Mass Notification Need Smoke Detector at Panel?

7/4/2024

Does a standalone mass notification system (MNS) require a smoke detector in front of the panel for a drug reduction facility?

The facility is 2,100 sqft and houses a minimum of 11 persons. Basically a drug testing and counseling facility. No Fire Alarm required for the building; being governed by UFC 3-600-01 for the US Air Force.

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6 Comments

Glenn Berger

7/4/2024 08:24:13 am

Look at Section 10.4.5 -

If the control unit is not located in a continuously occupied area, then a detector would be required.

The term used in this section is "Control Unit."

The commentary that is provided makes it appear that the term should have been "fire alarm control unit."

IMO, no detection required would be required in your application.

Kim Watson

7/4/2024 09:45:09 am

I would think a standalone MNS is just a glorified PA system.

Jack G

7/4/2024 04:51:28 pm

I m with Glenn.
Also if the fire sprinkler flow switch is tied into the IMs, then a detector is also required.
Do the 11 persons” stay overnight ?
Again FA detectors required.

Sean H

7/5/2024 03:22:53 am

Excerpt from 2022 edition of NFPA 72 below and shows latest intent. Verify adopted edition in your jurisdiction however.

10.4.5*
Unless otherwise permitted by 10.4.5.1 or 10.4.5.2, in areas that are not continuously occupied, early warning fire detection shall be at the location of each control unit(s), notification appliance circuit power extender(s), and supervising station transmitting equipment to provide notification of fire at that location by one of the following means:

(1) An automatic smoke detector at the location of each control unit(s), notification appliance circuit power extender(s), and supervising station transmitting equipment.

(2) An automatic heat detector where ambient conditions prohibit installation of an automatic smoke detector.

10.4.5.1*
Smoke or heat detector(s) shall not be required to be installed at the location of dedicated function(s) fire alarm control unit(s) that are not required to provide local or supervising station notification signals.

10.4.5.2
Where a risk analysis shows that early warning fire detection is not required and where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, the requirements of 10.4.5 shall not apply.

Further, within Chapter 24 Emergency Communication systems (which includes MNS):

24.1.3

The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26, and 27 shall also apply unless otherwise noted in this chapter.

Would need to comb through chapter 24 however my interpretation is that it would be required above the MNS control unit and power supplies unless the conditions of 10.4.5.1 or 10.4.5.2 are met, especially if part of the MNS system’s purpose is to indicate presence of fire to occupants and first responders.

Jordan

7/5/2024 03:47:20 am

You may want to discuss with the DFPE about providing a combination fire alarm/mass notification system. Although technically a fire alarm system might not be required you’d be providing a few extra initiating devices (e.g. manual pull station, smoke) to the system/matrix and call it a day.

Ricardo Gonzales Jr

7/8/2024 08:38:13 am

In this case. A sprinkler monitoring system does not require notification in the building.

The MNS is a glorified PA system and NOT required by any Code hence is NOT a Fire Alarm or Fire Alarm & Detection system.

My answer is No. Not needed as the purpose of the MNS is NOT to notify the people of a Fire Event, but used for security reasons.

I would recommend using the manufacturer's Gray cabinet to avoid the FD from thinking there's a Fire Alarm System which does not exist.

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Mass Notification Need Smoke Detector at Panel?

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