This document discusses various types of initiating devices as defined in NFPA 72 Chapter 17 including: manually actuated alarm initiating devices (17.14), fire extinguisher monitoring devices (17.15), and supervisory signal initiating devices (17.16). Supervisory signal initiating devices provide signals for conditions involving control valves, pressure, water levels, temperatures of water storage containers, and room temperatures. Specific requirements are defined for the different device types and conditions they monitor.

1. Initiating Devices
NFPA 72 Chapter 17
17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm Initiating
Devices
17.15 Fire Extinguisher Monitoring Device
17.16 Supervisory Signal Iniating Device

2. Initiating Devices
17.14 FA Boxes only for alarm-initiating purposes
17.14.4 MOUNTING
– Not less than 3 ½’ nor more than 4 ½’ AFF
17.14.5 Distributed --> unobstructed and accessible
17.14.6 Located within 5’ of exit doorway at each
exit on each floor
17.14.7 At either end of group openings > 40’ w/in 5’
17.14.8 No more than 200’ horizontal travel distance
17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm-Initiating Devices
ADAAG Handout

3. Initiating Devices
NFPA 72 Chapter 17
 17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm Initiating
Devices
17.15 Fire Extinguisher Monitoring Device
17.16 Supervisory Signal Iniating Device

4. Initiating Devices
A fire extinguisher monitoring device shall
indicate those conditions for a specitic fire
extinguisher required by NFPA 10,
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers,
to a fire alarm control unit or other control
unit.
17.15 Fire Extinguisher Monitoring Device

5. Initiating Devices
NFPA 72 Chapter 17
 17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm Initiating
Devices
 17.15 Fire Extinguisher Monitoring Device
17.16 Supervisory Signal Iniating Device

6. Initiating Devices
17.16.1 CONTROL VALVE SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-
INITIATING DEVICES
17.16.1.1 Two separate and distinct signals, off
normal and restoration to normal
17.16.1.2 The off-normal signal shall be initiated
during the first two revolutions of the hand wheel
or during one-fifth of the travel distance of the
valve control apparatus from its normal position.
17.16.1.4 Valve position switch not to interfere
w/valve
17.16 Supervisory Signal Initiating Devices

7. Initiating Devices
17.16.2.1 PRESSURE SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-
INITIATING DEVICE
• Two separate and distinct signals:
17.16.2.2.1 Pressure Tank. (2) The off-normal signal
shall be initiated when the required pressure
increases or decreases by 10 psi (70 kPa).
17.16.2.2.2 Dry-Type Sprinkler. (2) The off-normal
signal shall be initiated when the pressure increases
or decreases by 10 psi (70 kPa).
17.16 Supervisory Signal-Initiating Devices

8. Initiating Devices
17.16.2.2.3 Steam Pressure. (2) The off-normal signal
shall be initiated prior to the pressure falling below
110 percent of the minimum operating pressure
17.16.2.2.4 Other Sources. An initiating device for
supervising the pressure of sources other than those
specified in 17.16.2.2.1 through 17.16.2.2.3 shall be
provided as required by the authority having
jurisdiction.
17.16 Supervisory Signal Initiating Devices

9. Initiating Devices
17.16.3.1 Two separate and distinct signals shall be initiated:
one indicating that the required water level has been
lowered or raised (off-normal), and the other indicating
restoration.
17.16.3.2 A pressure tank signal-initiating device shall
indicate both high and low water level conditions.
17.16.3.2.1 The off-normal signal shall be initiated when the
water level falls 3 in. (70 mm) or rises 3 in. (70 mm).
17.16 Supervisory Signal Initiating Devices

10. Initiating Devices
17.16.4.1 A temperature supervisory device for a water
storage container exposed to freezing conditions shall
initiate two separate and distinctive signals, as specified
in 17.16.4.2.
17.16.4.2 One signal shall indicate a decrease in water
temperature to 40°F (4.4°C), and the other shall indicate
its restoration to above 40°F (4.4°C).
17.16 Supervisory Signal Initiating Devices

11. Initiating Devices
17.16.5 Room Temperature Supervisory Signal–Initiating
Device. A room temperature supervisory device shall
indicate a decrease in room temperature to 40°F (4.4°C)
and its restoration to above 40°F (4.4°C).
17.16 Supervisory Signal–Initiating Devices