Electical Contractor

I often find contractors misunderstand the installation and application requirements of the codes and standards they are required to follow when performing fire alarm system installations.

Conducting a fire alarm system acceptance test in front of a fire official can prove daunting, even when the system passes muster. But doing any form of fire alarm system testing without having the proper tools is downright foolish.

Today, casinos are being built nationwide—this construction is not limited to locales in Nevada and New Jersey. However, we still follow fire and building code requirements that were radically changed by deadly fires in Las Vegas casinos close to 30 years ago.

The very nature of design/build projects requires you to participate in the design process. You may even feel comfortable with assisting in this process. However, these types of projects come with increased responsibility. With most design/build projects, the owner will ask you for your opinion.

How could maintaining a fire alarm system in a government building possibly be different than a private commercial building? It may not seem obvious, but attempting to maintain a fire alarm system in a government building brings many unique issues into focus.

The 2010 edition of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code has three new chapters, one of which, Chapter 21, is devoted to emergency control functions and interfaces.

Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell, Northford, Conn., has released its 2010 training schedule comprising 100 accredited educational sessions taking place throughout the United States. Its traditional two- and three-day courses covering fire alarm basics to hands-on installation and programming are free.

Fire protection and security, including mass notification, access control and surveillance, are natural candidates for systems that should be converged.

Most contractors install strobe lights to comply with the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code by simply using a combination audible-visible appliance everywhere one or the other is shown on the plans.