Fire Exit Door Alarm

Fire Exit Door Alarm 

Fire Exit Door Alarm has proven to be a highly effective way to deter personnel and visitors from making unauthorised exits or entry through emergency exit doors or fire exit door. This versatile exit alarm can serve as an extremely inexpensive security device and also deter theft. Arming delay allows unit to arm following authorized exits.

How It Works
If the protected door is opened, the Electronic Exit Alarm emits an ear piercing alarm. Once the door is closed, it can be programmed to automatically reset or continue sounding the alarm until manually reset.

In exit alarm mode, alarm can be set to sound for 30 seconds, 3 minutes or indefinitely (unless disarmed with key supplied or until battery is drained).

A variety of alarm duration and automatic reset features are available. A key operated override facility will silence the alarm and allow authorised exits.

It can be integrate with local addressable fire detection & alarm system to get info at BMS / FACP, if your programmer enable logic program then you able to operate Strobe / Hooter accordingly.

It can be integrate with local access control system.

Easy to install
The battery provided with the exit alarm should be inserted into alarm unit. This red octagonal unit is then easily attached on the inside of the exit door using the four screws supplied. The small, corresponding magnetised piece is then attached to the door frame. When the door is in the closed position, the alarm unit remains silent. However, when the door is opened and the contact broken, the alarm will sound, thus deterring any unauthorised door use.

Being red, it is highly visible. As such, it also acts as a visual deterrent as well as an actual deterrent once the alarm is activated (unit also available in green) This product also comes with a strobe light so it can be easily identified in low-light areas.

You may need one or both types of system on the different doors within your building. Hopefully, this post has provided you with the information you can use to determine if the current system use for fire exit door monitoring are adequately meeting those needs and are compliant with all the relevant codes. You can not use EM Lock in Fire Exit Door with Access Control System. Panic bar is mostly use to protect unauthorized entry / exit.  If you’re not sure, SSA Integrate can help. We have Certified Access Control & fire experts that can help you determine the best solution to meet your security needs while keeping you compliant with all the relevant codes. Contact SSA Integrate today to learn more.

Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

 Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

What is a Two-Way Communication System?

A two-way communication system is a means of communication between a constantly attended support staff and building occupants unable to exit the building via the stairs due to injury or disability.  In short, two-way communication systems have two key components; a master station (typically installed in the fire command center or other approved location) and Call Boxes required to be provided at the landing of each elevator on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  These areas provided with two-way communication systems are known as Areas of Refuge.  An area of refuge is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Occupants can wait there until rescued or relieved by firefighters or first responders. 

Just like it sounds, a two-way communication system allows stranded occupants to talk back and forth with trained personnel at said attended location.

Note:  When you come across the term one-way voice communication system, this is reference to a PA (public address) or fire alarm emergency voice/alarm communication system.  The term one-way means exactly that, the operator of the microphone can only communicate out.  There is no means for the intended listeners to communication back.

What Codes and Standards are Two-Way Communication Systems Noted in?

Two-Way Communication Systems are covered in a few different documents as broken down below:

·                  NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 7.2.12 - 7.2.12.3.6

·                  NFPA 72 2016 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) Sections 24.10.1 - 24.10.8, 24.13.4 and it's noteworthy to mention sections 10.6.9.1, 10.6.9.1.1, and 10.6.7.2.1 for "Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies" 24.3.13.9.1, 12.4.3, and 12.4.4 for cable and survivability requirements.  Lastly Table 14.3.1 #25 for testing requirements.  

·                                      Important Note, NFPA 72 is NOT actually a code.

·                  International Building Code 2015 Sections 1009.6.5, 1009.8, 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2, 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11, and 403.5.3.1

·                  IBC 2015 Section 3008 under "Occupant Evacuation Elevators"

·                  ICC A 117.1 This applies to the visual characters for Directions and Signage

The International Building Code (IBC) now requires a two-way communication system in all new construction regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.  Also, significant remodels or change of use of a building may require Areas of Refuge.  See the code adoption map below to see if your State is up to date!

Where to Start when Designing a Two-Way Communication System for Areas of Refuge.

Remember, CODES tell you when you have to install two-way communication systems and STANDARDS tell you how to install them.  This is important as it makes it easy to navigate to the appropriate document when you need information on either.  Example, if you need to know what height the call boxes are required to be mounted at, you are going to turn to the Standard (NFPA 72).  If you want to know what levels of a building require call boxes, you are going to turn to the Code (NFPA 101 or IBC). 

Two-Way Communication and the International Building Code 2015

Areas of Refuge are required to be provided with an approved two-way communication system complying with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.  These two sections cover "system requirements" and "Directions".

As noted above in the introduction, two way communication system call boxes are required to be provided at each elevator landing on each accessible floor that is more than one stories above or below the level of exit discharge. 

Of course there are exclusions to this code.  See below:

1.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5

2.                two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.

3.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.

4.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving only freight elevators.

5.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.

Two-Way Requirements

This is a big one that always come up.  Two-way communication systems are required to communicate between the required call boxes and master station installed in the fire command center or approved location.  If the master panel location is NOT constantly attended, the two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability.  The master station shall dial out to a monitoring location or 9-1-1,  Also note the two-way communication system shall have BOTH audible and visual signals.

Directions and Signage for Two-Way Communication

It is a requirement to provide directions on how to operate the two-way communication system.   These directions shall be placed adjacent to the two-way communication system and the signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 requirements for visual characters.  

Signage is obviously important for Areas of Refuge locations and shall be provided as follows:

1.  Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sin stating:  AREA OF REFUGE.

2.      Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:  EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.

3.      Signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility.  Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated.  All doors used for Areas of Refuge and Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue shall have signage with visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A 117.1.

Directional Signage

In addition to the signage noted above, directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1.                Exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress

2.                Elevator landings

3.                at Areas of Refuge

Instructions

In Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue and Areas of Refuge, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.  Again all signage shall comply with ICC A 117.1 and shall include the following:  

1.      "Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others."

2.      Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

3.      Directions for the use of the two-way communication system where provided.  This goes along with the "Directions" noted above.

International Building Code "Stairway Communication System"

If the stairway doors are locked, not less than every fifth floor shall be equipped with a telephone or two-way communication system connected to an approved constantly attended station.

What does NFPA 101 Have to Say About Two-Way Communication?

NFPA 101 (The Life Safety Code) basically covers the same requirements as found in the 2015 International Building Code and noted above.  In an effort to shorten this article, the key sections to review or note out of the NFPA 101 are as follows:

 

·                  7.2.12 

·                  7.2.12.1.1

·                  7.2.12.2.5

·                  7.2.12.2.6

·                  7.2.12.3.5

·                  7.2.12.3.5.1

·                  7.2.12.3.5.2

·                  7.2.12.3.6

Each of these sections cover the same requirements of Section 1009 in the 2015 International Building Code.

Mounting Heights for Two-Way Communication System and Area of Refuge Equipment.

Master Station = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Call Box = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Instruction Signage = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Tactile Signage = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Illuminated Sign = Between 60" - 80" Above Finished Floor

Let's Consult NFPA 72 to See How We Install Two-Way Communication Systems.  

Sections 24.10.1 through 24.10.8 briefly mention the same requirements found in the 2015 IFC and NFPA 101.

Supervision Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

As with anything related to life safety, all pathways between the remote Area of Refuge call boxes and master station shall be monitored for integrity.

Power Supply - Monitoring for Integrity

Unless otherwise permitted by or required by Section 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6 all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage.  Loss of primary or secondary power shall initiate a trouble signal in accordance with Section 10.14.

Battery Backup for Two-Way Communication Systems

The secondary power supply (a.k.a. battery backup) shall have the capacity to operate the two-way communication system in a non-active condition for a minimum of 24 hours.  At the end of this period, the system shall be capable of operating in active status for 5 minutes.

 

Cable Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Section 24.3.13.9.1 stated "Area of Refuge emergency communication systems shall have a pathway survivability of level 2 or level 3."  Level 1 is permitted when the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction. 

Below are the Requirements for Survivability Level 2 and Level 3

Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in the building that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Testing Frequency for Two-Way Communication for Areas of Refuge

NFPA 72 2016 Table 14.3.1 #25

Shall be tested at Initial Acceptance and annually thereafter.  Method of testing:  "Verify location and condition"

In closing we now know that two-way communication systems are required for areas of refuge and elevator landings on floors that are accessible.  These two-way communication systems are required to be installed with a pathway survivability level 2 or level 3 and the master station shall be installed in an area that is constantly attended.  Areas of refuge with two-way communication systems have been hot for some time now so make sure to read up and become familiar with the codes and standards for them. To know more on this contact SSA Integrate. SSA Integrate is Authorized service solution partner of Edwards Life Safety Product.

ISOLATOR INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, AND SERVICE!

ISOLATOR INSTALLATION, INSPECTION AND SERVICE

Isolator module is used on the intelligent fire alarm control panels to protect the system against wire-to-wire short circuits on the analogue addressable loop wiring. Fire Projects designer know how and where to use this isolators to get optimum performance. Some of OEM told short-circuit isolator module which is designed to electrically separate and protect vulnerable parts of the bus.

SOME DO’s AND DON’T’s

In the last twenty (or so) years, I’ve been privileged to have been able to watch the tremendous advances in technology that continues to inspire several manufacturers around the world to explore new developments in electronic life safety systems.   Unfortunately, each new advance exposes some vulnerability that must also be addressed. 

In this article, we’re going to discuss “isolators” and more specifically, the correct wiring methods for the various types of circuits you’re going to encounter, as well as the testing that must be performed, both at the system’s commissioning/Verification and on an annual basis.  We’re going to focus on the changes currently adopted by the Canadian Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems (CAN/ULC-S524) as well as what’s “in the pipe” in the way of amendments.

ISOLATOR TYPES AND TERMINOLOGY

What is an isolator, and how does it work?  Let’s begin by actually answering these two questions.  An isolator is a device that is designed to limit the extent a circuit is compromised by a single “short” fault.  In North America, there are four distinct “families” of short circuit isolators.  They are:

• Data Communication Loop (DCL) Isolators – some manufacturers call them Signal Line Circuit (SLC) Isolators
• Power Buss Isolators
• Audio Buss Isolators
• Suite Signal Isolators

Most isolators are “dumb” devices comprising a simple relay in a short sensing circuit on their “out” terminals.  As long as there is resistance on the circuit, they’re “happy”.  When the resistance drops to nothing (a short), they activate to preserve the loop integrity on their “in” side.  Some manufacturers have chosen to make their isolators “smart” by employing their panel’s protocols to “communicate” with each isolator.  This has the advantage of being able to “group bypass” an entire floor area from the common control if work is being performed there, without affecting the operational status of the rest of the system.  You’ll usually find these isolators employed by companies that are engaged in providing large scale networked type fire alarm systems (for the obvious reason that it also makes testing easier).

APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

NBC 2015, VBBL 2019

The only time isolators are actually mentioned in any Canadian Building Code is in conjunction with in-suite signalling means.  This is articulated in BCBC 2018 (as adopted from NBC 2015) in Section 3.2.4.19 called Audibility of Alarm Signals and reads in sentence (8):

“Audible signal devices within a dwelling unit or a suite of residential or care occupancy shall be connected to the fire alarm system:

a) in a manner such that a single open circuit at one device will not impair the operation of other audible signal devices on that same circuit that serve the other dwelling units or suites of residential or care occupancy, or

b) on separate signal circuits that are not connected to the devices in any other dwelling unit, public corridor or suite of residential or care occupancy. (See Appendix A.)”

CAN/ULC-S524-14

The Canadian Standard for Fire Alarm Installation is where we will find reference to the installation of Data Communication Link (DCL), network data, audio buss, and power buss fault isolators.  We will be using the abbreviations “DCL” “ND”, “AB” and “PB” for the purposes of this article.  It also deals with some specific installation requirements governing the use of insuite signalling isolators.

We’ve provided links to diagrams at the bottom of this page which detail both Class “A” interconnected field devices and a Class “A” Riser interconnected to field devices in a Class “B” configuration as part of this article.  This is one area where the manufacturer’s installation instructions also fall short and may even reference practices only acceptable outside of Canada (i.e. NFPA requirements).  The essential difference between the drawings you’ll see in the official amendment to the Standard and ours centres around one additional isolator which we’re suggesting be added to the “return” side of the loop to protect this part of the riser if you are employing uni-directional isolators.  In this instance, I’m of the opinion that this qualifies as an improvement on the actual requirements of the Standard (something that’s referred to as “good engineering practice”).

There are currently two versions of CAN/ULC-S524-14.  One includes the Amendments published in January of 2016 as a separate insert while the other will not have an amendment.  Please ensure your Standard includes the statement:  “Including Amendment 1” on the cover.

So, let’s begin with Clause 5.7.3:

“Where a data communication link utilizing active field devices or supporting field devices serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a fault within one National Building Code of Canada Required fire alarm zone shall not prevent the normal operation of other input or output field devices in another National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, except as noted in Clause 5.7.3.4.

Note:  See also Clause 4.3.1.8 and 4.3.1.9.”

5.7.3.4 states:

“Active field devices or supporting field devices serving water flow devices, supervisory devices on sprinkler systems, or duct type smoke detectors on HVAC systems that are located within a National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone but serve other National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zones, need not be separately fault isolated from each other or the National Buiilding Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.”

5.7.3.5 states:

“A control unit or transponder or its associated data communication link that serves more than one floor area, shall be subject to the constraints of Clause 5.7.3.1.”

5.7.3.6 states:

“Data communication link style A with fault isolation modules, or data communication link style C with fault isolation modules, or an equivalent method shall be utilized to meet the requirements of Clauses 5.7.3.1, 5.7.3.4, and 5.7.3.5.  (Refer to Figure 5).”

Inbuild Isolator Brand Like: ESSER, COOPER... etc

Base Isolator Brand Like: GST, Edwards... etc

Isolator as a Separate product Brand Like: Edwards, Notifier, Morley, GST, Apollo, Ravel... etc

Section 4.3 is entitled “ELECTRICAL SUPERVISION”.

4.3.1.8 states:

“Except as permitted by Clause 4.3.1.10 or Clause 4.3.1.11, where a power buss circuit serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault (open circuit fault, short circuit fault or ground fault) shall not prevent the normal operation of input or output field devices in more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.

NOTE:  Refer to Appendix A (Informative) Explanatory Materials, Clause A4.3.1.8.”

4.3.1.9 states:

“Except as permitted in Clause 4.3.1.10, where an audio buss serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault (open circuit fault, short circuit fault, or ground fault) shall not prevent teh normal operation of input or output field devices in more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.”

4.3.1.11 states:

“Where a power buss serves supporting field devices which are located within a common National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone but serve other National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zones, the power buss segment serving these supporting devices is not required to comply with Clause 4.3.1.8.”

4.3.1.12 states:

“Class A circuit with fault isolators installed in accordance with Subsection 10.2, Fault Isolators, or an equivalent method, shall be utilized to meet the requirements of Clauses 4.3.1.9 and 4.3.1.10.

NOTE:  For Data Communication Links, refer to Subsection 5.7.3, Field Device Data Communication Link.”

Section 10.2 is entitled “FAULT ISOLATORS”

10.2.1.1 states:

“This Subsection applies to the installation of fault isolation modules as required by Subsection 5.7.3, Field Device Data Communication Link, for data communication links between field devices.  (Refer to Figures 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, and 33.4.)

Note:  Where available, data fault isolators should be located in a fire separated electrical room.”

10.2.1.2 states:

“Data fault isolators shall be utilized when entering and leaving each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.   See also Appendix A (Informative) Explanatory Materials, Clause A4.3.1.8.”

10.2.1.3 states:

“Data fault isolators required by Clause 10.2.1.2 are not required between field devices located within the same floor area that are monitoring mechanical equipment serving other floor areas.

NOTE:  For example, water flow devices on sprinkler systems or duct type smoke detectors on HVAC systems serving other floor areas are considered part of the same area specified in Clause 10.2.1.2 and need not be separately fault isolated from other devices within that area.”

10.2.1.4 states:

“Except as noted in Clause 10j.2.1.5, data fault isolators, shall be located in a separate enclosure and installed so as to be visible and accessible at all times.”

10.2.1.5 states:

“Data fault isolators that are integral to a field device shall be mounted in accordance with the requirements of that field device.”

Note:  Field devices incorporating fault isolation modules complying with Clause 10.2.1.2 do not require additional dedicated data fault isolators.”

10.2.1.6 states:

“Where a fire separation is provided, data fault isolators required by Clause 10.2.1.2 shall be installed on each side of that fire separation.”

10.2.1.7 states:

“Data fault isolators installed on opposite sides of the same fire separation shall be offset horizontally to a minimum of 400 mm, and not located within the same stud space.”

10.2.1.8 states:

“Where no fire separation is provided between each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault isolation module shall be utilized when isolating zones within the same floor area.

Note:  This Clause would be applicable to large horizontal buildings, e.g., warehouses, shopping malls, factories, etc.”

10.2.1.9 states:

“Data fault isolators serving a single field device in an exit or vertical service space shall be installed on the floor area side.

Note:  Fault isolation modules are not required on the exit or vertical service space side.  See Figure 2.4”

10.2.1.10 states:

“Data fault isolators shall have an identifying mark or label on the cover plate or field device.  The identifier shall be visible after installation.  Where field devices incorporating fault isolation modules are used to comply with Clause 10.2.1.2, the first field device entering and the last field device leaving each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone shall be marked.”