More topics

BCAB #1624 - Annunciator and Zone Indication, Sentence 3.2.4.8.(2)

Last updated on March 24, 2016

June 20, 2006

BCAB #1624

Re: Annunciator and Zone Indication, Sentence 3.2.4.8.(2)

Project Description

The project is a four storey hospital, fully sprinklered, with the construction regulated under Article 3.2.2.38. Those floor areas of the building which incorporate patients’ sleeping rooms are designed to comply with Article 3.3.3.5. Sprinklers are not used in lieu of fire detectors required in those locations described in Sentence 3.2.4.10.(2).

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.4.8.(2) indicates the required annunciator shall have separate zone indication of the actuation of the alarm initiating device on each

  1. fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2). , and
  2. floor area so the area of coverage for each zone is not more than the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13 (4831 m2).
    Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) requires the fire separated compartments to be not more than 1000 m2 in area.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends that a waterflow switch is the alarm initiating device, not a sprinkler head and for sprinkler purposes, is only required to zone the annunciator as required by NFPA area limitations. The appellant considers the other required alarm initiating devices, such as smoke and heat detectors, will initiate and identify on the annunciator the location of the fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2).

Building Official's Position

The Building Official contends it is necessary to limit the area of the sprinkler zones to the area of each fire compartment as required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2). The Building Official considers the fire compartment requirements of Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) supersede those of the limits described in NFPA 13.

Appeal Board Decision #1624

It is the determination of the Board that the maximum area of the sprinkler zone to be identified on the required annunciator is determined by Clause 3.2.4.8.(2)(g), that being a maximum of 1000 m2 as stated in Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2). The waterflow switch is the alarm initiating device as clarified in A-3.2.4.8.(2).

George Humphrey, Chair