Fire Alarm Coordination with AHJ

9/7/2017

NFPA 72 (2016) Edition 10.4.1 states that all systems "are to be installed in accordance with plans approved by the AHJ." When designing your fire alarm system, what do you frequently coordinate with the AHJ? If you're an AHJ, what questions are you commonly asked from fire alarm designers?

Note: This is a Daily Discussion question submitted anonymously to us. Submit a Question or Discuss This Here.

2 Comments

Chris D

9/7/2017 03:14:51 pm

I think it depends on the meaning of "design", whether you're performing layout/specification or application engineering/design (part numbers, circuiting, calculations) work. In design-build these are merged and in some contract vehicles the lines become very blurred.

In the former, it really doesn't hurt and eliminates issues further in the design. Coordinating with the AHJ often makes them feel more comfortable with the final plans and coming in with several cost-reducing ideas that can be discussed may result in a benefit for the client. Often the plans required initial approval from an AHJ before being set out to bid.

On the application side there should be no direct discussions with the AHJ without involving the person doing layout/specification and having them aware and lead the work through the RFI process.

On the positive side, many distributors (application engineers/designers) are very familiar with the requirements of the local jurisdictions and can identify potential issues and solve them with the RFI process.

Chris Fike

9/8/2017 10:18:33 am

Recently to be safe I contacted the plan reviewer regarding graphic annunciator requirements. Since the fire department is the end user their preferences tend to vary. I also inquired about applying the IMC and NFPA 90a for duct detector requirements since the requirements conflict between the code and standard. Lastly, since my project was only a FA upgrade, I asked what level of code analysis the reviewer required to head off any issues during the permitting process.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Fire Alarm Coordination with AHJ

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES