11:00 to 12:00 Secrets to achieving code-compliant strobe installations. Ralph Coco, Potter Canada Paul Jewett, Mircom Group of Companies

Transcription

1 11:00 to 12:00 Secrets to achieving code-compliant strobe installations. Ralph Coco, Potter Canada Paul Jewett, Mircom Group of Companies

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3 Visible Signals Agenda 1. Physics 2. Installation Considerations 3. Application Specific Engineering 4. Technician Perspective

4 We are going to analyze three different ways of measuring light intensity. 1. Peak Candlepower 2. Candela 3. Foot Candles or Lumens

5 Candlepower (abbreviated as cp) is an obsolete scientific unit of luminous intensity based on the light emitted from a candle made to a specified formula. The candlepower as a scientific measure was replaced in 1948 by the international unit (SI) known as the candela. Measures only the PEAK Candlepower and Candela have an equal ratio 1:1 PEAK AREA Peak Candlepower measures only the peak

6 Effective candela rating is calculated by the total area under the light intensity curve and includes all of its light energy. Light Intensity Curve CANDELA

7 CANDELA DEFINITION USED TODAY The candela is the luminous intensity, in a given direction, of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 1012 hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.

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9 Measures the intensity in Candela and the distance from the light source. This is called illumination and can be calculated by the following formula. INTENSITY OF LIGHT SOURCE DIVIDED BY THE DISTANCE SQUARED

10 1. Peak Candlepower measures only the peak and looks at the performance over a short period of time. 2. Effective Candela measures the total light energy, but does not take into consideration the distance from the light source. 3. Illumination (Lumens or Foot-Candles) takes both factors into consideration by measuring the power of the light and the distance from the light source.

11 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) required a minimum light intensity of 75 candela, for use out to a distance of 50 feet 75 CANDELA 50 FEET

12 NFPA 72 & 101 ANSI ADAAG UL1971 ADA requirements were incomplete ADA did not look at different candela ratings; Polarity distribution of light; Room size dimensions and Synchronization The industry got together and expanded ADA s requirements to Harmonize with other standards. For Example (NFPA 72, UL 1971, ANSI & ADAAG 2-2) Equivalent Facilitation was born and allowed for other designs and technologies to be used as long as they met or exceeded these other requirements CAN/ULC-S & CAN/ULC-S incorporates most of these standards (Emulated Copied - Plagiarized) Now we will look at an example of how Equivalent Facilitation works

13 DISTANCE FROM STROBE

14 DISTANCE FROM STROBE

15 DISTANCE FROM STROBE

16 Equivalent Facilitation Therefore, utilizing a visible signal less than 75 Candela in a smaller room is equivalent to a larger Candela strobe in a larger room; by providing greater luminance per square foot. (.0375) In the United States the minimum calculated illumination is required to be at least lumens or foot candles at any point within the covered area ULC-S Table 5 (Wall Mounting) meets or exceeds this requirement It is ironic that we do not follow Equivalent Facilitation in Canada, but we meet it in most cases

17 POLAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

18 CAN/ULC-S HORIZONTAL DISPERSION (WALL) Degrees % Candela Rating 0 100% Compound Top View Wall Example is based on a 75 Candela Strobe 15 Candela would need to meet the following

19 CAN/ULC-S VERTICAL DISPERSION (WALL) Degrees % Candela Rating 0 100% Side View

20 CAN/ULC-S VERTICAL DISPERSION (CEILING) Degrees % Candela Rating 0 100% 90 0 Ceiling

21 Intensity of light source? Distance from light source? Ambient lighting? Lens color? Size? Flashing or continuous output? Duration of output? Location in the visual field? Reflected light?

22 White 100% Amber % Blue 35-70% Red 25-40%

23 The recommended light source for visual appliances is clear unless another colour is required for the application or by AHJ. Example: Chemical Agent Release may require a different colored lens

24 Visible Signals Agenda 1. Physics 2. Installation Considerations 3. Application Specific Engineering 4. Technician Perspective

25 What do panel manufacturers print on the control panel circuit board where you would normally connect a strobe to? Bell cct Signal cct Notification cct NAC cct Output cct Indicating cct They all mean the same thing!!

26 Strobe/Horn Panel Connections Before Sync Most Fire Alarm Panels would have two circuits for signaling, one for strobes which would be a constant voltage and one for Horn/Bell which would pulse a code such as temporal for EVAC, or Alert at 20 spm. FACP FACP FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE

27 The problem is the strobes will flash at different rates FACP FACP FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE

28 Synchronization ADAAG (American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines) Technical Bulletin #2, states that 5 flashes per second or more is the trigger point for photosensitive epileptic seizures. This means if 4 strobes in a room are flashing 2 times per second, the combined flash rate could exceed the 5 flashes per second; potentially causing a seizure. ADA recommends that a composite flash rate of 5 Hz be avoided for multiple strobes. The strobe flash rate must be a minimum of 1 Hz across the listed voltage range. (Increasing or lowering the operating voltage will affect the flash rate).

29 Synchronization Requirements In Canada Two or more visible signaling devices in corridors or rooms in the same field of view shall flash in synchronization. Performance tests to verify flash rate between 1 and 2 flashes per second. Synchronization feature to flash within 0.01 sec for 2 hours.

30 Strobe/Horn Panel Connections With Sync Synchronization can be accomplished in two ways The first is using an external sync module (this is for both strobes and horns) FACP Nac circuit 1 Sync Module Nac circuit 2

31 Strobe/Horn Panel Connections With Sync Some Fire Alarm Panels use two NAC circuits in order for the horns to be silenced and strobes to have continuous operation. FACP Nac circuit 1 Nac circuit 2

32 Strobe/Horn Panel Connections With Sync The second method is the panel having the sync protocol built into the panel. The external module is not required. FACP

33 Visible Signals Agenda 1. Physics 2. Installation Considerations 3. Application Specific Engineering 4. Technician Perspective

34 Visible Signals Codes & Standards CANADA ULC-S VISIBLE SIGNAL DEVICES FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS, INCLUDING ACCESSORIES ULC S provides installation requirements for strobes in Canada NBC 2005 (National Building Code) OBC 2006 (Ontario Building Code) Other Provincial Building Codes UNITED STATES NFPA 72 &101 provides additional guidance for strobe applications in large volume open spaces ADA has its own guidelines UL 1971 AADAG ANSI 117.1

35 Where are Strobes Required? OBC & NBC require strobes in the following areas.

36 Where are Strobes Required? Where Ambient Sound Levels Exceed 87dB Example - Noisy manufacturing plants or diesel generator areas

37 Where are Strobes Required? Where ear protection is worn

38 Where are Strobes Required? Sound insulated or audiometric booths (Recording Studios or Sound Testing Rooms)

39 Where are Strobes Required? Entertainment areas where sound levels may exceed 100dB (Night Clubs & Concert Halls)

40 Where are Strobes Required? Building or portions of a building for persons with hearing impairment

41 Where are Strobes Required? Minimum 10% of rooms in Hotel (NEW)

42 OBC NEW REQUIREMENTS Based on Occupancy Class

43 New Requirements Based on Occupancy Class (OBC) Installation of strobes in public corridors for B Occupancy (Health Care)

44 OBC New Requirements Based on Occupancy Class - Strobes in public corridors D Occupancy (Office)

45 OBC New Requirements Based on Occupancy Class - Strobes in public corridors E Occupancy (Mercantile)

46 OBC New Requirements Based on Occupancy Class Strobes permitted in lieu of audible signals in compartments including operating rooms and recovery areas such as ICU and CCU

47 OBC New Requirements Based on Occupancy Class A Occupancy (Assembly Areas) Strobes are required in corridors used by the public, and also floor areas where public may congregate

48 OBC EXCEPTIONS FOR USE OF STROBES Not Required In classrooms (A Occupancy) Group B Div 3 care occupancy for up to 10 persons In C Occupancies - Residential

49 Key Installation Requirements in ULC-S ULC Table 7 - Corridor ULC Table 5 - Wall ULC Table 6 - Ceiling a) ULC Tables will specify the strobe intensity and the number of strobes required for each specific room size b) Now we will look at installation examples using all of the tables

50 CORRIDOR SPACING

51 CORRIDOR SPACING FOR CEILING OR WALL MOUNTED VISIBLE SIGNAL DEVICES (ULC- (ULC-S TABLE 7) Corridor Length (m) 6m less in width Minimum # of 15 Candela Strobes

52 MOUNTING HEIGHT Wall mounted (Room Area and Corridor) Entire lens is not less than 2m and not more than 2.4m above the finished floor

53 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES CORRIDORS meter corridor 4.6 m 4.6 m 30 m 15 Candela Strobe for corridor installations Strobe must be located no more than 4.6m from end of corridor Additional strobes placed not more than 30m apart

54 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES CORRIDORS m 40.8 m 50 meter corridor 20.4m 4.6 m 4.6 m 40.8m Strobe must be located no more than 4.6m from end of corridor Additional strobes placed not more than 30m apart

55 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES CORRIDORS 4.6m m 38m 4.6m 4.6m 4.6m 22m Where there is an interruption of the concentrated viewing path, such as a fire door, an elevation change, or any other obstruction, the area shall be treated as a separate corridor

56 WALL MOUNTED VARIOUS ROOM SIZES

57 CAN/ULC-S (Table 5) LIGHT OUTPUT FOR WALL-MOUNTED VISIBLE SIGNAL DEVICES FOR VARIOUS ROOM SIZES Maximum Area Coverage in (m) 1 Strobe per area 2 Strobes per area 4 Strobes per area 6.10 X N/A N/A 8.53 X N/A 9.14 X N/A 12.2 X X X X X X X X X

58 Room Spacing Example 6 m 5 m? Intensity

59 Room Spacing Example Application: 6m X 5m Room ULC-S Table 5 for wall mounted devices requires a 15 Candela strobe for a maximum room size of (6.10m X 6.10m) Since our room size falls below 6.10m X 6.10m; a 15 Candela Strobe will meet this application Maximum Room size in (m) 1 Strobe per area 2 Strobes per area 4 Strobes per area 6.10 X N/A N/A 8.53 X N/A

60 Room Spacing Example Long Side Coverage? Short Side Coverage? 5 m 6 m 15 Candela Installation Tip - Spacing allocation for wall mounted strobes are to be located (at the mid-point of the longest side of the area served) NFPA 72 The mid-point of the longest side is the preferred method Do we mount the strobe on the short or long side of the wall?

61 Correct & Incorrect Allocation Methods Application - Four 15 Candela Strobes in a 12.2m X 12.2m Room 12.2 m 12.2 m In this example, we are meeting minimum Candela rating (illumination) but the strobe allocation is incorrect Area Coverage of each appliance is not maximized Moreover, if these were (Horn/Strobe or Speaker Strobe) combination units the result may be conflicting sound waves or sound cancellation

62 Correct & Incorrect Allocation Methods The correct method is by following clause in CAN/ULC-S Subdivide the room into multiple squares (6.1m x 4) ULC-S Table 5 - room size of 6.1m X 6.1m requires a 15 candela strobe Install four 15 candela strobes (one for each 6.1m area) 6.1m 12.2 m 12.2 m 6.1m 6.1m Utilize Maximum Area Coverage 6.1m

63 Correct & Incorrect Allocation Methods Application Room size is 14m X 28m Solution is to divide the room into two 14m X 14m rooms Using ULC S Table 5 (wall mounting) requires a 94 Candela strobe in a 15.2m X 15.2m room (One in each subdivided room) Two 60 Candela or four 30 Candela strobes can be substituted Please note that the two visible signal devices are located on opposite walls If they were located on the same wall and both were within the same field of view then synchronization would be required 14 m 28 m 14 m 14 m

64 Wall Mount Not Centered Application 7m X 5m Room Wall Appliance Not Centered In rooms with visible signal devices not centered on a wall, the effective intensity (candela) from one wall-mounted visible signal device shall be determined by maximum room size dimensions obtained either by measuring the distance to the furthest wall or by doubling the distance to the furthest adjacent wall, whichever is greater 7m 6m 5m One 60 Candela Two 30 Candela Four 15 Candela In this scenario, the greater distance is obtained by doubling the distance to the farthest adjacent wall (6m x 2 = 12m) In table 5, a 12m X 12m room requires a 60 candela strobe.

65 Wall Mount Not Centered The Intent 7m 6 m 5m 12m 6 m 12m Since we cannot centre the appliance, we create an imaginary room size to centre the device (12m x 12m) Then we select the appropriate strobe intensity to cover those dimensions - ensure full room area coverage

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67 CEILING MOUNTED

68 Room Spacing for Ceiling Mounted Visible Devices CAN/ULC-S (Table 6) Maximum Area Size Maximum Mounting Height One Strobe Light (Rated Candela) 6.10 X X X x X X X x X X X x

69 Ceiling mounted strobes have a different polar distribution than wall mounted versions. The strobe s reflector has to be designed to disperse the light 180 degrees. Most Manufacturers now offer separate models for ceiling mounted applications. 180 Degrees Distribution

70 Ceiling Mounted Example Application 9.14 X meter Ceiling Height Ceiling Appliance Centered ULC-S Ceiling Mount Table 6 requires a 30 Candela Strobe for room size 9.14m X 9.14m At 6m ceiling height, a 45 Candela is required At 9m ceiling height, a 75 Candela is required Please refer to Table 6 Ceiling Height Data 9.14 m 9.14 m 30 Candela 3m height

71 Ceiling Mounted Not Centered Application 9m X 4.5m 3 meter Ceiling Height Ceiling Appliance Not Centered We have a 7m distance from device to the furthest wall - Doubling the distance gives us 14m. The next closest room size is 15.2m X 15.2m. The table shows that a 95 candela strobe is required 9 m 7m 4.5 m One 95 or 2 60 Candela Strobes can be used Where the ceilingmounted visible signal device is not located at the centre of the room, the effective intensity (candela) shall be determined by doubling the distance from the device to the farthest wall to obtain the maximum room size.

72 Visible Signals Agenda 1. Physics 2. Installation Considerations 3. Application Specific Engineering 4. Technician Perspective

73 Compatibility Most people in the fire industry are aware devices like smoke detectors are required to be compatible with the Fire Alarm Panel but now we must ensure the signaling devices are as well. Each manufacturer has a unique sync protocol.

74 Compatibility So what if? What if you install a new sync type horn/strobe on a non sync circuit? In most cases the devices are designed to work, but not always!! At least once when I tested a horn/strobe the horn did not operate.

75 Compatibility So what if? What if you install a horn/strobe on a different manufacturers sync module or protocol? It may work but probably won t!!! I tested three different manufacturers devices on each others sync modules with the following results.

76 Compatibility Test Results (Note: this was a very unscientific test) Using Manufacturer A s Sync Module To Manufacturer B device - No Strobe or Horn sync To Manufacturer C device -Strobe sync but Horn no sync Using Manufacture B Sync Module To Manufacturer A device- No Strobe or Horn sync To Manufacturer C device- Strobe and Horn sync Using Manufacture C Sync Module To Manufacturer A device - Strobe Sync but no Horn sync To Manufacturer B device - No Strobe or Horn sync Note in almost all cases silencing the horn cct and keeping the strobe operational did not work.

77 Compatibility Conclusions Depending on the type of sync protocol, mixing devices from difference manufacturers may or may not work. Odds are they won t work!!

78 APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS When designing systems requiring strobes, you need to consider the following Current draws NAC output Additional Power Supplies Larger batteries Appropriate wire sizes Synchronization if two or more are in the field of view

79 Strobe Current Requirements Traditional signaling devices such bells and horns require relatively small amount of current compared to strobe. A typical bell is 20 ma vs. a 75 cd strobe at 190 ma. Manufacturers offer strobe products with multi-candela settings. Before installation please confirm current draws for selected products. This can made a big difference! A 15 cd strobe may only require 60ma but a 110 cd can require 220 ma. When designing or installing a system check the maximum current specification of the control equipment. Anticipate the requirement for additional Power Supply Boosters.

80 Strobe Current Requirements Example A system requires 14 strobes set at 75 cd. The strobe selected at this setting requires.19 amps. The alarm current required is.19 x 14 = 2.66 amps. Note: Most panels on the market today have NAC circuits with a max between 1.5 and 2 amps. Therefore at least two circuits will be required. If we use 2 NAC circuits each circuit would have a load of 1.33 meaning that number 12 or 14 gauge wire will be required, depending on the distance required.

81 Voltage Drops All wire has internal resistance. Distance will reduce the voltage available to power the appliance. All appliances have a minimum voltage rating that will affect their operation. (Stop functioning) System designers need to look at how distance, wire size and battery will affect the operation of the appliance. (This should include their minimum operating voltage.)

82 Voltage Drops Batteries should be sized to meet the appliance s minimum voltage. In other words; making sure the battery will deliver the appropriate number of amps down to its end voltage. (Example: Appliance has a minimum operating voltage of 18 volts: In this case the battery should be sized to deliver the appropriate number of amps before its voltage drops to 18 volts. (The battery s voltage decreases during discharge.)

83 (Audible & Visual Signals) Wiring Chart Total Signal Load Maximum Wiring Run To Last Device (ELR) Max Loop Resistance 18 AWG 16 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG Amps ft m ft m ft m ft m Ohms Maximum voltage drop should not exceed 1.8 volts and this table assumes total load at end of line

84 Verification Requirements So what are we required to do for strobes? Do we measure the output with a meter to ensure that it meets Building code requirements?

85 Strobe Verification Requirements Currently we are required to do the following Inspect and test each device to correct field terminations and wire size. Test for operation, supervision and ensure that it is clearly visible from all points throughout the area served by the device. Note: It is not required to make any test measurements using a meter. Test the device at the electrically furthest point of each circuit to ensure it receives the rated power (voltage) as per the manufacturer s specifications.

86 Strobe Verification Requirements Ensure the strobe is compatible with the control panel or the sync module. Ensure that the device is correctly located and its output settings match the engineering design for the area. This requires the tech to have a copy of the approved drawings with the correct candela settings indicated.

87 Visible Signals Agenda 1. Physics 2. Installation Considerations 3. Application Specific Engineering 4. Technician Perspective

88 Helping to provide a brighter future. Improving Life Safety Through Education