Required to Synchronize Security, Fire Strobes?

8/16/2022

We have a project with a unique strobe situation.

New installation into an existing building, Department of Defense so we're under UFC criteria.

The new fire alarm and mass notification system uses Alert strobes (as is common), but in some portions of the building there are blue security strobes. These are used as a warning with non-classified personnel are in the area.

These blue strobes flash at the same rate as the fire alarm/mass notification strobes, but they are not synchronized. The blue security strobes are manually activated at an attendant's desk.

Is there a requirement to synchronize these different systems, from UFC criteria or elsewhere?

Fundamentally, the strobe synchronization issue and potential epileptic exposure is the same concern whether or not it's a concert, fire alarm system, security or dancing club - I certainly understand that we don't want the hazard from the strobes. I do wonder if any of you have come across this, and/or what your opinion might be to handle the situation.

We're on closeout for the project and there has been explicit requirement to override, synchronize or shutdown either the fire alarm or security strobes.

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6 Comments

Glenn Berger

8/16/2022 08:35:06 am

Having multiple strobes flashing in the same space might cause a medical issue event to occur. Not my field of knowledge.

Please consider the following:
Can the security system use beacons instead of strobes?
Can the MNS strobes activate and announce the security issue?

Greg

8/16/2022 08:51:16 am

If I'm understanding correctly the blue strobes are on when you have uncleared personnel in the area. When they are activating, all of the blue strobes a synchronized. If a fire alarm activation occurs, while uncleared personnel are in the area, the fire alarm system alert strobes function. The fire alarm strobes are synchronized but not with the blue strobes, which remain active.

Looking at this again after a few years, I believe the fire alarm system would still fall under the provisions of NFPA 72. Having dis-similar strobes (differing colors) and non-sequencing does not meet the intent of NFPA 72 Chapter 18 during a fire alarm evacuation.

Since the UFC refers to NFPA 72, then the objectives and requirements of Chapter 18 are intended. The blue strobes operating at the same time would appear to be contradictory to some of the requirements in the chapter. Since the UFC language does not specifically prohibit an auxiliary function of the fire alarm panel to shunt power or stop the blue security strobes during the fire alarm's activation, the addition of such a control to stop the blue light during a fire alarm activation appears plausible.

The UFC states the systems shall not be integral but does not contain language that would prohibit the fire alarm system from over-riding a notification output from the security system (i.e. the blue strobes). It seems reasonable that the function of the blue lights is for cleared personnel to be aware of uncleared personnel in the area. If a fire emergency presents a greater hazard than the purpose of the security system's blue light, then the operation of the fire alarm system should take precedence and cancel the non-similar signal (i.e. preserve the intent of NFPA 72, Chapter 18).

Somewhere in the UFC or the security side of DOD requirements, there is language to that effect (that a fire alarm can take priority over some security functions) but I can't recall that off-hand. The below should provide some code focus and rational for an auxiliary output that cancels the blue strobes.

UFC 3-600-01 8 August 2016 Change 6, 6 May 2021

9-18.1.1Fire alarm systems (detection and notification) must comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 72 and the ABA, except as modified by this UFC.

9-18.1.2 Fire alarm systems must be independent, stand-alone systems that are not an integral part of a security, energy monitoring and control system (EMCS), or other system.

NFPA 72, 2022

18.5.3.5 * Visual notification appliances used for fire alarm signaling only or to signal the intent for complete evacuation shall be clear or nominal white and shall not exceed 1000 cd (effective intensity).

18.5.3.6 Visual notification appliances used to signal occupants to seek information or instructions shall be clear, nominal white, or other color as required by the emergency plan and the authority having jurisdiction for the area or building.

18.5.3.7 * The visual synchronization requirements of this chapter shall not apply where the visual notification appliances located inside the building are viewed from outside of the building.

18.5.5.7.2 Visual notification appliances shall be installed in accordance with Table 18.5.5.7.1(a) or Table 18.5.5.7.1(b) using one of the following:

(1) A single visual notification appliance.

(2)* Two groups of visual notification appliances, where visual notification appliances of each group are synchronized, in the same room or adjacent space within the field of view. This shall include synchronization of visual appliances operated by separate systems.

(3) More than two visual notification appliances or groups of synchronized appliances in the same room or adjacent space within the field of view that flash in synchronization.

24.5.17.9 Visual notification appliances used for mass notification shall meet the synchronization requirements of Section 18.5.

Jerry Clark link

8/16/2022 09:36:03 am

This is not part of an emergency notification system. It is strictly to alert assigned personnel of the presence of foreign nationals, and to ensure classified material is secured prior to outside personnel being escorted in to the secure areas. Therefore from a strictly code sense, NFPA 72 or ADAG are not applicable.

Colin Triming

8/16/2022 12:59:24 pm

I asked a similar question years ago and the accessibility code consultant with NC DOI Office of the State Fire Marshal told me that the eye doesn't pick up a different color strobe the same way as a clear strobe, so it was safe to them in the same area.

We require where a strobe is used for a different reason, e.g. a clean agent activation, that the strobe be a different color.

Inspector

8/22/2022 06:23:53 pm

Sounds to me sort of similar to when you have a Mass voice evac/Public address system on a fire alarm. NFPA 72 allows for alternate uses of the system but must allow the fire system to override if there is an activation. I think it would be fair to see a similar set up here. Theoretically, if there was a security incident and a fire alarm activation at the same time, the life safety would take priority. You shouldn't be trying to put your files away when you should be evacuating. Just my two cents.

Glenn Allsbrook

5/16/2023 08:41:46 am

Performing many DoD projects in my career, the Life Safety takes precedence over the security "blue" lighting. The blue lights are typically not automated and are manually turned on/ off by security escorts of non cleared persons in a secured area. The blue lights would typically be left on or have to be manually turned off ion an emergency fire / MNS notification. The fire alarm/ MNS system activates and operates independent of the "blue" security notification lighting. There may be an issue with an increased strobe effect. This issue must be considered.

Required to Synchronize Security, Fire Strobes?

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