What is Needed with Sprinkler Monitoring Panel?

8/30/2022

What are the required system components for a Fire Alarm System versus a Fire Sprinkler Monitoring System?

I've ran into a debate on this in multiple jurisdictions. I know a fire alarm system has occupant notification and initiating devices, such as the smoke detectors, pull stations, waterflow, etc., whereas sprinkler monitoring is just waterflow notification.

But, is occupant notification required for a Sprinkler Monitoring System?

Furthermore, do horn/strobes need to have a secondary power supply, like Fire Alarm System components do?

Is a smoke detector required above the panel/radio/dialer?

I know it depends on the local AHJ, but I'm looking for some guidance here... I am the local AHJ.

Thanks for your input!

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21 Comments

Casey Milhorn

8/30/2022 08:24:17 am

I'm sure one of the code/standard hawks will come along with the code reference for you, but I can tell you what we see and install all the time. A single panel, flow switch, horn/strobe, smoke detector (above panel), and dialer. I'd have to check with our alarm guys on the battery backup for the detector.

AHJ

8/30/2022 06:45:15 pm

This is where my confusion came from. The last city I worked for required “sprinkler monitoring” to include a pull station for testing, an intelligent panel which displays the applicable signals, a smoke above the that panel etc. In my current City, we require just a flow switch and a means of communication to a central station with a horn strobe in a usually attended location. When I referenced the codes and standards for guidance, I found it a bit confusing to separate the fire alarm system requirements and the “sprinkler monitoring”. Now that I have read the responses here, I now know it’s actually called a Dedicated function fire alarm system and has less requirements.

Bobby

8/30/2022 08:26:46 am

This is a tricky question. If you're familiar with NFPA 13, you'll know that NFPA 13 does a good job of telling you where you need to install sprinklers, where you can omit them, and the rules of how sprinklers and associated equipment (hangers, piping, valves, etc.) are supposed to be installed. NFPA 72 does a great job telling you the requirements of how things are supposed to be installed when they're required, but it doesn't go in to a lot of detail about specifically when you're supposed to install the devices other than that, if required by some other code, install the device here.

Sprinkler Monitoring is generally developed because a building code requires a sprinkler system to be monitored for valve supervision and waterflow condition. The building code generally states that the monitoring has to be done with a system in compliance with NFPA 72. What that means is that you need to install a fire control panel that meets the minimum requirements of NFPA 72, wiring that meets NFPA 72 and NFPA 70, and some other minimum requirements such as requiring a smoke detector above the FCU, Power suppliers, and/or communicators. Generally, as far as NFPA 72 is concerned, that is it. The building code may require audibility at the riser but that can be achieved by either a device connected to an NFPA 72 fire alarm, a separately 120v powered device, or even a mechanically powered water-motor gong.

8/30/2022 08:29:48 am

I would suggest if your state/jurisdiction has adopted ICC codes to study in chapter 907 of the IFC or IBC the conditions for specific occupancy types. The 2015 IBC 907.2 shows that "a single fire alarm box shall be installed" regardless of any sections that eliminate fire alarm boxes (pull stations). Our interpretation is that the pull station is for testing purposes or fire watch personnel, and we typically install it in the riser room. You do not need it if the system is for elevator recall only, and there is another exception for R-2 units that is in the 907.2 section. Section 907.4.1 show the requirements for needing a smoke detector over the control unit. As far as occupant notification, it depends on the occupancy type. At a minimum we typically install a 24v bell outside the sprinkler room, but occupant notification will be required by other sections in chapter 907. Our typical "sprinkler monitoring system" is connections to the waterflow, and tamper, a smoke detector, a pull station, and a bell. This configuration is about 80% of the monitoring systems we install. The only exceptions are typically residential occupancies where occupant notification is required. You have to provide 24 hour emergency power, with 5 minutes in alarm (usually 7ah batteries work fine) and show it in a battery calculation.
Hope this helps.

Todd E Wyatt

8/30/2022 08:35:26 am

The scoping Fire Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) identifies IF an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be monitored.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code.

Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.4.1 Monitoring
Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
Exception:
Backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
903.4.2 Alarms
An approved audible device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
903.4.3 Floor Control Valves
Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise buildings.

This section identifies (3) monitoring requirements for an ASPS.
The referenced standard, NFPA 72, provides instrcution in how the "electronically supervised ... tamper switch" for the backflow preventer is to be installed.

8/30/2022 08:37:23 am

A building fire alarm system is defined as follows:
72:3.3.103.4.1 Building Fire Alarm System.
A protected premises fire alarm system that includes any of the features identified in 23.3.3.1 and that serves the general fire alarm needs of a building or buildings and that provides fire department or occupant notification or both. (SIG-PRO)

A dedicated function fire alarm system is defined as follows:
72:3.3.103.4.2 Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System.
A protected premises fire alarm system installed specifically to perform emergency control function(s) where a building fire alarm system is not required. (SIG-PRO)

72:23.3.3.1* Building Fire Alarm Systems.
Protected premises fire alarm systems that serve the general fire alarm needs of a building or buildings shall include one or more of the following systems or functions:
(1)Manual fire alarm signal initiation
(2)Automatic fire alarm and supervisory signal initiation
(3)Monitoring of abnormal conditions in fire suppression systems
(4)Activation of fire suppression systems
(5)Activation of emergency control functions
(6)Activation of fire alarm notification appliances
(7)In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications
(8)Guard’s tour supervisory service
(9)Process monitoring supervisory systems
(10)Activation of off-premises signals
(11)Combination systems

72:23.3.3.2* Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Systems.
23.3.3.2.1
In facilities without a building fire alarm system, a dedicated function fire alarm system shall be permitted and shall not be required to include other functions or features of a building fire alarm system.
23.3.3.2.2
Where a dedicated function fire alarm system exists and a building fire alarm system is subsequently installed, the systems shall be interconnected and comply with 23.8.2.

The applicable occupancy chapter in LSC 101, the locally adopted building code, or a specific standard will tell you what to install and if a building fire alarm system is required. It will also tell if any required fire sprinkler system is required to be electronically monitored.

AHJ

8/30/2022 10:42:20 am

Thank you! This is very helpful. I’m not sure I have seen that section you referenced, “Dedicated function fire alarm system”…I will definitely check that out today. I wasn’t sure if NFPA 72 applied for these systems since they aren’t a full “fire alarm”. But this action answers that, thank you very much !

Wes

8/30/2022 05:03:44 pm

This ^^. Nailed it DS.

NFPA 72 actually defines this scenario as a Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System, and there are rules for that specifically.

It's definitely not a well-known definition or well-used terminology, but that's exactly what a Sprinkler Monitoring system is.

AHJ

8/30/2022 05:58:36 pm

Yes, I’m super grateful for this info. Game-changer! 🙏🏼

Greg

8/30/2022 09:36:13 am

The sections of code & standards cited above and specifically from DS, who identified NFPA 72, leads me to a fundamental question about the language used in the question....

the term "Fire Sprinkler Monitoring System" ... is jargon, correct?

There is not actually a 'fire sprinkler monitor' that would be different than what is commonly understood as a 'protected premise fire alarm' when we are talking about an electronic panel, of any kind related to fire, right ?

When we reflect on the history of fire alarm water flow, its been water motor gong, which led to the 120 VAC outside bell....

And where fire alarm boxes were concerned (the old wind up type) the alarm was transmitted via a box alarm system.

But when we moved our technology forward to connect to the fire alarm system, whether the old 120VAC systems or the current panels, these are still being connected to a protected premise fire alarm system...

I'm trying to wrap my head around the point in our history when we know we have an alarm related to fire and (when the technology is available) we would not want some form of occupant notification.

Has the use of the phrase fire sprinkler monitor system been coopted by unaware AHJs .... ?

AHJ

8/30/2022 10:45:18 am

I see your point. I definitely want occupant notification. I’m just trying to get a feel for the industry as a whole and ensure I’m not overstepping my bounds and requiring something for building owners when I don’t have the code/standards to back it up. I appreciate your input, thank you!

8/30/2022 12:12:45 pm

If you don't have a code path to require occupant notification via applicable codes, what advantage are you trying to gain by requiring a system or components that aren't supported by the code?

We are supposed to support or enforce minimum codes and standards. I'm not trying to say "extra things" are a bad idea to request but to make someone install something the codes doesn't support can be problematic.

chad

8/30/2022 10:59:07 am

If its a small R-2 (unit 16 units) or under 12 when an apartment building using NFPA, it will not require occupant notification. However----

You can require occupant notification in any building, I mean any..... that fits this from 2018 NFPA 1 assuming you have that at your disposal.

4.4.4 Occupant Notification. In every building or structure
of such size, arrangement, or occupancy that a fire itself could
not provide adequate occupant warning, fire alarm systems
shall be provided where necessary to warn occupants of the
existence of fire.

Greg

8/30/2022 12:01:24 pm

Yes, and think I could agree with you on R2. Although we have the knowledge to provide water flow alarms for each unit.

I suppose my belt-and suspender thinking is really what is at play here ... in that if we have the capability to use two different forms of event notification initiators (and two different circuits, most likely), then why rely on just one and is not each reacting to the product of fire (smoke / heat) and therefore of equal weight importance?

8/30/2022 12:22:19 pm

This is from the Fundamental Requirements section that is outlining the fundamental concepts that are to be addressed in other chapters of the Code. This not an all out requirement to require occupant notification. That is set forth in occupancy chapters or other applicable codes or standards.

Chad

8/30/2022 12:25:04 pm

Are you inferring an AHJ cannot use this section to require occupant notification in a let’s say brand new sprinkled 6 unit apartment building that has a panel monitoring a sprinkler system?

8/30/2022 12:41:32 pm

No.
The AHJ would use 101:30.3.5.1 or 903.2.8. This section is not intended to be a means of enforcing all buildings have a fire alarm system with occupant notification. If it was, than why would you need specific occupant requirements that are unique to the type of occupancy, use, or building configuration.

8/30/2022 12:49:31 pm

101:30.3.5.1
All buildings shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 30.3.5.2.

101:9.7.2.1.1
Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72 and a distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system.

101:9.7.2.1.2
Supervisory signals shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility.

101:30.3.4.1.1
Apartment buildings four or more stories in height or with more than 11 dwelling units, other than those meeting the requirements of 30.3.4.1.2, shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 9.6, except as modified by 30.3.4.2 through 30.3.4.5.

The apartment building with 6 units requires a fire sprinkler system, but does not require a fire alarm system, you would install a dedicated function fire alarm system. The only required audible alert would come from NFPA 13.

13:8.17.1.1 Local Waterflow Alarms.
A local waterflow alarm shall be provided on every sprinkler system having more than 20 sprinklers.

Anything else would be a recommendation or should instead of shall.

chad

8/30/2022 01:01:59 pm

Step out of 101 for a moment. I am referring to NFPA 1.

Anything else required by the AHJ, when properly backed, as in the case of 1.4.4.4, is a shall.

AHJ

8/30/2022 06:03:10 pm

Thanks very much everyone, this is all very helpful!! I am getting into the standards now and will be sure to share with my coworkers so we can all do a better job of interpreting the things we are seeing and enforcing.

Randy Kimbro

9/9/2022 02:40:00 pm

As an AHJ, lots of great information above. My 2 cents along with a little common sense is that a single pull station near the riser should be required by the AHJ.

[1] For annual testing
[2] For fire watch or the rare case where the water flow switch malfunctions and the alarm needs to be manually activated.

What is Needed with Sprinkler Monitoring Panel?

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