OR Fire Alarm Installer flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NFPA 72

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code; sets requirements for design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems in the United States.

NEC Article 760

Covers fire alarm system wiring, including power-limited and non-power-limited circuits, and requires listed cable and proper separation.

Smoke detector spacing

30 ft (9.1 m) on smooth ceilings, with the first detector within 15 ft (4.6 m) of any wall or ceiling projection.

Manual pull station height

Must be mounted 3.5 ft to 4.5 ft (1.07 m to 1.37 m) above finished floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of an exit door.

Photoelectric smoke detector

Uses a light source and sensor to detect scattered light from smoke particles; responds best to smoldering fires with larger particles.

Ionization smoke detector

Uses an ionization chamber to detect changes in current caused by smoke particles; responds best to flaming fires with smaller particles.

Rate-of-rise heat detector

Activates when temperature increases rapidly, typically at 15°F (8.3°C) per minute, regardless of the absolute temperature.

Duct smoke detector

Required in HVAC systems over 2,000 cfm (0.94 m³/s); detects smoke in the air stream and requires remote test stations.

Class A circuit

Initiating or notification circuit that continues to operate with a single open fault by providing a redundant return path.

Class B circuit

Circuit that does not survive a single open fault; a break in the wiring causes loss of devices beyond the break.

Notification appliance circuit

Supervised circuit that powers horns, strobes, speakers, and other notification appliances; must be designed for voltage drop.

Audible signal level

At least 15 dBA above ambient or 5 dBA above maximum ambient (whichever is greater) and at least 75 dBA at 10 ft (3 m).

Strobe synchronization

Required when multiple strobes are visible from a single location; prevents seizures and confusion by flashing simultaneously.

Strobe candela rating

15 cd for rooms up to 20 ft x 20 ft; higher candela required for larger rooms per NFPA 72 Table 18.5.5.4.1(a).

Voltage drop formula

VD = (2 x L x R x I) / 1000, where L is one-way length in feet, R is resistance in ohms per 1000 ft, and I is current in amperes.

Copper wire resistance

Approximate values: 14 AWG = 3.07 ohms/1000 ft; 12 AWG = 1.93 ohms/1000 ft; 10 AWG = 1.21 ohms/1000 ft; 16 AWG = 4.89 ohms/1000 ft.

Maximum NAC voltage drop

Typically 10% of rated voltage (2.4 V for 24 V systems) to ensure the last appliance operates properly.

Battery calculation formula

Standby current (A) x 24 h + alarm current (A) x 0.083 h (5 min) = Ah; add 20% derating for aging and temperature.

Voice system battery calculation

Use 24 hours standby plus 15 minutes (0.25 h) alarm, instead of 5 minutes, for voice evacuation systems.

Battery charger requirement

Must recharge batteries within 48 hours after full discharge; 24 hours for voice systems.

Primary power requirement

120 VAC dedicated branch circuit labeled "FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CONTROL," protected against accidental disconnection.

Secondary power requirement

Must operate system for 24 hours standby plus 5 minutes alarm (or 15 minutes for voice) using batteries or approved source.

FPLR cable

Fire alarm cable rated for riser use; suitable for vertical runs between floors in non-plenum spaces.

FPLP cable

Fire alarm cable rated for plenum use; required in environmental air spaces such as above suspended ceilings.

Power-limited circuit separation

Must be separated from non-power-limited circuits by separate conduits or barriers; label circuits appropriately.

Record of Completion

NFPA 72 Form 1 documenting that the system has been installed and tested per design; required for acceptance.

Record of Inspection and Testing

NFPA 72 Form 2 documenting periodic inspection and testing results; must be maintained and available to the AHJ.

Smoke detector sensitivity testing

Required within one year of installation and every two years thereafter; use calibrated equipment per manufacturer instructions.

Annual inspection

All initiating devices and notification appliances must be inspected and tested annually per NFPA 72.

Oregon fire alarm contractor license

Required by the Oregon State Fire Marshal for contractors installing or servicing fire alarm systems; individuals must hold installer certificate.

Permit requirement

Must obtain permit from local AHJ before installing or modifying a fire alarm system; submit plans for review.

AHJ

Authority Having Jurisdiction; the organization or individual responsible for enforcing code requirements and approving installations.