Fire Alarm Systems: Design, Installation, Inspection and Testing Course

Introduction:

Only a well-designed and functioning fire alarm system can protect people and the building from a fire hazard. This course is designed to provide participants with the tools needed to design, install and maintain fire alarm systems in accordance with building and fire codes.

Course Objectives:

After Participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the types of fire alarm systems and their applications
• Recognize the basic and optional features of fire alarm systems
• Explain the requirements of Voice Communication Systems
• Relate the requirements of building and fire code requirements to systems
• Apply your knowledge to design a fire alarm system

Who Should Attend?

• Fire Alarm System Designers & Engineers
• Installation & Service personnel
• Electrical Project Engineers & Supervisors
• Building Owners
• Property Managers
• Superintendents
• Maintenance personnel
• Building and Fire Inspectors

Course Outlines:

Overview of Fire Alarm Systems and Applications

• Input, output, processing, response time, and annunciation
• Stand-alone
• Distributed
• Centralized
• Networking (local and degraded mode)

Categories and Types of Fire Alarm Systems

• Local, auxiliary, remote, and proprietary
• Conventional and addressable (analog and digital)
• Single-stage and two-stage systems
• Single- to three-channel voice communication
• Fire fighters telephone, indication, and paging

Standard and Optional Features of Fire Alarm Control Units

• Basic features, annunciation, and controls
• Electrical supervision
• Priority level of indication
• Alarm silence/inhibit
• Input/output mapping
• Requirement of annunciation (local and remote)
• Circuit types Class A and B
• Conventional and addressable loops
• Response time
• Different types of faults and trouble
• Optional features such as suppression systems, alarm verification, voice, smoke control, and egress
• door securing

Compatibility of Input /Output Devices, Voice Communication Systems

• Initiating and signaling devices
• Interfacing voice systems, built-in and stand-alone
• Interfacing different makes of control units

Evaluation and Certification of Fire Alarm Equipment as Per ULC Standards

• How ULC evaluates and certifies control units according to CAN/ULC-S527
• Certification of field devices according to their respective CAN/ULC-500 series standards
• What is required in voice communication systems
• Evaluation of transponders and their role
• Primary and secondary power requirements

In-Depth Analysis of National Installation and Maintenance Standards

• CAN/ULC-S524 Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
• CAN/ULC-S536 Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
• CAN/ULC-S537 Standard for Verification of Fire Alarms

Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems and Access Level

• What level of access may be made available to the building owners/users and service companies
• (software controlled)
• Role of AHJ
• Responsibilities of the manufacturer

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Requirements for sprinkler flow alarms
• Types of flow alarms
• Requirements for sprinkler supervision

ULC Certificate Program and Starting a Listed Service Company

• Requirements and how to qualify for certificates
• How you can start and become a listed fire alarm service company
• Required qualification and experience

 Fire Code

• What is required for a fire alarm system and restorations
• Testing and maintenance
• Under retrofit program: what is allowed and disallowed

Customized Installation and Special Inspection

• How customized installation affects ULC certification
• What is required for special inspection
• Who can initiate the request for field inspection
• AHJ involvement and their requirements for issuing occupancy permits

Exercise

• Design of a fire alarm system for a Low Rise building

Types of Detection Devices

• Heat Detectors: types; spacing and placement restrictions as per ULC S524
• Smoke Detectors: types; spacing and placement restrictions
• Flame Detectors: types; spacing and placement restrictions
• Air Duct Type Smoke Detectors: types; spacing and placement restrictions
• Manual Pull Stations: types and location requirements

VESDA Air Sampling Applications

• Overview of the purpose and type of areas protected by VESDA systems

Types of Ancillary Systems connected to Fire Alarm Systems

• Electromagnetic locking devices (maglocks): purpose and Ontario Building Code requirements
• Hold Open devices: purpose and Ontario Building Code require Exercise
• Design of a fire alarm system for a High Rise building.