The document discusses fire alarm system fundamentals and requirements based on NFPA 70 and NFPA 72 standards. Key points include requirements for initiating devices to be compatible with listed control units, emergency functions not interfering with alarm operations, alarm activation within 10 seconds of detection, and zoning, annunciation, monitoring, and limitations of fire alarm systems and components.

1. NOTICE!!!
All three of the FIRE
ALARM BASICS
courses, are based on
NFPA 70 and NFPA 72
each of which you
should have at hand
while taking these
courses.

2. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
All fire detection devicesAll fire detection devices
that receive their powerthat receive their power
from the initiating devicefrom the initiating device
circuit or signaling linecircuit or signaling line
circuit of a fire alarmcircuit of a fire alarm
control unit shall be listedcontrol unit shall be listed
for use with the controlfor use with the control
unit.unit.
10.3.3 Compatibility

3. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
21.2.7 Emergency control functions shall not21.2.7 Emergency control functions shall not
interfere with other operations of the fireinterfere with other operations of the fire
alarm system.alarm system.
23.8.1.1 Actuation Time. Actuation of alarm23.8.1.1 Actuation Time. Actuation of alarm
notification appliances or emergency voicenotification appliances or emergency voice
communications, fire safety functions, andcommunications, fire safety functions, and
annunciation at the protected premises shallannunciation at the protected premises shall
occur within 10 seconds after the activationoccur within 10 seconds after the activation
of an initiating device.of an initiating device.
System Functions

4. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
SUPERVISORY SIGNALSSUPERVISORY SIGNALS
10.11.1 A coded supervisory signal shall be permitted to consist of two10.11.1 A coded supervisory signal shall be permitted to consist of two
rounds of the number transmitted to indicate a supervisory off-normalrounds of the number transmitted to indicate a supervisory off-normal
conditioncondition
10.11.2 A coded supervisory signal shall be permitted to consist one10.11.2 A coded supervisory signal shall be permitted to consist one
round of the number transmitted to indicate the restoration of theround of the number transmitted to indicate the restoration of the
supervisory condition to normal.supervisory condition to normal.
10.11.3 Self-Restoring Supervisory Signal Indication. Visible and audible
indication of self-restoring supervisory signals and visible indication of
their restoration to normal shall be automatically indicated within 90
seconds at the following locations:
• (1) Fire alarm control unit for local fire alarm systems
• (2) Building fire command center for in-building fire emergency
voice/alarm communications systems
• (3) Supervising station location for systems installed in compliance
with Chapter 26
System Functions

5. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.11.2 Combined Coded Alarm and Supervisory10.11.2 Combined Coded Alarm and Supervisory
Signal Circuits. Where both coded sprinklerSignal Circuits. Where both coded sprinkler
supervisory signals and coded fire or water flowsupervisory signals and coded fire or water flow
alarm signals are transmitted over the samealarm signals are transmitted over the same
signaling line circuit, provision shall be madesignaling line circuit, provision shall be made
either to obtain alarm signal precedence oreither to obtain alarm signal precedence or
sufficient repetition of the alarm signal to preventsufficient repetition of the alarm signal to prevent
the loss of an alarm signal.the loss of an alarm signal.
10.11.3 Supervisory signals indicated in 90 sec.10.11.3 Supervisory signals indicated in 90 sec.
10.7.1 DISTINCTIVE SIGNALS10.7.1 DISTINCTIVE SIGNALS
 Alarm, supervisory, & trouble signalsAlarm, supervisory, & trouble signals
distinctivedistinctive
4.4.3 System Functions

6. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.13 FIRE SAFETY FUNCTION SAFETY10.13 FIRE SAFETY FUNCTION SAFETY
STATUS INDICATORSSTATUS INDICATORS
10.13.1 Safety function overrides shall be10.13.1 Safety function overrides shall be
indicatedindicated
10.13.2 Status indicators to indicate actual10.13.2 Status indicators to indicate actual
statusstatus
System Functions

7. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.12.1 TROUBLE SIGNALS10.12.1 TROUBLE SIGNALS
 Trouble signal and restoration indicated withinTrouble signal and restoration indicated within
200 seconds200 seconds
10.7.5 Trouble signal indication at FACP,10.7.5 Trouble signal indication at FACP,
command center, and central stationcommand center, and central station
10.12.7 Trouble signals and restoration10.12.7 Trouble signals and restoration
indicated at proprietary station IAW Ch. 8indicated at proprietary station IAW Ch. 8
System Functions

8. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.12.8 AUDIBLE TROUBLE SIGNAL SILENCING MEANS10.12.8 AUDIBLE TROUBLE SIGNAL SILENCING MEANS
• 10.12.8.1 A means for silencing the trouble notification appliance(s)
shall be permitted only if it complies with the following:
(1) The means shall be key-operated or located within a locked
cabinet, or arranged to provide equivalent protection
against unauthorized use.
(2) The means shall transfer the trouble indication to a suitably
identified lamp or other acceptable visible indicator.
(3) The visible indication specified in 10.12.8.1(2) shall persist
until the trouble condition has been corrected.
(4) The audible trouble signal shall sound when the silencing
means is in its silence position and no trouble exists.
System Functions

9. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.12.8.2 If an audible trouble notification appliance is also used to
indicate a supervisory condition, as permitted by 10.7.3, a
trouble signal silencing switch shall not prevent subsequent
sounding of supervisory signals.
10.12.8.3* An audible trouble signal that has been silenced at the
protected premises shall comply with the following:
(1) The audible trouble signal shall automatically re-sound
every 24 hours or less until fault conditions are restored to
normal.
(2) The audible trouble signal shall sound until it is manually
silenced or acknowledged.
(3) The re-sounded trouble signal shall also be automatically
retransmitted to any supervising station to which the original
trouble signal was transmitted.

10. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.12.8.4* If permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, the requirement
for a 24-hour resound of an audible trouble signal shall be permitted to
occur only at a supervising station that meets the requirements of
Chapter 26 and not at the protected premises.
10.7.1 Priority alarms, fire alarms, supervisory signals, and trouble signals
shall be distinctively and descriptively annunciated.
A.10.10 It is the intent that both visual and audible appliances are shut off
when the signal silence feature is activated on the fire alarm control
unit. Per the ADA, it is important not to provide conflicting signals for
the hearing impaired.
System Functions

11. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.11.5 Supervisory Signal Silencing.
10.11.5.1 A means for silencing a supervisory signal notification
appliance(s) shall be permitted only if it complies with 10.11.5.2 through
10.11.5.5.
10.11.5.2 The means shall be key-operated or located within a locked
cabinet, or arranged to provide equivalent protection against unauthorized
use.
10.11.5.3 The means shall transfer the supervisory indication to a lamp or
other visible indicator, and subsequent supervisory signals in other zones
shall cause the supervisory notification appliance(s) to re-sound.
10.11.5.4 A means that is left in the “silence” position where there is no
supervisory off normal signal shall operate a visible signal silence indicator.
10.11.5.5 A means that is left in the “silence” position shall cause the
trouble signal to sound until the silencing means is restored to normal
position.

12. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
23.8.1.2* Presignal Feature.
23.8.1.2.1 Systems that have a presignal feature complying with 23.8.1.2
shall be permitted if approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
23.8.1.2.2 A presignal feature shall meet the following conditions:
(1) The initial fire alarm signals sound only in department offices, control
rooms, fire brigade stations, or other constantly attended central locations.
(2) Where there is a connection to a remote location, the transmission of
the fire alarm signal to the supervising station activates upon the initial
alarm signal.
(3) Subsequent system operation is by either of the following means:
(a) Human action that activates the general fire alarm
(b) A feature that allows the control equipment to delay the general alarm
by more than 1 minute after the start of the alarm processing

13. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
23.8.1.3 POSITIVE ALARM SEQUENCE23.8.1.3 POSITIVE ALARM SEQUENCE
23.8.1.3.1 PAS allowed if approved by AHJ23.8.1.3.1 PAS allowed if approved by AHJ
23.8.1.3.1.1(1) 15 seconds to intercept signal23.8.1.3.1.1(1) 15 seconds to intercept signal
23.8.1.3.1.1(3) 180 sec alarm invest. phase23.8.1.3.1.1(3) 180 sec alarm invest. phase
23.8.1.3.1.1(5) If a second automatic detector23.8.1.3.1.1(5) If a second automatic detector
goes into alarm during investgoes into alarm during invest  activationactivation
System Functions

14. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
23.8.1.3.1.1(6) If any other initiating device23.8.1.3.1.1(6) If any other initiating device
goes into alarmgoes into alarm  immediate activationimmediate activation
23.8.1.3.1.2 PAS bypass provision23.8.1.3.1.2 PAS bypass provision
System Functions

15. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.14 PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS10.14 PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS
10.14.1 VOLTAGE, TEMPERATURE, AND10.14.1 VOLTAGE, TEMPERATURE, AND
HUMIDITY VARIATIONHUMIDITY VARIATION
 85% - 110% of nameplate voltage85% - 110% of nameplate voltage
 3232°°F – 120F – 120°°FF
 Relative humidity of 85% at 86Relative humidity of 85% at 86°°FF
10.14 Performance and Limitations

16. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.14.2 INSTALLATION AND DESIGN10.14.2 INSTALLATION AND DESIGN
10.14.2.1 Specifications and standards IAW10.14.2.1 Specifications and standards IAW
Authority Having jurisdictionAuthority Having jurisdiction
10.14.2.2 Devices located and installed to10.14.2.2 Devices located and installed to
minimize accidental operationminimize accidental operation
10.14 Performance and Limitations

17. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.14.2.3 All apparatus to be restored or10.14.2.3 All apparatus to be restored or
rewound as promptly as possiblerewound as promptly as possible
10.14.2.4 Install devices in locations where10.14.2.4 Install devices in locations where
limits do not exceed 4.4.4.1limits do not exceed 4.4.4.1
10.14.3 Follow NFPA 70 - 800 to reduce EMI10.14.3 Follow NFPA 70 - 800 to reduce EMI
damagedamage
10.14 Performance and Limitations

18. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
12.2.4.3 WIRING12.2.4.3 WIRING
 Installation wiring IAW NFPA 70 Articles 760,Installation wiring IAW NFPA 70 Articles 760,
770, 800770, 800
12.2.4.4 GROUNDING12.2.4.4 GROUNDING
 All systems shall test free of groundsAll systems shall test free of grounds
10.14.3.1 INITIATING DEVICES10.14.3.1 INITIATING DEVICES
 Selected and installed to minimize nuisanceSelected and installed to minimize nuisance
alarmsalarms
10.14 Performance and Limitations

19. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.14.3.1 Install to minimize nuisance alarms10.14.3.1 Install to minimize nuisance alarms
10.14.3.2 Fire alarm boxes to comply w/ 17.1410.14.3.2 Fire alarm boxes to comply w/ 17.14
and 23.8.5.2.1and 23.8.5.2.1
10.14 Performance and Limitations

20. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.15 PROTECTION OF FIRE ALARM10.15 PROTECTION OF FIRE ALARM
CONTROL UNIT(S)CONTROL UNIT(S)
Automatic smoke detector to be installedAutomatic smoke detector to be installed
to protect FACP(s) unless in continuouslyto protect FACP(s) unless in continuously
occupied locationoccupied location
10.15 Protections of Fire Alarm Control Unit(s)

21. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.16 VISIBLE ZONE ALARM INDICATION10.16 VISIBLE ZONE ALARM INDICATION
 If required, annunciate devices by subdivisionIf required, annunciate devices by subdivision
10.16.2 Supervisory & Trouble Annunciation10.16.2 Supervisory & Trouble Annunciation
10.16.3 Annunciator Access & Location10.16.3 Annunciator Access & Location
10.16.4 Alarm Annunciation Display10.16.4 Alarm Annunciation Display
 Annunciation by zone for two or more zonesAnnunciation by zone for two or more zones
10.16 Zoning and Annunciation

22. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.16.4 Visual annunciation to display all10.16.4 Visual annunciation to display all
zones in alarmzones in alarm
10.16.5 Visible and audible alarm10.16.5 Visible and audible alarm
annunciationannunciation provided at command centerprovided at command center
10.16.6.1 Each floor of the building is10.16.6.1 Each floor of the building is
considered a separate zoneconsidered a separate zone
10.16.6.3 Multiple buildings to be indicated10.16.6.3 Multiple buildings to be indicated
separatelyseparately
10.16 Zoning and Annunciation

23. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.17.1/2 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF10.17.1/2 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF
INSTALLATION CONDUCTORS ANDINSTALLATION CONDUCTORS AND
OTHER SIGNALING CHANNELSOTHER SIGNALING CHANNELS
Integrity of all pathways monitored toIntegrity of all pathways monitored to
indicate a single open or single groundindicate a single open or single ground
fault and restoration within 200 secondsfault and restoration within 200 seconds
10.17 Monitoring Integrity of Conductors

24. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.17.1.15 No alarms from single break or10.17.1.15 No alarms from single break or
ground faultground fault
10.17.1.16 Unacknowledged alarm signals10.17.1.16 Unacknowledged alarm signals
unaffected by unacknowledged faultsunaffected by unacknowledged faults
10.17.1.17 Fault on one NAC not to affect10.17.1.17 Fault on one NAC not to affect
other NACsother NACs
10.17.1.18 Wire-to-wire short on NAC results10.17.1.18 Wire-to-wire short on NAC results
in trouble signalin trouble signal
10.17 Monitoring Integrity of Conductors

25. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.17.2 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF10.17.2 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF
EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARMEMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM
COMMUNICAITONS SYSTEMSCOMMUNICAITONS SYSTEMS
10.17.2.1 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF10.17.2.1 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF
SPEAKER AMPLIFIER AND TONE-SPEAKER AMPLIFIER AND TONE-
GENERATING EQUIPMENTGENERATING EQUIPMENT
 Failure of tone-generating equipment or audioFailure of tone-generating equipment or audio
amplifiers shall result in a trouble signalamplifiers shall result in a trouble signal
10.17 Monitoring Integrity of Conductors

26. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.17.2.2 2-way phone circuits monitored10.17.2.2 2-way phone circuits monitored
for short-circuit faultsfor short-circuit faults
10.17.3 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF10.17.3 MONITORING INTEGRITY OF
POWERPOWER SUPPLIESSUPPLIES
Power supplies monitored at their point ofPower supplies monitored at their point of
connection. Failure will result in a troubleconnection. Failure will result in a trouble
signal IAW 10.12signal IAW 10.12
10.17 Monitoring Integrity of Conductors

27. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.17.3.2 DACT power supplies IAW 10.5 & 10.710.17.3.2 DACT power supplies IAW 10.5 & 10.7
10.17.3.3* Supervising station fire alarm systems10.17.3.3* Supervising station fire alarm systems
shall be arranged to delay transmission ofshall be arranged to delay transmission of
primary power failure signals for a period rangingprimary power failure signals for a period ranging
from 60 to 180 minutes.from 60 to 180 minutes.
Where delay of the signal is prohibited by theWhere delay of the signal is prohibited by the
authority having jurisdiction, delay of theauthority having jurisdiction, delay of the
transmission shall not be required.transmission shall not be required.
10.17 Monitoring Integrity of Conductors

28. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
 1.1 Scope1.1 Scope
 1.2 Purpose1.2 Purpose
 1.3 General1.3 General
 3.1,2,3 Definitions3.1,2,3 Definitions
 4.1 Fundamentals4.1 Fundamentals
4.5 Documentation4.5 Documentation
NFPA 72-2002 ChapterChapter 1 thru 4

29. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.18.1 AHJ to be notified prior to10.18.1 AHJ to be notified prior to
installation or alteration of equipment orinstallation or alteration of equipment or
wiringwiring
10.18.2 Contractor statement required at10.18.2 Contractor statement required at
completion of installation or modificationcompletion of installation or modification
10.18.4 Statement allowed to be Figure10.18.4 Statement allowed to be Figure
10.18.2.1.1 Record of Completion &10.18.2.1.1 Record of Completion &
statement noted in 10.18.1.3.statement noted in 10.18.1.3.
10.18.1 Approval and Acceptance

30. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
10.18.2.1 A Record of Completion shall be10.18.2.1 A Record of Completion shall be
prepared for each systemprepared for each system
Familiarize yourself with theFamiliarize yourself with the
>>>>>>Record of CompletionRecord of Completion<<<<<<
10.18.2.2 Every system shall include an10.18.2.2 Every system shall include an
owner’s manual and record drawingowner’s manual and record drawing
10.18.2 Completion Documents

31. Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm System
FundamentalsFundamentals
• Complete unalterableComplete unalterable
record of tests andrecord of tests and
operations to be keptoperations to be kept
until the next test anduntil the next test and
1 year thereafter1 year thereafter
10.18.3 Records

32. ReviewReview
 Part 1 Fire Alarm System FundamentalsPart 1 Fire Alarm System Fundamentals
Part 2 Initiating DevicesPart 2 Initiating Devices
Part 3 Protected Premises Fire Alarm SystemsPart 3 Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems
Part 4 Notification AppliancesPart 4 Notification Appliances
Part 5 Supervising Station Fire Alarm SystemsPart 5 Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems
Part 6 Public Fire Alarm Reporting SystemsPart 6 Public Fire Alarm Reporting Systems
Part 7 Inspection, Testing, & MaintenancePart 7 Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance
Part 8 Fire Warning Equipment for DwellingPart 8 Fire Warning Equipment for Dwelling
UnitsUnits

33. ReviewReview
 Part 1 Fire Alarm System FundamentalsPart 1 Fire Alarm System Fundamentals
 Part 2 Initiating DevicesPart 2 Initiating Devices
 Part 3 Protected Premises Fire Alarm SystemsPart 3 Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems
 Part 4 Notification AppliancesPart 4 Notification Appliances
 Part 5 Supervising Station Fire Alarm SystemsPart 5 Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems
 Part 6 Public Fire Alarm Reporting SystemsPart 6 Public Fire Alarm Reporting Systems
 Part 7 Inspection, Testing, & MaintenancePart 7 Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance
 Part 8 Fire Warning Equipment for DwellingPart 8 Fire Warning Equipment for Dwelling
UnitsUnits