Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 15908 (2011): Selection, Installation and Maintenance ofControl and Indicating Equipments for Fire Detection andAlarm System - Code of Practice [CED 22: Fire Fighting]

© BIS 2011

B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S T A N D A R D SMANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 110002

September 2011 Price Group 8

IS 15908 : 2011

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Indian Standard

SELECTION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCEOF CONTROL AND INDICATING EQUIPMENTS

FOR FIRE DETECTION AND ALARMSYSTEM — CODE OF PRACTICE

ICS 13.220.10

Fire Fighting Sectional Committee, CED 22

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by the Fire FightingSectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.

In fire alarm systems, control and indicating (C and I) equipment are the backbone of the entire network andperforms three important functions, namely:

a) Continuous and automatic monitoring and control of circuits external to the equipment (such as firedetection and fire alarm device circuits) and also supply of power to these circuits.

b) Indication of fire signals, fault signals and their location.c) Manual control to facilitate actions such as testing, disablement of devices, triggering of fire signals,

silencing of audible fire warning and resetting the system after a fire signal.

As these facilities are required by different people at different times all these facilities need not always be providedat a single location. For example according to the premises, indication of faults might be required by an engineeringpersonnel, who might not require detailed information on fire signals whereas accurate information on the locationof a fire is essential to the safety/security personnel, who might need in specific information about system fault(s).

In small and simple systems the control indicating and power supply equipment for the system normally ishoused within a single enclosure. In large and complex premises, the main control equipment circuitry might beinstalled at one location, power supplies might be distributed around the building, while main indicating equipmentincorporating certain basic controls is installed at another location, such as near a main entrance to the buildingand lastly repeat indicating equipment (with or without control) may be installed at other locations (such assecurity or control rooms).

Since premises vary in size, complexity and fire strategy, it is essential that the nature and location of manualcontrols and all indicating equipment, in particular, is suitable for the fire and evacuation procedure that are to beadopted and for the person that shall use the system, including security or safety staff and fire-fighter attendinga fire. Location of control circuitry and power supplies shall more likely to be determined by engineeringconsiderations and the preference of the personnel who are going to use the system.

For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final valueobserved or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2 : 1960‘Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised)’. The number of significant places retained in the rounded offvalue should be the same as that of specified value in this standard.

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IS 15908 : 2011

Indian Standard

SELECTION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCEOF CONTROL AND INDICATING EQUIPMENTS

FOR FIRE DETECTION AND ALARMSYSTEM — CODE OF PRACTICE

1 SCOPE

1.1 This standard covers planning, design, maintenanceand performance criteria for control and indicatingequipments for fire detection and alarm systems.

1.2 This standard covers minimum level of protection.Nothing in this standard prevents to install systemsdesigned for higher degree of protection, for specialrisks, etc.

2 REFERENCES

The standards listed at Annex A contain provisionswhich through reference in this text, constituteprovisions of this standard. At the time of publication,the editions indicated were valid. All standards aresubject to revision and parties to agreements based onthis standard are encouraged to investigate thepossibility of applying the most recent editions of thestandards indicated at Annex A.

3 LOCATIONS OF CONTROL AND INDICATINGEQUIPMENT

3.1 The following requirements shall be followed bythe user and installers before locating control andindicating equipment:

a) Indicating equipment, in conjunction withsuitable manual control facilities, shall belocated at an appropriate location for bothsafety staff and fire-fighters responding to afire signal.

b) The location shall normally comprise an areaon the ground floor close to the entrance tothe building likely to be used by the firefighters, or a suitably located, continuouslymanned control room from which at leastinitial control of any fire incident, by safetystaff and/or the fire fighters, shall beimplemented.

c) In complex premises, there shall beconsultation between the user, installer andthe fire fighters, regarding the location of allcontrol and indicating equipment and thefacilities provided.

d) Where there are multiple entrances to acomplex building, there shall also beconsultation with the external fire brigaderegarding the possible need for repeat controland/or indicating equipment.

e) In buildings which are not continuouslyoccupied, location of indicating equipment ina location that shall be visible to the firebrigade from outside the building can be ofbenefit, particularly if there is a facility fortransmission of alarms to an alarm receivingcentre.

3.2 All control indicating and power supply equipmentthat is likely to need routine attention for maintenanceshall be located in readily accessible locations thatfacilitate safe maintenance work.

3.3 The surrounding ambient illumination level in thevicinity of all control and indicating equipment shallbe such that visual indications can be clearly seen,controls easily operated and any instructions or legendscan be easily read. Where this is impracticable, suitableillumination backed up by an emergency source shallbe made available.

3.4 The surrounding ambient noise level in the vicinityof all control and indicating equipment shall not besuch as to prevent audible indications (such as the faultwarning sounder) from being heard.

3.5 The fire alarm control and indicating equipment,power supply equipment for the control and indicatingequipment and other essential control facilities shallbe located in safe areas, so that the equipment isunlikely to be involved in a fire before adequatewarning has been given.

3.6 It is preferable to provide detection system for theenclosure where C and I equipment is installed thoughit is compulsory if installed in a part of the protectedbuilding.

3.7 On or adjacent to indicating equipment there shallbe a diagrammatic representation of the buildingshowing at least the building entrance, the maincirculation area and the division into zones. Where the

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division into zones is not provided, a correctlyorientated plan of the premises shall be displayed.

NOTE — See also 6 for additional requirements.

4 GUIDELINES FOR NETWORKED FIREALARM SYSTEMS

a) The functions of the control and indicatingequipment are not centralized in one locationor panel, but distributed amongst a numberof sub-panels located remotely from eachother. These panels are than inter-connectedby a network which usually serves as a datahighway. Some sub-panels may simply act as‘data gathering’ panels and provide noindications. Others may be fully functionalcontrol and indicating panels. Control andindicating panels configured so as to ‘standalone’ and continue to operate normally in theevent of a failure of the communications linksbetween sub-panels.

b) Networked system is usually installed in thefollowing circumstances1) Where the fire alarm system is large and

beyond the capacity of single control andindicating equipment, and

2) Where there is a need for centralizedmonitoring and/or control of a numberof fire alarm systems in differentbuildings in the same vicinity (forexample on the same site).

c) The effect of the communication link and theimplications for fire alarm operation shalldepend on the configuration of the networkingsystem, the type of network and whether ornot the network forms part of the criticalsignal path.

d) Ring or loop network are more resilient tocommunities failures than redial typenetwork, peer to peer network with a centralprocessor controlling panel to panelcommunications.

e) If all sub-panel can function as ‘stand alone’fire alarm system and do not depend on thenetwork to facilities primary alarm functions(for example sounding the alarm initiatingother activities), a communications failureshall have no significant effect and thenetwork can be considered as an ancillarycircuit.

5 POWER SUPPLIES

5.1 General

a) Power supply for the fire alarm system shallnormally be derived from the low voltage

mains supply needs to be reliable and capablefor supplying the largest load that can beplaced on it under normal, fire and faultconditions.

b) The design of the main supply to the systemneeds to be such that it is unlikely to beaffected by faults on other circuits orequipment, or by isolation of supplies in thebuilding for maintenance or economy inconsumption of electricity.

c) The main supply shall need to be backed upby a standby supply that is able to supportthe system while the main supply is restoredor fault in the mains supply is corrected. Thestandby supply also needs to be reliable, andtransfer between the two supplies shall notaffect the operation of the system.

d) Failure of the main supply may occur whenthe premises are unoccupied and the systemmight be inoperative on re-occupation. It isimportant that the presence of a power supplyto the system is indicated by a visual indicatorat the indicating equipment to enable totalpower failure to be identified by the personnel.

e) There shall be a need to set some practicallimit on the duration of standby batteries.However, when the premises are not occupiedfor longer durations, the limit recommendedin this standard could be insufficient to caterfor the longest periods for which premisesmight be unattended. The user shall need toconsider this aspect and arrange frequentcheck on the batteries or consider the needfor standby batteries with a longer duration.

f) If the premises are provided with emergencysupply through a diesel generator or a captivepower plant and if the process in the risk iscontinuous, then the capacity of the standbybatteries may be reduced provided the circuitsserved by the generator include that of thealarm system.

g) In some complex buildings, such as shoppingcentre, additional indicating equipment, suchas color graphics terminals, not essentials forcompliance with this standard, may beprovided to assist the user in the monitoringand control of fire incidents. Stand-by supplyshall take care of this equipment also.

NOTE — Detailed requirements for the above are listedin various clauses.

5.2 Power Requirements

The system shall derive its power from either,

a) mains electricity supply single phase (normal

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supply), or the standby power supply that shallbe immediately available in the event offailure of normal supply and shall beautomatically connected (automatic switch -over) so as to maintain the equipment in readycondition of taking the maximum load. Thestandby shall be derived mostly fromexclusive secondary batteries where captivepower generation (like automatically startedgeneration, continuously running generation)is readily and certainly available, such as inprocess plants, industrial complexes and otheroccupancies, a standby can be derived fromthere.

b) C and I equipment shall be connected to themains via a switch-fuse or MCCB reservedsolely for the purpose, its cover being paintedred and labeled ‘FIRE ALARM — DO NOTSWITCH OFF’. Switch-fuse shall becontained in a securely closed box and thecondition of ‘Main-on’ shall be indicated bya new lamp. The voltage and ampere ratingsshall be compatible with the requirements ofvarious parts of the system and power capacityof the power supplies shall meet the maximumload likely to be placed on the system.Where the user requires isolating the buildingduring closed hours, a separate supply shallbe provided for the fire alarm system that shallnot normally be isolating during closed hours.

c) minimum capacity of the normal mainssupply shall be calculated so as to meet thetotal power consumption of the entire systemin quiescent condition plus that of all thesounders and 25 percent zones in alarmcondition.

d) main connection to the system shall bearranged such that the mains supply to thesystem (which is through exclusive switch-fuse) is not interrupted as a result of switchingoff mains power to premises/other services.Provisions made for normal and standbypower supply shall be such that the switch-over from one supply to another is automaticand each is capable of supplying the largestload to be placed on them under normal, fireand fault conditions. Further, the powersupply for the fire alarm system shall betotally dedicated and shall not be connectedto other loads.

e) standby power supply shall be capable ofmaintaining the system in normal operationfor a period of not less than 48 h after thefailure of normal mains supply after whichsufficient capacity would remain to provide

full load operation for at least 30 min. Thefull load would be defined as that caused bythe operation of all the alarm soundersoperating simultaneously, operation of adetector in at least 25 percent of zones (witha minimum of two zones) and the operationof the fault indicator. The operation of triggerdevices in further zones shall not result incancellation of fire alarms existing at thattime.

NOTE — Where failure of normal mains supply is notlikely to be made good within 24 h due to longunattended/unoccupied periods, the system inspectionfrequency need to be arranged at intervals such that inthe event of normal mains supply failure, at least 24 hstandby capacity remains at the time of next inspection.

f) standby power supply derived from exclusiveback-up batteries shall have provision ofautomatic charging and automatic loadswitch-over whenever normal mains supplyfails. It shall be ensured that chargingconditions are matched to the system. The rateof battery charging shall be such that, havingdischarged to its final voltage, the battery cancomply with the recommendations of 5.2 (e)after a charging period of 24 h.

g) external batteries shall be properly mounted.The best practice shall be to mount them on ametal stand at a well ventilated location.

h) every isolator, switch and protective devicethat is capable of disconnecting the mainssupply to the fire alarm system, shall besituated in a position inaccessible toantiauthority persons or be protected againstunauthorized operations by persons withouta special tool.

j) voltage of the batteries shall be monitored andlow voltage indicated on C and I equipment.

k) capacity of the battery shall be as percalculations shown in Annex B.

m) where distributed power supplies for firealarm system to power sounders, beamdetectors, etc, are installed, It shall bemandatory that the entire system be poweredfrom the C and I panel power/back up andthe same shall be monitored.

6 CABLES AND THEIR INSTALLATIONS ANDCIRCUITS

6.1 General

a) The components of most fire alarm systemsare connected by cables and wiring and hence,cables are most important link between firedetection devices and the control centre. It is

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essential that the cables used forinterconnection of devices and the controlcentre remain operational and maintain circuitintegrity for adequate duration with inherentcapability to resist direct exposure to fire.

Loop shall be of Class A wiring. Class Awiring shall be return loop. Tapping may beused from the loop as Class B wiring.

NOTE — See Fig. 1 for wiring details.

1A Correct Wiring Method — Two Wire Detectors

1B Incorrect Wiring Method — Two Wire Detectors

FIG. 1 WIRING DETAILS FOR FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM (Continued)

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* Loop Powered Hooter/SounderOr

* Separate Powered Hooter

1C Addressable Fire Detection and Alarm System — Class A Wiring

1D Addressable Fire Detection and Alarm System — Class A Wiring WithClass B Tapping

FIG. 1 WIRING DETAILS FOR FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM

* Loop Powered Hooter/SounderOr

* Separate Powered Hooter

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IS 15908 : 2011

b) It is essential that all interconnections operatecorrectly at the time of a fire. This isparticularly important in the case of cablesthat link control and indicating equipment tomanual call points, automatic fire detectorsand fire alarm devices, and that transmitsignals to an alarm receiving centre.

c) It is not normally possible to predict, with anyaccuracy, those areas of a building in whichfire can or cannot occur. At the design stage,the exact route that cables shall follow mayalso be unknown. Therefore to ensure thatcables used remain operational for anadequate duration, cables, with an inherentability to resist attack by fire, need to be usedthroughout.

d) The integrity of the mains supply to the systemis also regarded as essential, even though thesystem has a standby supply. Accordingly,mains supply circuits need to be adequatelyprotected against the effects of fire.

e) The probability of disablement of any part ofthe fire alarm system as a result of mechanicaldamage to cables can be reduced by the useof sufficiently robust cables, careful selectionof cable routes and by the provision ofprotection against mechanical damage inareas where cables are susceptible tomechanical damage. Monitoring of circuitsdoes not ensure that cable faults shall notoccur, but is essential to minimize the timebetween occurrence and identification (andhence repair) of the fault. Monitoring ofcircuits and protection of cables againstdamage are, therefore, complementaryprecautions, rather than alternatives.

f) It is the responsibility of the designer to ensurethat the electrical characteristics of the cables,including current carrying capacity andvoltage drop are suitable for the system. Thechoice of cable and routes selected shall needto take into account the need to avoidelectromagnetic interference from othercables and source of electromagneticradiation, particularly in the case of the systemin which cables are used to be combative withthe characteristics of the data transmission forexample speed and waveform and remain sofar an adequate length of time during therelevant exposure to fire for category of cable.

g) The circuit of fire alarm systems shall needto be segregated from the cable of the othercircuit to minimize any potential for othercircuit to cause malfunction of the fire alarmsystem arising from.

1) breakdown of cable insulation of othercircuit and/or fire alarm circuit;

2) a fire caused by a fault on another circuit;3) electromagnetic interference to any fire

alarm circuit as a result of theproximately of another circuit; and

4) damage resulting from the need for othercircuit to be installed in, or removed from,ducts or trucking containing a fire alarmcircuit.

h) In order to facilitate identification of fire alarmcircuit, cable shall preferably be red in colour,unless another form of colour coding isappropriate. By this means, the possible needfor appropriate segregation can be identified,and there shall be less likelihood ofinadvertent manual interference with thecircuit of fire alarm systems.

6.2 Cables

6.2.1 The electrical characteristics of all cable, such asvoltage drop, current carrying capacity, impedance and,where appropriate, ability to transmit data shall besuitable for the system.

The cable specification for fire alarm system is asfollows:

a) Armoured or unarmoured FRLS cables ofminimum 2 × 1.5 mm2 ATC cables forconventional fire alarm and multistrandtwisted pair shielded cables for addressablefire alarm system.

b) PVC insulated copper conductor cablesconforming to IS 694 having minimum1.5 mm2 cross-sectional area, if stranded atleast 0.5 mm2 cross-section shall be used.

c) Rubber insulated braided cables conformingto IS 9968 (Part 1).

d) Armoured PVC/rubber insulated cablesconforming to IS 1554 (Part 1).

e) Mineral Insulated (MI) cables with overallLSF (Low Smoke and Fumes).

NOTE — It is strongly recommended to use cablesmentioned under item ‘e’ above for certain specificoccupancies like Oil and Hydrocarbon Industries (highhazard, high fire potential), Airports (high hazard and alsolarge public presence), Jetty (high hazard, high firepotential), Power Plants (critical for use), Metro Railways(underground and large public presence, life safety), andwhere huge public gathering is anticipated like Shoppingmalls, Multiplex and large assembly halls (life safety)etc, where either the fire load is high or the intolerance ofdowntime for the occupancy or life safety is foremost.

6.2.2 The cables used shall be exclusively for firedetection system. The multi-core cables shall not beshared for other low voltage or high voltage circuits.

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6.2.3 Cables/wiring shall be laid down in metallic/rigidPVC conduits. PVC conduits shall be used only inconcealed spaces.

6.2.4 Cables connected to detectors shall be given ‘S’loop on both the sides of the detectors which shall beproperly clamped to the ceiling. Loop shall also beleft where cables connect sounders, panels, dampers,etc. Appropriate glands shall be provided where thecable enters the junction box.

6.2.5 All the cables and wires shall be tagged for properidentification. Wires shall be identified by ferrules atjunction and cables by colour bands at every 3 mdistance.

6.2.6 When connecting different buildings, etc,overhead lines for fire alarm system shall not be used.They shall be laid underground according to IS 1255.

6.2.7 There shall be no joint in the cable speciallybetween the two detectors or detector to responseindicator and detector to manual call point. If any jointis required because of the length of the cable which isconnecting the detector/response indicator/manual callpoint to the control panels, proper junction box shallbe used and it shall be properly marked and easilyaccessible.

6.3 Conduit Wiring

The requirements given below shall be followed:

a) The conduits shall not be choked with cables.There shall be sufficient space inside theconduit even after the cable is pulled. Theminimum size of the conduit shall be 25 mm.

b) S-runs of conduits, which shall be spaced atnot more than 4.25 m between draw boxes,shall not deflect from the straight by an anglemore than 15°. B-runs of conduits shall notdeflect from the straight by more than 15°.Conduits shall be kept at a minimum of100 mm from the pipes of other non-electricalservices.

c) Wiring for short extensions to outlets in hungceiling or to vibrating equipments, motors,etc, shall be installed in flexible conduits. Noflexible extension shall exceed 1.2 m inlength.

d) Cables and conduits run on surfaces shall besupported on galvanized steel 6 mm thicksaddles and clamps which in turn are properlyscrewed to the wall or ceiling. Saddles shallbe at intervals of not more than 500 mm.Fixing screws shall be with round or cheesehead and of cadmium plated brass.

e) Exposed conduits shall be neatly run parallel

or at right angles to the walls of the building.Unseemly conduit bends and offsets shall beavoided by using fabricated galvanized steeljunction/pull through boxes for betterappearances.

f) No cross-over of conduits shall be allowedunless it is necessary and entire conduitinstallation shall be clean and neat inappearance. Conduits embedded into the wallsshall be fixed by means of staples at not morethan 500 mm intervals. Chases in the wallsshall be neatly made and refilled after layingthe conduit.

g) Conduits buried in concrete structure shall beput in position and securely fastened to thereinforcement before the concrete is poured.Proper care shall be taken to ensure that theconduits are neither dislocated nor choked atthe time of pouring the concrete.

h) Suitable galvanized steel fish wires of not lessthan 0.63 mm diameter shall be drawn in allconduits before they are embedded. Whereconduit passes through expansion joints inthe building, adequate expansion fittingsshall be used to take care of any relativemovement.

j) Inspection boxes shall be provided forperiodical inspection to facilitate withdrawaland removal of wires. Such inspection boxesshall be flush with the wall or ceiling in thecase of concealed conduits. Inspection boxesshall be spaced at not more than 12 m apartor two 90°solid bends or equal.

k) All junction and pull boxes shall be coveredby 6 mm clear plate truly cut and fixed withcadmium plated brass screws. These junctionboxes shall form part of point wiring orconduit wiring as the case may be includingthe cost of removing the cover for paintingand refixing.

m) Conduits shall be free from sharp edges andburs and the threading free from grease or oil.The entire system of conduits must becompletely installed and rendered electricallycontinuous before the conductors are pulledin.

n) Conduits shall terminate in junction boxes ofnot less than 32 mm deep and the terminationshall be rigid with check nuts and a smoothbushing. No wires shall be exposed in any partof the installation.

p) Conduits and cables shall be laid by skilledand experienced workmen. Care shall be takenwhile laying cables to avoid kinks. At all the

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changes in directions (vertical and horizontalplanes) the cables shall be bent smooth with aradius as recommended by the manufacturers.

q) No joints shall be allowed between two points.The sleeve at joints shall be shaved off like apencil and shall not be cut square to avoidcutting of conductors.

7 CONTROL CENTRE (FOR HOUSING C AND IEQUIPMENT)

a) In high rise buildings and special buildings, acontrol centre of an area of 15 m2 to 20 m2

shall be provided where the control andindicating equipment, power supply units andother fire protection ancillary panels could beinstalled. This shall preferably be on groundfloor (floor one) and manned 24 h.

b) The control centre room shall have attachedWC bath, drinking water facilities andappropriate tables, chairs, record racks, etc.

c) The control centre room shall have emergencylighting system.

d) The control centre room shall have intercomand direct telephone facilities. Wherepossible, a direct hotline or any other meansof communication to local fire brigade shallbe provided.

e) The control centre room shall have mimicpanel of the premises protected and details ofall the fire protection systems. Fire orders shallbe prominently displayed.

f) Control centre in air conditioned premisesshall be segregated from the rest of thebuildings by fire walls and provided with anindependent ac system. If ducts are common,the entry/exit points of ducts through the wallsshall be provided with automatic damperunits. Status of these dampers shall also bedisplayed in the mimic panel.

8 CONTROL AND INDICATING EQUIPMENTCOMPONENTS

8.1 Sector/Zone Panels and C and I Equipment

a) The sector/zone panel shall be installed onindividual sector/zone of the building andshall conform to the requirements given inAnnex C.

b) The C and I equipment and other control panelshall be wall mounting/floor standing type andshall be made of mild steel sheet conformingto IS 513. The minimum thickness of sheetshall be 1.6 mm. The colour shall be fire red(Shade No. 536 of IS 5).

c) Electronic/electric circuit shall have relayconforming to the relevant Indian Standard.

d) Each sector/zone indicator, indicating fireshall consist of two LED/filament bulbsconforming to relevant Indian Standardsconnected in parallel. In case of faultindicators, only one LED/filament bulb shallbe used — open and short circuit separately.Fire warning indicator shall be clearly labeledand coloured red while fault warning indicatorshall be clearly labeled and coloured amber.

e) The sector panels shall have the powercapacity to be connected to all the zones inthe sector. In addition, it shall have facilityfor connections to external sounders.

f) If required, the panel shall have additionalcapacity to operate auxiliary equipment likefire dampers, fire closers, ventilation and/orpressurizing fans, emergency light, smokeexhausters, etc. Failure rate of power at thelocal sector panel shall be indicated in themain control room.

8.2 Fire Alarm/External Fire Alarm Sounders

a) A number of external fire alarm sounders aregenerally required for protective premises.The number and distribution of these alarmsin the premises shall be such that the soundlevel/audibility requirements are met with aview to alert the occupants and initiate firefighting actions with the least delay.

b) The grouping of external fire alarm sounderscan be done in either of the following way.The grouping scheme shall be reflected in fireinstructions issued for the use of theoccupants.

c) Sounding of alarms can be so arranged thatany alarm operated all the soundersthroughout the premises. This grouping isparticularly suitable for smaller premises.

d) Sounding of alarms can be so arranged thatthe alarms sound initially in the sector of fireorigin or in this zone and on its adjoiningareas, or in this zone and in specially selectedareas of high flammability or difficult egress.

8.3 Silencing

The operation of silencing switch either for generalfire alarm sounders or for signal controlling internalaudio alarm of C and I equipment shall cause an audiblesignal to be given in or near the C and I equipment.This audible signal which may be the same as that forfault warning, is intended to act as a reminder that thesilencing switch has been operated and shall give a

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distinctive sound different from that of any other alarmsounder (external or internal to C and I equipment).

NOTE — The requirement given here are not necessary insystems where automatic re-set is provided.

8.4 Visual Alarm Signals

In general, visual signals shall only be used tosupplement audible alarms. A defect in visual alarmshall not cause a defect in audible alarm or vice-versa.Only in special cases where audible alarm is ineffective,such as even the occupants are deaf, immobile, etc,visual alarms can be used in lieu of external alarmsounders.

8.5 Stages of General Fire Alarms

General fire alarm system though external sounderscan be provided in either of the following ways:

a) Single stage continuous alarm — In thisscheme, a continuous alarm (evacuation alarmor signal) sounds in the sector/zone of fire andalso on the C and I equipment with a provisionon C and I equipment to sound continuousgeneral fire alarm throughout the protectedpremises. This is normally done, particularlyin smaller premises, sparely populatedpremises or storage premises.

b) Two-stage general alarms — In this scheme,two-stage alarm is provided in which acontinuous evacuation alarm is immediatelygiven in sector/zone of fire or in a restrictedarea, together with intermittent alert signal inother parts and on C and I equipment. Theprovision shall be made at C and I equipmentfor changing the alert signal to evacuate signalin any area, either manually or after a pre-determined period, automatically. In decidingthe time delay between alert and generalevacuation, consideration shall be given to thecommunications that may be needed tocontrol the evacuation.

c) The evacuation signal shall be continuous andintermittent alert signal shall have ‘ ON’ and‘OFF’ periods of 1.0 ± 0.5 s each.

d) In large installations, extensive and high risebuildings, two-stage alarm scheme may bemore desirable to evacuate first the sector/zone where fire exists, other high risk areasor restricted areas and simultaneously alertother areas.

8.6 Special System

a) Here the alarm sounds only in the controlcentre of the C and I equipment and may alsohave public address facility to alert personnel

who are mobile within or in the vicinity ofthe building.

b) Depending on the choice of the system, C andI equipments shall have necessary controls.Where two stage alarm is chosen, zonal/sectors panels and C and I equipment areneeded and in case of single stage zonal/sectorpanel are not needed.

c) The system may also adopt any of the cablingscheme, that is connecting zones/sectorsdirectly to the C and I equipment or throughzone/sector control panels.

d) The audible and visual alarm state shall bemaintained by the sector/zonal control panelsand control panel of C and I equipmentwithout a continued signal from fire detector.The sound characteristics of the alarm shallbe similar throughout the protected premises.

8.7 Fire Alarm Intimation

The operation of fire detector/manual call point shallinitiate transmission of signal(s) resulting in,

a) an audible signal on the C and I equipment(internal audio alarm C and I equipment);

b) a visual signal in the C and I equipment;c) at least one external alarm sounder;d) a visible indication for each sector/zone in

which a detector/MCP operations; ande) audible signal (alert) on sector/zonal panel

concerned where sector/zonal panels havebeen provided.

In case of two stage alarm systems, if the alarm in thefirst instance is not acknowledged on C and Iequipments, preferably within 60 s, a general evacuatealarm shall sound on all the floors.

8.8 Silencing of Fire Alarm

a) The audible alarm(s) as specified in 8.7(a) and8.7(b) shall continue to operate until silencedmanually. The alarm shall not be silencedautomatically. The operation of the silencingswitch shall automatically result in an audible/visual signal being given at C and I equipmentuntil the fire alarm is reset.

NOTE — Provision in this clause are not necessary incase of automatic reset system.

b) The equipment shall be so designed thatfollowing the silencing of alarm sounders, inthe event of subsequent operation of detectorMCP in any other zone, further fire alarm asspecified in 8.7(a) and 8.7(b) shall be given.

c) Any fault signal as specified in 8.9 which theC and I equipment may be giving shall not

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prevent a fire alarm being given, if the detectoractuates at the same time or subsequently fromthe other zone.

8.9 Fault Signals

An immediate fault warning shall be given by (a)visible indicator (amber) on the sector/zone controlpanel (where provided), and (b) an audible alarm andvisible indicator (amber) on the C and I equipment inthe control centre. The audible alarm shall be distinctfrom the fire alarm.

a) The zonal arrangement in the panel shall bemodular and mere replacement of faultmodule/rely plug in components shall put thealarm system back in operation.

b) Fault warning shall be given at C and Iequipment in the event of the followingoccurrences:

1) Failure or disconnection of normalpower supply.

2) Failure or disconnection of standbypower supply.

3) Failure or disconnection of batterycharging equipment.

4) Short-circuit or disconnection of theleads to trigger devices unless the faultconditions reproduces the effect of theoperation of a triggered device.

5) Removal of any triggered device of theplug in type or disconnection from itstransmitter or power supply.

6) Short-circuit or disconnection of any ofthe leads to alarm sounders external tothe control and indicating equipment butif the alarm sounders are connected bya ring circuit, disconnection need not beimmediately indicated but shall becapable of being detected by the routinetest procedure.

7) Rupture or disconnection of any fuse onthe operation of any protective devicesthat would prevent a fire alarm beinggiven.

8) Failure of a scanning device tointerrogate the detector or zones at thecorrect time intervals or failure of anymonitoring or interrogating systemwithin the control equipment, such as toprevent an alarm being given.

9) A facility may also be provided forsending fault signal to remote centre.

c) It is desirable to have distinct earth faultindication of the zone wiring.

d) A facility shall be provided for deliberateisolation of zones/sectors. This facility shallbe inside the panel not easily accessible topeople. Whenever isolation is used, this shallbe given visible indication.

e) Circuits and mechanical design of the panelshall be such that the operation of oneindicator does not prevent the operation of theother indicators and the alarm is not inhibitedby any defect/failure in the indicator.

f) Each fire/fault indicator shall be clearlylabelled with the zone address on a metal labelfrom which the call originates.

g) ‘System ON’ and ‘Standby ON’ indicatorsshall be provided. Where system test key/switch is lockable, indicator shall be provided.

h) Test facilities, shall be provided to test alarmcircuit sounder, indicator etc.

j) The following shall be provided:

1) Acknowledge button;

2) Where required, alarm cancel indicator,3) Isolation/reset facility; and4) Related fuses/protective devices.

k) Sector/Zonal control panel shall be providedwith voltages appropriate to the rating of theinterconnected detectors. The voltage drop inthe cable risers shall be taken into account.

8.10 Fire Alarm (Sounder)

a) Depending on the floor area and its layout,external audible fire alarm sounders shall beprovided to give the required sound level witha minimum of a pair of sounders in parallel.The number of fire sounders shall be sufficientto produce the sound levels as specified inAnnex D and measured as per IS 9779.

b) The circuit feeding power from control panelto these fire alarm devices shall be a ringcircuit. If a ring circuit is not provided, designprovision to give a fault signal on C and Iequipment in the event of short circuit ordisconnection shall be made.

8.11 Accessories and Controls

a) Control and indicating equipment shall beinstalled in the control room on ground floor.In the case of industrial premises, separateprocess control rooms are provided and shallbe of the wall mounting/desk/floor standingtype.

b) The manual controls for switching off/on,main/standby power shall not be accessibleto outsiders.

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c) All manual controls shall be clearly labelledto indicate the mode of operation and theirfunctions (metal label to be used).

d) The C and I equipment shall have electronic/electrical relays conforming to relevant IndianStandards and shall have the followingfacilities:

1) A pair of red LED/bulb to indicate originof fire and an amber LED/bulb toindicate the origin of fault;

2) A sounder with distinct audible soundsfor fire and fault alarm;

3) Audible signal acknowledge/silencebutton and lamp/LED to indicate itsoperation, whenever necessary;

4) Voltmeter and ammeter shall beprovided on main dc power circuit;

5) ‘Systems on’ standby on indicators, testkey/button operation indicator andfacility to isolate zonal/sector/maincontrol panel from the rest of the system;

6) Where sector panel is isolated, its signalshall come on the main control panel andwhere zonal panel is isolated the signalshall come on the sector panel;

7) Failure of any indicator circuit shall notprevent the fire alarm from sounding, noracknowledgement/silencing of the alarmfrom one zone shall prevent anotheralarm coming from the other zone on thesame sector;

8) Switch to actuate alarms from C and Iequipment to one or more sectors/zones;

9) Test facility to check fire alarm/faultcircuit, indicators; and

10) The facility for indicators toacknowledge the operation of theancillary system (One colour code shallbe associated with one ancillary serviceand one or more indicator per zone).

NOTE — In high rise/special building like educational,institutional, assembly, business, mercantile and hotels,a handset/two-way speaker with relevant indicationswitches shall be provided for voice communicationwith different floors when the circuit is actuated byinserting the handset in manual call point sockets (Thisis not a part of the fire alarm system).

e) All zonal/sector control panels and controland indicating equipment shall be providedwith proper earthing.

9 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

a) The record drawings and operatinginstructions shall be supplied by the installers

on completion of the installation. Drawingsshall clearly indicate the position of variousitems of the equipment, junction boxes, sizesand routes of all cables and wires and suchother relevant details for maintenance andrecord purposes. If so desired by the user,circuit diagrams of the fire alarm system andits components shall also be supplied. Thesedrawings and operating instructions shall bekept up-to-date and be available forconvenient reference and shall be located inthe control room.

b) The installer shall supply the user with a logbook. The log book shall be maintained forrecording details, including causes of all thealarms (genuine, practice, test or false), faults,service tests and routine inspections,servicing/repairs, etc, as and when done.Periods of disconnection/in-operation shallalso be shown.

10 INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

10.1 General

Even a well designed and properly installed automaticfire alarm system may not be able to render reliableand trouble-free service unless high standard ofmaintenance and supervision are ensured during theentire service period of the system. Regularinspections and scheduled preventive maintenance arecritical and shall include all the components of thesystem.

10.2 Initial Installation Inspection Tests

10.2.1 After installation, a visual inspection of all thedetectors shall be made to make sure that they areproperly sited. Each detector shall be inspected toensure that it is properly mounted and connected.

10.2.2 Restorable heat detectors and restorableelements of combination detectors shall be tested by aheat source, such as a hair dryer, or a shielded heatlamp until it responds, making sure that the sensingelement is not damaged. After each heat test, thedetector shall be reset. Precautions shall be taken toavoid damage of the non-restorable fixed temperatureelement of a combination rate of rise/fixed temperaturedetector.

10.2.3 Non-resettable fixed temperature heat detectorswhich are not to be heat-tested shall be testedmechanically or electrically for fire alarm function.

10.2.4 Heat detectors with replaceable fusible alloyelement shall be tested first by removing the elementto see whether contact operate properly and then re-inserting them in proper position.

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10.2.5 In periodic testing, heat detectors shall bevisually examined for damage or other conditions (suchas heavy coats of paints, etc) likely to interface withthe correct operation.

10.2.6 Each smoke detector shall be tested to initiatean alarm at its installed location with smoke or otherapproved aerosol which demonstrates that the smokecan enter the chamber and initiate an alarm.

10.2.7 In order to ensure that each smoke detector iswithin its sensitivity range, it shall be tested usingeither,

a) A calibrated test method; orb) A manufacturer’s/supplier’s approved

calibrated sensitivity test instrument; orc) Approved control equipment arranged for the

purpose; or

d) Other approved calibrated sensitivity restmethod.

10.2.7.1 Detectors found to have sensitivity outside theapproved range shall be replaced.

NOTE — Detector sensitivity cannot be tested or measuredusing any spray/smoke producing device that administers anunmeasured concentration of aerosol/smoke into the detector.

10.2.8 Other types of detectors like flame detectors,spark/ember detectors, aspirating type smoke detectors,etc, shall be tested for sensitivity in accordance withthe recommendations of the manufacturers and/or theIndian Standards according to which they are made.

10.3 Servicing/Periodical Maintenance

10.3.1 To ensure that regular and reliable servicing/maintenance of the systems and its components iscarried out; any of the following methods shall beadopted:

a) Through an agreement/contract with theactual supplier or his authorized dealer whoshall attend to the maintenance/repair, whennecessary, promptly.

b) Where no such service contract can be enteredinto for any reason, atleast one qualifiedemployee of the user with suitable experienceof electrical equipment shall undergo specialtraining to deal with all aspects of basicservicing and maintenance, including routinesensitivity tests/checks of the detectors, as andwhen required.

10.3.2 For institutional occupancies, such as hospitals,hotels, old people’s homes, etc, the provision shallinclude a requirement that an engineer shall be on callat all times and that request over the telephone foremergency service shall be executed promptly, within24 h. Serving arrangement shall be made immediately

on completion of the installation whether the premisesare occupied or not. If the premises are not occupied,special precautions shall be taken, if necessary, toprotect the system against damage by dampness orother causes.

10.4 Maintenance Schedule

10.4.1 It is the responsibility of the user of theequipment to ensure that proper instructions areobtained from the manufacturer/supplier or installerregarding the routine attention and test procedures.

10.4.2 The routine to be adopted in individual premisesmay vary with the use of the premises; equipmentinstalled in corrosive or dirty environmental conditionsshall need to be checked more thoroughly and at morefrequent intervals than that in clear and dry situations.Care shall be taken that all equipments are properlyreinstated after testing. The occupants of the premisesshall be notified of any test of the system that mayresult in the sounders being operated.

10.4.3 Daily Attention by User

A check shall be made every day to ascertain that,

a) panel indicates normal operation; if not, thatany fault indicated is recorded in the log bookand is receiving urgent attention; and

b) any fault warning recorded the previous dayhas received attention.

10.4.4 Weekly Attention by the User

The following tests shall be made every week to ensurethat the system is capable of operating under alarmconditions:

a) Once a week, at least one trigger device orend of line switch on one zone circuit shallbe operated to test the ability of the controland indicating equipment to receive a signaland to sound the alarm and operate otherwarning devices. If there is more than onezone on a system having unmonitored wiring,each unmonitored zone shall be tested eachweek, but without sounding the alarm morethen once. For systems having monitoredwiring and up to 13 zones, each zone shall betested in turn but if there are more than 13zones, more than one zone may need to betested in any week so that the interval betweentests on one zone does not exceed 13 weeks.It is preferable that each time a particular zoneis tested, a different trigger device is used. Anentry shall be made in the log book quotingthe particular trigger device that has been usedto initiate the test. If the operation of the alarmsounders and/or the transmission of the alarm

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signal has been prevented by disconnection,then a further test shall be carried out to provethe final reinstatement to the sounders, and ifpermissible, the alarm transmission circuits;and

b) A visual examination of the battery andconnection shall be made to ensure that theyare in good condition. Action shall be takento remove any defect, including lowelectrolyte level.

Any defect noticed shall be recorded in the log bookand reported to the responsible person, and action shallbe taken to correct it.

10.4.5 Quarterly Inspection and Test by the User

The following check-list and test sequence shall becarried out:

a) Entries in the log book since the previousinspection shall be checked and any necessaryaction taken.

b) Batteries and their connections shall beexamined and tested to ensure that they arein good serviceable condition.

c) Where applicable, secondary batteries shallbe examined to ensure that the specific gravityof electrolyte in each cell is correct. Necessaryremedial action shall be taken and anappropriate entry made in the log book. Careshall be taken to ensure that hydrometers,vessels, etc, used in the servicing of alkalinesecondary cells are not contaminated by acidand vice-versa. Contamination of electrolytecan ruin a cell.

d) Primary batteries, including reserves, shall betested to verify that they are satisfactory for afurther period.

e) The alarm function of control and indicatingequipment shall be checked by the operationof a trigger device in each zone as described.The operation of alarm sounders and any linkto a remote manned centre shall be tested.Ancillary functions of the control panel shallalso be tested where practicable. All faultindicators and their circuits shall be checkedpreferable by simulation of fault conditions.The Control and Indicating equipment shallbe visually inspected for signs of moistureingress and other deterioration.

f) A visual inspection shall be made thatstructural or occupancy changes have notaffected the requirements for the sting oftrigger devices (manual call points, smokedetectors and heat detectors). The visual

inspection shall also confirm that a clear spaceof at least 750 mm radius is preserved in alldirections below every detector, that thedetectors are preferably sited and that allmanual call points remain unobstructed andconspicuous.

Any defect shall be recorded in the log book andreported to the responsible person, and action shall betaken to correct it.

10.4.6 Annual Inspection Tests

The following checks and test sequence shall be carriedout:

a) The instruction and test routines detailed in10.4.5 (a) to 10.4.5 (f).

b) Operation of at least 20 percent of thedetectors in an installation shall be checkedeach year and the selection shall be done insuch a way that all the detectors in aninstallation shall have been checked once inevery 5 years.

c) Each detector shall be checked for correctoperation using specified test equipment andmethod, except non-resettable detectors. Thechecks to be carried out are specified in 10.2.2to 10.2.5 in respect of heat detectors and,10.2.6 and 10.2.7 in respect of smokedetectors.

d) Visual inspection shall be made to confirmthat all cable fittings and equipment aresecure, undamaged and adequately protected.

e) At least once in every three years at the annualinspection, the electrical installation shall betested. Any defect shall be recorded in log bookand suitable remedial action shall be taken.

f) On completion of the annual inspection, theentry shall be made in register in respect ofdefects found. After the defects are rectified,the entries shall then again be made. And ifrequired, detectors shall be replaced by thenew one.

10.5 General Points About Detectors

It is essential (particularly for installations involvinglife hazard) to ensure specified range of sensitivity ofthe detectors being installed and that the correct degreeof sensitivity is maintained. Users shall satisfythemselves on this point. Sensitivity range shall bechecked on equipment as already specified. It isessential to apply frequent sensitivity checks androutine tests as prescribed in the code so that the correctsensitivity levels/degree is maintained during the entireservice span of the installation (see 10.2.7).

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10.6 Cleaning and Maintenance

Detectors require periodic cleaning to remove dust ordirt that has accumulated. The frequency of cleaningdepends upon the type of detector and local ambientconditions. In any case, the interval shall not exceed aperiod of 3 months. For each detector, the cleaning,checking, operating and sensitivity adjustment shallbe attempted only after consulting manufacturer’sinstructions. These instructions shall detail methodssuch as creating vacuum to remove loose dust andinsects, and cleaning heavy greasy deposits, followingpartial disassembly or the cleaning or the washing ofdetectors to remove contamination, the sensitivity testrequirements in accordance with the relevant clausesshall be performed.

10.7 Tests Following an Alarm or Fire

All detectors suspected of exposure to a fireconditions shall be tested in accordance with the

provisions contained in this Code pertaining to annualinspection tests. In addition, a visual check of thebattery charger shall be carried out to ensure perfectserviceability. However, a check shall be made to theextent of damage, if any, to the cables and othercomponents and also the operation of the systems asa whole.

10.8 System Disconnection During Testing

Care shall be taken to minimize the disruption of thenormal use of the building by alarm sounding duringdetector testing. If detectors are removed for testing orservicing, replacement detectors shall be provided.

10.9 Spares

It may not be necessary to keep spares in premises otherthan covers for manual call point and fuses and otheressential spares which shall be worked out based oninstallation.

ANNEX A(Clause 2.1)

LIST OF REFERRED INDIAN STANDARDS

IS No. Title

5 : 2004 Colours for ready mixed paints andenamels (fifth revision)

513 : 1994 Cold-rolled low carbon steel sheetsand strips (fourth revision)

694 : 1990 PVC insulated cables for workingvoltages up to and including 1 100 V(third revision)

1255 : 1983 Code of practice for installation andmaintenance of power cables up toand including 33 kV rating (secondrevision)

1554 (Part 1) : PVC insulated (heavy duty) electric1988 cables: Part 1 For working voltages

IS No. Title

up to and including 1 100 V (thirdrevision)

2175 : 1988 Specification for heat sensitive firedetectors for use in automatic firealarm system (second revision)

9779 : 1981 Sound level meters9968 (Part 1) : Elastomer insulated cables: Part 1

1988 For working voltages up to andincluding 1 100 V (first revision)

11360 : 1985 Specification for smoke detectors foruse in automatic electrical fire alarmsystem

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ANNEX B[Clause 5.2(k)]

METHOD OF CALCULATION OF STANDBY BATTERY CAPACITY FOR FIRE ALARM PANEL

ANNEX C[Clause 8.1(a)]

PERFORMANCE TESTS/REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTROL AND INDICATING EQUIPMENT

B-1 VALVE REGULATED LEAD ACIDBATTERIES

Apply the following formula:

Cmin = 1.25 (T1 I1+ DI2/2)

where

Cmin = minimum capacity of the battery when newat the 20 h discharge rate and at 20°C, inampere-hour;

T1 = total battery standby period, in hour;

I1 = total battery standby load, in ampere;

D = de-rating factor j and

I2 = total battery alarm load, in ampere.

NOTES

1 If Cmin/20 shall be ≥ I2, then take D = 1. If Cmin/20 shall be isless than I2, then the value of D should be taken as 1.75 ormanufacturer’s recommended value.

2 In actual practice, Cmin is unlikely to correspond exactly toan available battery capacity and hence the next availablecapacity size should be used.

B-2 OTHER TYPES OF BATTERIES

The minimum capacities should be determined inconsultation with the manufacturer and should take intoaccount (a) standby load, (b) alarm load, (c) anyrequired de-rating to take into account of the highercurrent drawn in the alarm condition, and (d) a de-rating factor to take into account of battery ageingduring the anticipated life of the battery.

C-1 GENERAL

C-1.1 Control and Indicating C and I equipment andsector/zonal panels shall be subjected to performancetests. For the purpose of these tests, standard productionsample of equipment panel shall be taken and tested inminimum configuration arrangement. When the sizeis large, the tests are to be applied to damage proneelectronic/electric parts of the unit.

C-1.2 Proper operation of the fire alarm sounder beingcritical and essential, tests/performance criteriaspecified in C-3 shall apply to these devices.

NOTE — It is the primary function of C and I equipment toraise an effective alarm in response to the operation of a triggerdevice by automatically switching on alarm sounder at theprotected premises, by indicating where the trigger device issituated and in certain cases, by transmitting a fire alarm signalto remote locations. Automatic indication of those faultsdirectly affecting the primary function of the equipment isrequired. It is necessary to specify routine testing scheme androutine test frequency (time interval between tests). It isunderstood, however, that testing routine shall vary widely withthe type of equipment or system. All technical information(instruction manual, operational data, wiring and connectiondiagrams, provision of special and standard facilities and otherrelevant information) shall be provided with the C and Iequipment. Compatibility with other components/parts of firealarm system shall be ensured.

The test specified under C-2 are type tests only thatneither ensure uniformity of quality in production orremove the essentiality of regular inspection andmaintenance which are essential for reliable operation.

C and I equipment shall be appropriately labeled toinclude model number or code, number of zone, fixedor modular design and address of manufacturer/supplier.

C-2 PERFORMANCE

C-2.1 Control and Indicating Equipment

Prior to conducting each of environmental tests givenin C-2.3, the equipment is preconditioned (see C-2.1.1)and checked for functional tests (see C-2.2) and afterundergoing each of the environmental tests givenin C-2.3 (after being stabilized), the equipment is testedfor functional tests (see C-2.2).

C-2.1.1 Pre-conditioning and Recovery

Before and after each environmental test, thetemperature of the equipment shall be allowed tostabilize for at least 3 h to room ambient between 15°Cand 37°C and relative humidity lying between 45 to85 percent. The ambient temperature and humidityshall be substantially constant during precondition,

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during recovery and while a functional test is carriedout.

C-2.2 Functional Test

These tests shall consist of the following operation insequence:

a) Operate momentarily a trigger device(automatic detector/MCP) from any zone toensure correct functioning;NOTE — MCP = Manual Call Point

b) Operate alarm silencing switch to ensurecorrect functioning;

c) Operate another trigger device (detector/MCP) from another zone to ensure correctfunctioning of C and I equipment and sector/zonal panel, in case of big/sectoredequipment;

d) Operate reset control to ensure correctfunctioning;

e) Check the audible and visible warnings givenon disconnection of normal (mains) power;and

f) Restore the equipment to quiescent condition.

C-2.3 Test Environments

The equipment shall subjected to the following testenvironments.

C-2.3.1 Dry Heat Environment

The equipment/electronic panels shall be introducedinto the chamber/oven which shall be at the ambienttemperature of the laboratory (see C-2.1.1) Thechamber shall then be adjusted to temperature of 45°to 50°and 40 to 45 percent relative humidity. The rateof temperature rise shall not exceed 1°C/min. Afterthe temperature equilibrium in the chamber has beenreached, the equipment shall be exposed to theseconditions for 16 h continuously.

C-2.3.2 Damp Heat Environment

The equipment/electronic panels shall be introducedinto a chamber which shall be maintained at atemperature of 45 ± 3°C and relative humidity of 90 to95 percent. The equipment shall be exposed to theseconditions for 16 h continuously.

C-2.3.3 Cold Environment

The equipment/electronic panel while being at theambient temperature of the laboratory shall beintroduced into the chamber, which shall also be atthat temperature at the start. The temperature shall thenbe lowered to 0 ± 5°C at the rate not exceeding1°C/min. The equipment shall be exposed to coldenvironment for a period of 16 h after the temperature

stability has been reached. The equipment shall remainin the chamber during the recovery period (of 3 h) withcooling off.

C-2.3.4 Vibrations

The equipment mounted on vibrating table in its normaloperating position and by its normal fastenings shallbe subjected to vibrations as given in IS 2175.

C-2.4 Inspection and Performance Requirements

After each environmental test, the equipment shall beopened and inspected for faults consequential to thattest. The equipment/panels shall be consideredsatisfactory if,

a) no damage is revealed during inspectionwhich is a result of the faulty design orworkmanship; and

b) each operation made during the functionaltests specified above cause the equipment/panel to operate normally.

C-2.5 Operational Test

With C and I equipment in its quiescent condition for20 h, the cumulative effect of the operation of triggerdevice shall be applied to each zone in succession, theaudible alarm being silenced between each operationwhere this facility is provided. The equipment shall beconsidered satisfactory, if all fire alarms supposed tobe initiated by the operation of a trigger devicefunctions normally and no fault warning is given as aresult of this test. In successive zone activation processfor a control panels having three zones, heat detectors,smoke detectors and MCPs shall be used unlessotherwise specified. The following two conditions shallbe observed:

a) At least one zone shall be activated by typeof trigger device, and

b) MCP shall be mounted and operated asintended while heat and smoke detectors shallbe mounted (at least once) in hot air tunnel(as per IS 2175) and smoke tunnel (as perIS 11360) respectively and brought intooperation by essentially slow build up oftemperature and smoke concentration. Rateof rise of temperature shall be 3°C/min andrate of smoke build up shall be less than0.2 dB/m as specified in the standard formeasuring the response of smoke detectors.

C-3 FIRE ALARM SOUNDER

C-3.1 Continuous Normal Operation

The fire alarm sounder shall be able to operatecontinuously for a period of at least 50 min without

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damage or malfunction. The sound output (peak value)shall not vary by more than ± 5 dB(A) during thisoperation.

C-3.2 Sound Level/Characteristics

The sound level (peak value) shall be not less than65 dB(A) and not more than 120 dB(A) when measuredat a distance of 1.5 m (measured in audiometric chamber).

C-3.3 Environmental Stresses

Construction and housing of sounder shall be such asto afford protection against fouling by dust and damageby other environmental stresses.

a) Dust — One device shall be exposed to dusttest as described in IS 11360.

b) Corrosion — One device shall be suspendedin corrosive atmosphere of SO2 as describedin IS 2175.

c) Vibrations — One device shall be mountedon vibrating table and shall be subjected tovibrations as per IS 2175.

d) Climatic conditions — One device shall beexposed to dry heat, damp heat and coldenvironment as per C-2.3.1 to C-2.3.3.

After each environment stress test, device shall beinspected for faults consequential to that test and itssound output measured. Device shall be consideredsatisfactory, if no damage is revealed and operatesnormally without output variation greater than± 5dB(A).

ANNEX D[Clause 8.10 (a)]

TYPICAL OCCUPATIONAL NOISE LEVELS

Sl No. Location Decibel Level(1) (2) (3)

i) Business occupancies 55ii) Educational occupancies 45

iii) Industrial occupancies 80iv) Institutional occupancies 50v) Mercantile occupancies 40

vi) Mechanical rooms 85vii) Piers and water surrounded structures 40viii) Places of assembly 55ix) Residential occupancies 35x) Storage occupancies 30

xi) Thoroughfare and high density urban 7xii) Thoroughfare and medium density urban 55xiii) Thoroughfare and rural and suburban 40

Sl No. Location Decibel Level(1) (2) (3)

xiv) Tower occupancies 35xv) Underground structures and

windowless buildings 40xvi) Vehicles and vessels 50

xvii) Conferences and meeting rooms 40-45xviii) Exhibition halls 63-73

xix) Commercial kitchens 65-75xx) Boiler areas 75-85

xxi) Air conditioning plant 85-90xxii) Cafeterias 68-78

xxiii) Railway stations 75-85xxiv) Shopping malls 70-75xxv) Sports halls 70-80

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Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewedperiodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes areneeded; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standardsshould ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards : Monthly Additions’.

This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: CED 22 (7587).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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