In the June issue of Electrical Contractor, Jared Christman’s article, “A Little Help From My Friends,” reminded me of the coordination it takes to provide and install a fire alarm system. Remember, the fire alarm system is one of the last to be installed and brought online. Until it is finished and acceptance-tested with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), the building will not open. If the building does not open on time, the owner starts to lose money and the use of their building and your reputation diminishes.

Not having all the equipment necessary to complete the system on-site creates the first delay. Not knowing the lead time for the various parts of the fire alarm system can cause a major issue. Typically, the fire alarm control unit (FACU) has the longest lead time. However, until you order the equipment, you won’t know which piece will take the longest to arrive. There are occasions when parts for devices such as smoke detectors will have a long lead item. Waiting to order this equipment until the last minute could put you in jeopardy of not receiving the building occupancy permit.

Christman spoke of the real estate needed to mount the control equipment. That certainly applies here. You will have the FACU and possibly a separate battery cabinet and addressable control relays all needing to be installed in one location, typically in the electric room. 

This is often more real estate than was planned for the system. If remote power supplies are needed for the system, additional real estate around the building may be necessary. Clearance and access to all this equipment are important for future maintenance.

Good relationships matter

I have always recommended that you establish a good relationship with your fire equipment supplier to ensure you will be on the list of important customers. A good supplier may even put your entire order on hold in their warehouse as a service to you, for release when you need it. A good relationship with your supplier creates a strategic partner mentality and can only benefit you. Trying to shop around for the least expensive equipment will never represent the lowest cost.

A good supplier will also offer training for your technicians to understand the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and the equipment installation techniques. By standardizing using one manufacturer, you will have more efficient installation times due to that training.

By establishing a strong collaboration partnership with your fire equipment supplier, you will be less reactive to problem situations. For example, although you may receive the equipment on time, you may not get a system programmer when needed. If the supplier has other large projects to program at the same time as yours comes online and needs a programmer, you may lose out unless you have a good working relationship with that supplier. A good relationship will also make it easier for them to plan their orders and deliveries.

Becoming an adviser

Your goal with the customer is to become the trusted adviser for all their electrical and fire alarm system needs. Representing a small dollar amount compared to your overall price to the owner can be the one hiccup the owner remembers when the building opening is delayed. Having a good relationship with your supplier will lessen the concern when discussing electrical needs with the owner. 

Having the supplier as your trusted adviser means you can use their capabilities and knowledge to upsell or redesign the fire alarm system. When the specifications do not meet the requirements of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, you will have the confidence to discuss this issue with the system specifier. This relationship also allows you to discuss any system redesign that is warranted to meet the owner’s fire protection goals, rather than the minimum system design required by the building or Life Safety Code. Coordinating your procurement efforts with your field team is made easier if, well before construction starts, you have the equipment (backboxes, etc.) ready for them so the rough wiring installation is more efficient. 

And finally, coordinating your fire alarm system installation with the other trades well before construction starts will greatly improve the chances that the acceptance tests of the fire alarm system, with all emergency control function interfaces operating as required, pass inspection by the AHJ. 

If you use your fire alarm equipment supplier wisely, you can become the strategic partner your customer needs.

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