Wiring Lobby Detectors for Elevator RecallQ: I am trying to retrofit additional elevator recall smoke detectors into an existing fire alarm system. At each floor, I only have three pairs of wire (three circuits) at my disposal and I am wondering if this wiring method (Illustration One) is permitted. Does NFPA 72 [2002] rule 6.8.5.3 prohibit this?
--D. Normous, Alabama
Smoke Detection in High Ceiling Locations New from System Sensor are single-ended, reflected-type Beam Smoke Detectors suited to protecting open areas with high ceilings where other methods of smoke detection are typically difficult to install and maintain. The Beam Smoke Detectors feature a 4-wire design and are easier to install than dual-ended projected beam detectors because alignment is accomplished via an optical sight and a built-in, two-digit signal strength meter. The detectors, available with an integral sensitivity test module, provide 16 to 328-foot protection coverage in a broad operating temperature range (-22' F to 131' F) to give early warning in environments where temperatures reach extremes. They have four standard sensitivity selections along with two Acclimate settings that automatically adjust sensitivity using advanced software algorithms to select the optimum level for a specific environment. The Beam Smoke Detectors, available as either conventional or intelligent models, can be equipped with an integral sensitivity test feature that consists of a test filter attached to a servo motor inside the detector optics. Using the remote test station RTS451, the motor is activated and moves the filter in the pathway of the light beam to test detector sensitivity. This integral sensitivity test feature allows the user to meet NFPA 72's annual maintenance and test requirements. For more information, visit www.systemsensor.com
--D. Normous, Alabama
Smoke Detection in High Ceiling Locations New from System Sensor are single-ended, reflected-type Beam Smoke Detectors suited to protecting open areas with high ceilings where other methods of smoke detection are typically difficult to install and maintain. The Beam Smoke Detectors feature a 4-wire design and are easier to install than dual-ended projected beam detectors because alignment is accomplished via an optical sight and a built-in, two-digit signal strength meter. The detectors, available with an integral sensitivity test module, provide 16 to 328-foot protection coverage in a broad operating temperature range (-22' F to 131' F) to give early warning in environments where temperatures reach extremes. They have four standard sensitivity selections along with two Acclimate settings that automatically adjust sensitivity using advanced software algorithms to select the optimum level for a specific environment. The Beam Smoke Detectors, available as either conventional or intelligent models, can be equipped with an integral sensitivity test feature that consists of a test filter attached to a servo motor inside the detector optics. Using the remote test station RTS451, the motor is activated and moves the filter in the pathway of the light beam to test detector sensitivity. This integral sensitivity test feature allows the user to meet NFPA 72's annual maintenance and test requirements. For more information, visit www.systemsensor.com
Illustration One
A: Clearly your trouble contacts aren't ?integral,? and this would seem to imply that your method should be allowed. Rule 6.8.5.3 Alarm Signal Initiation, ?Initiating Devices with Integral Trouble Contacts,? states: Automatic fire alarm signal initiation devices that have integral trouble signal contacts shall be connected to the initiating device circuit so that a trouble condition within a device does not impair alarm transmission from any other initiating device. Exception: Where the trouble condition is caused by electrical disconnection of the device or by removing the initiating device from its plug-in base. However, there are a couple of better wiring methods using those same existing six conductors you may want to consider. If four-wire, relay-based smoke detectors are used, they must be powered separately and individually. So, you should install the EOL power-supervision relay at the recall detector. That way, if another detector on that zone is in alarm, the smoke detector will still perform its required recall duties per 6.15.3.4 (3-9.3.2 in the 1999 edition of NFPA 72).
A Solution For Hard-to-Wire Locations Digital Security Controls (DSC) introduces its latest wireless photoelectric smoke detector, the WS4916. It's designed for residential or commercial applications where running a wire to a smoke detector is difficult or just not possible. The WS4916 features a built-in alarm horn, integral dual-sensor heat detection, automatic drift compensation and an easy-maintenance replaceable chamber. It uses long-life lithium batteries, is UL/ULC/EN listed for commercial and residential applications and is compatible with all DSC wireless security receivers. Precise and quick sensitivity testing can be achieved with the new FSD-100 handheld test meter. For further information, visit www.dsc.com. 6.15.3.4 states: Each elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and elevator machine room smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection?shall be capable of initiating elevator recall when all other devices on the same initiating device circuit have been manually or automatically placed in the alarm condition. Illustration Two shows that by adding a simple return loop from the last device (in your case, a manual pull box) and placing your EOL resistor at the elevator lobby recall detector, that you would not ?impair alarm transmission from any other initiating device.? This would entail some additional labor but would at least put you in compliance with the spirit of 6.8.5.3. FYI, this circuit extension does not have to be placed in a separate conduit.
A: Clearly your trouble contacts aren't ?integral,? and this would seem to imply that your method should be allowed. Rule 6.8.5.3 Alarm Signal Initiation, ?Initiating Devices with Integral Trouble Contacts,? states: Automatic fire alarm signal initiation devices that have integral trouble signal contacts shall be connected to the initiating device circuit so that a trouble condition within a device does not impair alarm transmission from any other initiating device. Exception: Where the trouble condition is caused by electrical disconnection of the device or by removing the initiating device from its plug-in base. However, there are a couple of better wiring methods using those same existing six conductors you may want to consider. If four-wire, relay-based smoke detectors are used, they must be powered separately and individually. So, you should install the EOL power-supervision relay at the recall detector. That way, if another detector on that zone is in alarm, the smoke detector will still perform its required recall duties per 6.15.3.4 (3-9.3.2 in the 1999 edition of NFPA 72).
A Solution For Hard-to-Wire Locations Digital Security Controls (DSC) introduces its latest wireless photoelectric smoke detector, the WS4916. It's designed for residential or commercial applications where running a wire to a smoke detector is difficult or just not possible. The WS4916 features a built-in alarm horn, integral dual-sensor heat detection, automatic drift compensation and an easy-maintenance replaceable chamber. It uses long-life lithium batteries, is UL/ULC/EN listed for commercial and residential applications and is compatible with all DSC wireless security receivers. Precise and quick sensitivity testing can be achieved with the new FSD-100 handheld test meter. For further information, visit www.dsc.com. 6.15.3.4 states: Each elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and elevator machine room smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection?shall be capable of initiating elevator recall when all other devices on the same initiating device circuit have been manually or automatically placed in the alarm condition. Illustration Two shows that by adding a simple return loop from the last device (in your case, a manual pull box) and placing your EOL resistor at the elevator lobby recall detector, that you would not ?impair alarm transmission from any other initiating device.? This would entail some additional labor but would at least put you in compliance with the spirit of 6.8.5.3. FYI, this circuit extension does not have to be placed in a separate conduit.
Illustration Two
If you have extra control panel zones/points available, then Illustration Three is a good choice. Although not a requirement, this adds the feature of being able to annunciate all the recall detectors individually and still uses only three pairs of wires. However, a note should be added to the Record of Completion and another tag placed in the lobby smoke detector(s) to warn others not to extend the lobby IDC circuit by adding additional initiating devices to it. Their operation prior to the activation of the lobby smoke detector would not leave sufficient IDC power to switch the two-wire detector's relay-based contacts. This is the very situation addressed by rule 6.15.3.4.
Computer Graphics Interface Package
If you have extra control panel zones/points available, then Illustration Three is a good choice. Although not a requirement, this adds the feature of being able to annunciate all the recall detectors individually and still uses only three pairs of wires. However, a note should be added to the Record of Completion and another tag placed in the lobby smoke detector(s) to warn others not to extend the lobby IDC circuit by adding additional initiating devices to it. Their operation prior to the activation of the lobby smoke detector would not leave sufficient IDC power to switch the two-wire detector's relay-based contacts. This is the very situation addressed by rule 6.15.3.4.
Computer Graphics Interface Package
The Gamewell Company presents SmartView, a computer graphics interface package for use with Gamewell's 600 Series of addressable fire alarm control panels. SmartView, specifically designed for easy configuration and simple operation, operates over a high-speed Ethernet LAN/WAN or single-user network.
Compatible with all Gamewell 600 Series fire alarm panels, an individual fire alarm panel or an entire SmarkLink network can be monitored by SmartView. Each alarm, trouble, or supervisory event is displayed on a convenient color-coded display or with a floor plan pinpointing the exact alarm location and vital point-specific information. SmartView provides control over an entire network of up to 250 fire alarm panels from a single PC workstation.
An interactive help menu is available to help further ease user operation. For more information, visit www.gamewell.com.
Illustration Three
Of course, addressable smoke detectors and associated addressable relays would be the easiest method, if a new fire alarm system were being installed. The three addressable relays providing the required three elevators' recall functions could then be placed in the elevator machine/control room for use by the elevator contractor, and rule 6.15.3.4 would not be a concern.Six Zone Control Communicator
Silent Knight unveils Model 5104, a six-zone fire control communicator that provides digital fire and reporting over ordinary telephone lines and eliminates the need for costly leased lines. The 5104 can be used as a standalone system, or incorporated into an existing system as a Slave DACT. As a standalone unit, it is used to monitor sprinkler systems for water flow, supervisory, and gate valve tamper conditions.
The 5104 is UL 864 listed for NFPA 72 Central Station and Remote Supervising Station Fire Alarm System Service. It is FM approved and has six fully supervised inputs, one Class A (Style D) input, and five Class B (Style A) inputs. And, it offers fuseless overload protection with automatic reset circuitry and fault indicators, eliminating the cause of most field calls. The 5104 has a dual phone line interface that automatically self-tests every 24 hours and sends a report, in SIA and in most other major communications formats, to the central station. For more information, visit www.silentknight.com.Greg Kessinger, SET, CFPS, president of an alarm installing company since 1981, teaches NICET training classes to fire alarm system designers and installers and continuing education seminars for Ohio's fire alarm inspectors. You can reach Greg Kessinger at 888-910-2272; e-mail: [email protected]; or visit his website at www.FireAlarm.org
