HomeMy WebLinkAbout407.008 - Fire Alarm Control Unit ReplacementEffective Date: October 2010 Justin Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/28/2023 Section 407.008
Next Revision (3) Date: 7/28/2026 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 407.008 FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to fire alarm control unit replacement.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all contractors replacing fire alarm control units within the City of
Fresno (City) and contract service areas. These requirements apply to both required
and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
This section intentionally left blank.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
As noted in California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Code, Interpretation 12-001, when
replacing a fire alarm control unit (FACU) in an existing building due to obsolescence
or the addition of access required notification appliances, the new control unit is
required to be code compliant and listed compatible with other existing components
such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, etc. The intent is that only the replacement
FACU, newly installed devices and appliances comply with the current edition of the
code and referenced standard.
The existing fire alarm system and components should conform to the codes and
standards in effect at the time those components were originally installed.
In every case, the authority having jurisdiction should be consulted prior to the
replacement of any fire alarm control unit or system modification. Complete
documentation should be provided in accordance with the currently adopted version
of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72, the California Fire Code
(CFC) and any local requirements.
Effective Date: October 2010 Justin Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/28/2023 Section 407.008
Next Revision (3) Date: 7/28/2026 Page 2 of 3
Requirements
Based upon this interpretation, the Department has determined where only the FACU
is being replaced; the Department requires the following documents:
1. Provide an 8-1/2”x11” sheet with the current CSFM listing for the
new FACU to be installed.
2. Provide 8-1/2”x11” manufacturer’s specification sheets for the
new FACU.
3. Provide three (3) copies of a single, standard fire alarm plan
sheet. This sheet should have the following information on the
sheet:
i. Building address, name, and Universal Building Code
(UBC) occupancy classification.
ii. Whether the system is required by the currently adopted
version of the California Building Code (CBC), CFC (s) or
if it is voluntarily installed at the owner’s initiative.
iii. Whether the system is in compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA).
iv. Provide 24-hour standby and 5-minute system alarm
battery demand calculations.
v. Provide line voltage drop calculation for most electronically
remote circuits (only if longest circuit is over 300 feet).
vi. The wiring pathway designations and survivability level in
accordance with NFPA Standard 72.
vii. Provide a site plan for the building. (A site plan shows the
layout of the building relative to public streets and private
drives.)
viii. Floor plan(s) of the building showing the location of the
new FACU.
ix. A one (1) line riser diagram for the system.
x. Each plan sheet should be stamped and have a wet
signature from a State of California licensed C-10
contractor or licensed Electrical Engineer.
Effective Date: October 2010 Justin Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/28/2023 Section 407.008
Next Revision (3) Date: 7/28/2026 Page 3 of 3
xi. A statement of compatibility, “Designer has verified new
fire alarm control unit is backward compatible with all
existing fire alarm equipment.”
Once these documents have been submitted, the standard fire alarm review,
permitting and field inspection procedures should be utilized. No work is to commence
without an approved permit being issued.
Note: If any component other than the FACU is being replaced a full set of fire
alarm drawings are required. These requirements apply to both required
and voluntary systems.
PROCESS
This section intentionally left blank.
INFORMATION
This section intentionally left blank.
DEFINITIONS
This section intentionally left blank.
CROSS-REFERENCES
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Code, Interpretation 12-001
Universal Building Code, current edition
California Building Code, current edition
California Fire Code, current edition
National Fire Protection Association, Standard 72