agenda technical committee on signal and multiple-station ... … · second presentation was titled...

Agenda Technical Committee on

Signal and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems June 25-26, 2014

La Jolla, CA

Item No. Subject 14-6-1 Call to Order (1:00 P.M) 14-6-2 Roll Call 14-6-3 Approval of Agenda 14-6-4 Approval Meeting Minutes – June 2013 [Enclosure] 14-6-5 Staff Remarks & Using the New Process [Staff] 14-6-6 Task Group Reports 14-6-7 Public Comments and Second Revisions [Enclosures] 14-6-8 Review of Committee Inputs [Enclosure] 14-6-9 Other Business 14-6-10 Adjournment

HOUFirstDraftMeetingMinutes,June2013 Page1

MINUTES

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON

SINGLE‐ AND MULTIPLE‐STATION ALARMS AND HOUSEHOLD FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

NFPA 72 First Draft Meeting

June 26 ‐ 28, 2013, Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites, St. Louis, MO

13‐6‐1 Call to order

The first day of the First Draft Meeting (A2015) was called to order by Technical

Committee (TC) Chairman L.J. Dallaire at 1:00 pm CDT on Wednesday, June 26, 2013.

Chairman Dallaire recessed the meeting for the day at 5:25 pm.

The second day of the First Draft Meeting was reconvened at 8:00 am CDT on Thursday,

June 27, 2013 by TC Chairman Dallaire. The meeting was recessed for the day at 5:25

pm.

The third day of the First Draft Meeting was reconvened at 7:30 am CDT on Friday, June

28, 2013, by TC Chairman Dallaire.

13‐6‐2 Roll Call

Chairman Dallaire requested all TC members and guests verbally introduce themselves

and confirm their attendance/contact information on the official committee attendance

roster. Five guests were recognized.

In addition to the Chair, the following TC members and guests were present:

1 Edward Fraczkowski (Principal) EBL Engineers, LLC

2 Justin Geiman (Principal) US Bureau of ATF&E

3 Cory Ogle (Principal) Code Consultants, Inc.

4 David Christian (Principal) Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.

5 Timothy Dedear (Principal) City of Farmers Branch Fire Department

6 Wendy Gifford (Principal) Consultant

7 Daniel Gottuk (Principal) Hughes Associates, Inc.

8 David Mills (Principal) Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

9 Jeffrey Okun (Principal) Nuko Security, Inc.

10 Kim Mniszewski (Principal) FX Engineering, Inc.

11 Stephen Olenick (Principal) Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.

12 Richard Simpson (Principal) Central Station Alarm Association

13 Larry Ratzlaff (Principal) UTC

14 Thomas Waldron (Principal) Aon Corporation

15 Rick Heffernan National Electrical Manufacturers Assoc.

15 John Parssinen Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

17 Ken Mott UTC

18 Jason Sutula Exponent

19 Lee Richardson NFPA Staff Liaison

GUESTS:


1 Vic Humm Vic Humm & Associates

2 Scott Lang System Sensor

3 David Lour Boulder Fire / NAS TC

4 Richard Roux NFPA

5 Ray Smolenski ADT Security Services

13‐6‐3 Approval of Agenda

Lee Richardson requested that an agenda item be added to review and update the

Chapter 29 references, extracts, and definitions.

Chairman Dallaire recognized Ed Fraczkowski who made a motion to accept the agenda

as distributed with the noted change. Acceptance was unanimous.

13‐6‐4 Approval of Minutes

Chairman Dallaire recognized Wendy Gifford who made a motion to accept the March

18‐19, 2013, meeting minutes with one correction. The correction on page 1, as noted

by Ed Fraczkowski, was to delete Jeffery McBride who was not present at the TC

meeting. Acceptance was unanimous.

13‐6‐5 Staff Remarks & Overview of New Process

Lee Richardson presented two PowerPoint presentations which reviewed the new code

cycle process. The first presentation was titled ‘NFPA First Draft Meetings’ and the

second presentation was titled ‘Working in the New Process’. The second presentation

was forwarded to all TC members in an email dated June 21, 2013. TC members

wanting an electronic copy of Lee’s first presentation should contact him directly.

13‐6‐6 Strategy to Improve Correlation

Lee Richardson indicated that his PowerPoint presentation on the procedures, process,

and examples to improve correlation for the 2016 code cycle was presented in San

Antonio. There was TC consensus that the presentation did not need to be reiterated

again at this meeting. TC members wanting an electronic copy of Lee’s presentation

should contract him directly.

Lee Richardson emphasized that all TC members are responsible for correlation and that

correlation between chapters is not the sole responsibility of the TCC.

13‐6‐7 Assignment of TC Responsibility

Lee Richardson reminded the TC that updates to the references, extracts, and

definitions should be reviewed and updated as appropriate. Chairman Dallaire indicated

that two separate Task Groups would be appointed to address these items.

Lee Richardson indicated that Chapter 14 ‘tags’ the appropriate Inspection, Testing, and

Maintenance paragraphs that are the responsibility of this TC. Reference was made to


paragraphs 14.4.5, 14.4.6, and 14.4.7 which contain the (SIG‐HOU) ‘tag’ at the end of

the paragraph. The TC was cautioned that there may be Chapter 14 Public Inputs (PI’s)

which fall under the responsibility of this TC.

13‐6‐8 Task Group (TG) Reports (A2015)

TG Reports (as assigned at the Pre‐First Draft Mtg. in San Antonio) were presented to

the TC as recognized by Chairman Dallaire.

The summary of each TG Report is noted below:

1. TG 13‐3‐1: TG on Ten Year Replacement/Sensitivity Testing & Documentation, Chair

Dave Christian: Chair Dave Christian presented the TG’s findings. The TC addressed

these findings through the new code cycle process. No further action by the TG is

required.

2. TG 13‐3‐2: TG on Power Supply Impact, Chair Richard Roberts: Chair Richard

Roberts was not able to attend this TC. On behalf of the TG, Member Wendy

Gifford presented the TG’s findings. The TC addressed most of the TG findings

through the new code cycle process. The TG will continue to work on addressing in‐

process objectives.

3. TG 13‐3‐3: TG on Nuisance Alarms, Chair Dave Christian: Chair Dave Christian

recommended the TC change the nuisance alarm deadline from 2016 to 2019. The

TC addressed this change through the new code cycle process. No further action by

the TG is required.

4. TG 13‐3‐4: TG on Mechanical Alarm Exceptions, Chair Dave Mills: Chair Dave Mills

recommended the TC incorporate the TG’s revised changes to several PI’s that

relate to the mechanical alarm exception. The TC addressed these changes through

the new code cycle process. No further action by the TG is required.

5. TG 13‐3‐5: TG on MESH Networks & Next Generation 911, Chair Dave Mills: Chair

Dave Mills summarized the TG effort and felt this technology has not progressed to

a point where it can be adequately addressed by the TC. The TG recommended the

TC continue to monitor this technology. No further action by the TG is required at

this time.

13‐6‐9 Review of Public Inputs / Generate First Revisions

The following Public Inputs (PI’s) were addressed by the TC. This list of 32 PI’s was

distributed to the TC prior to the meeting.

1. PI 452, 2013 Section 3.3.XX (New). 2. PI 3, 2013 Section 3.3.317 (New). 3. PI 37, 2013 Section 14.4.3.2. 4. PI 77, 2013 Section 14.4.3.2. 5. PI 76, 2013 Section 14.4.4.3 (Revised). 6. PI 36, 2013 Section 14.4.5. 7. PI 74, 2013 Section 14.4.5 (Revised). 8. PI 236, 2013 Section 14.4.5, 14.4.7, 14.4.3 (Revise). 9. PI 59, 2013 Section 14.4.7 (Revised). 10. PI 75, 2013 Section 14.4.7 (Revised).


11. PI 9, 2013 Section 29.3.5 (Revise). 12. PI 451, 2013 Section 29.3.5 (Revise). 13. PI 217, 2013 Section 29.3.8.2 (Revise). 14. PI 218, 2013 Section 29.6.1 (Revise). 15. PI 323, 2013 Section 29.7.6.3 (Revise). 16. PI 318, 2013 Section 29.7.6.4 (Revise). 17. PI 319, 2013 Section 29.7.6.5 (Revise). 18. PI 454, 2013 Section 29.7.6.8, 29.7.6.9 (New). 19. PI 603, 2013 Section 29.7.7.6(2) (Revise). 20. PI 587, 2013 Section 29.7.8.1 (Revise) 21. PI 453, 2013 Section 29.7.8.3 (New). 22. PI 320, 2013 Section 29.7.9.1.2 (Revise). 23. PI 577, 2013 Section 29.7.9.1.3 (Revise). 24. PI 653, 2013 Section 29.7.9.2.1 (Revise). 25. PI 579, 2013 Section 29.8.2.1 (Revise). 26. PI 38, 2013 Section 29.10, From TIA 13‐2 (Item 3). 27. PI 5, 2013 Section A.3.3.317 (New). 28. PI 7, 2013 Section A.3.3.317 (New). 29. PI 78, 2013 Section A.14.4.4.3 (Revised). 30. PI 60, 2013 Section A.14.7.1 (New). 31. PI 219, 2013 Section A.29.3.8.2 (Revise) 32. PI 6, 2013 Section A.29.9(1) (New).

13‐6‐10 Other Business

1. New Task Group Assignments, Findings, and Work Strategy

a. TG 13‐6‐1: TG on Definitions Review – LJ Dallaire, Chair and Tim Dedear. The

objective of the TG was to review the Chapter 29 associated definitions. Chair

Dallaire reported that the TG reviewed the definitions and found no discrepancies.

The TG recommended no changes. No further action by the TG is required at this

time.

b. TG 13‐6‐2: TG on References and Extracts ‐ Tom Waldron, Chair. No other

members were appointed to the TG. Chair Waldron presented the TG’s findings.

The TC addressed these findings through the new code cycle process. No further

action by the TG is required.

c. TG 13‐6‐3: TG on Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance Form – Jeff Okun, Chair and

Members David Christian, Timothy Dedear, Thomas Waldron, and a to‐be‐

determined TMS member. Chair Okun presented the first draft of an IT&M form.

The TG will remain active until the form is completed and presented to the TC.

d. TG‐13‐6‐4: TG on Connection of Notification Appliances and/or Monitor Modules

to Multi‐Station Smoke Alarms – Ed Fraczkowski, Chair, and Member Stephen

Olenick. The objective of the TG was to review/validate a recommendation to allow

connection of tactile notification appliances and/or listed fire sprinkler system valve

supervisory (tamper) switch monitor modules to multi‐station smoke alarms. The

TG felt new chapter paragraphs were not warranted as current code language


addresses the proposed changes. The TC was in agreement. No further action by

the TG is required.

2. Richard Simpson expressed his concern over the expiration date noted in the exception

of paragraph 23.16.4.2 associated with the monitoring of integrity for low‐power radio

(wireless) systems. His concern generated much discussion. Chairman Dallaire

indicated that he would follow‐up with NFPA Staff and the Chapter 23 TC to further

address.

13‐6‐11 Adjournment

The next meeting will be in June 2014. Location TBD.

Chairman Dallaire adjourned the meeting at 10:25 am CDT on Friday, June 28, 2013.

Minutes prepared by Ed Fraczkowski.

Minutes approved on _______________

Public Comment No. 235-NFPA 72-2014 [ Global Input ]

Delete references to the National Electrical code article 760 or any specific article, and just use thewording as per the National Electrical Code.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment

The direct reference to only article 760 is leading to confusion as some persons do not understand how the NEC is arranged. Articles in chapters 1-4 apply to ALL wiring including Fire alarm and signaling circuits. Chapters 5-7 modify the requirements of chapters 1-4 therefore article 760 is not designed to be a stand alone chapter and should not be referred to as if it is. Chapter 8 is designed to be a stand alone chapter, except when specifically referenced back to a previous chapter.

Related Item

First Revision No. 92-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 12.2.4.2]

Public Input No. 514-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 12.2.4.2]

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Thomas Parrish

Organization: Telgian Corporation

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri May 16 15:13:48 EDT 2014

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...

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Public Comment No. 33-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 3.3.122 ]

3.3.122 Heat Alarm.

A single- or multiple-station alarm responsive to heat. (SIG-IDS HOU )

3.3.122.1 Mechanically Powered, Single-Station Heat Alarm.

A single-station heat alarm employing a mechanical power source such as a spring wound mechanism .(SIG-HOU)


Examples can never be complete and do not belong in definitions. If the TC wants to have examples, add them in the Annex.

Related Item

First Revision No. 44-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 3.3.123]


Submitter Full Name: Robert Schifiliti

Organization: R. P. Schifiliti Associates, I

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Apr 03 09:29:12 EDT 2014


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Public Comment No. 219-NFPA 72-2014 [ New Section after 3.3.168.2 ]

TITLE OF NEW CONTENT

Type your content here ...

3.3.168.3 (NEW) Wireless Household Fire Alarm System Network - An arrangement of compatibletransmitter/transceiver devices that include smoke alarms/detectors, heat alarms/detectors, routers, and/ornon-fire alarm devices that communicate data between the devices and is independent or inclusive of analarms/detectors primary alarm function. (SIG-HOU)


Add new definition to align with revisions to clause 29.7.8.3 - defining "Wireless Household Network".

Related Item

First Revision No. 58-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 29.7.8.2.5]


Submitter Full Name: Lawrence Shudak

Organization: UL LLC

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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Public Comment No. 234-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 29.7.7.6 ]

29.7.7.6

In a fire/burglar system, the operation shall be as follows:

(1) A fire alarm signal shall take precedence or be clearly recognizable over any other signal, even whenthe non-fire alarm signal is initiated first.

(2) Distinctive alarm signals shall be used so that fire alarms can be distinguished from other functions,such as burglar alarms. The use of a common-sounding appliance for fire and burglar alarms shall bepermitted where distinctive signals are used. The use of distinctive voice signals indicating the type ofalarm shall be permitted.


The proposed change does indeed enhance what is already allowed in 29.3.5.2. It has the ability to save lives especially when children are involved. The intelligibility of short messages within 1.5 seconds misses the point. The extended message of a familiar voice, such as a parent, cannot be properly discerned in these brief 1.5 second slices of time.

Related Item

Public Input No. 603-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 29.3.5.2]


Submitter Full Name: Louis Fiore

Organization: L. T. Fiore, Inc.

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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Public Comment No. 226-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 29.7.8 ]

29.7.8 Wireless Devices.

29.7.8.1 Wireless Systems.

Household fire alarm systems utilizing low-power wireless transmission of signals within the protecteddwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of Section 23.16.

29.7.8.2 Nonsupervised Wireless Interconnected Alarms.

29.7.8.2.1*

To ensure adequate transmission and reception capability, nonsupervised, low-power wireless alarms shallbe capable of reliably communicating at a distance of 100 ft (30.5 m) indoors as tested to an equivalentopen area test distance, DEOAT between two devices in accordance with the following equations:

where Lb is the building attenuation factor, a value dependent on the frequency of the wireless

transmission. The building attenuation factor, Lb, represents the maximum attenuation value of typical

floors and walls within a majority of structures. The factor Lb shall assume four walls and two floors and be

calculated as follows:

where:

Lw = attenuation value of a wall

= 2 × L1 + L2

Lf = attenuation value of a floor

= L1 + L2 + L3 + L4

L 1 = frequency-dependent attenuation value for 1/2 in. (13 mm) drywall

L 2 = frequency-dependent attenuation value for 11/2 in. (38 mm) structural lumber

L 3 = frequency-dependent attenuation value for 3/4 in. (19 mm) plywood

L 4 = frequency-dependent attenuation value for 1/2 in. (13 mm) glass/tile floor

29.7.8.2.2

Fire alarm signals shall have priority over all other signals.

29.7.8.2.3

The maximum allowable response delay from activation of an initiating device to receipt and alarm/displayby the receiver/control unit shall be 20 seconds.

29.7.8.2.4*

Wireless interconnected smoke alarms (in receive mode) shall remain in alarm as long as the originatingunit (transmitter) remains in alarm.

29.7.8.2.5

The occurrence of any single fault that disables a transceiver shall not prevent other transceivers in thesystem from operating.

29.7.8.3 Mesh Networks.

29.7.8.3.1

Wireless household fire alarm system networks shall meet the requirements of 29.7.8.1.


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29.7.8.3.2

Devices used in any critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listed for fire alarmservice.

29.7.8.3.3

Shared communications equipment used in supplementary (noncritical) signaling path(s) is permitted to belisted for communications or information technology use.

29.7.8.3.4

All devices and appliances used in the critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listed foruse together.

29.7.8.3.5

Where the mesh network is shared by other premise operating systems, its operation shall be inaccordance with the following:

(1) Network bandwidth shall be monitored to confirm that all communications between devices critical tothe operation of the fire alarm system take place within 20 seconds; failure shall be indicated within200 seconds.

(2) All programming accepted by devices in the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm responsetime of 20 seconds.

(3) All specified configurations of the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm response time of 20seconds.

(4) Failure of any equipment that is critical to the operation of the fire alarm system shall be indicated atthe operator interface of the fire alarm control unit by the annunciation of a trouble signal.

(5) The occurrence of any single fault that disables a transceiver shall not prevent other transceivers inthe system from operating (formerly 29.7.8.2.5).

Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved

low_power_wireless_modifications.docx modifications to low power wireless


The current locations for household wireless resides inside chapter 26. Household fire systems using wireless has grown significantly over the last 10 years and the household committee should be responsible for the oversight of this type of household system.

The primary concern is the supervision characteristics as currently in place. RF technology offers the ability to provide fire alarm protection to almost any type of residence today. The concern is the timing requirements of supervisory check-ins. The use of 200 seconds may actually decrease the system reliability when requiring a senor to check-in every 60 seconds. The use of 200 seconds will increase the traffic of supervisory check-in to exceed over 3 million annually when considering the number of devices monitored. This will drive an increase of unwanted alarms when considering the staggering volume of data being transmitted. There are testing requirements currently in UL for 200 seconds. The ul 985 stp committee voiced similar concern on reliability and the changing the timing parameters. The support in opposition was unanimous with manufactures and users.

Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Richard Simpson

Organization: Vector Security Inc

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


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29.7.8.1* Special Requirements for Low-Power Radio (Wireless) Systems.

Household RF Requirements

29.7.8.1.1* Listing Requirements.

Compliance with Section 29.7.8.1 shall require the use of low-power rf radio equipment specifically listed for the purpose.

29.7.8.2 Power Supplies.

Primary battery(s) (dry cell) shall be permitted to be used as the sole power source for devices incorporating a low-power rf radio transmitter/transceiver where all of the following conditions are met:

1. Each transmitter/transceiver shall serve only one device and shall be individually identified at the system control unit.

2. The battery(s) shall be capable of operating the low-power radio transmitter/transceiver and its associated device for not less than 1 year before the battery depletion threshold is reached.

3. A low battery signal shall be transmitted before the device is no longer capable of providing 7 days of trouble signal operation followed by the signaling of a single non-trouble response. The low battery signal shall be distinctive from alarm, supervisory, tamper, and trouble signals; shall visibly identify the affected low-power radio transmitter/transceiver; and, when silenced, shall automatically re-sound at least once every 4 hours.

4. Catastrophic (open or short) battery failure shall cause a trouble signal identifying the affected low-power radio transmitter/transceiver at the system control unit. When silenced, the trouble signal shall automatically re-sound at least once every 4 hours.

5. Any mode of failure of a primary battery in a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall not affect any other low-power radio transmitter/transceiver.

29.7.8.3 Alarm Signals.

29.7.8.3.1*

When a wireless initiating device is actuated, its low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall automatically transmit an alarm signal.

29.7.8.3.2

Each low-power rf radio transmitter/transceiver shall automatically repeat alarm transmissions at intervals not exceeding 60 seconds until the initiating device is returned to its non-alarm condition.

29.7.8.3.3

Signals shall have priority in accordance with 23.8.4.6.

29.7.8.3.4

The maximum allowable response delay from activation of an initiating device to receipt and display by the system control unit shall occur within 10 seconds.

29.7.8.3.5*

A fire alarm signal from a low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall latch at its system control unit until manually reset and shall identify the particular initiating device in alarm.

29.7.8.4 Monitoring for Integrity.

29.7.8.4.1

The low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall be specifically listed as using a communication method that is highly resistant to misinterpretation of simultaneous transmissions and to interference (e.g., impulse noise and adjacent channel interference).

29.7.8.4.2

The occurrence of any single fault that disables communication between any low-power radio transmitter/transceiver and the receiver/transceiver system control unit shall cause a latching trouble signal within 200 seconds at the system control unit.

Each rf transmitter shall transmit sensor information at regular intervals as determined by the manufactures instructions.

29.7.8.4.2.1

Each rf transmitter shall be designed to operate in normal condition as part of the household system.

29.7.8.4.2.2

Each rf transmitter shall be capable of operating in degraded mode as a local device in the event of a single failure until the condition is restored.

29.7.8.4.2.3

In the event of multiple failed rf check-ins within the 4 hour window, the system control panel will annunciate a trouble condition and report a loss of rf supervisory to the supervising station.

29.7.8.4.3

A single fault on the signaling channel shall not cause an alarm signal or trouble signal

29.7.8.4.4

The periodic communication required to comply with 23.16.4.2 shall ensure successful alarm transmission capability.

29.7.8.4.4.1

Supervisory rf transmssion is data information shared with the system control unit updating current rf transmitter status.

29.7.8.4.4.2 RF Transmitters and System control units are tuned to operate at specific Radio Frequencies. Manufacturers instruction be followed for specifc RF programing and the failed supervisory events shall not exceed the 4 hour window

29.7.8.4.5

Removal of a low-power rf radio transmitter/transceiver from its installed location shall cause immediate transmission of a distinctive trouble signal that indicates its removal and individually identifies the affected device.

29.7.8.4.6

Reception of any unwanted (interfering) transmission by a retransmission device or by the receiver system control unit for a continuous period of 20 seconds or more shall cause an audible and visible trouble indication at the system control unit. This indication shall identify the specific trouble condition as an interfering signal.

29.7.8.4.7

The indication required by 23.16.4.6 shall identify the specific trouble condition as an interfering signal.

29.7.8.5 Output Signals from Receiver/Transceiver/System Control Unit.

When the receiver/transceiver or system control unit is used to actuate remote devices, such as notification appliances and relays, by wireless means, the remote devices shall meet the following requirements:

1. Power supplies shall comply with Chapter 10 or the requirements of 23.16.2.

2. All monitoring for integrity requirements of Chapter 10, Chapter 12, Chapter 23, or 23.16.4 shall apply.

3. The maximum allowable response delay from activation of an initiating device to activation of required alarm functions shall be 10 seconds.

4. Each transceiver/system control unit shall automatically repeat activated response signals associated with life safety events at intervals not exceeding 60 seconds or until confirmation that the output device has received the alarm signal.

5. The remote devices shall continue to operate (latch-in) until manually reset at the system control unit.

29.7.8.6 RF Initiating Devices

29.7.8.6.1 Rf initiation devices are automatic devices detecting the present of smoke

29.7.8.6.2 RF Devices used to activate an RF Initiating devices shall be programmed as a supervisory signal



Household fire alarm systems utilizing low-power wireless transmission of signals within the protecteddwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of Section 23.16, except as modified by 29 . 7.8.1.1.

29.7.8.1.1 The occurrence of any single fault that disables transmission between any low-power radiotransmitter/transciever and the receiver/fire alarm control unit shall cause a latching trouble single within 4hours at the household fire alarm control unit/operator interface in accordance with all of the following:

1) The low-power transmitter/transceiver serves a single initiating device

2) Each low-power transmitter/transceiver transmits a check-in signal a minimum of once each hour

3) Where disabling of any retransmission device (repeater) or its transmission does not prevent the receiptof signals at the receiver/household fire alarm control unit from any low-power radiotransmitter/transceiver.

.


The intent of this public comment is to leave the existing monitoring for integrity (supervision) requirements of household fire alarm system utilizing low-power radio (wireless) transmitters unchanged from that in the 2010 edition and in effect prior to June 2013. Data has been presented that demonstrates an issue with the previous polling period in residential applications. In addition, the increased polling will adversly affect smoke and heat alarms meeting extended 10 year battery life.

Related Item





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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Household fire alarm systems utilizing low-power wireless transmission of signals within the protecteddwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of Section 23.16.

1. Revise 29.7.8.1 to read as follows:

Exception: The time period for a low-power radio transmitter with only a single, connected alarm-initiating device shall be permitted to be increased to four times the minimum time interval permitted for a1-second transmission up to the following:

1) 4 hours maximum for a transmitter serving a single initiating device

2) 4 hours maximum for a retransmission device (repeater), where disabling of the repeateror its transmission does not prevent the receipt of signals at the receiver/fire alarm control unitfrom any initiating device transmitter.


Based on the below information, the supervision requirements prior to June 30, 2013 for wireless household fire alarm systems should be reinstated in order to prevent a serious shortage of wireless household fire alarm system in the stream of commerce.

The intent of this Public Comment is to reinstate the monitoring for integrity (supervision) requirements of household fire alarm system utilizing low-power radio (wireless) transmitters as they were prior to the 2013 edition. In accordance with the Exception to 23.16.4.2 the supervision requirements of wireless transmitters changed on June 30, 2013 from a polling rate of one transmission per four hours to one transmission every 200 seconds. Reinstating the supervision requirements prior to June 30, 2013 for wireless household fire alarm systems will comply with the existing FCC rules. In accordance with Part 15, section 15.231 of the FCC rules there is no limit on the number of individual transmissions provided the total transmission time does not exceed two seconds per hour.

At present no data has been presented that demonstrates that increasing the existing polling rate to one transmission every 200 seconds for wireless household fire alarm systems will:• Solve an identified problem• Will enhance the safety of the general public • Elevate the reliability of a wireless household fire alarm systemTwo unintended consequences of not reinstating the supervision requirements prior to June 30, 2013 are:1. New installations: Insufficient supply of wireless household systems available in the stream of commerce for new installations. At present only one manufacturer offers a wireless household fire alarm system capable of 200 second polling. This one manufacturer offers the 200 second polling as an option. 2. Replacement of Existing Wireless Smoke Detectors: No supply of wireless smoke detectors in the stream of commerce capable of polling at 200 seconds for replacing the millions of installed smoke detectors.

Related Item



Submitter Full Name: JOHN SLOGICK

Organization: HONEYWELL SECURITY

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue May 06 10:33:21 EDT 2014


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29.7.8.3 Mesh Wireless Household Networks.

29.7.8.3.1

Wireless household fire alarm system networks systems integrated within a wireless household networkshall meet the requirements of 29.7.8.1.

Exception: Single and multiple station smoke and heat alarms which are not part of a household firewarning system are not required to meet the requirements of 29.7.8. 1 and 29.7.8. 3.

29.7.8.3. 2

Devices used in any critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network a wireless household network shallbe listed for fire alarm service.

29.7.8.3.3


29.7.8.3.4

All devices and appliances used in the critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network a wirelesshousehold network shall be listed for use together.

29.7.8.3.5

Where the mesh network the wireless household network is shared by other premise operating systems,its operation shall be in accordance with the following:

(1) Network bandwidth shall be monitored to confirm that all communications between devices critical tothe operation of the fire alarm system take place within 20 10 seconds; failure shall be indicatedwithin 200 seconds.

(2) All programming accepted by devices in the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm responsetime of 20 10 seconds.

(3) All specified configurations of the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm response time of 2010 seconds.


(5) The occurrence of any single fault that disables a transmitter/ transceiver shall not prevent othertransmitter/ transceivers in the system from operating (formerly 29 . 7.8.2.5).


Revisions are proposed in rsponse to comments voiced at the First Draft meeting. The changes inlcude replacing "mesh' with "wireless household" to make the requirement technology neutral; clarifying that the wireless household network requirements do not apply to smoke and heat alarm multiple station configurations; and that the response time for household fire alarm systems is 10 seconds rather than 20 seconds.

A companion proposal adding a defintion for wireless household networks was submitted.

Related Item

First Revision No. 58-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 29.7.8.2.5]




Street Address:

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Public Comment No. 201-NFPA 72-2014 [ Sections 29.7.8.3.2, 29.7.8.3.3, 29.7.8.3.4,

29.7.8.3.5 ]

Sections 29.7.8.3.2, 29.7.8.3.3, 29.7.8.3.4, 29.7.8.3.5

29.7.8.3.2

Devices used in any critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listed for fire alarm service.

29.7.8.3.3


29.7.8.3.4

All devices and appliances used in the critical fire alarm signaling path of a mesh network shall be listed foruse together.

29.7.8.3.5

Where the mesh network is shared by other premise operating systems, its operation shall be inaccordance with the following:

(1) Network bandwidth shall be monitored to confirm that all communications between devices critical tothe operation of the fire alarm system take place within 20 seconds; failure shall be indicated within200 seconds.

(2) All programming accepted by devices in the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm responsetime of 20 seconds.

(3) All specified configurations of the network shall ensure a fire alarm system alarm response time of 20seconds.


(5) The occurrence of any single fault that disables a transceiver shall not prevent other transceivers inthe system from operating (formerly 29.7.8.2.5 ).


As written, the mesh network requirements would create a level of supervision far in excess of what is currently required for single and multiple station devices. Section 29.7.8.3.5, for example, would require supervision comparable to a system when alarms are connected to non-fire related equipment.

Related Item

Public Input No. 453-NFPA 72-2013 [New Section after 29.7.7]


Submitter Full Name: Wendy Gifford

Organization: Consultant

Street Address:

City:

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29.8.3.4 Specific Location Requirements.

The installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located where ambient conditions, includinghumidity and temperature, are outside the limits specified by the manufacturer's publishedinstructions.

(2) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located within unfinished attics or garages or inother spaces where temperatures can fall below 40ºF (4ºC) or exceed 100ºF (38ºC).

(3)

(4)

(5) Effective January 1, 2019, smoke alarms and smoke detectors used in household fire alarm systemsinstalled between 6 ft (1.8 m) and 20 ft (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixedcooking appliance shall be listed for resistance to common nuisance sources from cooking.

(6)

(7) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of thedirect airflow from those registers.

(8) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan.

(9) Where stairs lead to other occupiable levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located sothat smoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smokedetector by an intervening door or obstruction.

(10) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on thebasement ceiling near the entry to the stairs.

(11)

(12) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with therequirements of 17.7.3.2.4.

(13) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirementsof 17.6.3.

* Where the mounting surface could become considerably warmer or cooler than the room, such as apoorly insulated ceiling below an unfinished attic or an exterior wall, smoke alarms and smokedetectors shall be mounted on an inside wall.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within an area of exclusion determined bya 10 ft (3.0 m) radial distance along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cookingappliance, unless listed for installation in close proximity to cooking appliances. Smoke alarms andsmoke detectors installed between 10 ft (3.0 m) and 20 ft (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from astationary or fixed cooking appliance shall be equipped with an alarm-silencing means or usephotoelectric detection.

Exception: Smoke alarms or smoke detectors that use photoelectric detection shall be permitted forinstallation at a radial distance greater than 6 ft (1.8 m) from any stationary or fixed cookingappliance when the following conditions are met:

(a) The kitchen or cooking area and adjacent spaces have no clear interior partitions or headersand

(b) The 10 ft (3.0 m) area of exclusion would prohibit the placement of a smoke alarm or smokedetector required by other sections of this code.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub unless listed for installation in close proximity tosuch locations.

* For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed onthe highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 in. (300 mm)vertically down from the highest point.


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The Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) supports the Committee’s decision and substantiation to extend the effective date for a cooking resistant listing in section 29.8.3.4(5). Unwanted alarms are the leading cause of occupants disabling their smoke alarms and roughly 20% of all smoke alarms installed in U.S. homes have been disabled. The 20% number may be higher in high-risk areas, such as inner cities and rural communities. Disconnecting the power from a smoke alarm will leave the dwelling unit/building partially or completely unprotected. Unwanted alarms cause the fire departments time, money and endanger the lives fire fighters and the public. Every year several fire fighters and civilians lose their life during a false dispatch. Reducing unwanted alarm activations will enhance public life safety and reduce firefighter injuries. Therefore it is imperative that the required technical data is gathered to determine if repeatable performance test protocols can be added to the ANSI smoke detection products standards by the January 1, 2019 date.

Related Item

First Revision No. 50-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No. 29.8.3.4]


Submitter Full Name: Thomas Hammerberg

Organization: Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Affilliation: Automatic Fire Alarm Association

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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Committee Input No. 56-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 29.10 ]

29.10 Maintenance and Tests.

Fire-warning equipment shall be maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s publishedinstructions and per the requirements of Chapter 14.

29.10.1 Installation, inspection and testing for household fire alarm systems and single- and multiple-station alarms shall be documented as required in Figure 29.10.1.

Supplemental Information

File Name Description

RESIDENTIAL_INSPECTION_TESTING_FORM_2_.docx new inspection, testing form for household


Submitter Full Name: [ Not Specified ]

Organization: [ Not Specified ]

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Jun 28 10:09:00 EDT 2013

Committee Statement

CommitteeStatement:

Currently there is no installation, inspection, and testing report for single and multiple stationalarms and household fire alarm systems. This form would provide a means of standard datacollection at the time of installation and at regular testing and inspection intervals.

ResponseMessage:

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