HomeMy WebLinkAbout407.005 - Fire Alarm Change in Transmission FrequencyEffective Date: October 2023 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 10/18/2023 Section 407.005
Next Revision (3) Date: 10/18/2026 Page 1 of 2
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 407.005 CHANGES IN FIRE ALARM TRANSMISSION FREQUENCY
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to changes in existing fire alarm system
transmission frequencies.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all existing fire alarm systems using cellular signal transmission
technology within the City of Fresno and contract service areas. These requirements
apply to both required and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
the following:
1. Prior to installing or altering a fire alarm system’s transmission
frequency, a permit applicant shall first obtain an FPD F-43 Fire
Sprinkler Monitoring Permit using the City of Fresno FAASTER system.
2. Upon completion of the installation of any new transmitting frequency
equipment, and only after the permit applicant has completed
satisfactory testing, the permit applicant shall schedule an installation
inspection with FFD for permit final. Permit applicants shall utilize the
existing process for inspection appointment scheduling.
Effective Date: October 2023 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 10/18/2023 Section 407.005
Next Revision (3) Date: 10/18/2026 Page 2 of 2
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
As noted in the currently adopted version of the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire
code official has the authority to formulate policies they deem necessary based upon
local conditions related to fire alarm installations.
Additionally, the currently adopted version of NFPA 72 notes that the authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ) is to be notified prior to a contractor installing or altering fire alarm
system equipment or wiring.
Because of the nature of these kinds of alterations, “a change in transmission
frequency” from existing 2/3G cellular signals to 4G/4GLTE/4GVoLTE/5GVoLTE, etc.
signals, (which is materially different from a “change in transmission technology”
where existing redundant phone lines are removed and replaced with a completely
different technology), FFD requires only an FPD F-43 Fire Sprinkler Monitoring Permit
be obtained.
Permit applicants who propose to change an existing fire alarm systems transmission
technology from telephone lines with a different technology must follow existing FFD
policy for a change in transmission technology.
DEFINITIONS
The term “change in transmission frequency” describes a change in transmission
frequency from an existing 2/3G cellular signal to 4G/4GLTE/4GVoLTE/5GVoLTE,
etc. cellular signals.
CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code (CFC), currently adopted edition
National Fire Alarm and Signlaing Code 72 (NFPA 72), currently adopted edition