61G15-32.008. Design of Fire Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Control Systems

(1) Fire alarms and detection systems include fire protection supervision, emergency alarm circuits, activation of life safety system controls and remote signaling of emergency conditions. Items to be considered in the design or analysis of fire alarm and detection systems are, as applicable to the particular project: occupancy and classification, monitoring, control and communication, cabling and supervision requirements, installation requirements, interoperability and performance requirements.

(2) The design specifications shall be based on the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, or as required by the local authority having jurisdiction. The Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code are incorporated by reference in Rule 61G15-18.011, F.A.C.

(3) For Engineering Documents pertaining to Fire Protection Systems exempted by the threshold requirements for mandatory use of professional engineering services, the Engineer of Record shall determine the level of detail shown on plans for a Fire Protection system. All such plans shall include a disclaimer stating the Fire Protection system is exempt from professional engineering services and shall provide a clear understanding of the minimum system requirements expected to be installed by the contractor and permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In the event the Engineer of Record provides more information and direction than is minimally required, he or she shall be held responsible for the technical accuracy of the work in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and sound engineering principles.

(4) To ensure minimum design quality of Fire Alarm and Detection Systems Engineering Documents, said documents shall include as a minimum the following information when applicable:

(a) The documents shall be clear, with a symbols legend, system riser diagram showing all initiation and notification components, and cabling requirements. The documents shall indicate locations where fire ratings are required as determined by the system’s survivability requirements, and shall identify the general occupancy of the protected property and each room and area unless it is clear from features shown.

(b) Locate initiation and notification devices and connections to related systems on the floor plans and sections when needed for clarity. Related systems include elevator controls, smoke control systems, dampers, door release, any other systems or elements directly or indirectly controlled or monitored.

(c) Strobe intensity and speaker output ratings for all notification devices.

(d) Identify the Class of circuits as listed in NFPA 72, which is contained within and incorporated into the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

(e) Identify the functions required by the alarm and control systems including the transmission of emergency signals being monitored or annunciated.

(f) Indicate whether the fire alarm is conventional zoned or digital addressable, and indicate all zoning.

(g) Locate surge protective devices and required protective features.

(h) Identify and locate system devices that are subject to environmental factors, and indicate requirements for the protection of equipment from temperature, humidity or corrosive atmospheres, including coastal salt air.

(i) The documents shall include a site plan of the immediate area around the protected building, structure or equipment when alarm devices are required outside the structure.

(j) In buildings where smoke detection will be obstructed by walls, beams or ceiling features, the Engineer of Record shall provide applicable design and details to direct the installer to mitigate the obstructions. In buildings with smoke detection under a pitched roof, the plans shall indicate the roof pitch and a building section shall be provided as part of the Engineering Design Documents.

(k) For fire detection systems utilizing smoke detection in situations where smoke stratification is anticipated, the design shall provide the necessary criteria to mitigate the detection problems.

(l) Systems designed using Performance Based criteria shall be identified and referenced to design guides or standards approved by the local authority having jurisdiction consistent with standards adopted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Florida Building Code.

(m) The system design must indicate if the system is to provide a general evacuation signal or a zoned evacuation for all high-rise buildings or multi-tenanted properties as defined in section 2 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

(n) Wiring requirements for underground, wet locations, campus style wiring, protection against damage and burial depth shall be specified or indicated on the engineering design documents.

(o) Requirements for operations and maintenance procedures, manuals, system documentation, and instruction of Owner’s operating personnel, as needed to operate the systems as intended.

(5) In the event that the Engineer of Record elects to specify specific equipment and to show the required wiring, battery and voltage drop (circuit analysis) calculations shall be completed. The calculations shall be completed using the equipment manufacturer’s data and applicable NFPA 72 procedures.

(6) System test requirements shall be noted on the Engineering Design Documents.

(7) When the Engineer of Record determines that special requirements are required by the owner, insurance underwriter or local fire code amendments these requirements shall be documented or referenced on the Engineering Design Documents.

(8) This rule shall be reviewed, and if necessary, repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date.

Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033 FS. History–New 5-19-93, Formerly 21H-32.008, Amended 3-26-09, 3-28-17, 7-25-19, 3-23-22, 5-22-23.