Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 61G15-32.008 - Design of Fire Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Control Systems
(1) Fire alarms and detection systems include
fire protection supervision, emergency alarm circuits, activation of life
safety system controls and remote signaling of emergency conditions. Items to
be considered in the design or analysis of fire alarm and detection systems
are, as applicable to the particular project: occupancy and classification,
monitoring, control and communication, cabling and supervision requirements,
installation requirements, interoperability and performance
requirements.
(2) The design
specifications shall be based on the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire
Prevention Code, or as required by the local authority having jurisdiction. The
Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code are incorporated by
reference in Rule 61G15-18.011, F.A.C.
(3) For Engineering Documents pertaining to
Fire Protection Systems exempted by the threshold requirements for mandatory
use of professional engineering services, the Engineer of Record shall
determine the level of detail shown on plans for a Fire Protection system. All
such plans shall include a disclaimer stating the Fire Protection system is
exempt from professional engineering services and shall provide a clear
understanding of the minimum system requirements expected to be installed by
the contractor and permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In the
event the Engineer of Record provides more information and direction than is
minimally required, he or she shall be held responsible for the technical
accuracy of the work in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and sound
engineering principles.
(4) To
ensure minimum design quality of Fire Alarm and Detection Systems Engineering
Documents, said documents shall include as a minimum the following information
when applicable:
(a) The documents shall be
clear, with a symbols legend, system riser diagram showing all initiation and
notification components, and cabling requirements. The documents shall indicate
locations where fire ratings are required as determined by the system's
survivability requirements, and shall identify the general occupancy of the
protected property and each room and area unless it is clear from features
shown.
(b) Locate initiation and
notification devices and connections to related systems on the floor plans and
sections when needed for clarity. Related systems include elevator controls,
smoke control systems, dampers, door release, any other systems or elements
directly or indirectly controlled or monitored.
(c) Strobe intensity and speaker output
ratings for all notification devices.
(d) Identify the Class of circuits as listed
in NFPA 72, which is contained within and incorporated into the Florida Fire
Prevention Code.
(e) Identify the
functions required by the alarm and control systems including the transmission
of emergency signals being monitored or annunciated.
(f) Indicate whether the fire alarm is
conventional zoned or digital addressable, and indicate all zoning.
(g) Locate surge protective devices and
required protective features.
(h)
Identify and locate system devices that are subject to environmental factors,
and indicate requirements for the protection of equipment from temperature,
humidity or corrosive atmospheres, including coastal salt air.
(i) The documents shall include a site plan
of the immediate area around the protected building, structure or equipment
when alarm devices are required outside the structure.
(j) In buildings where smoke detection will
be obstructed by walls, beams or ceiling features, the Engineer of Record shall
provide applicable design and details to direct the installer to mitigate the
obstructions. In buildings with smoke detection under a pitched roof, the plans
shall indicate the roof pitch and a building section shall be provided as part
of the Engineering Design Documents.
(k) For fire detection systems utilizing
smoke detection in situations where smoke stratification is anticipated, the
design shall provide the necessary criteria to mitigate the detection
problems.
(l) Systems designed
using Performance Based criteria shall be identified and referenced to design
guides or standards approved by the local authority having jurisdiction
consistent with standards adopted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the
Florida Building Code.
(m) The
system design must indicate if the system is to provide a general evacuation
signal or a zoned evacuation for all high-rise buildings or multi-tenanted
properties as defined in section 2 of the Florida Building Code,
Building.
(n) Wiring requirements
for underground, wet locations, campus style wiring, protection against damage
and burial depth shall be specified or indicated on the engineering design
documents.
(o) Requirements for
operations and maintenance procedures, manuals, system documentation, and
instruction of Owner's operating personnel, as needed to operate the systems as
intended.
(5) In the
event that the Engineer of Record elects to specify specific equipment and to
show the required wiring, battery and voltage drop (circuit analysis)
calculations shall be completed. The calculations shall be completed using the
equipment manufacturer's data and applicable NFPA 72 procedures.
(6) System test requirements shall be noted
on the Engineering Design Documents.
(7) When the Engineer of Record determines
that special requirements are required by the owner, insurance underwriter or
local fire code amendments these requirements shall be documented or referenced
on the Engineering Design Documents.
(8) This rule shall be reviewed, and if
necessary, repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five
years from the effective date.
Notes
Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033 FS.
New 5-19-93, Formerly 21H-32.008, Amended 3-26-09, 3-28-17, 7-25-19, 3-23-22, 5-22-23.
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