University Design Standard
Fire Alarm Systems
1.0 Overview
This document provides Virginia Tech’s standards for the design and installation
of fire alarm systems and equipment in new construction, retrofit of new systems
into existing buildings, and modifications to existing systems. These standards
address issues beyond minimal code requirements, and reflect the university’s
understanding of the importance of fire alarms in buildings, our commitment to
providing safe facilities for the university community.
Over the years, Virginia Tech has developed a technologically advanced
campus-wide fire alarm system through the standardization and integration of
each new individual building system. These standards assure that each new
system will have the proper technology to be fully compatible with the campus
network, and to provide the level of fire protection the university desires.
In applying these standards to the design of a new system, designers are
expected to follow everything listed without exception. Should a specific situation
arise where the system designer believes that a variance from these standards is
warranted, permission must be obtained from the university.
To determine the level of protection appropriate for a given type of building,
several risk factors were considered. These were:
Building size - both the height and total area.
Building use – how the building is used and what hazards are present.
Occupant load – number of people occupying the building.
Type of construction – combustible, non-combustible, fire protected, etc.
Sprinkler protection – whether or not the building will be sprinklered.
Another factor considered was the need for a non-fire related emergency
communication system in these buildings. A voice fire alarm system provides a
public address function by use of the control panel microphone. This can
effectively be used to communicate to all of the building’s occupants for any type
of emergency, even when building evacuation is not needed.
Finally, there were many other issues that were addressed in developing these
standards including; needs of the disabled, cost, aesthetics, fire department
response, false alarms, testing, maintenance, State procurement regulations,
and many others.
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2.0 Design Phase Procedural Requirements
2.1 In designing Virginia Tech fire alarm systems, nothing in these standards
shall be construed to allow anything less than full compliance with
minimum legal requirements of the applicable codes and standards as
established in the current edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code (USBC). Any discrepancies found should be brought to the
immediate attention of the university.
2.2 The latest published edition of NFPA 72 shall be used for all new fire
alarm systems. A code modification may be required from the Bureau of
Capital Outlay Management (BCOM) for required systems where the
referenced edition in the USBC is not the most recent edition. The
modification request is the responsibility of the university.
2.3 Capital Outlay Projects are subject to design requirements of the
Construction and Professional Services Manual (CPSM). Presently there
are no specific requirements for fire alarm systems in the CPSM, but since
this could change, it is the responsibility of the A/E to review the CPSM to
ensure that any requirements that may be added are met.
2.4 The communications protocol for the campus fire alarm network is
proprietary to Simplex. No other manufacturer’s equipment can be
properly integrated into the network, and provide the two-way
communication needed for monitoring and control of the existing systems.
Therefore, all fire alarm equipment shall be manufactured by Simplex.
2.5 As part of their service to the university, Simplex provides a high level of
engineering support to A/E’s for the design of our new systems. A/E’s are
required to contact the Roanoke branch office of SimplexGrinnel (800-
274-2120) for their assistance for every project. We rely heavily on
Simplex’s input to assure compliance with codes and university standards,
and for proper integration of new systems into the campus network. The
A/E shall send Simplex a copy of the set of preliminary design documents
submitted to the university’s internal review team.
2.6 Simplex shall assist the A/E and the university by:
Providing Simplex specifications to the A/E for their use.
Meeting with A/E and university to go over basic system design issues.
Reviewing working drawing design documents to assure system
equipment is properly specified, and located within the building in
compliance with codes and university standards.
Analyzing existing equipment impacted by any new installation to
ensure that it can work properly with the new equipment.
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Inspecting and testing new systems to help assure that the complete
system is installed properly and performs in a manner compliant with
code.
Simplex will send the CAD drawing files they have prepared showing
final device locations to Environmental Health and Safety Services.
2.7 Provisions need to be made to update the campus fire alarm network
when new systems are added. The Graphics Command Center (GCC) in
the Virginia Tech Police Department, as well as two other auxiliary GCC’s,
must be reprogrammed to include information, site plans, floor plans, etc.,
as needed to add the new system to the network.
2.8 The university’s room numbering must be used to program the labels for
the points in the control panel, and not the construction document
numbers. The university’s room numbers are available on the university’s
website - [Link] . The
numbering typically will not be finalized until the latter part of the
construction period. (This site is normally restricted to university IP
addresses, but off individual off-campus users can be given special
access by Capital Design and Construction.)
3.0 General Design Standards
3.1 General: The following requirements are applicable to all fire alarm
systems regardless of the type of building in which the system is installed.
3.2 Simplex – All equipment shall be manufactured by Simplex.
3.3 Control & annunciator panels
3.3.1 Location of control panel – The fire alarm control panel shall be
located at the primary entry point to be used by the Blacksburg
Volunteer Fire Department. The university will provide this
information to the A/E after consultation with the BVFD.
3.3.2 Remote annunciator panels shall only be used where two or more
fire department response points are clearly identified. Otherwise,
the main control panel is all that is needed.
3.3.3 The FACP shall be used to control preaction sprinkler systems.
The panel must be UL listed or FM approved for this function.
3.3.4 Mounting height of FACP – 75 inches above finished floor to the top
of the 4100 panel.
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3.3.5 Max limitation on power supplies – The design load placed on the
power supply shall not exceed sixty percent of the power supply
capacity.
3.3.6 Individual signal circuits shall not exceed sixty percent of the card
capacity. For voice systems this assumes that all speakers are
tapped at their maximum wattage, which is currently 2 watts.
3.3.7 Location of secondary panels – All secondary panels for the fire
alarm system shall be located either in electrical closets or in public
spaces where they are readily accessible.
3.3.8 All batteries associated with the fire alarm system shall be no more
than three months old (based on the date code on the battery) at
the time of system acceptance.
3.3.9 Batteries serving the FACP but installed in separate cabinets shall
be located adjacent to the FACP and no higher than three feet
above the floor.
3.3.10 Emergency power – Where a generator is present, the FACP and
all secondary panels shall be tied to the emergency circuit, and
batteries shall also be provided, sized per NFPA 72 requirements.
Where there is no generator, batteries shall be provided and sized
per NFPA 72 requirements as the secondary power source.
3.3.11 Where smoke control or stairwell pressurization systems are being
installed, the FACP shall provide a manual means of activating and
disabling these systems. Switches shall be clearly labeled as to the
specific system they control.
3.3.12 Degree of point reporting – All initiating devices shall be reported
individually to the GCC.
3.3.13 Level of graphics at GCC – Point by point graphic identification and
annunciation of all initiating devices shown on floor plans shall be
provided.
3.3.14 Network node – The panel shall be configured as a node on the
campus 4190 fire alarm network.
3.4 Initiating Devices
3.4.1 Location of pull stations – Per code, unless existing conditions
create installation problems where a reasonably safe alternative
needs to be considered.
3.4.2 All pull stations shall be single action.
3.4.3 Heat, smoke, and duct detectors shall be True Alarm type.
3.4.4 Addressable initiating devices – All devices shall be addressable
type devices.
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3.4.5 Duct detectors – A remote annunciator shall be placed on a wall or
ceiling in public area where it will be readily visible and will not be
obstructed by furniture, and shall be located as close as possible to
the AHU. Signage shall be provided indicating the AHU served. Do
not provide test switches.
3.5 Notification Devices
3.5.1 Strobes shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 72.
Compliance with the 1996 or later edition has been accepted by
BCOM as meeting all requirements of the CPSM and referenced
accessibility standards.
3.5.2 Ceiling mounted strobes are acceptable.
3.5.3 Location of strobes – All public spaces listed above for detection;
and also, classrooms, bathrooms, laboratories, assembly spaces,
conference rooms, shops with high ambient noise levels,
mechanical rooms and other areas as required by the USBC.
Placement shall be made with consideration of ambient light levels.
3.5.4 Synchronization of strobes – Strobes shall be synchronized.
3.5.5 The university prefers to use the same candela rated strobe
throughout a given building when it can be achieved without adding
significant cost to a project. If the cost impact becomes significant,
the A/E must discuss this with the university to determine the level
to which the standard will be followed.
3.5.6 Mounting height of strobes – Wall mounted strobes must be
installed so that the bottom of the device is a minimum of 80” and a
maximum of 96” above finish floor. Some strobe models will place
the strobe itself below the bottom of the box. To avoid errors, the
specified mounting height should be 88” to the top or bottom of the
box.
3.5.7 Horns and speakers that are installed separately from strobes must
be mounted at least 90 inches AFF.
3.5.8 A/V unit mounting heights are dictated by the requirements for the
strobe, not the speaker.
3.5.9 All speakers shall be tapped at their maximum capacity, which is
currently 2 watts.
3.6 Circuits and wiring
3.6.1 An evaluation of the building location shall be done by the design
engineer to ensure that communications to the campus fire alarm
network is within distance limitations, and will function properly.
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3.6.2 Class B circuits shall be used unless prior approval to use Class A
circuits has been given by the university.
3.6.3 Conduit vs. cable – For new construction, wire in conduit or EMT
that is dedicated to the fire alarm system shall be used, unless
there are conditions where the use of cable is preferable. Cable
that is not in conduit or EMT can be used only with prior approval of
the university. For retrofit installations, the use of cable will
generally be more acceptable, but it must be installed in locations
where it will be protected by building construction (i.e. above
ceilings, in cable trays, chases, within walls, etc. as long as the
installation complies with the NEC.).
3.6.4 No conduit or EMT shall be run below slabs.
3.6.5 Wiremold may be used in retrofit installations, but only with the
university’s permission.
3.7 Interface with other fire protection systems
3.7.1 Where the building contains other fire related systems, such as
sprinklers, hood suppression, fire door hold-open devices, etc.,
these systems shall be connected to the new FACP and monitored
for alarms, trouble, or supervisory conditions.
3.7.2 The A/E shall coordinate the sprinkler and fire alarm design to help
assure that the number of flow; tamper and pressure switches are
identified as accurately as possible in the working drawing design.
3.7.3 Where a fire pump is present, a “pump running” condition shall be
treated as a supervisory condition, and not an alarm.
3.7.4 Where dry-pipe valves are installed in buildings not normally
occupied, where loss of heat in the room could go undetected, a
true alarm heat detector shall be installed and programmed to
monitor the room for low air temperature (40 degrees F.). The
detector shall be wall mounted located at the same elevation as the
dry valve.
3.7.5 A supervised tamper switch is required on all exterior post indicator
valves on fire protection water supply lines. These valves are
typically installed 40 feet from the building, which will require
underground circuit be provided to the switch.
3.7.6 Every tamper and flow switch shall be individually addressed,
regardless of their proximity to other devices.
3.8 Miscellaneous
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3.8.1 Color of devices – Panels – beige; pull stations – red; A/V devices –
color at the university’s discretion. All ceiling mounted devices shall
be white.
3.8.2 Consideration shall be given to any room within the building that
may be subject to wash-down cleaning.
4.0 Building Specific Design Standards
4.1 Categories of University Buildings
4.1.1 Class 1 - Large academic, administrative, assembly and research
buildings (multi-story with elevator), or otherwise classified as such
as needed to address specific safety concerns.
4.1.2 Class 2 - Large residential: all dormitories.
4.1.3 Class 3 - Small residential: Special Purpose Housing
4.1.4 Class 4 - Small administrative, research
4.2 Class 1 Buildings
4.2.1 Panel model – 4100+ or 4100U or the latest version of this level of
panel. Note that at present, the 4100+ is the only panel listed for
use as a panel to control fire suppression systems, such as
preaction sprinkler systems. When a building has a preaction
sprinkler system in it, the 4100+ must be used, unless the 4100U
has since received a listing for this function.
4.2.2 Type of audible devices – All notification audible devices shall be
speakers.
4.2.3 Addressable audible devices – When addressable speakers
become available from Simplex, they are to be used.
4.2.4 Addressable strobes – Strobes shall be the addressable type.
4.2.5 Level of automatic detection – For non-sprinklered buildings, public
area smoke detection shall be provided. This will include areas
such as lobbies, hallways, reception areas, above every floor
landing in all stairwells, elevator lobbies, and similar spaces.
Auditoriums shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis, with
university consultation.
4.2.6 Specific areas that require heat detection in non-sprinklered
buildings – mechanical equipment rooms; attics and crawl spaces
built with combustible construction; chemical storage rooms; shop
areas used for welding, woodworking, painting, etc.; or any other
area with a hazard that warrants heat detection as determined by
the university.
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4.2.7 Specific areas that require smoke detection in non-sprinklered
buildings – CNS communication closets; large electrical rooms
containing either distribution transformers or switchgear;
transformer vaults; at the FACP; storage rooms which are greater
than 100 square feet, open into a space without smoke detection,
and are neither sprinklered or enclosed by fire rated construction.
4.2.8 Laboratories involving hazardous operations must be evaluated for
the need for automatic detection (either heat or smoke) on a case-
by-case basis.
4.2.9 Specific areas that require smoke detection in sprinklered buildings
– elevator lobbies, transformer vaults, CNS communication closets,
at the FACP.
4.2.10 Elevator machine rooms – In general, smoke detectors shall be
installed in these rooms, however, if the ambient conditions in the
room are such that a smoke detector would result in nuisance
alarms, another appropriate detector may be used with the
university’s concurrence.
4.3 Class 2 Buildings
4.3.1 All provisions for Class 1 systems shall apply, unless otherwise
modified here.
4.3.2 All sleeping rooms shall be equipped with system smoke detectors
with sounder bases programmed to function as a single station
detector. This will satisfy the code requirement for single station
detectors. If the detector is still in an alarm condition at the end of
60 seconds, the system shall sound a general alarm.
4.3.3 All detectors within a suite shall be programmed to operate the
sounder bases simultaneously.
4.3.4 In addition to the public spaces listed for Class I buildings, strobes
shall be installed in all suite living rooms, and in all bedrooms
designed specifically to accommodate the disabled. Strobes shall
be 110 candela in these bedrooms.
4.3.5 All pull stations shall be equipped with alarmed, lexan “Stopper II”
covers to prevent vandalism.
4.4 Class 3 Buildings
4.4.1 With the exception of Class 1 building requirements, all
requirements for Class 2 buildings shall apply.
4.5 Class 4 Buildings
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4.5.1 Depending on the Simplex product line, a panel smaller than the
4100U may be used as long as all of the features that fall under the
general requirements are provided.
5.0 Acceptance Testing and Warranty Period
5.1 As part of the final inspection and systems test, Simplex will verify the
candela rating of every strobe in its installed location, to ensure that the
installing contractor has installed these devices per contract documents,
and per code.
5.2 Simplex will measure the loudness of the alarm signal, in all areas of the
building, to assure that the installed system produces the signal volume as
required by code. All intervening room doors shall be shut during the test.
5.3 Simplex will provide the university with a written statement verifying the
successful completion of all required tests. This document will be required
at the time of substantial completion, before a Certificate of Occupancy
can be obtained for the building. A copy must also be provided to the
State Fire Marshal’s Office.
5.4 Warranty period testing – During the one-year warranty period, two
complete system tests shall be provided and included as part of the initial
purchase of the system. The first test shall be done after six months from
substantial completion, and the second during the eleventh month. These
must be scheduled through the university.
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