Engineering Design Manual for

Fire Alarm System

19th May 2008

1st Edition
Rev. 0

This manual is a guide for most engineering situations; however it is not a replacement
for good engineering principles or common sense.

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

1. FIRE ALARMS SYSTEM DESIGN PROCESS .....................................................................................3

1.1 Decide on the appropriate protection category and extent of cover ........................3

1.2 Discuss and agree the protection strategy ........................................................................3

1.3 Plan the zoning of the building .............................................................................................3

1.4 Select and position relevant system components ............................................................3

1.5 Select suitable FACP size .......................................................................................................3

1.6 Ensure suitable wiring of the system .....................................................................................3

1.7 Review the design to minimize unwarranted alarms ........................................................3

1.8 Review and verify if the system is designed for maintainability.......................................4

2. FIRE ALARM PERIPHERAL FIELD DEVICE INSTALLATION DETAILS ...............................................4

2.1 ZONING .....................................................................................................................................4

2.2 FIRE ALARM CONROL PANEL .................................................................................................4

2.3 FIRE ALARM REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR ...................................................................................5

2.4 MANUAL PULL STATIONS .........................................................................................................6

2.5 SMOKE DETECTORS .................................................................................................................6

2.6 PROJECTION-TYPE BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR .....................................................................10

2.7 DUCT SMOKE DETECTORS .....................................................................................................11

2.8 HEAT DETECTORS ...................................................................................................................12

2.9 AUDIBLE NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE ...................................................................................17

2.10 VISUAL NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE ....................................................................................19

2
1 FIRE ALARMS SYSTEM DESIGN PROCESS

1.1 Decide on the appropriate protection category and extent of cover

 Life Safety – protection of escape route, refuge areas, early warning
annunciation
 Property Protection – Fire detection system for special hazard/high risk areas
within the facility, full or partial protection coverage

1.2 Discuss and agree the protection strategy

 Fire compartmentalization
 Detection zoning
 Alarm zoning

1.3 Plan the zoning of the building

 Boundaries of the alarm zones
 Be aware of signal overlap between zones
 Consistency for same alarm and alert signals
 Avoid multiple alarm zoning to avoid confusion

1.4 Select and position relevant system components

 Component compatibility
 Repeater panels
 Selection of suitable equipment autonomy
 Selection of appropriate automatic detectors, i.e., thermal, smoke, flame, and
ember
 Correct placement/location of thermal and smoke detectors
 Mounting heights of detectors.
 Beams and other similar ceiling obstruction
 Elevator/lift shafts
 Beam detectors
 Air sampling system
 Selection of manual pull stations
 correct placement/location of manual pull stations
 Remote annunciations
 Notification appliances
 Fire protection equipment, i.e., door holders, relays, interfaces, smoke vents,
hatches, ventilation system, elevators, escalators, etc.
 Alarm routing equipment, i.e., mass notification, central monitoring station, data
network, etc.
 Interfaces, i.e., HVAC fan shutdown, methane gas detection system, elevator
recall, escalator power shutdown, etc.

1.5 Select suitable FACP size

 Suitable size
 Adequate secondary standby power supply
 Room for expansion (25%, 50%, 100% of the designed capacity)

1.6 Ensure suitable wiring of the system

 Approved/code compliant fire alarm cable
 Minimum 2.4 mm² for NAC circuits
 Minimum1.5 mm² for SLC circuits
 Minimum 6 mm² for AC power supply
 Minimum 2.4 mm² for 24VDC auxiliary power supply
1.7 Review the design to minimize unwarranted alarms
 Unwanted alarms
 Equipment false alarm

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  Malicious false alarms
 False alarms with good intent

1.8 Review and verify if the system is designed for maintainability

 Accessibility to equipment and peripheral field devices for troubleshooting and
routine maintenance
 Safety to fire alarm maintainers when conducting routine functional and
maintenance test

2 FIRE ALARM PERIPHERAL FIELD DEVICE INSTALLATION DETAILS

2.1 ZONING
 The floor area of a single zone should not exceed 2,000 m².
 Two faults should not remove protection from an area greater than 10,000 m²
(for addressable systems).
 If the total floor area of the building is 300 m² or less then it may be regarded as
a single zone.
 If the total floor exceeds 300 m² then all zones should be restricted to a single
floor level.
 As an exception to the above stairwells, lift shafts or other vertical shafts (non
stop risers) with a single fire compartment should be considered as one or more
separate zones.
 The maximum distance traveled within a zone to locate the fire should not
exceed 60 m.

2.2 FIRE ALARM CONROL PANEL

fire alarm
control panel

LCD
display

1524 mm

floor

Wall Mounted Fire Alarm Control Panel Mounting Height

Shall be located where the panel can be accessed easily in 24 hours and audio
alarm signal can be heard clearly by the assigned personnel such as operator or
security guard.

The place must be clean and safe for the panel, without dust, smoke and high
humidity.
Avoid conduit entry on the top of the FACP enclosure.

Install FACP 1,520 mm (5 feet) above finished floor (AFF) from the panel’s LCD display.

Standard Reference: Manufacturer’s recommendation

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2.3 FIRE ALARM REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR

Remote annunciator can be located in different place other than fire alarm panel.

Remote annunciator should be located in the place where it can draw the attention
of the assigned personnel quickly when the fire alarm occurs.

The length of cable from fire alarm panel to the remote annunciator should not
exceed 1000 m.

Avoid conduit entry on the top of the annunciator enclosure.

Install fire alarm remote annunciator 1,524 mm above finished floor (AFF) from the
panel’s LCD display.

Standard Reference: Manufacturer’s recommendation

5
2.4 MANUAL PULL STATIONS

Manual pull stations shall be located within 1,525 mm (5 feet) of each exit door.

Maximum travel distance to a pull station is 60,960 mm (200 feet).

Allowable mounting height of 1067 mm to 1,219 mm (42 inches to 48 inches) from the
floor to the handle.

Where the fire alarm system does not annunciate at a 24/7 manned location signage
is required at each pull station – “When alarm sounds- notify Fire Department and
Control Center”.

Shall be red in color

Tamper covers may be provided at the request of the building owners

Can easily be seen and accessible on escape routes

Standard Reference: IBC 2006 Edition [F] 907.3

2.5 SMOKE DETECTORS

There must be at least one smoke detector in each room.

The smoke detector should be installed close to the center of the room if the room
size is smaller than 9 x 9 m.

The smoke detector should not be blew by the air conditioner or fan directly.

The distance from the smoke detector to wall should not exceed 4.5 m.

In a large area, the distance between two smoke detectors should not exceed the
9m.

In a corridor, if the width is not more than 3.6 m, the distance between smoke
detectors to wall should be not more than 6m; the distance between two smoke
detectors should be not more than12 m.

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Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition A.[Link]

not in
this area
102 mm
anywhere
in this area

900 mm 900 mm

S S
1/2S 1/2S

= smoke or heat detector

S = space between detectors

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout,

Sloped Ceiling (Peaked Type)

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

7
 6.4 m
6.4 m
6.4 m
6.4 m 6.4 m 6.4
m

3.1 m

6.1 m
5.6 m 11.3 m

22.6 m

6.3 m 12.5 m 6.3 m

25 m

= smoke or heat detector

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout in

Irregular Areas
Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link].2

S S S S
1/2S 900 mm
max
= smoke or heat detector
S = space between detectors

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout,

Sloped Ceiling (Shed Type)

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link].1

8
 ceiling 100 mm

acceptable 100 mm
here minimum

never here
300 mm
maximum
Top of the detector
acceptable here

NOTE: Measurements shown are sidewall

to the closest edge of the detector.

Proper Mounting for Detectors

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

1/4S 1/2S

1/4S solid joists

detectors on bottom
S of joists

1/4S

S = space between detectors

Detector Spacing Layout, Solid

Joists Construction

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

9
Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link].2

W W W
Smoke detector spacing rules:
D If the ceiling height H is 3.7 m or <, and if the
beam depth D is 0.3 m or <, 1/2S max should be
used in the direction perpendicular to the
H beams, with detectors placed either in the beam
solid beams pocket or the bottoms of beams.

If beam depth D is > than 0.3 m, or if the ceiling

height H exceeds 3.7 m, detectors shall be
located on the ceiling between each beam
pocket.
D = beam depth
H = ceiling height
W = distance between beams

Spot-Type Smoke Detector Spacing for Beamed

Flat-Ceiling Construction

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2002 Edition

3.1 m
minimum
HVAC
duct 1.2 m
minimum
HVAC
duct

smoke supply air

supply air detector
supply air location supply air
diffuser
diffuser

Ceiling-mounted supply Wall-mounted supply air

air diffuser diffuser

Placement of Smoke Detectors with

Respect to Air Vents

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2002 Edition Chapter 5

2.6 PROJECTION-TYPE BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR

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Shall be equivalent to a row of spot-type smoke detectors for level and sloping ceiling
applications.

Shall be positioned parallel to a ceiling for open area protection

Angular or vertical positioning of beams is permitted in vertically oriented enclosure.

Stratification shall be evaluated.

Beam travel length shall not exceed the listed length.

Mirrors are acceptable per manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Transmitter, receiver and mirrors shall be securely mounted on stable surface.

Take into consideration accessibility for maintenance and troubleshooting.

beam beam
1/2S receiver
projector

1/4S S 1/4S

beam beam
1/2S
projector receiver

S = selected detector spacing

Spacing of Ceiling-Mounted Projected-Beam
Detectors

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link] & A.[Link]

2.7 DUCT SMOKE DETECTORS

Must be located downstream of HVAC air filters and ahead of any branch
connections in air-supply system greater than 2,000 cfm except when the entire
space serve by the distribution center is protected by a system of area smoke
detectors, or where fan unit serves solely to exhaust air directly to the outside of the
building.

Duct detectors must be placed at each storey prior to the connection in air-return
system having a capacity greater than 15,000 cfm, or where fan unit serves solely to
exhaust air directly to the outside of the building.

Install 1 duct smoke detector centered in the opening for return ducts up to 0.9m
wide.

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Install 2 duct smoke detectors in the quarter points of the opening for return ducts 0.9
– 1.8m wide.

For return ducts over 1.8m wide, 2 ducts smoke detectors are required for each 0.6m
of opening in excess of 1.8m, 1 additional smoke duct detector is required.

Minimum of 6 duct widths downstream from bends or inlets to avoid turbulence.

On the downstream side of air filter to detect filter fires.

Ahead of mixing areas in return ducts.

Upstream of air humidifiers and cooling units

Accessibility for maintenance & troubleshooting

Standard Reference: NFPA 90A 2002 Edition, 6.4.2

2.8 HEAT DETECTORS

There must be at least one heat detector in each room.

The heat detector should be installed close to the center of the room if the room size
is smaller than 7.2 x 7.2 m.

The heat detector should not be blew by the air conditioner or fan directly.

The distance from the heat detector to wall should not exceed 4 m.

In a large area, the distance between two heat detectors should not exceed 8 m.

In a corridor, if the width is not more than 3.6 m, the distance between heat detector
to wall should be not more than 4.75 m; the distance between two heat detectors
should be not more than 9.5 m.

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 A A
CB B
C listed
D D spacing

Spot
detector

D’ D’
C’ C’
B’ B’
A’ A’

Rectangles
A = (3.1 m)*(12.5 m) = 38.1 m^2
B = (4.6 m)*(11.9 m) = 51.3 m^2
C = (6.1 m)*(11.3 m) = 68.8 m^2
D = (7.6 m)*(10.4 m) = 78.9 m^2
listed spacing = (9.1 m)*(9.1 m) = 83.6 m^2

Smoke/Heat Detector Spacing,

Rectangular Areas

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

not in
this area
102 mm
anywhere
in this area

900 mm 900 mm

S S
1/2S 1/2S

= smoke or heat detector

S = space between detectors

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout,

Sloped Ceiling (Peaked Type)

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

13
 6.4 m
6.4 m
6.4 m
6.4 m 6.4 m 6.4
m

3.1 m

6.1 m
5.6 m 11.3 m

22.6 m

6.3 m 12.5 m 6.3 m

25 m

= smoke or heat detector

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout in

Irregular Areas

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link].2

S S S S
1/2S 900 mm
max
= smoke or heat detector
S = space between detectors

Smoke or Heat Detector Spacing Layout,

Sloped Ceiling (Shed Type)

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link].1

14
 ceiling 100 mm

acceptable 100 mm
here minimum

never here
300 mm
maximum
Top of the detector
acceptable here

NOTE: Measurements shown are sidewall

to the closest edge of the detector.

Proper Mounting for Detectors

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

15
Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.[Link]

Maximum
Temperature Ceiling
Rating Range Temperature Color
C C Code

Low 39-57 28 Uncolored

Ordinary 58-79 47 Uncolored
Intermediate 80-121 69 White
High 122-162 111 Blue
Extra high 163-204 152 Red
Very extra high 205-259 194 Green
Ultra high 260-302 249 Orange

Temperature Classification for Heat-Sensing Fire

Detectors

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link]

W W W
Heat detector spacing rules:
If D is < or = to 10.7 cm, assume smooth ceiling
D and space detectors at max S.

If D is > than 10.7 cm space detectors at 2/3 S.

H
solid beams If D is > 45.7 cm, and W is > than 5.5 m, place
detectors in each beam pocket.

If D/H is > than 0.10 and W/H is > 0.40, place a

detector between each beam.

D = beam depth If D/H is < 0.10 or W/H is < 0.40, place detectors
H = ceiling height on the bottoms of the beams, spaced per rule
W = distance between beams bullets 1 and 2 above.

Heat Detector Spacing for Beamed Ceiling Construction

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2002 Edition

16
 Ceiling Height Up to Multiply
Above and Including Listed
m m Spacing by

0 3.05 1.00
3.05 3.66 0.91
3.66 4.27 0.84
4.27 4.88 0.77
4.88 5.49 0.71
5.49 6.10 0.64
6.10 6.71 0.58
6.71 7.32 0.52
7.32 7.93 0.46
7.93 8.54 0.40
8.54 9.14 0.34

Heat Detector Spacing Reduction Based on

Ceiling Height

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007Edition, [Link]

2.9 AUDIBLE NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE

The audible notification appliance should be installed above the manual pull station
at 2.0 to 4 m from the floor.

The audible notification appliance should be installed in place where it can be heard
from all rooms in the same floor clearly.

ceiling
Audible
Notification 15.2 cm
appliance minimum

2.3 m minimum
Audible notification appliance
should be located above the
elevation of furniture and
fixtures that could be placed
against the wall.

floor

Wall-Mounted Audible Notification

Appliance Location

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2002 Edition

17
 Average Ambient
Location
Sound Level (dbA)

Business occupancies 55
Educational occupancies 45
Industrial occupancies 80
Institutional occupancies 50
Mercantile occupancies 40
Mechanical rooms 85
Piers & water-surrounded structure 40
Places of assembly 55
Residential occupancies 35
Storage occupancies 30
Thoroughfares, high density urban 70
Thoroughfares, medium density urban 55
Thoroughfares, rural & suburban 40
Tower occupancies 35
Underground structures & windowless buildings 40
Vehicles & vessels 50

Average Sound Level According to Location

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, A.7.4.2

12.3 m
6.1 m
3.1 m

A B C

Audible
notification
appliance

Person A at 3.1 m from appliance hears rated sound level of appliance

Person B at 6.1 m from appliance (2 x the distance from appliance as
person A hears 6 db less than person A.
Person C at 12.3 m from appliance ( 2x distance from appliance as
person B hears 6 db less than person B.

Center Line Sound Losses Calculations

18
 90 axis

si
ax
45
45
ax
is
90 axis

2.10 VISUAL NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE

The flash rate shall not exceed two flashes per second (2 Hz) nor be less than one
flash every second (1 Hz) throughout the listed voltage range of the appliance.

Maximum pulse duration shall be 0.2 second with a maximum duty cycle of 40
percent

Light used shall be clear or nominal white and shall not exceed 1000 cd.

The strobe shall be synchronized.

Wall mounted appliances shall be mounted such that the entire lens is not less than
2030mm (80 in.) and not greater than 2440 mm (96 in.) above the finished floor.

Where low ceiling heights do not permit mounting at a minimum of 2030 mm (80 in.),
visible appliances shall be mounted within 150mm (6 in.) of the ceiling. The room size
covered by a strobe of a given value shall be reduced by twice the difference
between the minimum mounting height of 2030 mm (80 in.) and the actual, lower
mounting height.

Any design that provides a minimum of 0.4036 lumens/m^2 (0.0375 lumens/ft^2) of

illumination at any point

19
 Visible

12.2 m
appliance

6.1 m
9.1 m

15.2 m
6.1 m
9.1 m
12.1 m
15.1 m

Room Spacing for Wall-Mounted Visible

Appliances

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link].1

Maximum Minimum Required

Maximum Ceiling Light Output
Room Size Height (Effective Intensity);
m m One Light (cd)

6.10 x 6.10 3 15
9.10 x 9.10 3 30
12.2 x 12.2 3 60
13.4 x 13.4 3 75
15.2 x 15.2 3 95
16.2 x 16.2 3 110
16.8 x 16.8 3 115
18.0 x 18.0 3 135
19.2 x 19.2 3 150
20.7 x 20.7 3 177
21.3 x 21.3 3 185
6.10 x 6.10 20 30
9.10 x 9.10 20 45
12.2 x 12.2 20 75
13.4 x 13.4 20 80
15.2 x 15.2 20 75
16.2 x 16.2 20 80
16.8 x 16.8 20 95
18.0 x 18.0 20 110
19.2 x 19.2 20 115
20.7 x 20.7 20 135
21.3 x 21.3 20 150
6.10 x 6.10 30 177
9.10 x 9.10 30 185
12.2 x 12.2 30 55
13.4 x 13.4 30 75
15.2 x 15.2 30 95
16.2 x 16.2 30 110
16.8 x 16.8 30 115
18.0 x 18.0 30 135
19.2 x 19.2 30 150
20.7 x 20.7 30 177
21.3 x 21.3 30 185

Room Spacing for Ceiling-Mounted

Visible Appliances

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link].1

20
Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2002 Edition

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link].1

21
 4.5 m

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, [Link] & [Link]

It is acceptable to use [Link] (refer to A.[Link]) “Spacing of Rooms” to determine the

number and location of strobes in corridors.

If [Link] is used, it is not necessary to have a corridor strobe within 4.5 m of the end of
the corridor.

Use table [Link](a), [Link](b) and figure [Link].1 as guide.

Strobes in corridors are permitted to be mounted on walls or ceiling in accordance

with [Link].

Where there are more than 1 in the field of view, they need to be synchronized.

A minimum illumination of 0.407 lumens/m^2 (based on 12.2m x 12.2m room area) to

all occupiable spaces meet the minimum light intensity requirements of [Link](1)

Corridor Length Minimum Number of 15-cd

m Visible Appliances Required

0 - 9.14 1
9.45 - 39.6 2
39.93 - 70 3
70.4 - 100.6 4
100.9 - 131.1 5
131.4 - 161.5 6

Corridor Spacing for Visible Appliances

Standard Reference: NFPA 72, 1999 Edition, Table 4-4.4.2.

22