USACE / NAVFAC / AFCESA / NASA UFGS-28 31 75.00 10 (November 2008)
-----------------------------------
Preparing Activity: USACE Superseding
UFGS-28 31 75.00 10 (April 2006)
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated January 2009
SECTION 28 31 75.00 10
CENTRAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, DIGITAL ALARM COMMUNICATOR TYPE
11/08
NOTE: This guide specification covers the requirements for digital alarm communicator
type central fire alarm systems.
Edit this guide specification for project specific requirements by adding, deleting,
or revising text. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert
appropriate information.
Remove information and requirements not required in respective project, whether
or not brackets are present.
Comments and suggestions on this guide specification are welcome and should
be directed to the technical proponent of the specification. A listing of technical
proponents, including their organization designation and telephone number, is
on the Internet.
Recommended changes to a UFGS should be submitted as a Criteria Change Request
(CCR).
PART 1 GENERAL
NOTE: This Section is to be used for the installation of a central monitoring
system which will monitor the status of individual building fire alarm systems
and transmit indication of abnormal conditions via dial-up telephone lines to
a monitoring center. The specification may be used for new installations or
replacement of existing systems.
The following information, if relevant, should be on the project drawings:
1. On electrical floor plans, show location of source of power to the monitoring
center location, DACT, existing fire alarm panels, batteries and charger, and
primary power supply.
2. Show single-line system riser diagram. Each device on the riser should
be provided with a device number indicating building number. Indicate connection
of equipment by circuit runs, or conduit runs.
1.1 REFERENCES
NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the publications cited in the text of
the guide specification. The publications are referred to in the text by basic
designation only and listed in this paragraph by organization, designation,
date, and title.
Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature when you add a RID outside
of the Section's Reference Article to automatically place the reference in the
Reference Article. Also use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
to update the issue dates.
References not used in the text will automatically be deleted from this section
of the project specification when you choose to reconcile references in the
publish print process.
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are
referred to within the text by the basic designation only.
[INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE)IEEE C135.30(1988) Zinc-Coated Ferrous Ground Rods for Overhead or Underground Line ConstructionIEEE C62.41.1(2002) IEEE Guide on the Surges Environment in Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power CircuitsIEEE C62.41.2(2002) IEEE Recommended Practice on Characterization of Surges in Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits][NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)NFPA 70(2007; AMD 1 2008) National Electrical Code - 2008 EditionNFPA 72(2006) National Fire Alarm Code][TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA)TIA-570-B(2004) Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard][UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)UL 1242(2006; Rev thru Jul 2007) Standard for Electrical Intermediate Metal Conduit -- SteelUL 467(2007) Standard for Grounding and Bonding EquipmentUL 6(2007) Standard for Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit-SteelUL 797(2007) Standard for Electrical Metallic Tubing -- Steel]1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1.2.1 Operation
Provide a central fire alarm system which is a complete, supervised system consisting of remote digital transmitters
connected to building fire alarm panels and a digital receiver system at a central monitoring location. The
system shall be activated into the alarm mode when an abnormal condition occurs in any building fire alarm system.
The system shall remain in the alarm mode until the alarm is acknowledged and reset by the operator. Configure
he central fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72. The transmitting equipment shall be compatible with
receiving equipment and shall be UL listed or FM approved or shall be approved or listed by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory, in accordance with the applicable NFPA standards. Tags with stamped identification number
shall be furnished for keys and locks. Locks shall be keyed alike.
1.2.2 Alarm Functions
NOTE: Coordinate with the local fire department or other authority responsible
for the central fire alarm system to determine which signal or signals are required
to be transmitted to the fire alarm monitoring center.
An alarm, trouble or supervisory condition in any building which reports to the fire alarm monitoring center
shall automatically initiate the following functions:
a. Transmission of a signal by the digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT). The DACT shall dial
the programmed telephone number of the digital alarm communicator receiver (DACR) at the fire alarm monitoring
center, and upon completion of the connection shall transmit the abnormal condition information. Upon
failure to connect with the DACR, the DACT shall attempt to connect via the secondary telephone line.
b. Upon receipt of the signal at the fire alarm monitoring center the signal shall be decoded and status
information shall be displayed on the monitoring center visual display indicating the nature of the status
change.
c. An audible signal shall sound at the monitoring center until the alarm is acknowledged.
d. The alarm information shall be printed on the system printer at the monitoring center.
1.2.3 Supervisory Functions
Each DACT shall transmit a test signal a minimum of once every 24 hours. A trouble signal indicating that the
test signal from any DACT is delinquent shall be annunciated at the monitoring center for any DACT test signal
which is not received within 24 hours of its previous signal.
1.2.4 Primary Power
NOTE: Verify the existence of emergency power at the monitoring center location.
Emergency power is mandatory at the monitoring center location but not required
at transmitter locations.
Provide operating power as required by paragraph Power Supply for the System. Where emergency power is available
at transmitter locations, transfer from normal to emergency power or restoration from emergency to normal power
shall be fully automatic and shall not cause transmission of a false alarm. Loss of ac power at transmitter
locations shall not prevent transmission of a signal to the monitoring center upon alarm from any building fire
alarm system. Loss of ac power at the monitoring center shall not prevent reception and annunciation of received
signals.
1.2.5 Battery Backup Power
Battery backup power for transmitting equipment and receiving equipment shall be through use of rechargeable,
sealed-type storage batteries and battery charger.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL
PROCEDURES and edit the following list to reflect only the submittals required
for the project. Submittals should be kept to the minimum required for adequate
quality control.
A “G” following a submittal item indicates that the submittal requires Government
approval. Some submittals are already marked with a “G”. Only delete an existing
“G” if the submittal item is not complex and can be reviewed through the Contractor’s
Quality Control system. Only add a “G” if the submittal is sufficiently important
or complex in context of the project.
For submittals requiring Government approval on Army projects, a code of up
to three characters within the submittal tags may be used following the "G"
designation to indicate the approving authority. Codes for Army projects using
the Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for Architect-Engineer; "DO"
for District Office (Engineering Division or other organization in the District
Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for Resident Office; and "PO" for Project
Office. Codes following the "G" typically are not used for Navy, Air Force,
and NASA projects.
Choose the first bracketed item for Navy, Air Force and NASA projects, or choose
the second bracketed item for Army projects.
Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation
are for [Contractor Quality Control approval.] [information only. When used, a designation following the "G"
designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government.] Submit the following in
accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:
SD-02 Shop Drawings
Central Fire Alarm System[; G][; G, [_____]]
Detail drawings, signed by the registered professional engineer, consisting of a complete
list of transmitting and receiving equipment, auxiliary equipment and material, including manufacturer's
descriptive and technical literature, catalog cuts, description of the procedure for switching
from the primary DACR to the backup DACR, and installation instructions. The detail drawings
shall also contain transmitting equipment panel layout, monitoring center equipment layout,
and any other details required to demonstrate that the system has been coordinated and will
properly function as a unit.
Wiring for Systems[; G][; G, [_____]]
Detailed point-to-point wiring diagram, signed by the registered professional engineer, showing
all points of connection. Diagram shall include connections between monitoring center devices,
transmitter location appliances, control panels, supervised devices, interfaces between building
fire alarm equipment and transmitting equipment, and all equipment that is activated or controlled
by the monitoring center equipment.
SD-03 Product Data
Battery
Substantiating battery calculations for supervisory and alarm power requirements. Ampere-hour
requirements for each monitoring center system component and each transmitter panel component;
and the battery recharging periods shall be included. Battery calculations shall substantiate
both NFPA 72 and specification requirements.
Spare Parts
Spare parts data for each different item of material and equipment specified, not later than
[_____] months prior to the date of beneficial use. Data shall include a complete list of parts
and supplies with the current unit prices and source of supply and a list of the parts recommended
by the manufacturer to be replaced after [1 year] [[_____] years] of service.
Registered Professional Engineer
Verification of experience and license number for Registered Professional Engineer, as specified.
Training
Lesson plans and training data, in manual format, for the training course. The operations
training shall familiarize designated Government personnel with proper operation of the system.
The maintenance training course shall provide the designated Government personnel adequate knowledge
required to diagnose, repair, maintain, and expand functions inherent to the system.
Test Procedures
Detailed test procedures, signed by the registered professional engineer for the central fire
alarm system [30] [_____] days prior to performing system tests. The test procedures shall
be signed by the Registered Professional Engineer.
SD-06 Test Reports
Testing
Test reports in booklet form showing field tests performed to prove compliance with the specified
performance criteria, upon completion and testing of the installed system. Each test report
shall document readings, test results, and indicate the final position of controls.
SD-07 Certificates
Equipment
Certified copies of current applicable approvals or listings issued by UL, FM or other nationally
recognized testing laboratory showing compliance with specified NFPA standards.
Installer[; G][; G, [_____]].
Written certificate of the installer's qualifications, as specified.
SD-10 Operation and Maintenance Data
Central Fire Alarm System[; G][; G, [_____]].
[Six] [_____] copies of operating instructions outlining step-by-step procedures required
for system startup, operation, and shutdown. The instructions shall include the manufacturer's
name, model number, service manual, parts list, and brief description of the equipment and basic
operating features.
[Six] [_____] copies of maintenance instructions listing routine maintenance procedures, possible
breakdowns and repairs and troubleshooting guide. The instructions shall include conduit layout,
equipment layout, simplified wiring control diagrams of the system as installed, and programming
of DACT and DACR equipment. Instructions shall be approved prior to training.
1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
1.4.1 Qualifications
1.4.1.1 Registered Professional Engineer
Provide the services of a Registered Professional Engineer with at least 4 years of current experience in the
design of fire protection and detection systems. Submit the qualifications, with verification of experience
and license number, for this engineer.
1.4.1.2 Installer
Submit documentation demonstrating that the central fire alarm system installer has been regularly engaged in
the installation of fire detection and alarm systems meeting NFPA standards for a minimum of 3 years immediately
preceding commencement of this contract. Documentation shall include proof of satisfactory performance on at
least three projects similar to that required by these specifications, including the names and telephone numbers
of using agency points of contact for each of these projects. Documentation shall indicate the type of each
system installed and include a written certificate that each system has performed satisfactorily in the manner
specified for a period of not less than 12 months following completion. Data shall be submitted 30 days prior
to commencement of installation. Listing of the installer under "Protective Signaling Services - Local, Auxiliary,
Remote Station Proprietary (UUJS)" or under "Protective Signaling Services - Central Station (UUFX)" of the UL
Fire Protection Equipment Directory will be accepted as equivalent proof of compliance with the foregoing experience
requirements.
1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
Protect equipment delivered and placed in storage from the weather, humidity and temperature variation, dirt
and dust, and any other contaminants.
1.6 SPECIAL TOOLS AND SPARE PARTS
Furnish special tools necessary for the maintenance of the equipment. Provide spare parts as follows: One spare
set of fuses of each type and size required and five spare lamps of each for each transmitter location and for
the receiver location. Spare fuses and lamps shall be mounted in the equipment cabinets at each location.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 STANDARD PRODUCTS
Provide material and equipment which are the standard products of a manufacturer regularly engaged in the manufacture
of digital alarm communicator systems and that have been in satisfactory use for at least 2 years prior to bid
opening. Equipment shall be supported by a service organization that can provide service within 24 hours.
2.2 NAMEPLATES
Major components of equipment shall have the manufacturer's name, address, type or style, voltage and current
rating, and catalog number on a noncorrosive and nonheat-sensitive plate which is securely attached to the equipment.
2.3 FIRE ALARM MONITORING CENTER
2.3.1 Digital Alarm Communicator Receiver (DACR)
Provide two identical DACR systems. Each system shall be completely assembled, wired and tested at the factory,
and delivered ready for installation. The DACR shall be solid state design with receiver, signal to message
decoder, audio alarm signaling devices, audio alarm silence switch, visual display, alarm reset switch, alarm
recording printer, primary and emergency power supplies, power supply monitors, memory devices and necessary
interconnecting cables. The DACRs shall be configured as one active unit and one backup unit. Provide programming,
connections and switching such that the backup unit may be switched into service within 30 seconds of detection
of failure of the active unit.
2.3.2 Audible Alarm
The audible alarm signaling devices used to indicate the receipt of fire alarm messages shall produce a unique
sound. The device shall be internally mounted in the DACR and shall be activated upon receipt of all fire alarm
signals. The audible device shall also be used to indicate the receipt of DACT trouble messages, including fire
alarm system trouble and supervisor signals. The audible device shall continue to sound until acknowledged with
the silence switch by the operator.
2.3.3 Receiver Code Format
The DACR shall be capable of receiving and decoding any of the following code formats:
Code Format Speed (pulses per second)
3 X 1 20
4 X 1 20
4 X 2 20
3 X 1 10
3 X 1 40
2.3.4 Visual Display
NOTE: Listed displays are minimum requirements; if additional visual displays
are required, they must be added to the list.
Visual display shall be alphanumeric [LED or LCD] [cathode ray tube (CRT)] type. Display shall indicate as a
minimum the originating transmitter identity code number and shall include the following message designations:
1. Fire
2. Trouble
3. Battery
4. Test
5. Tamper
6. Zone [_____] thru [_____]
2.3.5 Receiver Memory
Receiver shall have a history buffer capable of retaining a minimum of [64] [_____] Digital Alarm Communicator
Transmitter (DACT) codes, together with the specific message designations associated with each DACT. The system
shall annunciate any received message not matching the programmed DACT codes where such message identification
code is not stored in the system. Upon command, the console shall display and print a summary of DACT which
have transmitted a low-battery or trouble message, or failed to transmit a message during the previous 24 hour
test period. Any incoming DACT signal shall pre-empt the command display and printout function, and shall be
processed, displayed, and printed. The memory shall not be purged and shall always be current and available.
Transmitter data memory shall not be lost in the event of a total loss of operating or emergency power supplies.
2.3.6 Receiver Supervision
The supervisory system shall provide constant supervision of the operating conditions of the DACR. Indicators
shall be provided for each major component, and an audible signal shall be produced in the event of failure of
any major component. A switch shall be provided to silence the audible trouble signal.
2.3.7 Manual Battery Test
A self-contained or externally-mounted switch shall manually place the receiver on emergency battery power for
test purposes.
2.3.8 Telephone Line Connection
The DACR shall have connections for a minimum of 2 incoming telephone lines. Connections shall be 6-position,
4-conductor modular jacks as described in TIA-570-B.
2.3.9 Power Supply
NOTE: Locations with automatic backup power generation shall require as a minimum
4 hours battery backup. Other locations shall require 48 hours.
The operating power for the DACR shall be single phase taken from the building electric service as specified
in paragraph Power Supply for the System. Emergency backup power shall be provided by sealed lead-calcium type
batteries requiring no additional water. The charging system shall recharge fully discharged batteries within
12 hours and maintain the batteries in the fully charged state. The battery shall have the capacity to operate
the system for not less than [48] [4] hours under maximum normal load with the power supply to the charger disconnected.
2.3.10 External Connections
The DACR shall be provided with connections for an external printer and CRT terminal or personal computer (PC).
2.3.11 Self-Contained Printer
The DACR shall include a self-contained printer. Printer shall output a minimum of 32 characters per line and
shall record all displayed transaction information including time and date.
2.4 MONITORING CENTER TERMINAL
NOTE: Monitoring center terminal should be used with large systems only.
The monitoring center terminal shall be PC based and shall be provided with an applications program to allow
it to be connected to the DACR. The terminal shall display additional information about the building from which
an alarm is received, detailed description of the current alarm, and alarm histories. The terminal shall provide
operator interface with the Central Fire Alarm System. The terminal shall include a central processing unit
with minimum 32 bit processor, 2 megabytes of Random Access memory, 355 mm 14 inch color monitor, 101 key keyboard,
89 mm 3-1/2 inch floppy disk drive and hard disk drive with sufficient capacity to store 6 months of transaction
information.
2.5 MONITORING CENTER PRINTER
NOTE: Monitoring center printer should be used with large systems only.
The monitoring center printer shall be compatible with the monitoring center terminal and shall be used to record
all transaction information and history reports. Printer shall be dot matrix type with minimum 9 pin printhead,
shall use 216 mm 8-1/2 inch wide pin feed paper and shall print a minimum of 80 characters per line. Print speed
shall be minimum 120 characters per second.
2.6 MONITORING CENTER POWER SUPPLIES
NOTE: Ensure that the monitoring center is provided with emergency backup power.
Each component of monitoring center equipment shall be provided with a self-contained power supply. An uninterruptible
power supply (UPS) shall be provided for equipment which does not have a self-contained battery backup, such
as the terminal and printer. The UPS shall provide all power requirements for the connected equipment for a
period of 15 minutes. The UPS shall be in accordance with Section 26 32 33.00 10 UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY
(UPS) SYSTEM ABOVE kVA CAPACITY.
2.7 DIGITAL ALARM COMMUNICATOR TRANSMITTER (DACT)
The DACT shall be compatible with the DACR, and shall comply with all requirements of NFPA 72. Each DACT shall
be the manufacturer's current commercial product completely assembled, wired, tested at the factory, and delivered
ready for installation and operation.
2.7.1 Functional Requirements
2.7.1.1 Interfacing Indicators and Controls
The DACT shall incorporate the provisions for auxiliary interconnection to existing building fire alarm systems.
Connections shall be via screw terminals.
2.7.1.2 Signal Transmission
NOTE: Determine the availability and applicability of public switched telephone
network lines or local PBX service for use in each project. Local PBX must
be loop-start configuration to allow the DACT to operate properly. Telephone
lines connected to the DACR must be configured for sequential hunting. Show
the telephone lines to be used, on the Drawings.
The DACT shall initiate transmission using a loop-start format. The DACT shall connect to 2 telephone lines,
shown on the Contract Drawings. To initiate a transmission, the DACT shall seize the primary telephone line,
disconnecting any telephones, obtain a dial tone and dial the DACR. The DACT shall make a minimum of five attempts
to connect to the DACR. If a connection is not made, the DACT shall attempt to connect to the DACR via the second
telephone line. A failure of one telephone line shall report a trouble condition at the building fire alarm
panel and at the monitoring center via the secondary telephone line. When the DACT makes a connection to the
DACR, the required alarm or test information shall be transmitted. Confirmation of the signal shall be accomplished
by repetition of the signal, parity checks or equivalent checksum-type transmission. Each DACT shall transmit
a test signal a minimum of once every 24 hours. The DACT shall provide a minimum of 4 alarm input connections
from the building fire alarm control panel.
2.7.2 Enclosure
NOTE: Show on the Contract Drawings specific locations where a NEMA 4 (weatherproof)
enclosure is to be used in lieu of NEMA 1.
A locking enclosure shall be provided for each DACT. The enclosure shall be of the NEMA type indicated on the
Contract Drawings, or NEMA 1 where not indicated. The enclosure shall provide sufficient space for mounting
the DACT, interfaces, power supply and backup batteries, wiring and terminal strips, including adequate space
for maintenance access.
2.7.3 Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter Interface Device
NOTE: If a DACT interface device is not required, delete this paragraph.
The DACT interface device shall provide a means of converting the signals available from the local control equipment
into a form that is compatible with the DACT inputs, while still maintaining electrical supervision of the entire
system. Interface devices shall be utilized when direct connection between local fire alarm control equipment
and the DACT is not possible.
2.8 DIGITAL ALARM COMMUNICATOR TRANSMITTER POWER SUPPLY
Digital alarm communicator transmitters shall be powered by a combination of locally available 120 Vac, and sealed
lead-calcium type batteries requiring no additional water. In the event of loss of 120 Vac power, the transmitter
shall automatically switch to battery operation. The switchover shall be accomplished with no interruption of
protective service, without adversely affecting the battery-powered capabilities, and shall cause the transmission
of a trouble message in no less than [30] [_____] seconds. Upon restoration of ac power, transfer back to normal
ac power supply shall be automatic and the battery shall be recharged. The battery charger shall be capable
of restoring the batteries from full discharge to full charge within 12 hours. The converter/battery charger
shall be installed within the transmitter enclosure. Power supply transient voltage surge suppression shall
be provided.
2.8.1 Battery Power
The battery package shall be capable of supplying all the power requirements for a given DACT and DACT interface
device.
2.8.2 Battery Duration
Digital alarm communicator transmitter standby battery capacity shall provide sufficient power to operate the
transmitter in a normal standby status for a minimum of 48 hours and shall be capable of transmitting alarms
during that period.
2.8.3 Battery Supervision
Each DACT shall constantly monitor and supervise its own battery-powered supply. A low-battery condition shall
be reported when battery voltage falls below 75 percent of the rated voltage.
2.9 PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT
2.9.1 Conduit
Conduit and fittings shall comply with UL 6, UL 1242, and UL 797.
2.9.2 Ground Rods
NOTE: Determine the size, type and number of ground rods to be used based on
local conditions, earth resistivity data, and on the size and type of the electrical
installation. Copper-clad steel rods will be specified for normal conditions.
Zinc-coated steel or stainless steel rods will be used where low soil resistivities
are encountered and galvanic corrosion may occur between adjacent underground
metallic masses and the copper-clad rods. Stainless steel rods have a longer
life than the zinc coated steel, but their use must be justified due to higher
cost. Rods 16 mm (5/8 inch) in diameter and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in length are
generally acceptable; however, in rocky soils 19 mm (3/4 inch) rods must be
specified. In high resistivity soils, 3 meter (10 foot) or sectional rods should
be used to obtain the required resistance to ground. Where rock is encountered,
additional rods, a counterpoise, or ground grid may be necessary. Coordinate
and standardize rod selection for individual facilities with other specification
sections.
Ground rods shall be of [copper-clad steel conforming to UL 467] [zinc-coated steel conforming to IEEE C135.30
] [solid stainless steel not less than [16] [19] mm [5/8] [3/4] inch in diameter by [2] [2.5] m [8] [10] feet
in length] [of the sectional type].
2.9.3 Wiring
Wiring for 120 Vac power shall be No. 12 AWG minimum. Wiring for low voltage dc circuits shall be No. [16] [14]
AWG minimum. Power wiring (over 28 volts) and control wiring shall be isolated. All wiring shall conform to
NFPA 70. System field wiring shall be solid copper and installed in metallic conduit or electrical metallic
tubing. Conductors shall be color coded. Conductors used for the same functions shall be similarly color coded.
Wiring code color shall remain uniform throughout the circuit.
2.9.4 DACT Programmer
A programming device shall be provided for programming the required information in each DACT, if programming
capability is not an integral part of the DACT. Required programming equipment, including the programmer, interconnect
cables and adaptors, and power supply shall be provided. [Six] [_____] spare program chips shall be provided
if removable program chips are used.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
After becoming familiar with all details of the work, verify all dimensions in the field and advise the Contracting
Officer of any discrepancy before performing the work.
3.2 INSTALLATION
Work shall be installed as shown and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Necessary interconnections,
services, and adjustments required for a complete and operational system shall be provided. Electrical work shall
be in accordance with NFPA 70 and Section 26 20 00 INTERIOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.
3.2.1 Power Supply for the System
A single dedicated 120 volt, single phase branch-circuit connection for supplying power to the monitoring center
equipment shall be provided as shown on the Contract Drawings. The backup power supply shall be automatically
energized upon failure of the normal power supply. The primary power shall be supplied from a panelboard circuit
breaker or disconnect switch which shall be red in color and locked in the energized position. Panel shall be
marked "FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CONTROL" with a rigid plastic nameplate. Transmitter 120 Vac power shall be extended
from each building's fire alarm panel.
3.2.2 Wiring for Systems
Wiring for systems shall be installed in rigid conduit, intermediate metallic conduit, or electric metallic tubing.
The conductors for central station alarm system shall not be installed in conduits, junction boxes, or outlet
boxes with conductors of lighting and power systems. Conduit shall be 13 mm 1/2 inch minimum in accordance with
NFPA 70. No more than one conductor shall be installed under any screw terminal. Circuit conductors entering
or leaving any mounting box, outlet box enclosure or cabinet shall be connected to screw terminals with each
terminal marked in accordance with the wiring diagram. Connections and splices shall be made using screw terminal
blocks. Wire nut type connectors shall not be used in the system. Wiring within control equipment shall be
readily accessible without removing component parts. Submit wiring diagrams as specified in the Submittals paragraph.
3.3 OVERVOLTAGE AND SURGE PROTECTION
Equipment connected to alternating current circuits shall be protected from surges in accordance with IEEE C62.41.1
, IEEE C62.41.2 and NFPA 70. Cables and conductors which serve as communications links, except fiber optics,
shall have surge protection circuits installed at each end. Fuses shall not be used for surge protection.
3.4 GROUNDING
Grounding shall be provided to building ground. Maximum impedance to ground shall be 25 ohms. If the maximum
impedance to ground exceeds 25 ohms, ground rods shall be driven. Ground rods shall not protrude more than 150
mm 6 inches below grade and shall be bonded to building ground.
3.5 TRAINING
Provide training course for the operations and maintenance staff. Conduct the course in the building where the
monitoring center is installed or as designated by the Contracting Officer. The training period shall consist
of [3] [_____] training days (8 hours per day) and shall start after the system is functionally completed but
prior to final acceptance tests. Training shall be provided for [_____] personnel. The instructions shall cover
all of the items contained in the operating and maintenance instructions.
3.6 TESTING
Notify the Contracting Officer 30 days before the performance and acceptance tests are to be conducted and submit
the test procedures to be used. Perform the tests in the presence of the Contracting Officer under the supervision
of the central fire alarm system manufacturer's qualified representative. Furnish all instruments and personnel
required for the tests.
3.6.1 Performance Testing
Upon completion of the installation, subject the system to a complete functional and operational performance
test to determine that the system is free from grounded, shorted, or open circuits. When all corrections have
been made, the system shall be retested to assure that it is functional. Submit copies of performance test reports
in accordance with paragraph SUBMITTALS.
3.6.2 Acceptance Test
NOTE: Listed tests are minimum required. If additional tests are required
such tests must be added to the list.
Testing shall be in accordance with NFPA 72. The recommended tests in NFPA 72 shall be considered mandatory
and shall verify that all previous deficiencies have been corrected. The tests shall include the following:
a. Tests to indicate there are no grounded, shorted, or open circuits.
b. Tests of each input to each digital alarm communicator transmitter, including transmission of trouble
and alarm signals across both the first and second telephone lines at each location and proper reception
at the monitoring center.
c. Tests of DACR, terminal and printer for all required functions.
d. Tests of normal and emergency power supplies, including batteries. Tests shall include verification
of complete system operation at extreme end of the required emergency power duration, and verification
of recharging time.