Fire alarm panel requirements

[ContractorDave]

When does NFPA require a fire alarm panel in relation to a sprinkler system? Our National Building Code and the NFPA appears to allow a flow switch to be tied directly into an auto-dialer. Would this not have listing implications?

Regards
Dave

 

[cdafd]

nfpa 72 or 13 does not set the requirement

the building or fire code sets the requirement or local policy.

if the building does not require a fire a alarm system, normal requirement is once you reach 20 heads system shall be monitored electronically either off site or on site

 

[stookeyfpe]

Be careful CDA - if it is a required automatic sprinkler system under the International Building Code or International Fire Code, the system must be monitored, regardless of the number of sprinklers. The IFC does waive the requirement for local application sprinkler systems with < 19 sprinklers - but that whole requirement and section is just clusterbugger of idiotic provisions.

 

[cdafd]

YEA got to read the exceptions:: from IFC 2003


903.4 Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms. All valves
controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems,
pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures,
andwater-flowswitches on all sprinkler systems shall be
electrically supervised.
Exceptions:
1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and
two-family dwellings.
2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance
with NFPA13R where a common supply main is used
to supply both domestic water and the automatic
sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the
automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked
in the open position.
5. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in
the open position.
6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines
that are sealed or locked in the open position.
7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and
deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.