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Duct Detector Requirements and Testing
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Q:
My company is installing a fire alarm sprinkler supervisory panel (DACT) with one outside horn, one smoke detector and one manual pull box. We will be connecting to switches installed by the sprinkler company for monitoring the supervisory devices (water shut-off valves) and waterflow alarm switch. The inspector stopped by and told one of our installers that we have to tie in the duct detectors, too. Is this correct? Also, I have supplied my installers with the new International Building Code (IBC). They want to know where the rules are found for testing duct detectors.
—Heidi G. Sheik
A:
No you do not have to tie in the duct detectors. You are installing equipment to comply with the “907.4 Sprinkler System Monitoring and Alarms” section of the IBC. Since the requirement for tying in duct detectors is in 907 “Fire Alarm and Detection Systems,” the duct detector rule (907.11) doesn’t apply to what you’re doing.
To understand how the IBC and IFC (International Fire Code) work, start by reading the “Scope” of the Fire Protection Systems section (Chapter 9) of the IBC. At the very beginning, IBC 901.1 states that this code covers the “application, installation, performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components.”
“Application” tells you where fire alarm systems are to be installed. “Installation” lists the equipment/devices and building locations where they will be mounted. “Performance” means that certain measurable objectives are to be met, such as audibility and visibility. “Maintenance” is only included by reference, because in Section 907.19 the IBC sends you to Chapter 9 of the IFC for the actual testing and maintenance requirements located in that code.
The IFC requires compliance with the testing and maintenance chapter of NFPA 72. In fact, all the IFC Section 907 rules are the same as in the IBC, except for the additional testing and maintenance rules.
As far as scientific methods for testing these devices, first, you must comply with the IBC/IFC as referenced in NFPA 72. Once in NFPA 72 (the National Fire Alarm Code), turn to the Testing and Maintenance” chapter. Under the “Test Methods” table, scan through the list until you find “Initiating Devices,” then “Smoke Detectors” then “Duct-Type.”
Specifically for duct detectors, the test method table states, “Air duct detectors shall be tested or inspected to ensure that the device will sample the air stream. The test shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”
