Section 400.4524. Fire detection; large facilities.

Rule 524. (1) An existing licensed large facility electing to provide fire protection by fire detection shall be equipped with a 100% coverage fire detection system which is tested and listed by a nationally recognized, independent testing laboratory and which is installed in compliance with the national fire protection association standard No. 72, entitled “National Fire Alarm Code”, 2013 and these rules except that the installing of wiring and equipment shall comply with national fire protection association standard No. 70, entitled "National Electric Code," 2014.

(2)     In an existing licensed large facility, the main power supply source for an automatic fire detection system shall be from an electric utility company and shall be on a separate circuit with an identified and locked circuit breaker. A secondary power supply shall be provided which, in the event of the main power supply failure, will maintain the system in an operative condition for 24 hours and, in the event of a fire, will sound the alarm signaling units for a 5-minute period.

(3)   In an existing licensed large facility, where an automatic fire detection system is required, the detection devices shall comply with both of the following provisions:

(a)    Be installed in all areas; that is, all rooms, lofts, closets, stairways, corridors, basements, attics, and like areas. Spacing of detection devices shall be as recommended by the manufacturer to provide complete coverage. Small bathrooms containing a single water closet and lavatory, small closets which are not more than 20 square feet, and similar spaces are exempted from this requirement.

(b)     Be smoke detectors, except that heat detectors may be installed in attics, kitchens, bathrooms, attached garages, and heating plant rooms instead of smoke detectors. Heat detectors shall be the fixed temperature rate of rise type.

(4)    In a new, remodeled, or converted large facility, an automatic fire detection system shall be an electrical, closed circuit, self-supervised system which gives a distinctive signal in a staff-occupied area when trouble occurs in the system, including loss of the main power supply and shall be in compliance with NFPA 72.

(5)     In a new, remodeled, or converted large facility, complete final plans and specifications of the automatic fire detection or alarm system, where such a system is to be installed, shall be submitted to the department and approved prior to installation. The plan shall show facility floor plans and locations and types of detection devices, pull-stations, and sounding units. Newly required systems shall have a panel or annunciator located in an area regularly occupied by staff.

(6)    In large facilities, licensed prior to November 30, 1983, fire detection systems shall continue to be approved until the facility is converted or a portion thereof is remodeled, then the portion of the facility remodeled or converted shall meet the appropriate requirements of this rule. Where the required new system cannot be added to the existing systems maintaining a single signaling alarm system, the total system shall be replaced and shall comply with this rule for remodeled and converted facilities.

(7)   Automatic fire detection systems, fire alarm systems, and fire detection devices shall be maintained in proper working condition. When problems occur, they shall be

immediately remedied. When the system is rendered inoperable, staff shall be awake and on duty until the system is again operable.

(8)     Fire alarm systems shall be tested and maintained on an annual basis in accordance with NFPA 72. Smoke detector calibration shall be done as recommended. The licensee shall keep a record of fire alarm maintenance.

History: 1983 AACS; 2015 AACS.