I think I am challenged mentally and codetally. The tenant space is located in an existing strip mall that does not have any sprinkler. An occupancy change is requiring a sprinkler to be installed for one tenant space. The NICET submitted plans do not show any type of alarm panel other than the water flow actuator and I am trying to determine if a constantly monitored system is required for the system. A manual fire alarm system is not required until the OL exceeds 300' date=' so no system required. OL is calculated at 178. We have a local Knox Box requirement that states when fire alarm system are required, certain provisions need to be met. Trying to distinguish between control unit and alarm system by code definitions and applications. Thanks for the reviews.[/quote']I use the term fire alarm, or fire alarm system
Should have asked which edition of IBC/ IFC you are under. Assume you use both and not hybrid??
If the occupancy type, does not drive a full fire alarm system, and the building has a fire sprinkler system:::
We require monitoring only off site, which would require 1. fire alarm panel 2. pull station near the panel. 3. smoke detector above the panel. 4. at least on exterior audio/ visual.
from 2009 IBC
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit. [F]
Exceptions:
1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings. 2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers. 3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided. 4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position. 5. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position. 6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position. 7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position. 903.4.1 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, when approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location. [F]
Exceptions: 1. Underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided by the municipality or public utility are not required to be monitored. 2. Backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated. 903.4.2 Alarms. Approved audible devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by waterflow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. [F]