Issue: DS-2014-083 Petitioner Eric a Neilinger, Representing Fire Alarm Systems and Security INC. seeks a Declaratory Statement on 2010 Florida Building Code new building, high rise chapter 9, section 909.1, 909.12, to include 12.1 through 12.3, 909.16 to include 909.16.1 through 909.16.3.

Petitioner seeks clarification of the following questions:

1) Does a UL listed integrated Fire alarm and smoke control system meet the intent of 909.12?

2) Do we have to separate the one integrated system into two separate control panels?

3) As a minimum code compliant system does 909 require the Fire Fighter smoke control panel to be a separate graphic display panel?

4) To meet minimum code compliance will the installation of a UL listed integrated Fire Alarm and Smoke Control system that meets all the elements of 909.16 meet the intent of 909 for a Fire Fighter smoke control panel?

Background:

This applicant is proposing to install a Honeywell UL listed Integrated combination fire alarm system/smoke control system in compliance with NFPA and Florida Building Code 909. The system has all of the functions and requirements as stated in 909 for a smoke control panel and is listed for its intended use. The Contractor and their consultant is requiring in addition to the combination smoke control panel an additional separate graphic annunciator that duplicates the combination panel switches and lights. We are looking to the FBC to issue an opinion.

2010 Florida Building Code, Building

Section 202 Definitions

APPROVED. Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.

403.4 Emergency systems.

The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

[F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection.

Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

[F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system.

A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

[F] 403.4.3 Emergency voice/alarm communication system.

An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

[F] 403.4.4 Emergency responder radio coverage.

Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided in accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

[F] 403.4.5 Fire command.

A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

403.4.6 Smoke removal.

Smoke control shall be provided in accordance with Section 909.

Exception: I-2 occupancies that comply with Sections 407, 419.3.7 and 420.3.17 shall not require smoke control systems in accordance with Section 909.

[F] 403.4.7 Standby power.

A standby power system complying with Chapter 27 shall be provided for standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.7.2.

[F] 403.4.7.1 Special requirements for standby power systems.

If the standby system is a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center.

[F] 403.4.7.2 Standby power loads.

The following are classified as standby power loads:

1. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.5;

2. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures; and

3. Standby power shall be provided for elevators in accordance with Sections 1006.2.4, 3003, 3007 and 3008.

[F] 403.4.8 Emergency power systems.

An emergency power system complying with Chapter 27 shall be provided for emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.1.

[F] 403.4.8.1 Emergency power loads.

The following are classified as emergency power loads:

1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10;

2. Elevator car lighting;

3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems;

4. Automatic fire detection systems;

5. Fire alarm systems; and

6. Electrically powered fire pumps.

902.1 Definitions

ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays or other equivalent means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition or location. [F]

FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT.

A system component that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may be capable of supplying power to detection devices and transponder(s) or off-premises transmitter(s). The control unit may be capable of providing a transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices. [F]

SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

907.1 General. [F] 

This section covers the application, installation, performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components.

907.1.1 Construction documents. [F] 

Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official.

907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings. [F] 

Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation, and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

1. A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms.

2. Locations of alarm-initiating devices.

3. Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances.

4. Location of fire alarm control unit, transponders and notification power supplies.

5. Annunciators.

6. Power connection.

7. Battery calculations.

8. Conductor type and sizes.

9. Voltage drop calculations.

10. Manufacturers' data sheets indicating model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices and materials.

11. Details of ceiling height and construction.

12. The interface of fire safety control functions.

13. Classification of the supervising station.

F] 907.1.3 Equipment.

Systems and components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed.

[F] 907.2.6.1.1 Smoke alarms.

Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11.

[F] 907.2.11 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms.

Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.2.11.4 and NFPA 72.

[F] 907.2.11.1 Group R-1.

An approved single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in every guestroom and every living area and sleeping room within a guest suite.

[F] 907.2.11.2 Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1.

Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1 regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:

1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.

Exception: Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms in Group I-1 occupanices shall not be required where smoke detectors are provided in the sleeping rooms as part of an automatic smoke detection system.

3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

[F] 907.2.11.3 Interconnection.

Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

[F] 907.2.11.4 Power source.

In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

Exception: Smoke alarms are not required to be equipped with battery backup where they are connected to an emergency electrical system.

F] 907.2.13 High-rise buildings.

High-rise buildings shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

Exceptions:

1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Sections 907.2.22 and 412.

2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3.

3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.

4. Reserved.

5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415.

6. In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and general occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.

[F] 907.2.13.1 Automatic smoke detection.

Automatic smoke detection in high-rise buildings shall be in accordance with Sections 907.2.13.1.1 and 907.2.13.1.2.

[F] 907.2.13.1.1 Area smoke detection.

Area smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation of any detector required by this section shall operate the emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room which is not provided with sprinkler protection.

2. In each elevator machine room and in elevator lobbies.

[F] 907.2.13.1.2 Duct smoke detection.

Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located as follows:

1. In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s). Such detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.

2. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air inlet openings.

[F] 907.8 Inspection, testing and maintenance.

The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

SECTION 909 SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

909.1 Scope and purpose. [F]
This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems when they are required by other provisions of this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-venting provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the Florida Building Code, Mechanical.

909.12 Detection and control systems.

Fire detection systems providing control input or output signals to mechanical smoke control systems or elements thereof shall comply with the requirements of Section 907. Such systems shall be equipped with a control unit complying with UL 864 and listed as smoke control equipment.

909.12.1 Wiring. [F]

In addition to meeting requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building, all wiring, regardless of voltage, shall be fully enclosed within continuous raceways.

909.12.2 Activation. [F]

Smoke control systems shall be activated in accordance with this section.

909.12.3 Automatic control. [F]

Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls that are readily accessible to the fire department and any smoke detectors required by engineering analysis.

Fans within the building shall be shown on the fire-fighter's control panel. A clear indication of the direction of airflow and the relationship of components shall be displayed. Status indicators shall be provided for all smoke control equipment, annunciated by fan and zone, and by pilot-lamp-type indicators as follows:

1. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their normal status-WHITE.

2. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their off or closed status-RED.

3. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their on or open status-GREEN.

4. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in a fault status-YELLOW/AMBER.

909.16 Fire-fighter's smoke control panel. [F]

A fire-fighter's smoke control panel for fire department emergency response purposes only shall be provided and shall include manual control or override of automatic control for mechanical smoke control systems. The panel shall be located in a fire command center complying with Section in highrise buildings or buildings with smoke-protected assembly seating. In all other buildings, the fire-fighter's smoke control panel shall be installed in an approved location adjacent to the fire alarm control panel. The fire-fighter's smoke control panel shall comply with Sections 909.16.1 through 909.16.3.

909.16.1 Smoke control systems. [F]

Fans within the building shall be shown on the fire-fighter's control panel. A clear indication of the direction of airflow and the relationship of components shall be displayed. Status indicators shall be provided for all smoke control equipment, annunciated by fan and zone, and by pilot-lamp-type indicators as follows:

1. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their normal status-WHITE.

2. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their off or closed status-RED.

3. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in their on or open status-GREEN.

4. Fans, dampers and other operating equipment in a fault status-YELLOW/AMBER.

909.16.2 Smoke control panel. [F]

The fire-fighter's control panel shall provide control capability over the complete smoke-control system equipment within the building as follows:

1. ON-AUTO-OFF control over each individual piece of operating smoke control equipment that can also be controlled from other sources within the building. This includes stairway pressurization fans; smoke exhaust fans; supply, return and exhaust fans; elevator shaft fans and other operating equipment used or intended for smoke control purposes.

2. OPEN-AUTO-CLOSE control over individual dampers relating to smoke control and that are also controlled from other sources within the building.

3. ON-OFF or OPEN-CLOSE control over smoke control and other critical equipment associated with a fire or smoke emergency and that can only be controlled from the fire-fighter's control panel.

Exceptions:

1. Complex systems, where approved, where the controls and indicators are combined to control and indicate all elements of a single smoke zone as a unit.

2. Complex systems, where approved, where the control is accomplished by computer interface using approved, plain English commands.

909.16.3 Control action and priorities. [F]

The firefighter's control panel actions shall be as follows:

1. ON-OFF and OPEN-CLOSE control actions shall have the highest priority of any control point within the building. Once issued from the fire-fighter's control panel, no automatic or manual control from any other control point within the building shall contradict the control action. Where automatic means are provided to interrupt normal, nonemergency equipment operation or produce a specific result to safeguard the building or equipment (i.e., duct freezestats, duct smoke detectors, high-temperature cutouts, temperature-actuated linkage and similar devices), such means shall be capable of being overridden by the fire-fighter's control panel. The last control action as indicated by each fire-fighter's control panel switch position shall prevail. In no case shall control actions require the smoke control system to assume more than one configuration at any one time.

Exception: Power disconnects required by Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

2. Only the AUTO position of each three-position fire-fighter's control panel switch shall allow automatic or manual control action from other control points within the building. The AUTO position shall be the NORMAL, nonemergency, building control position. Where a fire-fighter's control panel is in the AUTO position, the actual status of the device (on, off, open, closed) shall continue to be indicated by the status indicator described above. When directed by an automatic signal to assume an emergency condition, the NORMAL position shall become the emergency condition for that device or group of devices within the zone. In no case shall control actions require the smoke control system to assume more than one configuration at any one time.

SECTION 911 FIRE COMMAND CENTER

911.1 General. [F]

Where required by other sections of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by this code, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 911.1.1 through 911.1.5.

911.1.1 Location and access. [F]

The location and accessibility of the fire command center shall be approved by the fire chief.

911.1.2 Separation. [F]

The fire command center shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both.

911.1.3 Size. [F]

The room shall be a minimum of 200 square feet (19 m²) with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).

911.1.4 Layout approval. [F]

A layout of the fire command center and all features required by Section 911.1.5 to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.

911.1.5 Required features. [F]

The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain the following features:

1. The emergency voice/alarm communication system control unit.

2. The fire department communications system.

3. Fire detection and alarm system annunciator.

4. Annunciator unit visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational.

5. Status indicators and controls for air distribution systems.

6. The fire-fighter's control panel required by Section 909.16 for smoke control systems installed in the building.

7. Controls for unlocking stairway doors simultaneously.

8. Sprinkler valve and waterflow detector display panels.

9. Emergency and standby power status indicators.

10. A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system.

11. Fire pump status indicators.

12. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire protection systems, fire-fighting equipment and fire department access and the location of fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions.

13. Work table.

14. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.

15. Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.

16. Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1.

17. Elevator emergency or standby power selector switch(es), where emergency or standby power is provided.

Staff Analysis:

Question: 1) Does a UL listed integrated Fire alarm and smoke control system meet the intent of 909.12?

Answer: Answer is not possible. The Commission has no authority to determine whether a listed system meets the intent of the Code. In fact, determination of whether a listed product meets code is subject to the design of the engineer of record and the review and approval by the local authority having jurisdiction.

Question: 2) Do we have to separate the one integrated system into two separate control panels?

Answer: Yes, as per 909.16 of the FBC, Building, separate control panels are required. However, as per section 909.16.2 of the FBC, Building, an integrated system is permitted as designed by the engineer of record and approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.

Question 3) As a minimum code compliant system does 909 require the Fire Fighter smoke control panel to be a separate graphic display panel?

Answer: Yes, as per sections 909.16.1 and 911.1.5 of the FBC, Building, separate graphic display panel for the fire fighter smoke control panel is required.

Question 4) To meet minimum code compliance will the installation of a UL listed integrated Fire Alarm and Smoke Control system that meets all the elements of 909.16 meet the intent of 909 for a Fire Fighter smoke control panel?

Answer: No, as per 909.16 of the FBC, Building, and separate control panels are required. However, as per section 909.16.2 of the FBC, Building, an integrated system is permitted as designed by the engineer of record and approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.