Review of last Meeting

• PD 1096
• International Std’s
• Codes and Std’s
• Cu Cabling Systems…more on Data Comm’n subjects
• TELECOMMNICATIONS PATHWAYS AND SPACES
• Grounding and Bonding
• Administrations
• Installation Guidelines
• Field Testing
 Morning Exhortation
•Have you experience somehow
a “FIRE” incident within your
perimeter.?
•Most Common Fire Alarm System Problems
• January 18, 2011 Robin Hattersley-Gray

• Improper placement of detectors or improper selection of detectors (e.g. Putting

smoke detectors by locker rooms when heat detectors would be more
appropriate)
• Not enough detectors installed (sometimes missing in air handlers)
• Improper programming of panels (the panel might have been properly
programmed when first installed, but when the building layout changed, the
panel wasn’t reprogrammed to adjust to the changes)
• Audibility and intelligibility of voice evacuation system
• Incorrect placement of audible and visual notification devices
• Lack of system maintenance (e.g. dirty detectors, dead batteries)
• Lack of zoning or incorrect zoning
• Lack of electromagnetic door holders (this leads to building occupants propping
 CHAPTER 1
SCOPE AND FUNDAMENTALS
1.1 SCOPE

•This Code covers the design and

application, installation, maintenance,
testing and inspection of fire detection
and alarm system. It does not cover fire
suppression system
1.2PURPOSE

• The purpose of this Code is to define the means of signal

initiation, transmission, notification, annunciation,
emergency two-way communication, and emergency voice
evacuation in fire detection and alarm system.

• This Code establishes the minimum required levels of

performance and quality of installation.
1.3APPLICATION
• All installations of automatic fire detection and
alarm system shall comply with the general
requirements of Clause 1.5, the design requirements
of Chapter 2, and the installation requirements of
Chapter 3. Manual fire alarm stations installed as
part of an automatic fire detection and alarm system
or as part of a manual fire detection and alarm
system shall comply with the requirements of
Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.
1.4 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
1.4.3 Alarm – A notice or warning of
danger
• 1.4.3.1 False Alarm – An alarm caused by a
non-fire incident or activity such as smoking,
cooking, etc.

• 1.4.3.2 Nuisance Alarm – An alarm caused by

malfunction, equipment defect, improper
installation, or proper maintenance.
1.4.5 Annunciator –
An FDAS component
containing one or more
indicator lamps/LED’s or
alphanumeric displays in
which each indication
provides status
information about an
addressable or
conventional device, a
group of devices, a zone, a
circuit, or an LCD and
Graphic condition. See
1.4.10 Detector
•A device or component that
is used to sense the products
of fire, such as a smoke, heat,
flame, or carbon monoxide.
1.4.10.1 Smoke Detector – A detector that detects
particles of combustion, whether visible or invisible.
See Figure 1-2 and 1-3.
1.4.10.2Heat Detector – A detector that detects
abnormally high temperature, abnormally fast rate of
temperature rise, or both. See Figure 1-4 and 1-5.
1.4.10.3 Multi-Criteria
Detector – A detector that
contains two or more sensors that
tracks the corresponding
products of fire, such as smoke,
heat, flame, or carbon monoxide,
and transmits signals to the fire
alarm control panel, which shall
mathematically evaluate them
with pre-programmed algorithms
to determine when an alarm
signal is warranted. The
evaluation may also be
performed at the detector. The
objective of using this type of
detector is to reduce false alarms.
See Figure 1-6.
1.4.10.4Duct Detector – A smoke detector, using
sampling tubes, that senses smoke in the air circulating
within air-conditioning or ventilating ducts. See Figure
1-7.
1.4.10.5 Beam Detector – A smoke detector that senses smoke along
a continuous path, usually installed in high-ceiling areas. It is
alternately called a projected beam smoke detector. See Figure 1-8
and 1-9.

Figure 1-9 Initiating Devices

1.4.10.6 Flame Detector – A detector that senses and
detects the radiant energy emitted by a flame. See Figure
1-10.
1.4.10.7 Air Sampling-Type
Detector – A detector that
consists of a piping layout or
network that runs from the
detector to the protected area
or areas. A fan inside the
detector housing draws air
from the protected area or
areas through air sampling
holes or ports on the piping
network. The air is then
evaluated and analysed at the
detector to determine if an
alarm signal is warranted.
See figure 1-11.
1.4.10.8Carbon Monoxide Detector – A detector that
sense and detects abnormally high levels of carbon
monoxide. See Figure 1-12.
• 1.4.11 Emergency Communication System – A sub-
system of an FDAS that broad casts the existence of a fire
or an emergency situation, or communicates information
necessary to facilitate an appropriate action.

• 1.4.11.1 Emergency Voice Alarm Communication (EVAC) –

It is a sub- system that broadcasts information during an
emergency to the occupant of a building or facility and
instructs appropriate actions to them, such as evacuating.
It is conveyed by audible or visible means, or both.
1.4.11.2 Two-Way Emergency Communications System – It is a sub-
system intended for use by the building fire safety personnel or by fire
fighters and first responders to both exchange information and to
communicate information, such as condition of local environment, condition
of person, to give assurance that help is on the way, or other instructions. See
Figure 1-13, 1-14, 1-15.
1.4.12Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) – An FDAS component, provided with
primary and secondary power supplies that receives signals from initiating
devices, such as detectors and manual fire alarm stations, and processes these
signals to determine the required output function, such as activation of
notification appliances, annunciations, and the one-way emergency
communications system. See Figure 1-16.
1.4.12.1 Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panel – An FACP that comes with
one or more alarm zones. It can only connect conventional devices. See Figure 1-17.

1.4.12.2 Addressable Fire Alarm Control

Panel – An FACP that comes with one or more
signalling line circuits, called addressable loops,
to which addressable devices are connected.
Conventional devices may also be connected to
these loops through input addressable modules.
See Figure 1-18.
1.4.13Fire Command Center – The
room or principal location wherein
the FACP and the other life safety
system are located to display and
monitor all fire alarms and system
troubles, and from which all output
function s are automatically and
manually controlled. Requirements
for Fire Command Center shall
follow the provisions stipulated in
the Implementing Rules and
Regulations of Republic Act 9514,
the revised fire code of the
Philippines 2008, Division 19,
Chapter 10.219.5, see Annex D. See
Figure 1-19.
1.4.14 Manual Fire Alarm Station – An FDAS
component that is manually operated to
initiate a fire alarm signal. See Figure 1-20
1.4.15
Notification
Appliance – An
FDAS component
such as bell, horn,
speaker, strobe, or
text display that
provides audible or
visible outputs, or
both. See Figure 1 –
21, 1 – 22, 1 – 23, 1 –
24, 1 – 25, 1 – 26, 1 –
27, 1 – 28, 1 – 29, 1 –
30, 1 – 31, 1 –
32, 1 – 33 and 1 – 34.
1.4.15.1 Audible Notification Appliance – A notification
appliance that warns by the sense of hearing.
• 1.4.15.1.1 Exit Marking Audible Notification Appliance –
An audible notification appliance that marks building
exits, floor exits stairwells, or paths to exits for the
purpose of evacuation.

• 1.4.15.2 Visible Notification appliance – A

notification appliance that warns by the sense of sight.
1.4.15.3 Tactile Notification Appliance – A notification
appliance that warns by the sense of touch or vibration.
1.4.16 Personal – People, who install, maintain,
service, test, and/or inspect fire detection and
alarm system.
• 1.4.16.1 Maintenance and
Service Personnel –
• 1.4.16.2 Testing Personnel -
• 1.4.16.3 Inspection Personnel –
1.5 GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

•With the requirements of this code and

the relevant provision of Republic
Act 9514 found in Annex E.
•1.5.1 All buildings, facilities,
houses, structures, and premises,
except those specified in Clause
1.6.1, shall have fire detection and
alarm system that compiles with
the requirements of this Code.
•1.5.2. The fire detection and alarm
system shall be for the protection of
life or property, or both, by detecting
and notifying the existence of fire,
smoke, heat, of other emergencies
that impact and affect the protected
premises,
1.5.3 The fire detection and alarm system
shall have one or more of the following
functions:
•(1) Automatic detection of smoke and/or
heat, and manual fire alarm signal
initiation.
•(2) Activation of fire alarm notification
appliances.
•(3) Emergency communications system.
•(4) Activation of annunciators.
•(5) Monitoring of abnormal conditions
in fire suppression system.
•(6) Activation of fire safety functions.
•(7) Transmission of alarm signal to an
off-premise Central Station.
•1.5.4. The fire detection and alarm
system shall, at the very least,
consist of a fire alarm control panel,
the appropriate automatic
detectors, manual fire alarm
station(s), and notification
appliance(s).
•1.5.5.The type or kind of
equipment, location, mounting,
spacing, and other engineering
considerations in the design of the
fire detection and alarm system
shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 2.
•1.5.6. The installation of
the fire detection and alarm
system shall comply with
requirements of Chapter 3.
•1.5.7.The properly designed,
installed, and accepted fire
detection and alarm system shall
undergo annual testing and
inspection by the AHJ(Authorities
Having Jurisdiction) for
reacceptance, as specified in
Chapter 4.
• 1.5.8. The primary power supplied to the fire
alarm control panel, and hence to the entire system,
shall be from a dedicated and exclusive branch
circuit. The secondary power supply shall have
sufficient capacity to operate the system under
normal non-alarm condition for a minimum of 24
hours, and at the end of that period, capable of
operating all alarm notification appliances and
emergency communications system for a period of
30 minutes.
•1.5.9. Detectors, manual fire alarm
stations, notifications appliances,
emergency communications devices,
and annunciators shall be installed
throughout all parts of the building,
facility, structure, or house as required
under Chapter 2.
•1.5.10. An alarm zone shall have a maximum
floor area of 800sq.m. A separate alarm zone
shall be provided for each 800sq.m. of
protected floor area.

•1.5.11. The color of the manual fire alarm

station must be red.
•1.5.12. Audible notification signal shall have
a sound level of at least 15 dB above the
average ambient sound level, of 5dB above
the maximum sound level having duration
of at least 30 seconds or 75 dBA, whichever
is greater, measured 1.40 meters above the
floor in the area required to be served.
•1.5.13. Emergency communications
system shall be installed in
buildings, facilities, or structures
that are required to have such sub-
system under Chapter 2.
1.6. USE OF BATTERY-OPERATED
SMOKE/HEAT DETECTORS

• 1.6.1. Buildings, structures, facilities, houses, or premises

that are not record and refer to fire protection code, more than
400 sq.m. in total floor area, not more than two floors or levels,
and with a height of not more than 10 meters may choose not to
install a fire detection and alarm system. However, in its place,
battery-operated, stand-alone detectors shall be installed. Each
battery-operated, stand-alone detector shall cover a floor area
of not more than 50 sq.m. Each room shall be separately
protected.
•1.6.2. In buildings, structures, facilities,
houses, or premises that are over and
above the size specified in Clause 1.6.1,
battery-operated detectors shall not
substitute or take the place of wired
detection and alarm system.
1.7. AREAS WHERE DETECTION IS
REQUIRED

•Further to Clause 1.5.9, the following

are areas or spaces where detection is
required. Refer to Division 9 to 19 of
the Fire Code of the Philippines in
Annex E.
• (1) The spaces under raised floor more than
600mm in height. If conventional detectors are
used, they should be wired as a separate alarm
zone.
• (2) The spaces above drop ceiling more than 1
meter in height. If conventional detectors are used,
they should be wired as a separate alarm zone.
• (3) Concealed spaces under the roof more than 1
meter in height. If conventional detectors are used,
they should be wired as a separate alarm zone.
•(4) Stairwells, with detection at each floor
level.
•(5) Return air ducts of air conditioning
using sampling tubes.
•(6) Tunnels linking two or more buildings.
•(7) Vaults or the like.
•(8) Vertical shafts.
1.8. AREAS WHERE DETECTION
IS NOT REQUIRED

•Detectors are not required in the

following locations:
• (1) Toilet and/or bathroom with a floor area of less than 4
sq.m.
• (2) Exhaust ducts exhausting from toilets and/or bathrooms.
• (3) Any walk-in type enclosure with a floor area not more
than 1 sq. m. provided its content is of minimal fire risk, or
one with floor area not more than 0.5 sq. m. if it contains
electrical or communication equipment.
• (4) The spaces under raised floor with a height of 250mm or
less.
• (5) The spaces above drop ceiling with a height of 1 meter or
less without combustible materials.
• (6) Concealed spaces under the roof with a height of
1meter or less without combustible materials.
• (7) Covered paths: balconies, open-sided covered
walkways & staircases, overhanging roof areas,
verandas, provided they are not used for storage of
goods.
• (8) The area under structures such as platforms,
ducts, and the like, within a protected room or areas,
which are less than 3 meters in width, provided the
free flow of air reaching the detectors mounted above
is not obstructed.
 1.9. CENTRAL STATION ALARM
MONITORING
1.9.1. All installed FDAS should
subscribe to the alarm monitoring services
of a central station. All alarm signals
received by the monitoring central station
shall be forwarded or redirected to fire
fighting authorities.
competence of the
operators of the
central station
shall be certified
by the
manufacturer of
the receiving
system or
equipment, or by
an organization
acceptable to the
 CHAPTER 2
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
•Design requirement of this
code and the relevant
provisions of Division 8 to 19 of
the Fire Code of the Philippines
found in Annex E.
 2.1 GENERAL
• 2.1.1 The purpose of fire detection and alarm system
is to detect fire at the earliest stage, and to give an alarm
alert the occupants so that appropriate action can be
taken. Trouble conditions within the FDAS shall also be
notified so that appropriate repair and maintenance can
be undertaken to keep to keep it in normal operating
conditions at all times.
• 2.1.2 All the individual components of an FDAS shall be
compatible with each other.
• 2.1.3 All the system equipment shall be approved and
listed by institutions recognized by the relevant authority,
and suitable for the use in the Philippines, considering
ambient conditions such as temperature and relative
humidity, and electricity supply of 220VAC 60HZ. If any
equipment is located in an area where it is exposed to
corrosion, high humidity, extreme temperature or other
special condition, the design and installation shall be such
that the reliability of the system is not affected by such
conditions.
• 2.1.4 The FDAS shall be interfaced with Liquid Petroleum
Gas (LPG) leak detection system to allow immediate
notification and produce an alarm upon detection.
• 2.1.5 In the absence of LPG Leak detection system, the
FDAS shall integrate LPG leak detection into the system to
LPG lines to allow immediate notification and produce an
alarm upon detection.
• 2.1.6 Detector selection shall be based on actual site
conditions, site requirements, and ambient conditions.
However, FDAS integrity shall include protection from
nuisance alarms.
• 2.1.7 The detectors shall be located with at least a 1
meter radial distance to air blowers or air diffusers.
2.2PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
• 2.2.1 The FDAS system designer shall have the
following qualifications: Refer to Republic Act 9292(RA-
9292) in Annex F.
• (1) A registered Professional Electronics Engineer
(PECE).
• (2) Experienced in the proper design, application,
installation, and testing of FDAS as certified by IECEP.
•2.2.2 The system designer shall provide
proof of their qualifications and/or
certifications when requested from PRC.
•2.2.3 The system designer shall develop
plans and specifications in accordance
with this Code, and shall be identified in
these system documents as the Electronics
System Designer.
• 2.3 SINGLE PANEL VS. NETWORK OF PANELS
• 2.3.1 Each building shall have one fire alarm
control panel (FACP). However, two or more
networked together shall be required in the
following instances:
• (1) If the number of buildings in a multi-
building complex exceeds three, or;
• (2) If the total floor area of all the buildings in
a multi-building complex exceeds 40,000 sq.
meters.
• 2.3.2 Each panel in the network shall
protect approximately the same floor area.
• 2.3.3 In a network of panels, there shall be
at least one network display that shows the
alarms and troubles of all panels in the
network. The network display shall also be
able to acknowledge, silence, and reset all
alarms and troubles.
 2.3.4 Location and environment:
• 2.3.4.1 The FACP or network display shall be located in
the fire command center of the building or complex.
In the absence of a fire command center, it should be
located ideally in a position clearly visible from the
main entrance lobby. However, if it is located in
another location acceptable to the AHU, an
annunciator or repeater panel that fully mimics it shall
be installed in a position clearly visible from the main
entrance lobby.
2.3.4.2 The FACP. The network display and all panels of
the network shall be located in a position where the
temperature shall not exceed 30°C.
• 2.3.4.3 The FACP shall be secured with lock
and key to allow only authorized personnel
to access and operate it. However, even if it is
locked, its cabinet door shall be such that a
sufficient transparent or see-through portion
will allow the clear and unobstructed view of
the panel display for all incoming alarm
detections and troubles.
2.4 CONVENTIONAL VERSUS ADDRESSABLE
2.4.1 For buildings or facilities with a total floor area of
8,000 sq. m. or less, a conventional system, semi-
addressable system, or addressable system shall be used.
2.4.2 For
buildings or
facilities with a
total floor area
of more than
8,000 sq. m., a
semi-
addressable
system or
addressable
system shall be
used.
 2.5 AUTOMATIC DETECTION
• 2.5.1 Automatic Detectors shall have a total and complete indoor
coverage of the building or facility, which includes all rooms,
halls, storage areas, basements, attics, lofts, including areas
specified in Chapter 1.7, but excluding areas specified in Chapter
1.8
• 2.5.2 Unless tested and listed for recessed mounting, detectors
shall not be recessed into the mounting surface
• 2.5.3 Spaces separated by partitions that extend up to more than
85% of the ceiling height shall be considered as separate rooms.
2.5.4 Smoke detector
• 2.5.4.1 In selecting to use a smoke detector
at a location, the system designer must
prevent nuisance alarms or improper
operation after installation. The
performance characteristics of the detector
and the area shall be taken into account
2.5.4.2 Smoke detector shall not be installed
if any of the following ambient conditions
exist:
•(1) Temperature is below 5C
•(2) Temperature is above 45C
•(3) Relative humidity is above 93
percent
• 2.5.4.3 For new construction, smoke detectors
shall not be installed until after all other
construction trades have completed cleanup.
• 2.5.4.4 The sensitivity of smoke detectors shall
be factory calibrated and shall not be allowed to
be calibrated in the field
• 2.5.4.5 Smoke detector shall be located on the
ceiling. If installed on a sidewall, it shall be
located at a point not more than 300mm from
the ceiling to the top of the detector.
2.5.4.6 For flat ceilings with a height of not more
than 4 meters, the following shall be complied with:
•(1) Smoke detector spacing shall not be
more than 9 meters. Therefore, all points
on the ceiling shall have a detector within a
distance of 6.4 meters.
•(2) Spacing of detectors from walls or
partitions shall not be less than 300 mm
and not more than 4.5 meters.
• (3) For sloping a ceiling or roof, the spacing shall be 9 meters
maximum measured along a horizontal projection of the
ceiling. The detector located at the lowest point along the slope
shall be installed at a point at least 1 meter above the
horizontal base line of the slope. The detector located at the
lowest point along the slope shall be located at the apex.
• (4) Smoke detectors shall not be installed less than 1 meter
from any air supply diffuser or outlet or any other ceiling
devices or fixtures that do not cause electromagnetic induction.
However, for those ceiling devices or fixtures that do not cause
electromagnetic induction, such as lighting fixtures, speakers,
transmitters, a minimum distance of 1 meter shall be
maintained between the detector and the device.
2.5.4.7 For flat ceilings with a height of more than 4
meters but not more than 6 meters the following shall
be complied with :
• (1) Smoke detector spacing shall not be more
than 4.5 meters. Therefore, all points on the
ceiling shall have a detector within a distance
of 3.18 meters.
• (2) Spacing of detectors from walls or
partitions shall not be less than 300 mm and
not more than 2.25 meters.
• (3) For sloping a ceiling or roof, the spacing shall be 4.5 meters
maximum measured along a horizontal projection of the
ceiling. The detector located at the lowest point along the slope
shall be installed at a point at least 1 meter above the
horizontal base line of the slope. The detector located at the
lowest point along the slope shall be located at the apex.
• (4) Smoke detectors shall not be installed less than 500 mm
from any air supply diffuser or outlet or any other ceiling
devices or fixtures that do not cause electromagnetic induction.
However, for those ceiling devices or fixtures that do not cause
electromagnetic induction, such as lighting fixtures, speakers,
transmitters, a minimum distance of 1 meter shall be
maintained between the detector and the device.
2.5.4.8 For ceilings with a height of more than 6 meters, spot-type
smoke detectors shall not be used. Instead, beam-type smoke
detectors shall be used. See Chapter

• 2.5.6 Mounted Detail of Smoke Detector

• 2.5.5.7 For sloping ceiling or roof the spacing shall be
7.5 meters maximum measured along a horizontal
projection of the ceiling. The detector located at the
lowest point along the slope shall be installed at a
point at least 1 meter above the horizontal base line
of the slope. The detector located at the highest point
along the slope shall be located at the apex.
• 2.5.5.8 The quantity of heat detectors connected on a
single zone of a conventional system, or to a zone
monitor module in a semi-addressable system shall
not be more than 40.
•2.5.5.9 A heat detector shall not be
installed in a location wherein the
ambient condition is such that the
relative humidity is above 93 percent.
•2.5.5.10 If the ceiling height is more
than 4 meters, heat detectors shall not
be used.
 2.5.6 Beam-type smoke detector
• 2.5.6.1
For the ceiling
with a height of
more than 6
meters, beam-
type smoke
detectors shall
not be used.
They shall be
installed
according to the
manufacturer’s
instructions.
2.5.6.2 The beam length and width coverage shall not be
exceed the maximum permitted by the manufacturer’s
published specifications and instructions.
 2.5.7 Duct smoke detector
• 2.5.7.1 For centralized air-conditioning system, the
return air duct of all air handling units (AHU) shall be
equipped with a duct-mounted smoke detector.
• 2.5.7.2 The duct smoke detector shall e listed for use
with the air velocity present in the duct. Further, it shall
be listed for use over the complete range of temperature
and humidity expected at the detector when the AHU is
operating.
 2.5.7 Flame detector
• 2.5.7.1 Flame detectors detect the ultraviolet and/or
infrared radiation that s emitted by a flame. The
radiation-sensitive cells of flame detectors detect flame
directly or through built-in reflectors or lenses.
• 2.5.7.2 The selection of the appropriate flame shall
be based on the matching of the spectral response of the
detector to the spectral emissions of the fire to be
detected, and minimizing the probability of nuisance
alarms from non-fire sources present in the hazard area.
2.5.9 Carbon monoxide detector
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless,
tasteless, and colorless gas that is a product of
incomplete burning of various fuels and of
equipment powered by internal combustion
engine. It is fatal to human beings when
exposed to high levels or prolonged durations.
2.5.9.1 CO Detectors shall be installed in occupancies
where either one of the following conditions exist:

• a. Dwelling units with

attached garages.
• b. Dwelling units with a
permanently-installed fuel-
burning appliances
2.5.9.2 CO Detectors shall not be required in the
following locations:
• a. Dwelling units with attached garages that are
classified as open parking by the building code.
• b. Dwelling units with attached garages that are
mechanically ventilated in accordance with the
mechanical code.
• c. Dwelling units not connected by ductwork or
ventilation shafts to any room containing fuel-burning
appliances.
• 2.5.9.3 All indoor and below-ground parking
areas that accommodated more than twenty
vehicles shall have carbon monoxide detectors
that will provide protection coverage to the
parking area.
• 2.5.7.1 Boiler rooms in factories and other
industrial facilities shall be installed with
carbon monoxide detectors that will provide
protection coverage to the boiler room area.
2.6 MANUAL DETECTION
• 2.6.1 Manual fire detection is achieved
through the activation of manual fire alarm pull
or push stations. Manual fire alarm station shall
be red in color. See Figure 2-13
• 2.6.2 Manual fire alarm stations shall be
located at easily accessible points, free from
obstructions.
• 2.6.3 Manual fire alarm stations shall be mounted on
a background of contrasting color, and in a well-lit
location, so that they can be easily seen.
• 2.6.4 Manual fire alarm stations shall be located
within 1.2 meters of each exit door on each floor.
• 2.6.5 Additional manual fire alarm stations shall be so
located that from any point within the building, the
travel distance to activate the alarm shall not be
more than 30 meters, measured horizontally on the
same floor.
 2.7 Notification Appliances
• 2.7.1 The alarm sound from audible notification appliances
shall be clearly audible throughout the floor and/or
building in which they are installed. It should be sufficient
to wan and initiate evacuation of all occupants for whom
the alarm sound is intended.
• 2.7.2 a sufficient number of audible notification appliances
shall be used to produce a minimum sound level of 65 dBA,
or 10 Db above the ambient noise level having a duration of
at least 30 seconds, whichever is greater, measured 1.4
meters above the floor in the area required to be served by
the system.
• 2.7.3 The sound level produced by audible notification
appliances and the ambient noise combined shall not exceed
115 Dba. If the sound level required is higher than 115 dBA,
visual notification appliances such as strobes shall be use I
addition to the audible notification appliances generating the
maximum allowable sound level.
• 2.7.4 In bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment places
where the ambient noise level is high, the sound system hall
be interfaced to the FDAS so that the sound shall be
automatically cut off when there is fire detection.
• 2.7.5 The horizontal spacing between notification appliances
shall not be more than 30 meters, while complying with
Clauses 2.7.2 and 2.7.3.
• 2.7.6 Notification appliances shall be red in color. For
aesthetic reasons due to interior design considerations,
other colors may be used.
• 2.7.7 Audible-visible notification appliances that produce
both audible and visible alarm signals such as horn strobes
or speaker strobes, shall be used in public buildings and
facilities, such as but not limited to airports, seaports,
transportation terminals, shopping malls, hotels, casinos,
museums, exhibition hall, cinemas, theaters, churches, and
the like.
• 2.7.8 The actuation of notification appliances shall occur
within 10 seconds after the activation of an initiating device.
• 2.7.9 The sequence of operation shall be such that the activation of
an initiating device will automatically result in the actuation of the
notification appliance/s wired or programmed to be in the same
alarm zone as that of the activated initiating device. The
responsible person shall, through the operation of the designated
switches on the FACP, acknowledge the alarm and as needed,
silence the activated notification appliance/s. upon verification, if a
fire is confirmed and on the judgment of the responsible person, a
general alarm shall be triggered to activate al notification
appliances to warn and signal to all occupants to immediately
evacuate the building or facility. Otherwise, the activated initiating
device shall be reset, and the system shall be reset at the FACP.
• 2.7.9.1 Further to the sequence of operation in the event
that the alarm is not acknowledged and/or silenced within
3 minutes, the general alarm shall be automatically
triggered. Similarly, after the alarm is acknowledged and/or
silenced if the system not reset or a general alarm triggered
within 10 minutes, the general alarm shall be automatically
triggered.
• 2.7.9.2 Trouble conditions in the system shall not cause the
automatic activation of any notification appliance.
• 2.7.9.3 Trouble conditions in the system shall cause the
actuation of the dedicated audible and visible indication in
the FACP that are distinct from those of alarm conditions.
• 2.7.10 in sleeping areas where audible notification is
required, sound level shall be 15 dB above the
average sound level, or 5 dB above the maximum
level, or a maximum of 75 dB whichever is greater
measured at pillow level using A weighted scale.
• 2.7.11 Bell, horn, sounder, strobe light and horn
strobe.
• 2.7.11.1 The bell shall be the most basic notification
appliance. It shall have a diameter of at least 150 mm
and an output sound level of at least 80 dBA.
• 2.7.11.2 For facilities that use the bell sound as part of regular
operations, such as schools, manufacturing facilities, transport
terminals, and the like, bells as notification appliances shall not
be used. Horns or sounders shall have an output sound level of
at least 80 dBA.

• 2.7.11.3 In addition to Clause 2.7.3, visual notification appliances

such as strobe lights shall be used in places or facilities where
hearing protection is likely to be worn. Strobe lights have
intensities ranging from 15 to 185 candelas. The one with the
intensity and angle of propagation sufficient to catch the
attention of people in the vicinity shall be used. The strobe light
flash rate shall be not less than on flash per second and not more
than two flashes per second.
2.7.11.4 Horn strobes as referenced to in Clause 2.7.7 shall have an output sou
level of at least 80 dBA and a light intensity ranging from 15 to 185 candela.
 2.8 ONE-WAY EMERGENCY VOICE ALARM
COMMUNICATIONS SUB-SYSTEMS
• 2.8.1 A one-way emergency communication sub-
system networked and supervised by the pane’s
central processing unit (CPU) and the forming part
of the FACP, shall be required for the following
facilities:
• (1). Airports.
• (2). Seaports.
• (3). Transportation terminals with total floor area, including indoor
loading/unloading and parking areas, of more than 10,000 sq.
meters.
• (4). Shopping malls with total floor area, including indoor parking
areas, of more than 15,000 sq. meters.
• (5). Hotels with total floor area of more than 15,000 sq. meters or
with more than 15 floors above ground level.
• (6). Office buildings with total floor area of more than 20,000 sq.
meters or with more than 20 floors above ground level.
• (7). Residential buildings or condominiums with total area of more
than 25,000 sq. meters or with more than 25 floors above ground
level.
• (8). Buildings with total floor area of more than 15,000 sq. meters
or with more than 15 floors above ground level that serve the
 TWO-WAY TELEPHONE
COMMUNICATIONS SUB-SYSTEM
• 2.9.1 For conventional system with an ACP of
more than 10 zones, a two-way telephone
communications sub-system shall be required.
All telephone jacks shall run on a single circuit.
Each telephone shall be permanently and
clearly labeled to allow the caller to identify his
or her location to the FACP by voice.
• .9.2 For addressable and semi-addressable
system with more than 200 automatic detectors,
a two-way telephone communications sub-
system shall be required. If the system has more
than 20 telephone jacks or stations, these shall
be grouped into distinct circuits, by floor or one
or stairwell, and shall be automatically identified
by the FACP when calling in., the FACP shall be
capable of individually selecting the phone
circuits for communication.
• 2.9.3 The two-way telephone communications
sub-system shall be networked with, and
supervised by the panel’s central processing unit
(CPU), and shall form part of the FACP.

• 2.9.4 The two-way telephone communication

sub-system shall operate on a common talk or
conference call mode.
• 2.9.5 At least one telephone station or jack shall
be provided at the following locations.
•(1). Each floor level
•(2). Each alarm zone
•(3). Each elevator lobby
•(4). Each elevator machine room
•(5). Generator set room
•(6). Fire pump room
•(7). Inside the enclosed exit stairwell at each
floor level
• 2.9.6 If telephone jacks are used instead of telephone
stations, at least two portable handsets shall be
stored at the Fire Command Center or FACP for use by
the responsible authorized personnel or emergency
responders.
 2.10 FIRE ZONE ANNUNCIARION
• 2.10.1 The primary display of fire point/zone annunciation
shall be at the FACP or Fire Command Center.

• 2.10.2 For all the qualifying buildings or facilities

enumerated in Clause 2.8.1, at least one secondary
display, like an LCD display that annunciates the exact
information shown on the primary display, shall be
installed in another appropriate location within the
protected premises.
• 2.10.3 In conventional or semi-addressable system installed in
hotels, residential or office buildings, hospitals, or the like,
wherein the automatic conventional detectors inside the rooms
or units annunciator shall be installed outside each room or unit,
and clearly visible from the corridor, to indicate the actuation of
the detectors inside that room or unit.
• 2.10.4 In buildings or facilities where people sleep, such as
but not limited to residential condominiums or apartments,
hotels, motels, hospitals and the like, at least one zone
annunciator per floor level shall be installed so that occupants get
immediate information on the location of the fire detection.
• 2.10.5 The zone annunciator shall be directory type or
graphical type, wherein one lamp would represent one alarm
zone.
• I have to assume that the fire alarm is not working full stop, not that only part of it is not working.
• A lot of people may not know but in 2005 a new law was past that actually became law a year later in 2006. (October)
this new law is called ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’ It is in effect totally re written the rules when it
comes to Fire Safety.
• Before this new law the rules were relatively simple, call the Fire Birgade or the Fire safety officer from the fire birgade
and they would call on you. he would give you a list of things that you needed to do to maintain the fire integrity of the
building, you did these most of the time reluctantly (well some people may say :-)) and every thing was fine. I have to
say in my view this was the best way of maintaining fire safety in a building, the tax payer trained specialist individuals
in the fire brigade who could give expert advice on fire safety matters and the less trained could rely on that advice as
being sound. Or was it !
• One of the major stumbling blocks with the old fire reg, was that once a fire certificate was issued on a building, and as
long as that building was not altered in any way, the Fire Birgade could not force any upgrades or amendments to the
building or its fire safety, an example of this may be a fire alarm that would have been fitted in the 70’s but technology
has increased over the years and for the better, so upgrading seemed to be the logical thing to do, but alas the owner
did not have to and no one could force him to.
• They tried with the introduction of fire safety in the work place regs that came out around the late 90’s if I am correct,
but there was loads of loop holes.
• Going back to the original discussion, should the hotel be allowed to open and in my view yes, and also in my view they
don’t need a fire alarm system in which to function. The new regulatory reform fire safety order implies in my
understanding that a procedure has to be in place to mitigate the risk. this could in effect be a group of individuals
employed as fire watchers, supply them with Fire Triangles, and should they notice a fire then they can raise the alarm
and help evacuate the building.
• As there is a procedure in place to detect fire, would the authorities be happy with this. I would suggest that they may
have to be because it is a system used the world over and in the petro-chemical industry.