Fire Department BDA Installation & Circuit Requirement

[jar546]

In my area and previous areas PLFA type NFPA 72 Fire Alarm systems are the most prevalent. Today I was asked a question that i don't know and I am researching.

Do BDAs (Bi-Directional Amplifiers) which are part of life safety require a dedicated circuit to feed the equipment like a PLFA does in NEC 760.121(B) which reads:
760.121(B) Branch Circuit.
The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall comply with the following requirements:

• (1) The branch circuit shall supply no other loads.
• (2) The branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.
• (3) The location of the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device shall be permanently identified at the fire alarm control unit.
• (4) The circuit disconnecting means shall have red identification, shall be accessible only to qualified personnel, and shall be identified with the following words: “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT.” The red identification shall not damage the overcurrent protective devices or obscure the manufacturer's markings.
• (5) The fire alarm branch-circuit disconnecting means shall be permitted to be secured in the “on” position.

Informational Note:
See 210.8(A)(5), Exception, for requirements on receptacles in dwelling-unit unfinished basements that supply power for fire alarm systems.

If you don't know what a BDA is, this may help:

A Bi-Directional Amplifier, or BDA, is a critical communication system used in large buildings to enhance and ensure reliable radio signal coverage for firefighters and first responders. It amplifies and strengthens radio signals, allowing seamless communication in areas where signals might otherwise be weak or inaccessible, ensuring the safety and coordination of emergency response teams."

 

[ICE]

The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s)

That’s an umbrella that could cover a BDA.

 

[jar546]

Looks like NFPA 1221 has the answer. Thanks CDA.

9.6.12 Power Sources.
At least two independent and reliable power sources shall be provided for all RF-emitting devices and any other active electronic components of the system: one primary and one secondary.

9.6.12.1 Primary Power Source.
The primary power source shall be supplied from a dedicated branch circuit and comply with NFPA 72.

9.6.12.2 Secondary Power Source.
The secondary power source shall consist of one of the following:

• (1) A storage battery dedicated to the system with 12 hours of 100 percent system operation capacity
• (2) An alternative power source of 12 hours at 100 percent system operation capacity as approved by the AHJ

9.6.12.3 Monitoring Integrity of Power Sources.
Monitoring the integrity of power sources shall be in accordance with 9.1.2.2.