The Codes Are Not Always Clear

摘要

One of my responsibilities over the years has been to field questions from our members and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to help them find and understand code requirements. I have benefitted from the process as well. As a member of numerous technical committees for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), assisting members and AHJs provides valuable feedback to propose changes for rewritten and clarified code language, which cuts down on misinterpretations. Fewer misinterpretations means less time spent on each job, which improves profitability. I believe good communications among the stakeholders is one of the most important factors to providing a reliable fire protection system. Here is an issue that regularly arises. Must I connect duct detectors to a fire alarm control unit that is installed to monitor a fire sprinkler system? There has always been plenty of confusion about this. The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 added new language and definitions to help clear things up. The new definition for "Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System" states: "A protected premises fire alarm system installed specifically to perform fire safety function(s) where a building fire alarm system is not required."