Required Location for Waterflow Notification?

2/18/2019

I understand there's a tradition of locating a horn/strobe or other exterior waterflow notification appliance on the exterior of the building, but where is it required and is a location stipulated?

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8 Comments

James

2/18/2019 10:16:55 am

It is usually in your local building code. For example, it is located in the 2015 international building code chapter 9, 903.4.2. Check the exceptions to see if you need one.

Patrick

2/18/2019 10:43:08 am

James is correct. It is also in the same section of the fire code, and requires an approved audible device located on the exterior of the building in an approved location. In my jurisdiction, the AHJ typically requires it on the address facing wall of the building.

Raul Vasquez link

2/18/2019 11:31:17 am

Above the FDC. Some AHJ are replacing bells with horn strobes and color coding the lens to blue or red if the clear is being used to signify FACP annunciator location.
- mostly Chicago suburbs

Jon Nisja

2/19/2019 07:09:07 am

From an AHJ perspective, I have always preferred that the waterflow alarm be both audible and visual (but it doesn't need to be a "strobe" light). The device should be located above and in close proximity to the fire department connection. This assists responding firefighters in locating the FDC.

Scott McCormick

9/5/2022 07:22:39 am

Do you really want an audible alarm at the FDC? i would feel bad for the Engine Operator who is going to be close to this alarm and will have a headache after an hour. I feel a strobe of flashing light

David C

2/19/2019 08:50:00 am

As indicated above the location(s) and types of these devices are dependent on the AHJ where I am we have 5 AHJ and each has some requirement that's different.

Franck Orset

2/19/2019 10:51:43 am

Is it for a building located within a city (outside wall of a supermarket, office building...) or for buildings inside an industrial facility ?

In the first case, it is interesting to have this external alarm (gong) as it will indicate that there is a fire and people passing by can alert the fire department. In addition, the fire department may use the gong to quickly determine which sprinkler system is concerned and where to possibly connect to the FDC.

In the case of an industrial building, it could be the same (gives a local alarm and people can alert accordingly) but might not be absolutely necessary where the plant is occupied 24/7 and alarms from the sprinkler systems are reported to a constantly attended location.

In NFPA 13 (2019 Edition), it is indicated : §A.16.11.1.1 Outside alarms might not be necessary where the sprinkler system is used as part of a central station, auxiliary remote station, or proprietary signaling fire alarm system, utilizing a listed audible inside alarm devices.

Regarding the position, it is only indicated (§A.16.11.1.2) that the alarm apparatus should located and installed so that all parts are accessible for inspection, removal and repair and that the motor gong bell mechanism should be protected from weather related elements such as rain, snow or ice. It should also be protected from other exposures, such as birds, small animals that could make a nest in the bell, mechanical damages, possible vandalism...
There is no requirement in the standard to provide it close to the FDC, but it could be a local requirement from the AHJ.

Aaron Easter

9/7/2023 03:45:57 pm

I believe the exterior horn is nessisary. As a FD Driver, the extra help locating the FDC at a 3am fire was helpful.

There has been some debate with my peers on notification requirements INSIDE structures that only require "deticated function" (etc., waterflow) moitoring. 907.5 says...Systems while 903.4 speaks on cmponents

907.5 Occupant Notification Systems
A fire alarm SYSTEMS shall annunciate at the fire alarm control unit and shall initiate occupant notification upon activation, in accordance with Sections 907.5.1 through 907.5.2.3.3. Where a fire alarm system is required by another section of this code, it shall be activated by:
1. Automatic fire detectors.
2. Automatic sprinkler system waterflow devices.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

903.4 Sprinkler System Supervision and Alarms
Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT.
Exceptions:
(1-7)

FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT. A system COMPONENT that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may be capable of supplying power to detection devices and transponder(s) or off-premises transmitter(s). The control unit may be capable of providing a transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a COMBINATION SYSTEM CONSISTING OF COMPONENTS and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.

Love to hear how others interpret this: Sorry to high jack the thread: /

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Required Location for Waterflow Notification?

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