HomeMy WebLinkAbout407.001 - Fire Alarm Partial System Section 407.001
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FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
407.001 FIRE ALARM (PARTIAL) SYSTEM
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 2008
Current Revision Date: 3/1/22 Next Revision Date: 3/1/25
Author’s Name/Rank:
Justin H. Beal,
Fire Prevention Engineer Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi E. Rogers-Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to fire alarm system installations that are not
required by the California Fire Code (CFC), California Building Code (CBC), or those
which are provided as alternate, equivalent fire protection or other, non-compliant,
approved installations of partial fire alarm systems.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all buildings equipped with a partial fire alarm system within the
Department’s service area, including contract service areas.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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. Normal fire alarm plan submittal and permit requirements are necessary for all
fire alarm system installations and alterations per applicable Department policy
(See: Fire Prevention Manual, Section 401.012, Fire Alarm System Plan
Specifications, for current requirements).
2. All components of voluntary, partial, alternate - equivalent (AE), or other non-
compliant, approved fire alarm systems must be listed with the California State
Fire Marshal (CSFM).
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3. All wiring methods and materials must be in accordance with the currently
adopted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72 and the
currently adopted version of the California Electrical Code (CEC).
4. Minimum design requirements include the following:
Where a partial system is installed, each compartment where fire alarm
system equipment, devices or components are located is required to be in
compliance with the currently adopted edition of NFPA 72.
Smoke and Heat Detection. Where provided, smoke and/or heat detectors
are required to be installed in accordance with the listing manufacturer’s
installation standards and NFPA 72 spacing requirements as applicable.
Manual Pull Boxes. Where automatic detection is provided, at least one (1)
manual pull box is required. The pull box must be located in an FFD
approved location.
Notification Appliances. Where provided, notification appliances must be
provided and located in the compartment per NFPA 72. Other approved
locations may be permitted if the protected area is not normally occupied
per NFPA 72.
Fire Sprinklered Buildings. Water flow switch activation of the fire alarm
system is required. If there are multiple fire alarm control units (FACU), they
must be interconnected, and one (1) is required to be designated as the
master FACU in accordance with NFPA 72.
5. Partial fire alarm system plans must include the following plan notes:
This system is approved as “partial” only and is not in full compliance with
NFPA 72.
This system does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The installer must provide a permanent sign on the fire alarm control unit
stating, “Partial coverage fire alarm system. Not in full compliance with
NFPA 72.” Required signage must be in accordance with Fire Prevention
Manual, Section 402.016, Fire Department Required Signage.
6. The installer must provide the partial system letter of understanding (Fire
Prevention Division FPD-F-26) signed by the system owner/lessee and the
designer prior to issuance of the permit.
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
Compartment: A space within a building enclosed on all sides with walls and/or
doors.
CROSS REFERENCES
California Fire Code (CFC), Current edition
California Building Code (CBC), Current edition
California Electrical Code (CEC), Current edition
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Standard 72, Current edition
Fire Prevention Manual
Section 401.012, Fire Alarm System Plan Specifications
Section 402.016, Fire Department Required Signage