Clean Agent Alone Need Supervising Station?

9/9/2024

Are stand-alone clean agent systems required to be monitored by a supervising station or constantly attended location?

I am reviewing plans for a small, remote equipment shed that is equipped with a clean agent suppression system. The building is remote enough and small enough that IBC wouldn't require a fire alarm or sprinkler system.

The designer claims that it doesn't have to report out, but I think they're wrong. I think this would fall under the IBC 907.3 requirements for a dedicated function panel, which still requires supervision of the detectors at a "constantly attended location."

Since the building isn't constantly attended, it would have to dial out to the central receiving station, not just to some guy's email. From what I've gathered, a full-blown FACP wouldn't be required, but a dedicated panel to dial out would be.

What is your take on this?

Thanks in advance.

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9 Comments

Chad

9/9/2024 08:03:35 am

You are spot on.

Potter Signal makes a great UL listed wireless dry contact monitoring system to add onto any fire alarm in the main building, should that exist and its not 1000's of feet away.

https://www.pottersignal.com/fire-sprinkler/supervisory-switches/signalink-bridge

(I dont work for Potter)

Glenn Berger

9/9/2024 08:10:47 am

Since the system is not required by code, then I see the differences in opinion on reporting alarms out. In my opinion, since a system is being provided, then remote notification shall happen.

Joe

9/9/2024 08:14:02 am

IFC 2021 edition section 904.3.5, would not require monitoring unless the building has a fire alarm system, but one would think they would go above the minimum level of care.

Sean H

9/9/2024 08:24:01 am

Here is what the IBC (2018 ed) states in section 904 covering Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems (like clean agents), that they may be basing the stance on:

904.3.5 Monitoring. Where a building fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.

It doesn't sound like the building has sprinkler or fire alarm, so there wouldn't be anything to connect it to as far as supervision, Is it a good idea to supervise - probably in the interest of being made aware something is going on so further action can be taken if warranted, however it doesn't look like there's a hard requirement.

Franck

9/9/2024 08:32:06 am

Not speaking of regulation, but common sense
If you spend money for a specific protection, there is a need to know when it works, otherwise it means that a fire in this area may remain undected for quite a long period (over the night or over the week end, or even more if it is a remote area with no regular check by humans).
It would also help to restore the functionality of the system as soon as possible.

But just a pesonal point of view.

Ricardo Gonzales Jr

9/9/2024 08:37:41 am

If it had only an elevator panel, no reporting necessary if there is no building fire alarm system. It is not there for Life Safety, only for equipment protection. Not required by code but by Owner request. I would not spend the effort to have it report as if there was an inadvertent alarm, you'd roll trucks to a site that has no occupants? As much as we'd like ALL types of fire alarms reported, I see it as a non-issue.
Like we only check plans against the code if Life Safety is the issue, but for Telcom and Data Centers, DNC. These two are equipment protection not Life or Building safety.

Todd E Wyatt

9/9/2024 08:39:50 am

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE fire protection systems shall be monitored.

Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems (CAFES) are listed under the “Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems” (see REFERENCES below) and are required to “be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 2001 and their listing.”

NFPA 2001-2018 includes “REMOTE MONITORING OPERATIONS”.

While “Automatic Sprinkler Systems” (ASPS) are required to be “monitored by an approved supervising station”, “Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems” (AAFES) are not explicitly required to be monitored by ding the scoping Code.

One could infer that since NFPA 2001-2018 does not include “WHERE REQUIRED” in the “REMOTE MONITORING OPERATIONS” section, an AHJ would conclude it is required by the Standard.

9/9/2024 08:40:42 am

REFERENCES

IBC-2021
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 901 General
901.6 Supervisory Service
WHERE required fire protection systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.
901.6.1 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.
Exceptions:
1. A supervising station is not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
2. Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.

Section 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.1 General
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
904.10 CLEAN-AGENT SYSTEMS
Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 2001 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

NFPA 2001-2018
Chapter 7
7.7 Functional Testing.
7.7.3 REMOTE MONITORING OPERATIONS.
7.7.3.1
Each type of initiating device shall be operated while on standby power to verify that an alarm signal is received at the remote panel after the device is operated.
7.7.3.2
A fault condition shall be applied to each initiating or notification circuit to verify receipt of a trouble condition at the remote station.
7.7.3.3
Each supervised device shall be operated to verify receipt of a supervisory condition at the remote station.

Jack G

9/9/2024 09:40:05 am

I agree with Ricardo . Not life safety, no monitoring.
Is it a good idea? Yes.
What if someone is trapped and the system triggers?
I would try to sell monitoring to the customer.

Clean Agent Alone Need Supervising Station?

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