectives 5-1
5.3 Detector Design Standard 5-4
5.4 Principles of Operation 5-4
5.5 Detector Selection Considerations 5-10
5.6 Building Code Requirements 5-14
5.7 Installation Requirements 5-15
5.8 Beam-Type Smoke Detectors 5-22
5.9 Air Sampling/Aspiration Type Detectors 5-26
5.10 Air-Duct-Mounted Detectors 5-30
5.11 Smoke Alarms 5-32
5.12 Chapter Summary 5-35
5.13 Review Questions 5-36
Chapter 6: Audible And Visible Signalling Devices 6-1
6.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 6-1
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Fire Alarm Systems Table of Contents
- A Reference Manual
6.2 Learning Objectives 6-1
6.3 Principles of Sound 6-4
6.4 Types Of Signals 6-15
6.5 Temporal Pattern of Sound 6-21
6.6 Application Notes for Signalling Devices 6-22
6.7 Residential Occupancies 6-23
6.8 Visual Signalling Devices 6-24
6.9 Chapter Summary 6-29
6.10 Review Questions 6-30
Chapter 7: Control Equipment 7-1
7.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 7-1
7.2 Learning Objectives 7-1
7.3 General 7-4
7.4 Alarm Signaling Circuits 7-11
7.5 Emergency Voice Communications (EVC) 7-13
7.6 The Two-Channel And Three-Channel Concepts 7-17
7.7 Emergency Telephone Circuits 7-18
7.8 Common (Main) Control Section 7-19
7.9 Power Supply 7-21
7.10 Ancillary Circuits 7-24
7.11 Microprocessors 7-25
7.12 Addressable Field Devices 7-27
7.13 Chapter Summary 7-35
7.14 Review Questions 7-36
Chapter 8: System Operational Principles 8-1
8.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 8-1
8.2 Learning Objectives 8-1
8.3 General 8-5
8.4 Types of System 8-5
8.5 Fire Alarm Systems - Zoning 8-10
8.6 Output Circuits 8-14
8.7 System Riser Drawing 8-15
8.8 Emergency Voice Communications 8-17
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Table of Contents Fire Alarm Systems
- A Reference Manual
8.9 Suppression Systems 8-19
8.10 Chapter Summary 8-21
8.11 Review Questions 8-22
Chapter 9: Distributed Processing Systems 9-1
9.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 9-1
9.2 Learning Objectives 9-1
9.3 Hardwired Systems vs. Multiplex Systems: 9-4
9.4 Peer-to-Peer Distributed Systems 9-8
9.5 Degraded-Mode Operation 9-10
9.6 Testing of DCLC OPERATION 9-10
9.7 Standalone Operation 9-11
9.8 Voice Systems 9-12
9.9 Central Alarm And Control Facility (CACF) 9-13
9.10 Data Communications Links 9-16
9.11 Manufacturers Wiring Requirements 9-21
9.12 Chapter Summary 9-22
9.13 Review Questions 9-23
Chapter 10: Interface with Other Systems 10-1
10.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 10-1
10.2 Learning Objectives 10-1
10.3 General 10-4
10.4 Control of Ancillary Systems 10-4
10.5 Fan Control 10-5
10.6 Door-Hold-Open Devices 10-8
10.7 Electromagnetic Locking Devices 10-9
10.8 Automatic Elevator Recall 10-10
10.9 Control of Sound Systems 10-10
10.10 Auxiliary circuits 10-10
10.11 Chapter Summary 10-12
10.12 Review Questions 10-13
Chapter 11: Installation of Fire Alarm Systems 11-1
11.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 11-1
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Fire Alarm Systems Table of Contents
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11.2 Learning Objectives 11-1
11.3 Where it all begins 11-4
11.4 Installation Details - General 11-6
11.5 Installation Details – Control Units 11-7
11.6 Initiating and Signalling Devices 11-8
11.7 Circuit Power Loss 11-19
11.8 Additional Points relating to Installation 11-20
11.9 Chapter Summary 11-23
11.10 Review Questions 11-24
Chapter 12: Verifications 12-1
12.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 12-1
12.2 Learning Objectives 12-1
12.3 The Purpose of a Verification 12-5
12.4 The Criticality of High-Quality Work and Complete Documentation 12-6
12.5 The Applicable Codes and Standards 12-7
12.6 Qualifications of Verifying Personnel 12-8
12.7 Verification Procedures and Processes 12-12
12.8 Verification Procedures - Breaking It Down Into Parts 12-16
12.9 System Modifications 12-36
12.10 Ancillary Devices and Systems 12-38
12.11 Integrity is everything 12-41
12.12 Chapter Summary 12-42
12.13 Review Questions 12-43
Chapter 13: Inspection and Testing, and Maintenance 13-1
13.1 Chapter Overview and Key Concepts 13-1
13.2 Learning Objectives 13-1
13.3 The Nature and Purpose of Fire Alarm System Inspections and
Testing 13-4
13.4 The Applicable Regulations – National and Provincial Fire Codes 13-4
13.5 CAN/ULC- S536 Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems 13-5
13.6 Qualifications of Personnel Undertaking Tests & Inspections 13-5
13.7 Inspection and Test – Initial Procedures and Processes 13-6
13.8 Breaking It Down into Parts – Testing All Year Long! 13-8
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- A Reference Manual
13.9 Annual Inspection and Tests 13-8
13.10 Ancillary Devices and Systems 13-23
13.11 Chapter Summary 13-26
13.12 Review Questions 13-27
Glossary i
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Fire Alarm Systems CFAA Forward
- A Reference Manual
CFAA FORWARD
Fire alarm systems continue to be a major element for life safety in buildings. The
subject of fire alarm systems is a unique discipline that has evolved with
technological advances and is also linked with the legal requirements of Codes and
Standards. This new edition of the manual is written as a reference resource for
those taking Course 5 of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician program, but also as an
informative document to provide a better understanding of how things work,
installation considerations and the multitude of fire alarm system requirements.
As stated in the previous edition, an understanding of basic electricity and basic
electronics is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. Knowledge of fire growth
and progression is also helpful in addition to comprehension of the interdependent
structure of the related codes and standards. “Introduction to the Fire Detection and
Alarm Industry”, the Course 1 manual, is an excellent reference in this regard.
The new edition of “Fire Alarm Systems: A Reference Manual” is in a revised format
with colour illustrations and photographs. The content of the thirteen chapters
encompasses the fire topics of detection, signalling, control units, installation and
testing. It has been built on the foundation of the previous edition and updated to
include the advances in fire alarm system technology. Illustrations and
photographs are intended to supplement the text and are not intended to promote
a manufacturer’s product. The text has been revised with information to reflect the
changes in the Building Code, Fire Code and the latest edition of the Underwriters’
Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards.
Codes and Standards play a vital role in the fire alarm industry. The information in
this text is provided for explanatory purposes but it is not a standards document.
We thank ULC for their assistance in making some of the standards material
available. The standards produced by ULC and the references to the specific
sections of the Building Code and Fire Code as legislated in the various regions of
Canada are necessary for a complete understanding of the requirements and
should be consulted.
The text has been written in a manner suited to readers with diverse backgrounds
who desire a better understanding of fire alarm systems in terms of design,
installation, inspection and testing.
This book is the result of many volunteer hours by several members of the
Canadian Fire Alarm Association. The list includes authors and those who spent
hours reviewing the content. The rewriting of this book has had the technical
advice and assistance of the CFAA Education Committee chaired by David
Sylvester. David has provided both guidance in setting the format and many hours
in review of this edition. We are particularly indebted to those contributors who
drafted various chapters: Ken Baird, Dave Duggan, Mike Hugh, Andy Hewitson,
Paul Jewett, Brad Pope, and Victor Repovz.
A special thank you goes to the editorial skills of Allen Hodson. Allen’s persistence
in completing the editing of the text, pulling the chapters together and providing a
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