NICET FAS-III cheat sheet

NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code; it establishes minimum design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements.

NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 760 governs fire alarm wiring and classifies circuits as power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) or non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA).

NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and IBC Chapter 9 establish when detection, alarm, and notification are required by occupancy.

NFPA 72 Chapter 7 addresses documentation, including the Record of Completion; Chapter 14 addresses inspection, testing, and maintenance in current editions.

Cable ratings: FPL for general use, FPLR for riser, FPLP for plenum; the marking must match the installation environment.

All fire alarm equipment must be listed for the purpose by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

The adopted code edition and local amendments are enforced by the AHJ; where documents conflict, the more restrictive requirement typically governs.

Manufacturer's published installation instructions must be followed for spacing, wiring, and device compatibility.

System design begins with approved drawings, specifications, and a documented sequence of operations.

Smoke detector nominal spacing on smooth ceilings is 30 ft (9.1 m), with a detector within 15 ft (4.6 m) of any wall, partition, or ceiling end.

Standard heat detector nominal spacing is 50 ft (15.2 m), with a detector within 25 ft (7.6 m) of walls or partitions.

Manual fire alarm boxes are mounted 42-48 in (1.1-1.2 m) above finished floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of an exit doorway.

Public mode audible notification: at least 15 dBA above average ambient or 5 dBA above maximum ambient of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, and at least 65 dBA.

Sleeping areas require at least 75 dBA at the pillow or 15 dBA above ambient, whichever is greater.

Voltage drop for a two-wire circuit: Vd = 2 x R x I x L; end-device voltage must remain at or above the listed minimum.

Battery sizing: standby current x 24 h plus alarm current x 5 min (15 min for voice), then apply manufacturer derating.

Class A pathways provide redundant return; Class B pathways use an end-of-line device and may lose part of the circuit on a single fault.

Duct smoke detectors supervise airflow but do not replace area smoke detection; elevator lobby, machine room, and hoistway detectors initiate Phase I recall per ASME A17.1.

NEC Article 760 sets conductor types, installation methods, and separation requirements for fire alarm circuits.

PLFA conductors must be separated from electric light, power, Class 1, and NPLFA conductors by at least 2 in (50 mm) or a listed barrier unless otherwise permitted.

Fire alarm cable must be supported and secured per NEC and manufacturer requirements; do not exceed cable fill or bend radius.

Class B initiating and notification circuits require a supervised end-of-line device at the last device.

Class A circuits require a return conductor to the control unit; a single open fault must not prevent operation of all devices.

The fire alarm control unit requires a dedicated AC branch circuit marked FIRE ALARM; the disconnecting means must be accessible only to authorized personnel.

Ground faults on supervised circuits must annunciate a trouble condition; do not use earth ground as a circuit conductor.

Use listed plenum-rated cable, raceway, and splices in environmental air spaces.

Maintain battery polarity and use the manufacturer's listed charging and backup configuration.

NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2 establishes minimum inspection and testing frequencies; the complete system is functionally tested at least annually.

Smoke detector sensitivity is checked within 1 year of installation and at least every alternate year thereafter, or per manufacturer instructions.

Duct smoke detectors are tested annually; verify sampling tube airflow and alarm initiation.

Batteries are inspected quarterly and load-tested annually or per manufacturer instructions.

Before any test or impairment, notify the owner, supervising station, and fire department as required; tag the system and restore promptly.

Test records must document devices tested, results, deficiencies, and corrective actions; make records available to the AHJ.

Notification appliances are functionally tested annually for audibility and visual output.

After testing, confirm that all supervisory and alarm signals were received and that the system is returned to normal.

Use listed test methods and manufacturer-approved smoke or heat test equipment; do not alter detector sensitivity without authorization.

The Record of Completion documents the installed system, tested functions, and signatures of contractor and owner.

As-built drawings show actual device locations, wiring routes, and panel details and are delivered at closeout.

Submittals include shop drawings, product data, calculations, and sequence of operations; work proceeds only after approval.

RFIs clarify design intent; change orders authorize scope, cost, or schedule changes before work is performed.

Acceptance testing is witnessed by the AHJ or owner's representative and verifies code and design compliance.

Preliminary testing identifies and corrects deficiencies before the formal acceptance test.

O&M manuals, training, and spare parts are provided to the owner at turnover.

Maintain site-specific software, backups, and passwords; document software changes.

A punch list tracks incomplete or deficient items through final closeout.