Life Safety Code Questions Answered

VHCA (3/25/2010)

In a recent seminar Ron Reynolds, Chief Deputy with the State Fire Marshal's Office, provided a checklist of important things in the Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72), the Sprinkler Testing Code (NFPA 25), and other codes.  However, the checklist is not meant to be all inclusive of those codes.  There are many different testing requirements for weekly, monthly and annual tests for emergency generators that are not covered in this simplistic check sheet.

1)  Can a generator use a 24-hour monitored service, such as a listed monitoring station often used for fire alarm systems, instead of a remote panel in a nurses station or other on-site 24 hour occupied area?  The answer is yes.

2)  What is an emergency power system, what is emergency power, and what is connected to emergency power?  The document, located here, contains the sections from the 2006 Virginia Construction Code currently in effect in Virginia, and the section from the LSC Booklet.  These sections refer to where emergency power is required. The actual definition of emergency power is found in NFPA 110, and is not an easy answer, since there are different variations of Level 1 and Level 2 systems, and associated equipment.  We suggest that owners of emergency generators purchase a copy of NFPA 110, Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

a.  (From NFPA 110, A.4.4.1) Level 1 systems are intended to automatically supply illumination or power, or both, to critical areas and equipment in the event of failure of the primary supply or in the event of danger to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.  Level 1 systems usually supply emergency power for assembly occupancies greater than 1000 persons or in buildings above 75 feet in height with any of the following occupancy classes: assembly, educational, detention, correctional, business, residential, and mercantile.  Another occupancy typically served by Level 1 systems is health care where the combined load of the critical branch, life safety branch, and equipment system is greater than 150 kVA.  Essential electrical systems can provide power for the following essential functions:

• Life safety illumination
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Elevators
• Fire pumps
• Public safety communication systems
• Industrial processes where current interruption would produce serious life safety or health hazards
• Essential ventilating and smoke removal systems 

b.   (From NFPA 110, A.4.4.2) Level 2 systems typically are intended to supply power automatically to selected loads (other than those classified as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the primary source. Level 2 systems typically are installed to serve loads, such as the following, that, when stopped due do interruption of the primary electrical supply, could create hazards or hamper rescue or fire-fighting operations:                  

• Heating and refrigeration systems
• Communication systems
• Ventilation an smoke removal systems
• Sewage disposal
• Lighting
• Industrial processes 

NFPA codes and standards such as NFPA 110, NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code 2007, and NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems 2008 can be found here, or by calling 1.800.344.3555. 

If you have questions, you can reach Ron Reynolds at 804.612.7268.