connecting new fire alarm system to existing system

[Rref]

Are there any codes in NFPA or International Fire Codes that address the following?
I am designing an electrical system for a 8500 square foot school addition. The existing and new building are being joined together via connecting corridor. I am planning to introduce a new fire alarm system to the new addition and interconnect to the existing system. A large portion of the existing building is not covered by any type of fire alarm system. Although I know I need to design a system to carry the entire building (existing and new)are there any codes requiring the existing to building portion to be updated now?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Other than compatibility of the new system with the existing system, I am not aware of any unique requirements in NFPA 72. System compatibility should be addressed by the manufacturer of the fire alarm control unit.

 

[cdafd]

depends on ahj requirements, sometimes we ask for extra in the existing portion depending on what is going on.

I do not like to see multiple panels in a building.

any way to upgrade the existing and run both buildings off of it??

Than depending on set up of building will one system set of the alarms in the other building and vice versa???
Looks like in school setting you would want to alarm the enitre building at once.

 

[rbulsara]

If there was no work in the exising building, I do know if any Code that requires upgrading it. Interconnectinng two FA system is done all the time.

What is more important is to determine whether or not these two buildings are considered one building. The Architect must be able to define this.

If considered one building, you can always specify to have both FACPs to monitor each other and both sound alarms when either one goes off. However, some type of reset key interconnection needs to be developed that will prevent "catch 22" type of scenario. FA manufacturer or the service company will be easily able to do this. Just specify correctly.

 

[JasonGuerard]

Having 2 panels interconnected always creates a reset nightmare. We normally reccomend designing the new panel to be large enough to cover the existing system as well. If the existing half of the school is a conventional system, a few input modules along with a remote power supply could replace the old panel yet provide nearly seamless functionallity. This would allow for the appropriate zoning and annunciation. Of course upgrading the existing building would be the ideal.

 

[sfallows]

most communities that I encounter will require the entire structure to then have a compliant fire alarm system - additionally some building code specify when it is required

ex- notification in icc international building code must be code compiant if any work is done one fire alarm system