Pathway Survivability Only Apply to ECS?

8/24/2023

In NFPA 72, does Pathway Survivability apply only to Emergency Communication systems?

In the 2019 Edition of NFPA 72, Section 12.4 stipulates required protection regarding various levels. Section 24.3 Pathway Survivability defines requirements for different levels of declaration. Chapter 12 applies for all fire alarm wiring.

However, the title of Chapter 24 is for Emergency Communication systems. Does pathway survivability apply only for Emergency Communication systems only?

Thanks in advance.

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6 Comments

Pete H

8/24/2023 07:17:44 am

Please forgive my confusion, but NFPA 72 pertains to National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. I'd think anything in NFPA 72 is emergency communications, because it's part of the fire alarm and signaling.

8/24/2023 08:12:39 am

The section of NFPA 72:24.3 is addressing all emergency communication systems. This could be two-way wired in-building communications system, emergency voice/alarm communication system, mass notification, area of refuge, and elevator communications system.

Donovan

8/24/2023 08:52:23 am

Long and short of it yes, but if you use a control module or interface the SLC into the notification, your SLC loop now has to be 2 hour as well.

Todd E Wyatt

8/24/2023 09:35:36 am

SUMMARY
The 2021 NFPA 72 requirements for "Pathway Survivability" of the Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) per Chapter 24 are only applicable to those systems.

2021 NFPA 72
Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
24.1 Application.
24.1.1
The application, installation, and performance of emergency communications systems and their components shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.
24.1.2*
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to emergency communications systems within buildings and outdoor areas.

Refer to 2021 NFPA 72 Chapter 12 Circuits and Pathways 12.4 Pathway Survivability" which then states, "All pathways shall comply with NFPA 70."

2021 NFPA 72 references the 2020 edition of NFPA 70 which includes (15) references to "SURVIVABILITY".

EXPLANATION
2021 NFPA 72 defines "Pathway Survivability" as follows :

3.3.206 Pathway Survivability.
The ability of any conductor, optical fiber, radio carrier, or other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions. (SIG-ECS)

ENHANCED CONTENT
Pathway survivability levels are described in Chapter 12. The survivability levels required for ECSs are in Chapter 24. The performance operational goal is described in 24.4.8.6.1. Where the evacuation or relocation plan in a building calls for partial evacuation, the goal is for the communications systems above and below the fire floor (e.g., in a high-rise) to continue to operate during a fire to allow the fire ground commander the ability to communicate with the occupants in those areas.

NFPA 72 Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)" covers the requirements for the installation and performance of emergency communications systems (ECSs) for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems (EVACS) and other communications systems such as mass notification systems (MNSs) and paging systems used for emergency purposes. NFPA 72 is the referenced standard

The scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) for these ECS are determined by the building's Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) per Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems. This chapter includes (3) references to "SURVIVABILITY" :

Section 909 Smoke Control Systems
909.20 Smokeproof Enclosures
909.20.7 Ventilating Equipment
Exception:
1. Control wiring and power wiring located outside of a 2-hour fire barrier construction shall be protected using any one of the following methods:
1.1 Cables used for SURVIVABILITY of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Section 913 Fire Pumps
913.2 Protection Against Interruption of Service
913.2.2 Circuits Supplying Fire Pumps
1. Cables used for SURVIVABILITY of circuits supplying fire pumps shall be protected using one of the following methods:
2. Cables used for SURVIVABILITY of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

The scoping Code then references the applicable Standard (e.g. 2019 NFPA 72 in this case). NFPA 72 is only part of the Code "to the prescribed extent of each such reference" :

2021 IBC
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration
Section 102 Applicability
102.4 Referenced Codes and Standards
The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1 and 102.4.2.

Robb K

8/25/2023 12:02:43 am

this may help . https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2020/September-October-2020/In-Compliance/NFPA-72

robb k

8/25/2023 12:08:22 am

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2020/March-April-2020/In-Compliance/NFPA-72

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Pathway Survivability Only Apply to ECS?

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