This self-paced online course covers the authorities that will issue requirements that may impact fire alarm system design. It also discusses basic power and electrical requirements for fire alarm systems.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain the function of the Insurance Services Office
• Explain why jurisdictional requirements exist
• List the organizations that may have an impact on fire alarm system design
• Define key terms like Authority Having Jurisdiction, approve, and highly protected risk
• Explain the purpose of a fire alarm system specification
• Explain the purpose of the National Electrical Code
• Explain the importance of Article 760 of the National Electrical Code
• Explain primary and secondary power supplies for fire alarm systems
• Explain the basic requirements for batteries as part of the fire alarm system

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• Although the two items discussed in this module are not directly related, they are both extremely important issues.
• Fire alarm systems are required in certain occupancies by some specific code, such as a Building Code, but an Authority Having Jurisdiction may ultimately decide the extent of a system's installation. Technically, there are two types of AHJ: those with the power of the law, like fire marshals and building officials, and those with the power of economics, such as insurance companies.
• Those with the power of law can stop an operation, and those with the power of the economy can make it difficult to operate. If an insurance company cancels the policy, it will be very risky for that company to operate, as their exposure to loss is not 'covered.'
• Fire alarm system power supply requirements are found in two places: NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code. The electrical design requirements for the operation and construction of the power supply are contained in the NEC. The arrangement of the power supply is found in NFPA 72.
• Basically, the power supply to the fire alarm system must be dedicated to the fire alarm system. Primary and secondary power supplies are required for all fire alarm systems, and both must have the capacity to supply the fire alarm system independent of the other. The secondary power supply has to power the system for a defined period of time and has specific requirements for its arrangement.