Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

CODE SNIPPET

Section 907 of both the Fire Code and the Building Code covers the
installation of fire alarm systems. First of all, the term "fire alarm" is
different from the old code terminology. Always best to start in the
definitions with this new code. The new definition is:

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a combination system consisting of
components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire
alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the
appropriate response to those signals.

In other words, a fire alarm system includes the detectors, pull stations,
horns and strobes.

Part 907 is quite clear in what documents are required to be submitted to
code officials when a fire alarm system is proposed:

§F907
FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

§F907.1 General. This section covers the application, installation,
performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components.....

§F907.1.1 Construction documents. Construction documents for fire alarm
systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system
installation.

Construction documents shall include, but not be limited to, all of the
following:
1. A floor plan.
2. Locations of alarm-initiating and notification appliances.
3. Alarm control and trouble signaling equipment.
4. Annunciation.
5. Power connection.
6. Battery calculations.
7. Conductor type and sizes.
8. Voltage drop calculations.
9. Manufacturers, model numbers and listing information for equipment,
devices and materials.
10. Details of ceiling height and construction.
11. The interface of fire safety control functions.

And, of course, the old standby:

§F907.1.2 Equipment. Systems and their components shall be listed and
approved for the purpose for which they are installed.

It's easy to miss this one since it's buried in the middle of both the Fire
Code and the Building Code.

Richard Thomson
Regional Representative
Codes Division

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526