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Surviving Survivability – A User’s Guide to Survivable Fire Alarm Circuits Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018

Automatic Fire Alarm Association

SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY - A USER’S GUIDE TO SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS Larry D. Rietz, SET 23 May 2018

Content is Copyright 2018 © Jensen Hughes, Inc. All Rights Reserved

PRESENTATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES

∑ What is the Code history of circuit survivability?

∑ What effect does product listing have on survivable cable?

∑ What fire alarm circuits must be survivable and how can this be accomplished?

∑ How can a designer provide and an AHJ approve a survivable cable installation?

NFPA ® and NFPA 72 ® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association ®. NFPA documents are copyrighted by the NFPA. Advancing the Science of Safety 3

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Disclaimer

Portions of this program are reprinted from NFPA 72 ® – 2016, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection, Quincy, MA and other previous editions of NFPA 72. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety. NFPA 72 ® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02169. This presentation does not reflect the official position of the National Fire Protection Association.

The content, opinions, and conclusions contained in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of Underwriters Laboratories. UL makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2017 All Rights Reserved. Advancing the Science of Safety 4

SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY CODE HISTORY OF CIRCUIT SURVIVABILITY

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CODE HISTORY

Survivability is NOT new! ∑ 1993 National Fire Alarm Code

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CODE HISTORY

1996 National Fire Alarm Code

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CODE HISTORY

1999 National Fire Alarm Code

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CODE HISTORY

2002 National Fire Alarm Code

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CODE HISTORY

2007 National Fire Alarm Code

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code ∑ Most significant changes to circuit or pathway survivability ∑ 2 New Chapters: ∑ Chapter 12: Circuits and Pathways ∑ Chapter 24: Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 12

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 23

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24

EVACS – Fire Alarm Systems

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 Requirements: ∑ In-Building MNS: Level 0 or greater per Risk Analysis ∑ Wide Area MNS: Level 0 or greater per Risk Analysis ∑ Two-way In-Building Wired ECS: Level 2 or 3 ∑ Two-way Radio Communications Enhancement: Level 2 or 3, except antennae (2016 moved to NFPA 1221) ∑ Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications: Level 2 or 3, except off-premises communications ∑ Elevator Emergency Communications: Level 0, 1, 2, or 3 ∑ Other ECS: Determined by Risk Analysis

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CODE HISTORY

2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 24 Further Requirements for Relocation or Partial Evac:

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CODE HISTORY

2013 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code ∑ Only a few minor changes to the above noted language ∑ Chapter 23 section changed to only refer to tone fire alarm system, but the same “conflict” with Chapter 24 exists.

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CODE HISTORY

2016 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Chapter 12 and 23 remain basically unchanged regarding survivability. Chapter 24 makes some changes.

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CODE HISTORY

Important Definitions Pathway Survivability : The ability of any conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions. (NFPA 72-2016)

Pathway Class : Classification of a circuit (pathway) based on performance characteristics. Code defines performance of Class A, B, C, D, E, N, and X.

Redundant : A second, return, or alternate path; a backup. Mostly closely associated with Class A, N, and X pathways.

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CODE HISTORY

Important Definitions Evacuation Zone : A signaling zone. (Term is not used in NFPA 72-2010 and later)

Signaling Zone : An area consisting of one or more notification zones where signals are actuated simultaneously. (NFPA 72-2016)

Notification Zone : A discrete area of a building, bounded by building outer walls, fire or smoke compartment boundaries, floor separations, or other fire safety sub-divisions, in which occupants are intended to receive common notification. (NFPA 72-2016)

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CODE HISTORY

Important Definitions Evacuation : The withdrawal of occupants from a building. (NFPA 72- 2016)

Partial Evacuation : The partial withdrawal of occupants from a building (usually by floor, smoke zone, or area).

Relocation : The movement of occupants from a fire zone to a safe area within the same building. (NFPA 72-2016)

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CODE HISTORY

Important Definitions Raceway : An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables or busbars. (NEC)

Cable : An assembly of one or more wires running side by side, which is used to carry electric current.

Cable System / Electrical Circuit Protective System(s) : An electrical circuit integrity system consisting of components and materials intended for installation as protection for specific electrical wiring systems, with respect to the disruption of electrical circuit integrity upon exterior fire exposure. (UL) Advancing the Science of Safety 22

SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY PRODUCT LISTINGS OF SURVIVABLE CABLE

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable is listed to ANSI/UL 2196 Standard for Tests for Fire Resistive Cables Standard was issued on May 11, 2001 with Revisions issued: • March 25, 2004 • December 7, 2006 • March 30, 2012 Referenced Standards: • UL 1424 Standard for Cables for Power-Limited Fire-Alarm Circuits • UL 1425 Standard for Cables for Non-Power-Limited Fire-Alarm Circuits • UL 1724 Outline of Investigation for Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective Systems

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

Products fall into two categories: ∑ Fire-Resistive Cable (FHJR) ∑ Electric Circuit Integrity Systems (FHIT)

Cable and System must survive a fire test of approximately 1,800 °F (982 °C) for 2 hours and a hose stream test, and still remain intact and the circuit operational. Depending on Listing, cable may be installed in “free air” or “in conduit”.

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

12 September 2012

Northbrook, IL – September 12, 2012 – UL has recently conducted research on a wide array of current products and systems originally certified under UL 2196, Tests for Fire Resistive Cables and ULC- S139, Standard Method of Fire Test for Evaluation of Integrity of Electrical Cables and determined that they no longer consistently achieve a two-hour fire-resistive rating when subjected to the standard Fire Endurance Test of UL2196 or ULC-S139. Consequently, UL and ULC will not be able to offer certification to the currently existing program related to these standards.

As a result, manufacturers are no longer authorized to place the UL mark or ULC mark on the following products: •UL Classified Fire Resistive Cable (FHJR) •ULC Listed Fire Resistant Cable (FHJRC) •UL Listed cable with “-CI” suffix (Circuit Integrity) Furthermore, UL has removed from its certification directory all Electrical Circuit Protective Systems (FHIT) constructed with Fire Resistive Cable.

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

This action left designers, contractors and AHJs with no cost effective way to meet the Code requirements for survivability. Many struggled with: ∑ Performance-based Designs ∑ Building Construction Changes ∑ Use of alternate cables or systems, like Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable

Advancing the Science of Safety 28 Diagram Courtesy NFPA 72-2010 Handbook

PRODUCT LISTINGS

The Situation Now… ∑ Several products are listed for fire alarm CI use ∑ At least two different manufacturers ∑ Both Conduit and Free Air models are available ∑ Cables are Listed with system components like conduit, enclosures, supports, pulling lubricant, etc.

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

Currently Listed Products as of 4/10/2018:

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

Fire-Resistive Cable Listing

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

System Installation Requirements

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PRODUCT LISTINGS

The Listing now results in a “system” that must be installed to exacting standards!

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SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY SURVIVABILE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

For Proper Fire Alarm Design, Need to Answer: ∑ What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? ∑ How Will Survivability be Achieved?

FIRST?

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

Before anything, must need to know the Emergency Response Plan for the building! ∑ General Alarm? ∑ Selective Floor Evacuation? ∑ Relocation? ∑ Partial Evacuation? ∑ Selective Signaling?

What other systems may require survivability and how will that survivability be achieved?

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

If survivable cable is needed, you need a complete copy of the architectural drawings. ∑ Wall and Floor Ratings ∑ Electrical and Communication Room Wall Ratings ∑ Coordinated Riser Locations ∑ Smoke Zone Boundaries

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Notification Appliance Circuits ∑ Loudspeaker circuits (audible textual notification appliance circuits) ∑ Audible tone circuits (horns, chimes, etc.) ∑ Visual notification appliance circuits (strobes, textual appliances, etc)

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Network Circuit(s) or Remote Unit Communication ∑ When used to control/trigger remote control units, amplifiers, or power supplies.

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Network Circuit(s) and Fiber Optic Media ∑ Is there 2-hour fiber optic cable?

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) ∑ When used to trigger remote NAC power supplies or booster power supplies. ∑ When used to for control modules that trigger circuits or amplifiers

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

What Circuits Need Survivability? ∑ Certain Riser Circuits ∑ Audio riser circuits. ∑ Dual / Multiple channel audio ∑ Fire Fighter Telephone (two-way emergency communications) ∑ 24VDC Power Circuits ∑ Sounder Base Power Circuits

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? Remember the Code requirement:

Survivable from Control Unit “until they enter the notification zone.” ∑ Suggest cable/conduit extend at least 12” into/beyond the fire rated wall.

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components?

∑ For circuits feeding remote panels (network, audio risers, etc.), suggest continuing cable/conduit to the remote panel.

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

Where Do These Circuits Need Survivable Components? ∑ Termination Points

∑ Provide Through-Penetration Firestop Systems (XHEZ) when passing through all fire rated floors and walls.

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SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

How Will Survivability be Achieved? ∑ Use of Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable ∑ Conduit System ∑ Free Air

Advancing the Science of Safety 46 Diagram Courtesy NFPA 72-2016 Handbook

SURVIVABLE FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS

How Will Survivability be Achieved? ∑ Use of 2-Hour Rooms ∑ Use of 2-Hour Enclosures

∑ Other Equivalent Means Acceptable to the AHJ Advancing the Science of Safety 47 Diagram Courtesy NFPA 72-2016 Handbook

SURVIVING SURVIVABILITY DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL OF SURVIVABLE CIRCUITS

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

So how can you properly design a survivable cable system so that the AHJ can provide a review (at shop drawing level) and approval (at acceptance test)?

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Know the Code ∑ Understand Key Definitions, including Pathway Survivability, Pathway Class, Signaling Zone, and Notification Zone. ∑ Chapter 12 contains your Pathway Survivability Levels, but does not dictate which ones must be used. ∑ Chapter 23 requires any fire alarm system using partial evacuation or relocation to be survivable. ∑ Chapter 24 contains the specific requirements (‘WHEN’) survivability levels must be provided for EVACS and MNS.

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Know Your System ∑ Each Fire Alarm System is unique. ∑ Centralized amplifiers and power supplies vs. de-centralized (remote) equipment ∑ Networking communication schemes… Peer-to-Peer, Master-Subordinate, etc. ∑ Programming requirements for selective signaling ∑ NAC control options and capacity ∑ Understand Effect on Calculations ∑ Wire gage requirements and effect on voltage drop ∑ #12AWG FPLP Resistance of 1.930 ohms/1000 ft ∑ #12AWG CI Cable Resistance of 1.618 ohms/1000 ft

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Understand Your Options ∑ What advantages can the building construction provide for you? ∑ How long are your survivable cable or cable system runs? ∑ Length of vertical runs can require extra installation requirements. ∑ Will cable splices be required? ∑ Is free air cable an option? ∑ Need to follow maximum allowable support spacing (usually 24” – 72”) ∑ Is a performance-based alternative your best option? ∑ If so, how will you document that alternative? ∑ Cost? Fire Alarm Vendor vs. Installer?

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Explain Thoroughly Your Design ∑ How can you communicate with the installing contractor on the exact type of cable, conduit and support system installation requirements? ∑ Floor Plan ∑ Riser ∑ Installation Details ∑ Calculations ∑ Your design can help the AHJ!

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Inspect the Installation ∑ Cable ∑ Conduit / System ∑ Conduit or Cable Supports ∑ Fire Stopping ∑ Variations from Design Documents?

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DESIGN AND AHJ APPROVAL

Help the AHJ to Understand ∑ The system’s infrastructure. ∑ The system’s dependencies. ∑ Clearly explain the evacuation sequence. ∑ Provide installation details that can be reviewed on shop drawing review and at acceptance testing.

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QUESTIONS?

With grateful acknowledgement, much of Contact this presentation was taken Larry D. Rietz, SET from, and in direct +1 303-439-0485 coordination with, [email protected] information published by Wayne Moore. For More Information Visit jensenhughes.com Wayne Moore 604-242-0081 wmoore@jensenhughes Warwick, RI

Content is Copyright 2018 © Jensen Hughes, Inc. All Rights Reserved Advancing the Science of Safety 56

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