Surviving Survivability A User s Guide to Survivable Fire Alarm Circuits Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018

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Surviving Survivability A User s Guide to Survivable Fire Alarm Circuits Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018 Automatic FireAlarm Association SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY - A USER S GUIDE TO Larry D.

1 Surviving Survivability A User s Guide to Survivable Fire Alarm Circuits Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018 Automatic FireAlarm Association SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY - A USER S GUIDE TO Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018 Content is Copyright 2018 Jensen Hughes, Inc. All Rights Reserved PRESENTATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES What is the Code history of circuit survivability? What effect does product listing have on survivable cable? What fire alarm circuits must be survivable and how can this be accomplished? How can a designer provide and an AHJ approve a survivable cable installation? NFPA and NFPA 72 are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA documents are copyrighted by the NFPA. 3 1

Disclaimer Portions of this program are reprinted from NFPA 72 2016, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, Copyright 2015, National Fire Protection, Quincy, MA and other

This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.

This presentation does not reflect the official position of the National Fire Protection Association.

2 Disclaimer Portions of this program are reprinted from NFPA , National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, Copyright 2015, National Fire Protection, Quincy, MA and other previous editions of NFPA 72. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety. NFPA 72 is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA This presentation does not reflect the official position of the National Fire Protection Association. The content, opinions, and conclusions contained in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of Underwriters Laboratories. UL makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC 2017 All Rights Reserved. 4 SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY OF CIRCUIT SURVIVABILITY 5 Survivability is NOT new! 1993 National Fire Alarm Code 6 2

3 1996 National Fire Alarm Code National Fire Alarm Code National Fire Alarm Code 9 3

4 2007 National Fire Alarm Code National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Most significant changes to circuit or pathway survivability 2 New Chapters: Chapter 12: Circuits and Pathways Chapter 24: Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 23 13 2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 EVACS Fire Alarm Systems 14 2010 National Fire Alarm

In-Building Wired ECS: Level 2 or 3 Two-way Radio Communications Enhancement: Level 2 or 3, except antennae (2016 moved to NFPA 1221) Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue

5 2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 EVACS Fire Alarm Systems National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 Requirements: In-Building MNS: Level 0 or greater per Risk Analysis Wide Area MNS: Level 0 or greater per Risk Analysis Two-way In-Building Wired ECS: Level 2 or 3 Two-way Radio Communications Enhancement: Level 2 or 3, except antennae (2016 moved to NFPA 1221) Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications: Level 2 or 3, except off-premises communications Elevator Emergency Communications: Level 0, 1, 2, or 3 Other ECS: Determined by Risk Analysis 15 5

6 2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 Further Requirements for Relocation or Partial Evac: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Only a few minor changes to the above noted language Chapter 23 section changed to only refer to tone fire alarm system, but the same conflict with Chapter 24 exists National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 12 and 23 remain basically unchanged regarding survivability. Chapter 24 makes some changes. 18 6

7 Important Definitions Pathway Survivability: The ability of any conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions. (NFPA ) Pathway Class: Classification of a circuit (pathway) based on performance characteristics. Code defines performance of Class A, B, C, D, E, N, and X. Redundant: A second, return, or alternate path; a backup. Mostly closely associated with Class A, N, and X pathways. 19 Important Definitions Evacuation Zone: A signaling zone. (Term is not used in NFPA and later) Signaling Zone: An area consisting of one or more notification zones where signals are actuated simultaneously. (NFPA ) Notification Zone: A discrete area of a building, bounded by building outer walls, fire or smoke compartment boundaries, floor separations, or other fire safety sub-divisions, in which occupants are intended to receive common notification. (NFPA ) 20 Important Definitions Evacuation: The withdrawal of occupants from a building. (NFPA ) Partial Evacuation: The partial withdrawal of occupants from a building (usually by floor, smoke zone, or area). Relocation: The movement of occupants from a fire zone to a safe area within the same building. (NFPA ) 21 7

Important Definitions Raceway: An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables or busbars.

8 Important Definitions Raceway: An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables or busbars. (NEC) Cable: An assembly of one or more wires running side by side, which is used to carry electric current. Cable System / Electrical Circuit Protective System(s): An electrical circuit integrity system consisting of components and materials intended for installation as protection for specific electrical wiring systems, with respect to the disruption of electrical circuit integrity upon exterior fire exposure. (UL) 22 SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY OF SURVIVABLE CABLE 23 Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable is listed to ANSI/UL 2196 Standard for Tests for Fire Resistive Cables Standard was issued on May 11, 2001 with Revisions issued: March 25, 2004 December 7, 2006 March 30, 2012 Referenced Standards: UL 1424 Standard for Cables for Power-Limited Fire-Alarm Circuits UL 1425 Standard for Cables for Non-Power-Limited Fire-Alarm Circuits UL 1724 Outline of Investigation for Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective Systems 24 8

Products fall into two categories: Fire-Resistive Cable (FHJR) Electric Circuit Integrity Systems (FHIT) Cable and System must survive a fire test of approximately 1,800 F (982 C) for 2 hours and a

25 26 12 September 2012 Northbrook, IL September 12, 2012 UL has recently conducted research on a wide array of current products and systems originally certified under UL 2196, Tests for Fire

9 Products fall into two categories: Fire-Resistive Cable (FHJR) Electric Circuit Integrity Systems (FHIT) Cable and System must survive a fire test of approximately 1,800 F (982 C) for 2 hours and a hose stream test, and still remain intact and the circuit operational. Depending on Listing, cable may be installed in free air or in conduit September 2012 Northbrook, IL September 12, 2012 UL has recently conducted research on a wide array of current products and systems originally certified under UL 2196, Tests for Fire Resistive Cables and ULC- S139, Standard Method of Fire Test for Evaluation of Integrity of Electrical Cables and determined that they no longer consistently achieve a two-hour fire-resistive rating when subjected to the standard Fire Endurance Test of UL2196 or ULC-S139. Consequently, UL and ULC will not be able to offer certification to the currently existing program related to these standards. As a result, manufacturers are no longer authorized to place the UL mark or ULC mark on the following products: UL Classified Fire Resistive Cable (FHJR) ULC Listed Fire Resistant Cable (FHJRC) UL Listed cable with -CI suffix (Circuit Integrity) Furthermore, UL has removed from its certification directory all Electrical Circuit Protective Systems (FHIT) constructed with Fire Resistive Cable. 27 9

This action left designers, contractors and AHJs with no cost effective way to meet the Code

Many struggled with: Performance-based Designs Building Construction Changes Use of alternate cables

Now Several products are listed for fire alarm CI use At least two different manufacturers Both

10 This action left designers, contractors and AHJs with no cost effective way to meet the Code requirements for survivability. Many struggled with: Performance-based Designs Building Construction Changes Use of alternate cables or systems, like Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable Diagram Courtesy NFPA Handbook 28 The Situation Now Several products are listed for fire alarm CI use At least two different manufacturers Both Conduit and Free Air models are available Cables are Listed with system components like conduit, enclosures, supports, pulling lubricant, etc. 29 Currently Listed Products as of 4/10/2018: 30 10

11 Fire-Resistive Cable Listing 31 System Installation Requirements 32 The Listing now results in a system that must be installed to exacting standards! 33 11

SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY SURVIVABILE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS 34 For Proper Fire Alarm Design, Need to Answer: What Circuits Need Survivability? Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components?

12 SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY SURVIVABILE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS 34 For Proper Fire Alarm Design, Need to Answer: What Circuits Need Survivability? Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? How Will Survivability be Achieved? FIRST? 35 Before anything, must need to know the Emergency Response Plan for the building! General Alarm? Selective Floor Evacuation? Relocation? Partial Evacuation? Selective Signaling? What other systems may require survivability and how will that survivability be achieved? 36 12

If survivable cable is needed, you need a

Riser Locations Smoke Zone Boundaries 37 What

Notification Appliance Circuits Loudspeaker

appliance circuits) Audible tone circuits

) Visual notification appliance circuits

13 If survivable cable is needed, you need a complete copy of the architectural drawings. Wall and Floor Ratings Electrical and Communication Room Wall Ratings Coordinated Riser Locations Smoke Zone Boundaries 37 What Circuits Need Survivability? Notification Appliance Circuits Loudspeaker circuits (audible textual notification appliance circuits) Audible tone circuits (horns, chimes, etc.) Visual notification appliance circuits (strobes, textual appliances, etc) 38 What Circuits Need Survivability? Network Circuit(s) or Remote Unit Communication When used to control/trigger remote control units, amplifiers, or power supplies

14 What Circuits Need Survivability? Network Circuit(s) and Fiber Optic Media Is there 2-hour fiber optic cable? 40 What Circuits Need Survivability? Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) When used to trigger remote NAC power supplies or booster power supplies. When used to for control modules that trigger circuits or amplifiers 41 What Circuits Need Survivability? Certain Riser Circuits Audio riser circuits. Dual / Multiple channel audio Fire Fighter Telephone (two-way emergency communications) 24VDC Power Circuits Sounder Base Power Circuits 42 14

Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components?

Unit until they enter the notification zone.

44 Termination Points Provide Through-Penetration

15 Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? Remember the Code requirement: Survivable from Control Unit until they enter the notification zone. Suggest cable/conduit extend at least 12 into/beyond the fire rated wall. 43 Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? For circuits feeding remote panels (network, audio risers, etc.), suggest continuing cable/conduit to the remote panel. 44 Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? Termination Points Provide Through-Penetration Firestop Systems (XHEZ) when passing through all fire rated floors and walls

72-2016 Handbook 46 Use of 2-Hour Rooms Use of 2-Hour Enclosures Other Equivalent Means

16 How Will Survivability be Achieved? Use of Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable Conduit System Free Air Diagram Courtesy NFPA Handbook 46 How Will Survivability be Achieved? Use of 2-Hour Rooms Use of 2-Hour Enclosures Other Equivalent Means Acceptable to the AHJ Diagram Courtesy NFPA Handbook 47 SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL OF SURVIVABLE CIRCUITS 48 16

DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL So how can you properly design a survivable cable system so that the AHJ can provide a review (at shop drawing level) and approval (at acceptance test)?

Chapter 12 contains your Pathway Survivability Levels, but does not dictate which ones must be used. Chapter 23 requires anyfire alarm system using partial evacuation or relocation to be survivable.

17 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL So how can you properly design a survivable cable system so that the AHJ can provide a review (at shop drawing level) and approval (at acceptance test)? 49 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Know the Code Understand Key Definitions, including Pathway Survivability, Pathway Class, Signaling Zone, and Notification Zone. Chapter 12 contains your Pathway Survivability Levels, but does not dictate which ones must be used. Chapter 23 requires anyfire alarm system using partial evacuation or relocation to be survivable. Chapter 24 contains the specific requirements ( WHEN ) survivability levels must be provided for EVACS and MNS. 50 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Know Your System Each Fire Alarm System is unique. Centralized amplifiers and power supplies vs. de-centralized (remote) equipment Networking communication schemes Peer-to-Peer, Master-Subordinate, etc. Programming requirements for selective signaling NAC control options and capacity Understand Effect on Calculations Wire gage requirements and effect on voltage drop #12AWG FPLP Resistance of ohms/1000 ft #12AWG CI Cable Resistance of ohms/1000 ft 51 17

DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Understand Your Options What advantages can the building construction provide for you?

Length of vertical runs can require extra installation requirements. Will cable splices be required?

Need to follow maximum allowable support spacing (usually 24 72 ) Is a performance-based alternative your best

52 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Explain Thoroughly Your Design How can you communicate with the installing contractor on

18 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Understand Your Options What advantages can the building construction provide for you? How long are your survivable cable or cable system runs? Length of vertical runs can require extra installation requirements. Will cable splices be required? Is free air cable an option? Need to follow maximum allowable support spacing (usually ) Is a performance-based alternative your best option? If so, how will you document that alternative? Cost? Fire Alarm Vendor vs. Installer? 52 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Explain Thoroughly Your Design How can you communicate with the installing contractor on the exact type of cable, conduit and support system installation requirements? Floor Plan Riser Installation Details Calculations Your design can help the AHJ! 53 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Inspect the Installation Cable Conduit / System Conduit or Cable Supports Fire Stopping Variations from Design Documents? 54 18

DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Help the AHJ to Understand The system s

Clearly explain the evacuation sequence.

drawing review and at acceptance testing. 55 QUESTIONS?

com For More Information Visit jensenhughes.

taken from, and in direct coordination with, information

19 DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL Help the AHJ to Understand The system s infrastructure. The system s dependencies. Clearly explain the evacuation sequence. Provide installation details that can be reviewed on shop drawing review and at acceptance testing. 55 QUESTIONS? Contact Larry D. Rietz, SET lrietz@jensenhughes.com For More Information Visit jensenhughes.com With grateful acknowledgement, much of this presentation was taken from, and in direct coordination with, information published by Wayne Moore. Wayne Moore wmoore@jensenhughes Warwick, RI Content is Copyright 2018 Jensen Hughes, Inc. All Rights Reserved 56 19

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