Fire Alarm Code National and Local

IFC International Fire Code has been adopted by Utah and you will find the IFC inside the IBC which is the International Building Code. 

This code tells you when you need a fire alarm system. You just need to look up the occupancy and a few other items and once you find that code and that a fire alarm is required you can then refer to other codes for the rest of the design. 

NFPA 72 tells you more about how to install the fire alarm system such as spacing requirements etc....

R710 is the State code which has a few items that may not be required in the National code but are in the State of Utah. Example: National code says that when you silence a fire alarm system both the horns and the strobes will stop.  R710 requires that the horn silence and the that strobe keep flashing. The idea here is to allow the fire personnel to be able to work and the flashing strobes will alert people not to enter the building. Much of the time an outside horn strobe is required.  The State Fire Marshal specifically handles buildings like schools and public facilities, daycares and other facilities. For specific buildings class A wiring is required so it is important to know your code. 

After a company or an Electrical Engineer designs a fire alarm system, the plan will often go to a 3rd party reviewer and then to the fire marshal. Battery calculations and data sheets and a riser are submitted with the plans and if there is an issue the fire marshal or 3rd party reviewer will require those changes before the installation is started. 

I have taken 2 NICET tests and both of them were 4 hours each and they were the most difficult tests I have ever taken.  When life safety is involved not only is there a liability issue at stake but peoples lives are in your hands.  Making sure the system is designed property is very important. 

Later after a fire the insurance companies do reviews of the building. When they find issues such as the system was not maintained or not monitored often they will deny to pay the claims. Many businesses do not understand that it is state law to have their systems inspected at least once a year. 

There are other codes dealing with ADA issues and many other things.  Hire an expert to get the job done properly the first time.  Contact Larry.Love@jci.com or cell at (801) 898 6003