Are you qualified to design, install and test fire alarm systems? Do you believe your qualifications to design and install a fire alarm system add to your reputation as a professional?

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, states that the purpose of fire alarm and signaling systems is to primarily to provide notification of alarm, supervisory and trouble conditions; to alert the occupants; to summon aid; and to control emergency control functions. To the extent you can ensure the fire alarm systems you design, install and test provide all the functions listed reliably, you will establish a reputation for doing a good job. You will also build confidence with those with whom you interact, such as the building owner and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

I have simplified the outline above because it should be obvious you cannot simply pick up a set of tools and install a fire alarm system without some knowledge of the code and equipment installation techniques. The same statement can be made with regards to designing a system—you can’t expect to be proficient in fire alarm system design simply because you know how to operate AutoCAD.

Establishing confidence and a good reputation with the owner is important for obvious business reasons, especially if you want to do additional work for them. However, doing the same with the AHJ can make acceptance of your system installation a pleasant, rather than adversarial, experience.

The best way to develop a good reputation with an AHJ is to begin your communication with them early. Start by meeting to discuss the design (even if you are not the original designer) and then review your installation plan. Find out early if there are any issues with the design and ask when they expect you to call for inspections. For example, do they want to inspect after the rough wiring is complete, or will they wait until system completion to perform their acceptance test?

NFPA 72 Chapter 7 requires you submit documentation to the AHJ with a minimum of the following:

“(1) Written narrative providing intent and system description

(2) Riser diagram

(3) Floor plan layout showing locations of all devices, control equipment, and supervising station and shared communications equipment with each sheet showing the

following:

• (a) Point of compass (north arrow)
• (b) A graphic representation of the scale used
• (c) Room use identification

(d) Building features that will affect the placement of initiating devices and notification appliances

(4) Sequence of operation in either an input/output matrix or narrative form

(5) Equipment technical data sheets

(6) Manufacturers’ published instructions, including operation and maintenance instructions

(7) Battery capacity and safety margin calculations (where batteries are provided)

(8) Voltage drop calculations for notification appliance circuits

(9) Mounting height elevation for wall-mounted devices and appliances

(10) Where occupant notification is required, minimum sound pressure levels that must be produced by the audible notification appliances in applicable covered areas

(11) Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visual alarm notification appliances”

With respect to No. 1 above, the purpose for a written narrative is to provide a description of the work to be performed. Section 23.3.3.1 requires more information regarding protected premises systems that serve the alarm and signaling needs of a building and should be reviewed before meeting with the AHJ.

With respect to No. 10 above, you need to establish how the AHJ will test for audibility and whether you will be providing the test equipment, or whether they will use their own meters. You should always submit drawings with the audibility measurements shown before calling for the acceptance tests. This does two things: first, the AHJ will be impressed that you understand the importance of audibility, and second, they will likely only spot-check your numbers during the acceptance test, thus making the test more efficient.

Good communication begins when you plan the installation and establish your first meeting with the AHJ, and you need to continue to communicate during the installation to give the AHJ a heads-up as to the completion date. If the AHJ has several buildings on their list for acceptance tests at the same time you expect to complete your installation, you may move to the top of the list based on their perception of you getting everything ready on-time and truly complete when you call for your acceptance test. 

Establishing a good reputation with the AHJ is also good for business. AHJs see all the proposed projects for their jurisdiction, and very often the owner or architect will ask for contractor recommendations. If the AHJ has had a good experience on your projects—meaning you knew the code, you were always ready for the acceptance tests and you always had pretested your systems to ensure the AHJ’s time was not wasted—they will make sure you are No. 1 on their list of recommendations, along with extra comments on your professionalism. How do you value your reputation?