Technology and Fire code advancing
Technology and Fire Alarm code change all the time.
Older systems are grandfathered and until you do a remodel or change occupancy you can keep the system the way it is.
NFPA 72 code tells you how to a system in as far as spacing goes and many other aspects.
IBC IFC International Building code / International fire code tells you when you need a fire alarm system and when you don’t. Having someone that knows this code is very important when you are building a new building. Often Electrical Engineers are not familiar with the newest code requirements because they have so many different divisions to deal with.
Going directly to a fire alarm company that has NICET techs is prudent. National Insititute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
With the rate that fire alarm systems are being improved along with other technologies code also changes. The time will come that cameras will be used as heat detectors, flame detectors and smoke detectors using AI Artificial Intelligence. Even now some of these provisions are in the code. Thermal cameras are being used at a local fertilizer plant although the last time I visited they asked me if I could test and certify the system and they were not using the proper power supplies and battery backup for the system as per code so I told them that and if I were to inspect the system it would not pass the testing procedure.
Currently most fire alarm companies install simple fire alarm systems that monitor the fire sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, heat detectors and sometimes CO detectors and these system have Horn Strobes or Speaker Strobes with a voice evacuation system or a mass notification system.
There are very few fire alarm companies that can do it all and integrate the systems such as HVAC, Security Intrusion and Fire Alarm. Here at JCI Johnson Controls we have our own HVAC division, our own Security Division and our own Fire Alarm Division that sells and installs Simplex Fire Alarm Systems.
These Simplex Systems are the best fire alarm systems that can do simple monitoring or very complex systems with Smoke Control voice evacuation with HVAC all integrated.
Johnson Controls Fire Protection also ties into HUGS systems in Hospitals and JCI has vast knowledge and experience with Hospitals, Airports, Data Centers and large facilities as well as Hotels and College Campus systems.
Call Larry.Love@jci.com 801 898 6003 for more information, bids and pricing on new fire alarm systems or TI work on older Simplex Systems.
For tests and inspections for fire sprinkler, fire alarms and fire extinguishers testing and certification call Shandie.a.gorney@jci.com 801 214 5668
Matthew.bingham@jci.com 801 419 1379 for New Construction, work at the Salt Lake City Airport and upgrades to existing Simplex Fire Alarm Systems.
JCI has offices and a presence in all 50 States as well in almost all countries. Johnson Controls has NICET Engineering teams to help with code compliance and project designs.
Johnson Controls Fire Protection is also in the State contract here in Utah NASPO so get the best pricing for those that qualify.