Does Remote Ansul System Need Monitoring?

11/14/2022

We have a stand alone open-air pool pavilion with no attached building.

There is a gas grill under the roof with a very elaborate hood/exhaust/Ansul system. There is no fire alarm system in this pool pavilion.

The Fire Inspector wants the Ansul system monitored by the clubhouse fire alarm system that is 100-ft away.

Is he correct by code?

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

11/14/2022 08:13:10 am

You have a very unique case with a fire system provided for an outdoor exhaust system.

NFPA 17A does not have a provisions to required connection to fire alarm system.

If the pavilion is connected to the building, then I would say it would be required. If the pavillion is somewhat separated from the building then you may be able to omit it.

Jesse

11/14/2022 08:17:56 am

I agree with Glenn - this is a very unique situation. I think you can make the case to omit connection to the FA system, but as always it comes down to local AHJ requirements. Did the inspector provide a code reference?

Derek Crumley

11/15/2022 07:43:27 am

The inspector did not reference a code. After further conversation with AHJ they deem the pavilion to be attached to the clubhouse building because it is encompassed with in the pool fence that is attached to the clubhouse and wraps around pool and pool pavilion structure.

Thanks for everyone's reply very informational by all.

Alex

11/14/2022 08:18:36 am

Hi,

There was a previous discussion on this topic as well a while back. Looks like you had posted your question here originally but wanted to bring light to the previous feed:

In addition, NFPA 96 10.6.2 states "where a fire alarm signaling system is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is located, the activation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall activate the fire alarm signaling system."

Since you note that there is no fire alarm system serving the location of the gas grill, I do not believe it is required by code. Although, always smart to have them monitored!

Thanks,
Alex

Todd Wyatt

11/14/2022 08:36:50 am

The adopted Fire Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) is the scoping document as to WHERE an “alternative” automatic fire-extinguishing system is permitted or required. The referenced standard (e.g. NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations) identifies HOW the an “alternative” automatic fire-extinguishing system is to be designed, installed, inspected, and maintained.

The open-air pool pavilion would be classified as a Group U Utility and Miscellaneous Occupancy Classification (OC). Per 2021 IBC Ch 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, a Group U building does NOT require an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) to be installed in the commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system per 903.2.11.5. “Domestic cooking facilities” require a hood with an automatic fire-extinguishing system for OCs including Groups I-1, I-2 and R-2 college dormitories but NOT for Group U buildings/structures.

Regardless if the hood and associated automatic fire-extinguishing system is required or not, its design & installation shall meet the scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) and the associated referenced standard (e.g. 2021 NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations).

NFPA 96 states the following :

Chapter 10 — Fire-Extinguishing Equipment for Cooking Operations in Buildings
10.6 System Annunciation.
10.6.2
Where a fire alarm signaling system is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is located, the actuation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall actuate the fire alarm signaling system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72.

ENHANCED CONTENT
When the fire alarm signal is activated, all people in the building should respond according to the fire emergency plan developed by the owner or tenant. Most people will evacuate using the nearest exit, while others might be assigned other duties such as actuating the fire-extinguishing system or using portable fire extinguishers if it is safe to do so. To improve correlation between NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, and NFPA 96, the requirements in Section 10.7, which addressed system supervision requirements and are more appropriate in an installation standard, were moved to NFPA 17A.

One could argue that since the Group U pavilion is NOT being served by a fire alarm signaling system, the activation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system in the hood would NOT be required to actuate the fire alarm signaling system in the building.

Wes

11/15/2022 07:49:11 am

Just as a fallback, Potter just came out with a new wireless supervisory switch. If you had to connect it back to the main fire alarm system, at least you wouldn't have to dig and bury conduit to do so:
https://www.pottersignal.com/fire-sprinkler/supervisory-switches/signalink-bridge

(note: I don't represent Potter, just thought it interesting)

Frank J. Herrick

11/16/2022 11:24:29 am

In that situation I'd be happy with a 10" exterior bell and rated outdoor strobe.

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Does Remote Ansul System Need Monitoring?

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