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MORE ON FIRE MARSHAL DISCRETION FROM FEB 20, 2015 ARTICLE
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Ken,
    Just got back from the NJESA Symposium and presented on this very subject.
AHJ’s equate as do some alarm companies that Sprinkler System Supervision
equates to Fire Alarm System. Part of the problem lies in the codes and
standards themselves using such terms as; “Dedicated Function Fire Alarm
System” (NFPA 72 Chapter 3), when the correct and clear terminology should
simply be “Fire Sprinkler Supervisory System”.
    With that said there’s a process in all of this, for IBC/IFC/NFPA-72 users
it goes like this…………..
    Step 1 – IBC Building Code – Review Chapter 4 - Special Detailed
Requirements Based On Use and Occupancy. Does the Use and Occupancy
facilitate a fire sprinkler and/or fire alarm requirement ?, for example,
Atriums, Healthcare, Special Amusement……
    Step 2 – IBC Building Code – Review Chapter 5 – Height and Area – Does the
Height. Area and/or Construction Type facilitate a Fire Sprinkler System
requirement ?
    Step 3 – IBC Building Code – Review Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems –
General (901), Sprinkler (903), Fire Alarm (907) and Smoke Control (909)
requirements.  Is there anything in there that would require a fire
alarm/detection system for the particular project ?
    Step 4 – IFC Fire Code -  Review, for example; High Piled Storage, 3206.5
    Step 5 – Architect/Engineer – Did you take any exceptions, credits,
alternatives including variations that would require a fire alarm/detection
system ?, for example here’s a good one that gets missed all the time;
2009/2012/2015 IBC; “903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. Automatic sprinklers
shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or
areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in
accordance with Section 907.2”
    If after all that and clearly there is no requirement for a fire alarm/fire
detection system the IBC/IFC ONLY requires the following;
    901.6 Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection systems shall be
monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.
    901.6.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be
monitored by an approved supervising station.
    Notice that 901.6 directs the user to NFPA-72, NOT to IBC Section 907 (Fire
Alarm Systems) !
    NFPA-72 
    3.3.105.4.2 “Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System (There’s that term again).
A protected premises fire alarm system installed specifically to perform
emergency control functions where a building fire alarm system is not
required. (ahh…where a building fire alarm system is not required, exactly
what we’re looking for.)
    17.12 Sprinkler Waterflow Alarm-Initiating Devices.
17.16 Supervisory Signal–Initiating Devices.
17.16.1 Control Valve Supervisory Signal–Initiating Device.
17.16.2 Pressure Supervisory Signal–Initiating Device.
17.16.2.2.1 Pressure Tank.
17.16.2.2.2 Dry Pipe Sprinkler System.
17.16.3 Water Level Supervisory Signal–Initiating Device.
17.16.4 Water Temperature Supervisory Signal–Initiating Device.
17.16.5 Room Temperature Supervisory Signal–Initiating Device.
    Keep in Mind that NFPA-13 also requires audible exterior notification
(horn/bell) and this is more commonly performed electrically then with
legacy water motor gongs.
    In a nutshell you will end up on a typical sprinkler system with a; 1)
panel, 2) annunciator, 3)tamper switches, 4) waterflow switch, 5) low/high
air (dry pipes) 6) exterior bell or horn, 7)  communications to a listed
supervising station (and DACTS are not the only way to send a signal).
    This is a short brief tutorial and is not meant as a comprehensive guide or
list, always review ALL of the applicable codes and standards, that’s why
there are designers and consultants who specialize at this. Like I said
earlier there just seems to be this fire sprinkler system means fire alarm
system mentality.  Overcome it through clearly researched code work. If
after that it’s not working file an appeal with the court/board of competent
jurisdiction.   
    Hope this helps,
John Drucker, CET
Assistant Construction Official
Fire Protection Subcode Official
Building/Fire/Electrical Inspector
New Jersey
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FIRE CONTRACT
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Ken,
    I need an all in one contract for sales, monitoring, service (maintenance), for the fire alarm portion of my business. We currently have the all in one purchased from you a years back but we are having a heck of a time getting customers to sign it because it's too cumbersome for them to deal with all.  Ultimately we end up Having them sign all three of the original contracts, that you also wrote prior to the previous, for, sales, service (maintenance) and monitoring. 
    There has to be some way you can draft a all-in-one contract to where it still protect my interest yet makes them have the warm fuzzies about signing same. I know it's hard to find warm fuzzies any longer in business to say the least in contracts, but there has to be another option other than the all-in-one option or three separate contracts.  
    Finally, more often than not, I find myself working for a contractor, or a general contractor and not the owner. As GC's do not want to sign a contract, they want to issue a purchase order or have my office issue them a purchase order which they will sign.  Since it is my understanding that a purchase order certainly meets all of the elements of the contract could you possibly create  a typical purchase order example to me that will have all of the liability issues addressed covered.  
I look forward to your response.
name withheld
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RESPONSE
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    There is no substitute for the Fire All in One.  If you do commercial fire you need to get it and use it.  When hired by the GC, if it won't sign the Sales part of the All in One you will still get the end user to sign the contract in order to get monitoring, inspection and service.  I'm OK with that arrangement.