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ICT Today Nov/Dec

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58 I ICT TODAY capability verified through end-to-end communication. Since Ethernet wiring cannot meet all the fault monitoring requirements that normally apply to traditional wiring methods used for fire alarm circuits, the redundant path in this case is intended to compen- sate for it. In the 2019 edition of NFPA 72, work was done to make changes to Class N that gives the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) greater influence. This greater influence pertains to the design and installation, specific testing criteria, and design considerations where a device failure resulting from a multiple ground-fault pathway failure could disable an entire area or zone incapable of initiating or receiving signals, additional marking and access considerations for the Class N Life Safety Networking Cable, equipment and associated infrastructure, and additional detailed requirements on the required risk analysis. Chapter 21, Emergency Control Function Interfaces, contains significant changes with a complete rewrite of the Fire Service Access Elevators section. The Occupant Evacuation Elevators (OEE) section is overhauled as well. While the majority of these changes pertain to the programming and interface between the fire alarm control unit and the elevator controller, some pertain to in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems messaging during elevator operation scenarios. By far, the most significant change in the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 involves the integration of NFPA 720, Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment. With this change comes the important date of January 1, 2022. On this date, all newly installed household smoke alarms must meet listing specifications to distinguish between smoke generated by routine cooking and smoke generated by potentially more serious sources (e.g., furniture, flooring). This distinction is made to help eliminate nuisance alarms. Incorporating NFPA 720 into NFPA 72 allows the user to easily find requirements for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors all in the same document. Most of these changes will reside in Chapter 29, Single-and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems. For those occupancies other than household, the requirements for carbon monoxide detection systems are found in Chapter 23, Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems. While this article covers many significant changes, refer to the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 for a deeper dive into the world of fire alarm and life safety. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: Denise Pappas is the executive director, technical standards for Valcom and is part of the leadership teams of both Valcom and newly-acquired Keltron Corporation. Throughout her experience in the ICT and fire alarm industries, she participated in a variety of fire, life safety and emergency communications code committees. She recently worked in conjunction with the BICSI team to update the Fire Alarm Section of the BICSI 005-2016 Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices standard. She serves as vice chair of the ANSI/ BICSI 008-2018, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Systems Design and Implementation Best Practices standard and is a member of both the Intelligent Building and Healthcare standards technical subcommittees. She serves on NFPA 72, Chapter 24 Emergency Communication Systems, NFPA 101/5000 Life Safety Code, NFPA 99, and the Health Care Code. She also works on several ICC committees and is the communications and systems chair for NEMA 3SB. Denise has a degree in Communications and is a Certified Speaker and experienced presenter. She can be reached at dpappas@valcom.com. Look for the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 to be released in the 4th quarter 2018.

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