Water motor gongs 1

[FFP1]

I have noticed a trend over the past few years. Many new sprinkler systems are installed with no water motor gong and no electronic bell on the exterior wall. How do these contractors pass initial inspection without the required alarm (WMG or Electric Bell) on the exterior wall in the vicinity of the sprinkler riser?

Many contractors also install risers using a straight section of pipe with no alarm check valve (not even a standard check valve).....how do they pass inspection??

Am I missing something; is there some exception in NFPA 13 or the life safety code which indicates an exterior alarm at the riser is not required??? Same question with regard to alarm check valves for wet systems????

Thanks

 

[LCREP]

How many folks call 911 when they hear a bell go off on a building? Not many, how many water motor gongs do not work because of bees,or a bird and or lack of maintenance, a lot. Give me a central station monitored sprinkler system. I can tell you from an insurance point of view we place little value to the local bell on the outside of the building. If they do not have a central station alarm they pay more $$ premium, and depending on the type of occupancy we will not write the account if they only have a local alarm. We require a monitored system even if they have less then 20 sprinklers.

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[cdafd]

yes a bell of some type is required.

plans will show an electric bell, and the common comments are we do not do electric, or the fire alarm guy will install it.

If there is a fire alarm going in we accept an exterior as the bell.

as far as shot guns I do beleive they are allowed would have to look at 13 for specific section. I think that 13 does not require an alarm valve in some set ups as long as you do a few other things once again will have to look for the section

 

[firepe]

FFP1 said ......"Am I missing something; is there some exception in NFPA 13 or the life safety code which indicates an exterior alarm at the riser is not required??? Same question with regard to alarm check valves for wet systems????"

Typically the prevailing building code will dictate what alarm devices are necessary, not NFPA 13, nor 101. We really need to look at the BIG picture here, instead of staying within the smaller NFPA 13 box. The fact is that NFPA 13 is a "standard", not a code, and is referenced by the Building Codes, which are adopted as LAW by each jurisdiction. So, if the Building Code says one thing, and NFPA 13 another, the Building Code TRUMPS/WINS. As for alarm devices, when central station monitored devices are installed, exceptions kick in that allow the exclusion of additonal devices. Each case is different, so refer to your BUILDING CODE!

As for check valves, do you notice or recognize the backflow prevention device as a CHECK valve?? Aren't backflows pretty much mandated now by most water purveyors/jurisdictions in the country? If there is a backflow device, then an additional check valve is unnecessary. Now if there is also NO backflow device, then you have something to talk about.

I do not believe what you are seeing is a contractor "getting away" with something. What you are seeing is a contractor whom has to compete with the next guy, providing the most cost effective minimum CODE compliant system for a custome that only cares about PRICE. You need to leave your old insurance inspector hat at the door to be a contractor.

 

[fireguy519345]

I thought the water motor gong or outside electric bell was to be installed near the Fire Department Connction to inform the responding FD where the FDC was. Or am I wrong, not the first time or the last time.

 

[cdafd]

fireguy519345

location of exterior bell not specified

and what would you do if you had a yard fdc??? stick it out in the middle of no where

 

[DonPhillips]

I seem to recall the exterior location must be approved (2007 version) and when I review plans, I have the fire department tell me where they want it (Ohio requires I share the plans with the fire department and consider their comments in my plan review). If there is a fire alarm system, the fire department tells me they would rather have a strobe. I tell them we can ask for a strobe but the code requires an alarm and sometimes the contractor installs a horn/strobe.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[cdafd]

6.9.3.1* An alarm unit shall include a listed mechanical alarm, horn, or siren or a listed electric gong, bell, speaker, horn, or siren.

A.6.9.3.1 Audible alarms are normally located on the outside of the building. Listed electric gongs, bells, horns, or sirens inside the building, or a combination of such used inside and outside, are sometimes advisable.
Outside alarms can be omitted where the sprinkler system is used as part of a central station; auxiliary, remote station, or proprietary signaling fire alarm system utilizing listed audible inside alarm devices.

6.9.4* Attachments — Electrically Operated.
6.9.4.1 Electrically operated alarm attachments forming part of an auxiliary, central station, local protective, proprietary, or remote station signaling system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.