METHOD STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM

METHOD STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM 

A method statement is a document that describes how to do a task safely. You can think of a method statement like a set of instructions or a plan for the work. Method statements are also known as safe systems of work, safe work method statements or SWMS for short. This method statement details the method of installation of Public Address System. IS 1882 (1993) can help us to understand as per Indian board. We analyse with two points 1. Installation & 2. Testing & Commissioning.

INSTALLATION

1. Material under PAS

1.1 All materials shall be as per approved material submittals.

1.2 Type of cable shall be as per approved shop drawings / system manufacturer’s recommendation.

1.3 Type of Speakers shall be as per approved shop drawing / system manufacturer’s recommendation.

1.4 Type of Amplifier / Controller shall be as per approved shop drawing / system manufacturer’s recommendation

2. Applicable Location

2.1 Indoor or outdoor open or closed Public Areas, Meeting rooms, Lobby, Workstations, Rest Room, Exit staircase etc.

2.2 Need to check direction or velocity of wind / Air flow, trees at boundary, ambient noise level at different place.

3. Storage of Product

3.1 All materials received at site shall be inspected and ensured against approved material submittal.

3.2 Any discrepancies, damages etc. shall be notified immediately for further action.

3.3 Material found not suitable for the project are to be removed from site immediately.

3.4 Speaker cables shall be stored with the factory packing on the flat surface.

3.5 Materials shall be stacked properly as per manufacturer’s recommendation and covered to prevent dust and water / moisture.

3.6 Public Address Equipment to be stored as per manufactures recommendation mentioned / marked in the packing.

3.7 Ambient condition of the storage place to be as per manufacturer’s recommendation.

4. Installation of Speaker Cable

4.1 Ensure the relevant current / approved shop drawings are available with installation team.
4.2 Transfer the cable to the work place with the help manpower..
4.3 Check the cable drum for any external damage during transportation and ensure the type of cable against area of usage / application.
4.4 Type of the cable is as per approved shop drawings.
4.5 In concealed application pull Speaker cable manually through conduit installed as per approved shop drawings and approved method statements.
4.6 Leave enough length of cable at both ends of panel and devices for termination.
4.7 No through joints is allowed without the sanction of the Consultants.

5. Public Address Equipment’s

5.1 Ensure the relevant current / approved shop drawings are available with installation team.

5.2 Transfer the equipment to the work place with the help of manpower.

5.3 Location of the panel to be as per approved shop drawing after coordinating with other services.

5.4 Fixing holes will be marked properly keeping back box of the panel in place.

5.5 Fix back box properly and fix remaining panel accessories.

6. Installation of SPEAKERS

6.1 Ensure the relevant current / approved shop drawings are available with installation team.

6.2 Exact location of the device to be as per approved reflected ceiling plan for surface / recessed installation

6.3 For the Speakers, which needs to be fixed on the false ceiling, fix junction box of the camera above false ceiling.

6.4 Install the Speakers and terminate the cable properly.

7. Records

7.1 Fill QC Installation Check List duly signed-off by Site in Charge / Consultant
7.2 Inspection request duly signed-off by Sight in Charge / Consultant.

Testing and commissioning

8. Method

Find / connect the manufacturer representative’s detailed method statement and test formats for testing and commissioning of Public Address System covering the mechanical checks, switching ON the unit. Must be calculate speaker load and amplifier load before switching ON the unit and Programming and testing.

The whole system will be commissioned and certified by the manufacturer’s representative or certified persons before handing over.

9. Records

9.1 Commissioning procedure with test results should attached
9.2 Inspection request duly signed-off by Consultant should attached
9.3 Certification of installation by manufacturer’s authorised / certified representative.

10. Attachment

10.1 Manufacturer’s representative method statement detailing the pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures, including test formats.
10.2 Escalation matrix or after sales service complete Name with number.
10.3 User Manual with Does and doesn’t instruction.

General installation considerations

·        DO NOT run microphone cables near mains, data, telephone or 100V line cables

·        DO NOT exceed 90% of the amplifiers output power when using 100V line (speech only)

·        DO NOT exceed 70% of the amplifiers output power when using 100V line (high level background music only)

·        DO NOT use re-entrant horn loudspeakers for background music unless the loudspeaker has been specifically designed for this purpose

·        AVOID jointing the microphone cable, when this is unavoidable make sure a good screened connector is used, e.g. XLR

·        ALWAYS use a balanced or floating low impedance microphone terminating into a balanced input on long microphone cable runs

·        ENSURE that all loudspeakers are in-phase

·        ENSURE that there are no short circuits on the loudspeaker line before connection ot the amplifier

·        You must NEVER mix 100V line and low impedance speakers on the same system.

 

Fire Alarm Log Books

Fire Alarm Log Books

Fire Log Books are a great way to ensure that managers of buildings meet the requirements of Health & Safety and Fire Safety regulation.

The new Fire Log Books which are on the market offer a basic guide for company management and in conjunction with guidelines laid down in the Fire management Plan are aimed at reducing the risk of fire in the workplace.

Within the Fire Log Book are various sections detailing measures which should be taken reduce the fire risk in a workplace.  These sections are as follows:-

·       Frequency of Tests required for Fire Alarm & Detection Systems, Emergency Lighting, Fire Equipment, Hose Reels, Fire Exit Doors, Sprinklers, Fire Training and Means of Escape, Fire Signage & Notices.

·       The requirements for Portable Fire Equipment including Fire Extinguishers & Hose Reels. The fire log book includes a section to list the locations of the equipment and a log the weekly checks of the equipment and any faults found.

·       The requirements for the Fire Alarm & Detection System Equipment including a section for recording the location of call points to be tested on the weekly test and a log section for recording the Fire Alarm & Detection equipment test records.

·       The requirements for the Means of Escape from the building including fire signage and notices.  Including a monthly inspection log of the escape routes, fire doors and fire exit doors.

·       A log for Fire Safety Training where the fire training record carried out can be recorded and dated.

·       A section for recording Fire Safety Evacuation Drills including the date of the drill, type of drill, evacuation time, person / department receiving drill and any observations made by the drill instructor.

·       A section detailing the test records for the Emergency Lighting system including a section to record faults and action which is needed to rectify the faults.

·       A section to record electrical installation and equipment inspections.

·       A final section showing a blank company hot work permit to be completed whenever hot work is carried out.

Key point of Fire Alarm / Building Inspection Log Book

·        Fire Alarm Daily Entries

·        Central Station On/Off Line Log

·        Activated Alarm Entries

·        Notification Entries

·        Fire Alarm Events/Tests

·        Elevator Testing Instructions

·        Monthly Elevator Testing Login

·        Exit Lights, Signs & Fire Extinguishers

·        Monthly Generator Log

·        Smoke Control Systems

·        Smoke and Heat Vents

·        Annual Component Inspections

·        Annual Inspections

·        Defect Log

·        NFPA Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

·        Semi-Annual Inspections:

    ·        Manual Pull Stations

    ·        Public Address System

    ·        Alarm/Strobe Signal

    ·        Floor Warden Phones

    ·        Fail-Safe Release

·        Annual Inspections:

    ·        Arm Bands and Vests

    ·        Photoluminescent Signs

Combination Fire Safety / EAP Log Book

·        Daily Fire Safety/EAP Director Log

·        Drills & Training

·        Emergency Action Plan – Related Events

·        Drills & Training Sessions

·        Fire Safety / Emergency Action Plan Onsite Practical

·        Test & Plan Reviews & Amendments

·        Voluntary EAP Full Building Evacuation Drills

·        Fire Protection System Contractors

·        Reference Material

Sprinkler and Standpipe Inspection Record Book

·        Weekly & Monthly Fire Pump Testing

·        Annual Fire Pump Testing

·        Water Storage Tank

·        Monthly Sprinkler Inspection Record

·        Monthly Standpipe Inspection Record

·        Sprinkler and Standpipe Deficiencies Record

·        Standpipe 3 and 5 year Tests

·        National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Inspections, Testing and Maintenance

Fire Safety Plan Log Book

·        Daily Fire Safety Director Log

·        Fire Safety and Evacuation Drills

·        Fire Safety and Evacuation Training

·        Fire Safety Plan Onsite Practical Test

·        Fire Safety Plan Reviews & Amendments

·        Fire Protection System Contractors

·        Reference Materials

After Hours Fire Guard Log Book

·        Log Book Inspection Report and Notification

·        After-Hours Fire Guard Checklist

·        Standpipe, Exits, Trash Accumulation

·        Fire Extinguishers, Ignition Sources

·        Sidewalk Sheds

·        Contraband, Shanty Inspections

·        Fire Alarm Stations, Sprinkler System

Homeless Shelter Drills & Training Record

·        Daily Coordinator Fire Safety / Alarm Systems Log

·        Homeless Shelter Drills – Fire & Emergency

·        Preparedness (FEP) Staff Training – Emergency

·        Preparedness Plan Reviews & Amendments

Smoke Detector Maintenance Record

·        Semi Annual Smoke Detector Cleaning

·        Annual Sensitivity Test Records

·        Smoke Detector Repair or Replacement Records

Without a fire alarm system that has been properly designed, installed, upgraded, and in working order, your occupants may have far less time to evacuate during an emergency and may be at a much higher risk of injury. SSA Integrate is that partner. Whether you’re planning a retrofit, or new construction, our expert engineers can help. We assist engineers, architects, contractors, and building owners in creating design packages that meet regulatory requirements, leverage the latest technology, and are as cost-effective as possible.

Fire Alarm System Design, Installation & Upgrade Programs We Offer:

·        Complete Design Drawings, Including Specifications and Calculations

·        Professional Engineering Review

·        AHJ Filing Services

·        Project Management

·        System Commissioning

·        Witness Acceptance Testing

·        System Upgrades

·        System Monitoring / System Maintenance  

We offer equipment from today’s leading manufacturers, including:

·        Edwards

·        Autronica

·        GST

·        Cooper

·        BOSCH

·        Apollo

·        Ravel

·        ESSER

·        Notifier

·        Morley IAS

·        Cerberus Pyrotronics

 

T-Tapping in Fire Loop Line

 T-Tapping in Fire Loop Line

A fire alarm “T-Tap” is merely a parallel tap into the loop. The reason T-Tap wiring is allowed is because communications are being supervised to the device level. T-Tapping the different legs of the SLC provide multiple communications paths of the field devices and control equipment.
The answer to the question of how many T-Taps is allowed --- is "It Depends". It depends on the manufacturer and it depends on how easy the installer wants to make the system for the technician when servicing the system for the coming years. On a conventional system “T-Tap” not working.

Style 4 wiring (somewhat similar to Class B wiring), which is the data-loop or signaling line circuit (SLC), allows an unlimited number of T-Taps, at least for most manufacturers. Signaling Line Circuit (SLC), carries signals in the form of data between the panel and the input and output devices. Canada calls "Class B Level 1" "Data Communications Link (DCL) Style B". Someone called Initiating Device Circuit (IDC), its carries signals from the input devices to the panel.

Field Devices Connected to an SLC/DCL/IDC.

Input

·        Smoke Detectors

·        Heat Detectors

·        Combination Smoke/Heat Detectors

·        Pull Stations

·        Alarm and Supervisory Input Modules

Output

·        Control Relays

·        NAC Riser Modules

o   24 VDC Audible

o   24 VDC Visible

o   24 VDC Combination Audible/Visible

o   Audio for Speakers (Direct Current (DC) blocking capacitor allows 70.7 VAC 200-20KHz through) independent of other audio.

o   Firefighter’s Phone

Every device on a Signaling Line Circuit is a T-Tap for the Panel.

 
Long Star-Taps

Most fire alarm systems that use Style 4 wiring for the SLC are electronically connecting every device directly to the terminals of the fire alarm panel. Being wire nutted at all junctions, electrically the wire loop is a single pair of copper conductors. 

For all practical purposes, all devices on the loop are connected directly to the panel, and the panel can't tell the difference between home runs to each device and a single daisy chain. 

Yes, the installed wiring may daisy chain to 75 devices in a straight line, but electrically, every last one of them is connected directly to the terminals of the fire alarm panel. 

For these types of systems, the wires can be thought of as having a long star-tap. 

Later Servicing the System

The real concern with the T-Taps is with the later servicing of the system. When trying to find a ground fault or bad device. A limited number of T-Taps makes it easy to divide up the system. 
Not enough T-Taps and the technician has to guess where the wires run through the building. Too many T-Taps and the technician has to pull a lot of T-Taps apart to get an idea of where to find the faulty device or wiring. 

Manufacturer's T-Tap Limit

The manufacturers that limit the number of T-Taps have an input side and an output side to each device on the SLC. Here the panel itself is creating a map of the SLC wiring system. If there are too many t-taps, or if the ins and outs of the devices are not wired according to the installation sheets, the panel's created maps become useless for later servicing. 

How Many T-Taps

When trying to determine how many T-Taps are allowed, consult the manufacturer' installation sheets, and then decide on how easy the servicing of the system should be in the coming years.

If you still aren't sure how you manage your building / establishment loop line, feel free to get in touch with one of our experts via ssaintegrate@gmail.com. Before selecting vendor / installer check and verify they are authorized or not to execute your Fire Detection & Alarm system work. Its mandatory Fire Detection & Alarm System (Edwards, ESSER, Notifier, Autronica, Cooper, BOSCH & GST etc) commissioned by certified professional.