Questions and Answers 02172022.docx

Question 1:

A. Drawing Sheet FA001, FIRE ALARM GENERAL NOTES states:

O. ALL CABLING CONCEALED IN WALLS SHALL BE IN 3/4" MIN. RIGID CONDUIT.

WHILE Specification Section 260533, RACEWAYS AND BOXES FOR ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, Paragraph 3.1 C states ½ inch minimum size.

Answer: Rigid not required, EMT and Fire Alarm MC Cable allowed.

B. Specs allow EMT in walls (Spec Section 260533 3.1.B.4) while Note O above requires Rigid Metal Conduit.

Answer: Rigid not required EMT and Fire Alarm MC Cable allowed.

Question 2:

A. Note P on Sheet FA001 states ALL CABLING WITHIN CEILING SPACE SHALL BE INSTALLED UTILIZING DEDICATED SYSTEM OF J-HOOKS.

Does “above ceiling space” imply j-hooks and open cabling can only be utilized above lay-in ceilings? If so, are the spaces with no lay-in ceilings to be conduit and cabling?

Answer: In open structure areas J hooks are allowed.

B. Is EMT acceptable in all spaces where open cabling and j-hooks are not allowed, if any?

Answer: Yes Question 3:

A Sheets F403 and FA404, General Note 4. Is this General Note for these sheets only?

Answer: Should apply to sheets 401, 402, 403, 404.

B. The General Note allows open cable in corridors with conduit and cabling above hard lid ceilings. Where are the hard ceilings located?

Answer: All lab spaces - surface mounted raceways allowed in hard lid areas where existing conduit cannot be reused.

Question 4:

Is the Fire Alarm system Class A or Class B?

Answer: Class B for notification and SLC. Equipment must be fully addressable. No T-tapping.

Question 5:

Can existing raceways be reused for the new system where ample capacity exists?

Answer: Yes Question 6:

Section 260533, 3.3 thru 3.7 describes underground raceways, duct banks and manholes. No evidence of this type of work can be found for this project.

Answer: Disregard

1. Can the wall mounted notification devices be changes to ceiling mounted notification devices? Yes, this is acceptable as long as it meets code requirements for candela and spacing.

1. When the existing Fire Alarm System is demolished what needs to happen to any wire, conduit, pipe that is in the wall? Wire shall be removed entirely. Conduit can be re-used as long as it’s for fire alarm. Empty conduit in walls to remain. Empty exposed conduit to be removed.

1. Can it be cut and abandoned in place? Wire shall be removed.

1. Does it need to be fully removed? Yes

1. When existing wall mounted devices are removed can a blank plate cover be installed or do all holes need to be patched an painted? Blank plate is acceptable for J boxes, painted to match existing wall. Conduit penetrations need to be patched and painted. All fire walls must be sealed.

1. There are numerous ceiling mounted devices that need to demolished/removed. What type of ceiling is the current ceiling? Majority of work spaces and hallways are open to structure. Offices and admin areas are lay-in ceiling tile.

3. Does it also need to be patched/painted or can blank plate covers be installed? Blank plate is acceptable.

3. Do ceiling tiles need to be replaced with new ones if there are lay in tiles? Contractor to replace ceiling tiles where needed due to holes from existing system and or contractor damage.

1. Can we get above the existing ceiling easily to perform installation of new wiring? Lay-in ceiling has insulation above some areas where tiles are. It is still accessible but consider the insulation in the way. Hard lid ceilings can be surface mounted. Conduit painted to match.

1. Attachment 2 Specifications SECTION 284621.11 - ADDRESSABLE FIRE-ALARM SYSTEMS paragraph 2.1.A.1.a states “New fire alarm system must be non-proprietary.”

Q: We plan to use Fike equipment which is also non-proprietary. Is this system acceptable? Yes, as long as it meets the specs.

1. Attachment 3 Drawings FA101-104 GENERAL DEMOLITION NOTES paragraph B states “DASHED DEVICES AND FIXTURES TO BE DISCONNECTED AND REMOVED ENTIRELY UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.”

Q: Does ‘ENTIRELY‘ include any conduit attached to devices and fixtures that may be behind walls or out of plain sight? Wire shall be removed entirely. Conduit can be re-used as long as it’s for fire alarm. Empty conduit in walls to remain. Empty exposed conduit to be removed.