High rise fire alarm replacement

[nscherneck]

Hello,

I am preparing a design to replace an existing fire alarm system with voice evacuation in a six-story building in Southern California. I'm not familiar with the special requirements for high rise buildings. The existing wiring is run in EMT throughout, my question is: is the conduit required or can we run the wiring for the replacement system "open".

We are designing this system as a "like-for-like" replacement to avoid a full submittal to the city.

Thank you,
Nathan

 

[prodigalallan]

Nathan, at least here in Canada, for an installation like you are talking about, it will be 100% necessary to have the fire alarm/evc wire run in conduit. As well, here in Canada since it is EVAC System, not only does the wire have to be armoured (i.e. in Conduit) but it would also have to be "shielded' wire.

Allan

 

[MoniqueMACD]

having replaced fire panels here in canada it is important to check the national fire and safety codes for each state and city. high rise codes changed after 911 and one can not simply replace a system, it has to be brough to code and the riser closets must be sealed etc.

 

[HCBFlash]

In my experience, "like-for-like" will not permit any changes to the type of wiring such as open wiring, comm bus vs. zoned circuitry, etc..

Talk with an inspector.

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