Solicitation Attach 6 - 283111 Fire Alarm Spec 3-15.pdf

William M Steger Federal Building United States Courthouse

Tyler Texas Kahua #18492

DIGITAL ADDRESSABLE VOICE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SECTION 283111

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and other Division Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2 SUMMARY

A. This Section includes fire alarm systems with manual stations, detectors, voice and visual notification appliances, network node panels, remote power supplies, AHU interfacing, elevator recall interfacing, security system and door interfacing, kitchen equipment interfacing, etc. to provide a complete building voice evacuation system.

B. Provide a minimum of 70 dBA sound level, with no ambient background sound, throughout all rooms and corridors.

C. Provide a minimum Common Intelligibility Scale rating of 0.70.

D. Provide speaker locations such that speaker spacing is no more than 20 feet between speakers in open areas.

E. Provide strobes, speakers, and speaker-strobes in all areas and rooms shown on the drawings.

F. Due to ambient lighting, ceiling mounted strobes shall be spaced as indicated in NFPA 72 tables but, at a minimum, their candela ratings shall be 2X the rating in the tables.

G. Provide two (2) speaker/strobes minimum for all elevator machine and mechanical rooms.

H. Provide strobes only in restrooms with speaker within 5 feet outside restroom door.

I. Provide synchronization of all strobes per floor and all floors that are visually connected.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. Authority Having Jurisdiction: GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

B. Definitions in NFPA 72 apply to fire alarm terms used in this Specification.

C. Approval: Approval by the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

D. Visually Connected: One floor can be seen from another floor through windows or glazed walls or areas. Example, an atrium.

E. Provide: Furnish and Install

F. Ambient Lighting: Lighting in office areas and rooms. It is typically more than 500 Lux.

G. Certified/Authorized Distributor: An independent fire alarm contractor that is a certified and authorized distributor to design, install and maintain the manufacturer’s fire alarm system/ equipment.

H. Circuit Integrity Cable (CI): UL 2196 Listed cable that can perform under 1850°F for 2 hours.

1.4 SYSTEM DESIGN DESCRIPTION

A. The design shall meet In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems (EVACS) as described in NFPA 72 and these specifications.

B. The contractor shall furnish and install a complete networked nodal, "intelligent", fire alarm voice evacuation and communication system as specified herein and indicated on the drawings. The system shall include, but not be limited to, all control equipment, remote network node panels, interfacing, power supplies, signal initiating and notification devices, conduit, wire, fittings, and all other accessories required to provide a complete and operational system as herein specified.

C. Provide a network node panel and amplifiers on the 1st floor of the “new” building TX0262, an operator’s console node that shows system events and has a microphone with paging capabilities in the US Marshals space on the 3rd floor of the “new” building TX0262, the basement in the O and

M contractor’s office in the “old” building TX0182 and the penthouse of the “old” building TX0182.

Both are allowed to be in the same cabinet as long as the heat dissipation meets manufacturer’s requirements. See panel bullet points below:

“Old Bldg.” Bldg.TX0182

• Node Control Panel with display and paging in O & M Office in basement

• Node Panel in Penthouse

“New Bldg.” Bldg.TX0262

• Node Control Panel with display and paging on the 1st Floor

• Node Panel with Display and paging in US Marshals on the 3rd Floor, No system control

D. The network node panels will operate both buildings as one system. The node panel on the 1st Floor of the “new” building TX0262 will have a display with full network control and operate the SLC and Audio circuits on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the “new” building. The basement node panel in the

“old” building TX0182 will have a display with control showing system events and will operate the

SLC and Audio circuits of the basement, 1st floor, and mezzanine of the “old” building TX0182. The node panel located in the penthouse of the “old” building TX0182 will operate the SLC and Audio circuits located on the 3rd floor, 4th floor and penthouse. See panel bullet points below:

“Old Bldg.” Bldg.TX0182

• Node Control Panel in O & M Office in basement operates the following circuits:

1) Basement SLC & Audio

2) 1st Floor SLC & Audio

3) Mezzanine SLC & Audio

• Node Panel in Penthouse operates the following circuits:

1) 3rd Floor SLC & Audio

2) 4th Floor SLC & Audio

3) Penthouse SLC & Audio

“New Bldg.” Bldg.TX0262

• Node Control Panel on the 1st Floor operates the following circuits:

1) 1st Floor SLC & Audio

2) 2nd Floor SLC & Audio

3) 3rd Floor SLC & Audio

4) Penthouse SLC & Audio

• Node Panel on 3rd Fl US Marshals Space does not operate any circuits, it is just a networked node for system display and microphone paging capabilities only.

E. Provide voice evacuation circuits with the speaker outputs to be distributive throughout each floor of the building.

F. Provide a Digital Voice Module in each node panel. A centralized voice command module is not allowed.

G. Distribute power supplies throughout floor to minimize voltage drops.

H. Network Circuits shall be Class ‘X’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 2, 3, or 4 or as required by the GSA FPE.

I. Floor Signaling Line Circuits (SLC) shall originate from the node panel designated to operate that floor and shall be Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 0 or 1 “Floor Signaling Line Circuits AND Audio circuits originating from the US Marshals control panel are not allowed.”

J. Signaling Line Circuits, other than individual floor Signaling Line Circuits, shall be Level 0 or 1 as required by the GSA FPE.

K. Initiation Device Circuits (IDC) shall be Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 0 or 1.

L. Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC) shall be Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 0 or 1.

M. Fire Fighters Telephone Circuits (FFT) (if used) shall be Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability of Level 2, 3, or 4.

N. Area of refuge (if used) emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of

Level 2, 3, or Level 4.

O. Class A and Class X circuits using physical conductors (e.g., metallic, optical fiber) shall be installed so that the primary and redundant, or outgoing and return conductors, exiting from and returning to the network node or fire alarm control panel, respectively, are routed separately. Outgoing and returning conduits installed horizontally shall be separated by 4 feet in all directions. Outgoing and returning conduits installed vertically shall be separated by 1 foot in all directions.

P. No taps or splices are allowed on any of the circuits. All wiring, including SLC wiring, must route through each and every box and device.

Q. Provide a minimum of 2 speaker circuits and 2 strobe circuits per floor.

1.5 SUBMITTALS – PARTIAL SUBMITTALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

A. Prior to construction, the installing fire alarm contractor shall provide complete and detailed submittals and shop drawings, which shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Full, complete, and detailed design and drawings certified by NICET IV designer or approved equal.

2. Line by line specification review stating either compliance or deviation. Explain reason for deviation.

3. Complete system bill of material including all electrical components and devices.

4. Factory data sheets for all of the following: all electrical conduits, outlet boxes, junction boxes, terminal boxes, hangers, and all other components and devices.

5. Complete installation manual for all panels, amplifiers, and modules proposed for installation.

Operation manuals are not acceptable.

6. Shop Drawing Requirements:

a. Contractor is expected to survey the entire building to understand challenges and limitations of installation prior to shop drawing development.

b. Identify ceiling types on the shop drawings (lay-in tile, sheet rock or hard lid ceilings).

c. Provide scaled shop drawings, in color, produced using AutoCAD. All text is to be black in color and not allowed to be less than 1/8 inch in height. Scale is not allowed to be less than architectural drawings or 1/8 inch = 1 foot whichever is larger.

d. Provide 30” X 42” paper copy of shop drawings in color.

e. Only the following colors are allowed:

1) Red - SLC

2) Blue - NAC

3) Green – Control Module to Relay Circuit

4) Orange – 24V Power

5) Purple – Monitor Module Circuit

f. Provide .dwg and pdf files on CD or DVD media. Bind .dwg files with xref files.

g. Provide all system devices including modules, interfacing device, wire fill in each section of conduit, wire sizes in each section of conduit, and conduit sizes.

h. Provide color coded routing of all Class A notification appliance circuits on drawings from panel out through all of the devices and return to panel.

i. Provide all device addresses on shop drawings.

j. Provide notification appliance identification numbering and sequence on floor and riser drawings.

k. Provide detailed riser diagrams reflecting floor device layout including associated conduit sizes.

l. Detailed connections to ALL interfaced equipment including, but not limited to, elevators, AHU’s, door holders, egress doors, Building Automation Systems, smoke control systems, sprinkler systems, fire pump, etc. Drawings must provide detailed connections specific to this project.

m. Provide detailed control panel, network node panel, power supply, and amplifier panel circuits, connections, and wiring on shop drawings.

n. Typical manufacturer’s drawings and details are not acceptable.

o. Provide wiring and symbol legend on ALL sheets of shop drawings.

7. Voice Evacuation Speaker Circuit Requirements:

a. Provide a maximum of 50 speakers per circuit. Each speaker shall be set at 70 volts and at 0.25 watts each.

b. Other wattage settings are acceptable but the circuit is not allowed to exceed 12.5 watts.

8. Load Calculations:

a. Provide calculations showing that no individual initiation, SLC, or notification circuit is loaded beyond 80% of its manufacturer’s listed capacity.

b. Provide calculations that show that the total load for each remote power supply or FACP power supply is 80% or less of its capacity.

c. Provide calculations that show that the total load for each amplifier is 80% or less of its capacity.

9. Voltage Drop Calculations:

a. Provide voltage drop calculations, for the visual notification appliance circuits, with all devices assumed at the end of the total length of the Class ‘A’ circuit. Use the maximum

UL RMS current of the devices. Provide calculations such that no more than a 2.4 VDC voltage drop occurs in the circuit using 14 AWG solid copper conductors at a resistance of 3.07 ohms per 1000 feet. Only 14 AWG is allowed for the visual notification appliance circuits.

b. Provide manufacturer’s voltage drop requirement if less than 2.4 VDC.

10. Provide conductor fill calculations for all conduits as follows:

a. No more than (6) six 2 conductor cables in ¾ inch EMT.

b. No more than (9) nine 2 conductor cables in 1 inch EMT.

11. Provide box fill calculations for all outlet, junction, pull, and terminal boxes. Provide calculations in accordance with NEC Article 314.16. Provide 3 cubic inches for each cable.

Boxes with speakers mounted, add 6 cubic inches. Contact GSA FPE for guidance if necessary.

12. Power limited and non-power limited wiring is not allowed in the same wireway.

13. Provide 6 X 6 inch minimum width hinged wireways with the hinge at the top.

14. Provide battery calculations for all fire alarm panels, except remote power supplies, as follows:

a. Calculate standby battery requirements per manufacturer’s installation requirements.

b. Provide calculations per manufacturer’s latest method and format. Modified or different calculation spreadsheets will not be acceptable.

c. Provide batteries with capacity rated at 150% of the above calculated value.

d. Each amplifier or separate amplifier cabinet shall have its own set of batteries. Amplifier batteries are not allowed to be shared by a node or fire alarm control panel unless the amplifiers are an integral part of the panel. For example, plug in card amplifiers.

e. Battery manufacturing date must not be more than 6 months before installation date.

15. Software programming matrix with all labels and addresses.

16. Heat shrink labels

a. Provide heat shrink labels on each cable at all terminations and terminal strip splices.

b. Provide samples of heat shrink labels to be utilized.

B. Provide product submittal data with fire alarm installer's name, manufacturer, project name, NICET Level IV certification, and the installer’s State fire alarm license. The State fire alarm license shall be issued from the State in which the project resides.

C. Only initiation and notification devices have been shown on contract drawings. Specific wiring between equipment/devices may not be shown. It is the contractor’s responsibility to submit for approval the complete system configuration and layout showing all devices, wiring, conduit, interfacing with building systems, and locations along with other required information as specified herein to provide a complete operational system as indicated in this specification and on the drawings.

D. It shall be the responsibility of the installing contractor to coordinate all requirements surrounding installation of the fire alarm system with all other trades.

1.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: Installation shall be accomplished by a certified and authorized distributor of the product submitted having a minimum of five years’ experience in the installation of voice evacuation fire alarm systems of submitted manufacturer, size and type. Only certified and authorized distributors are acceptable.

B. The services of a NICET Level IV Fire Alarm Systems Designer currently certified on the system to be installed by the fire alarm control equipment manufacturer shall be provided to design the fire alarm system and produce shop drawings. The NICET Level IV designer shall be a full time employee of the installing contractor for a minimum of 5 years

C. The services of a NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems Technician currently certified on the system to be installed by the fire alarm control equipment manufacturer and a full time employee of the installer for a minimum of 3 years shall be provided to supervise installation, adjustments, and tests of the fire alarm system. This technician shall be in attendance at all times during system installation including the installation of the conduit and fire alarm wiring.

D. Source Limitations: Provide all fire alarm system components through the submitted manufacturer.

E. Compliance: Consult and comply with all requirements of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

F. Comply with all codes and standards as follows:

1. NFPA 72, 2022, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, including all annex material.

Substitute the word “shall” where the word “should” is in the Annex.

2. NFPA 90A, 2021, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, including all annex material. Substitute the word “shall” where the word “should” appears in the Annex. .

3. NFPA 70, 2020, National Electrical Code.

4. NFPA 101, 2021, Life Safety Code, including all appendix material.

5. PBS-P100 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, 2021 edition.

G. Any conflicts between the referenced codes, drawings, and these specifications shall be brought to the attention of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer for resolution. Only the GSA Fire Protection Engineer shall provide interpretations or resolve conflicts between these specifications, drawings, and any referenced codes.

1.7 EXTRA MATERIALS

A. Furnish extra materials described below that match products installed and that are packaged in original boxes for storage and identified with labels describing contents.

1. Speakers: Provide a minimum of 5 devices.

2. Speaker-strobe: Provide a minimum of 5 devices.

3. Strobe: Provide a minimum of 5 devices.

4. Smoke Detectors: Provide a minimum of 5 devices.

5. Duct Smoke Detectors (if provided): Provide a minimum of 3 devices.

6. Heat Detectors (if provided): Provide a minimum of 2 devices.

7. Detector Bases: Provide one base for each detector provided.

8. Keys and Tools: Two sets for access to all locked and tamperproof components.

9. Printer: Provide a minimum of 6 printer ribbons.

1.8 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM

A. Alarm Detection

1. When a fire alarm condition is detected by the fire alarm control panel, the following functions shall occur:

a. A minimum 80 character liquid crystal display shall indicate all applicable information associated with the alarm condition including zone, device type, device location, and time of alarm. Location and zoning messages shall be custom field programmed to the respective premises.

b. Display the status change messages on the system printer.

c. Display system status changes on the remote annunciator(s).

d. Activate the alert tone throughout the building. Upon expiration of the alert tone, the voice evacuation message shall be transmitted throughout both buildings.

Activate all visual notification devices throughout both buildings.

e. Release all electronically locked egress doors.

f. Release all electronically locked stairwell exit doors.

g. If the alarm condition included an elevator lobby smoke detector, or elevator machine room smoke detector, recall all elevators serving the affected lobby area to the first floor as specified herein, or to the alternate floor if the alarm condition originates in the first floor elevator lobby.

2. Alarm verification of 30 seconds shall be field programmed for each detector.

3. All designated non-silenceable auxiliary control functions shall remain in operation until such time as the control panel is cleared of alarms and reset manually.

4. Silencing of the audible notification appliances shall also extinguish the associated visual notification appliances.

B. System Trouble Detection

1. When a trouble condition is detected by the fire alarm control panel, the following functions shall occur:

a. The fire alarm control panel trouble indicator shall flash and the internal audible device shall sound. Acknowledgment of the trouble condition shall silence the audible device and cause trouble indicators to illuminate in a steady manner.

b. The minimum 80 character liquid crystal display shall display all applicable information associated with the respective trouble condition.

c. Display the system status changes on the remote annunciator(s).

d. Display the status change messages on the system printer.

C. System Supervisory Detection

1. When a supervisory condition is detected by the fire alarm control panel, the following functions shall occur:

a. The fire alarm control panel supervisory indicator shall flash and the internal audible device shall sound. Acknowledgment of the supervisory condition shall silence the audible device and cause the supervisory indicator to illuminate in a steady manner.

b. The 80 character liquid crystal display shall display all applicable information associated with the respective supervisory condition.

c. Display the system status change on the remote annunciator(s).

d. Display the status change messages on the system printer.

2. Activation of smoke detectors associated with air handling unit fans and outside air fans shall shut down their respective units. Shut down shall be accomplished by direct connection to the motor control unit (starter or VFD) with addressable fire alarm control modules AND auxiliary relays. Shutdown of the HVAC unit through the Building Management System is prohibited. HVAC smoke detectors shall provide a supervisory signal to the fire alarm system.

1.9 ZONING

A. The system shall use "Intelligent" smoke detectors and addressable interface devices capable of being recognized and annunciated at the main panel and network node control panels on an individual basis. All zoning/device location information shall be totally field programmable to exact job requirements as approved by the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

B. The system shall utilize remote network node panels for distributed voice communications and auxiliary control output circuits. Remote network node panels shall communicate with the main fire alarm control panel via the network data loop.

C. Provide isolation modules at the point of network entry to and from each node panel if needed to achieve Class X performance. Each floor shall have it’s own dedicated SLC circuit. Any fault on an individual floors SLC shall not affect any other floors SLC circuit.

D. Provide a minimum of 2 speaker circuits per floor, a minimum of 2 strobe circuits per floor, and a separate speaker circuit for each stairwell with speakers located at each floor level.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MANUFACTURERS

A. Fire Alarm Manufacturers: All equipment and components shall be new and the manufacturer’s current model. Provide products indicated by one of the following manufacturers or approved equal:

1. Siemens Building Technologies, Cerberus Pro Modular

a. PAD-4 Remote Power Supply or approved equal.

2. EST; EST4X Voice EVAC

a. BPS6A Remote Power Supply or approved equal.

3. Notifier; NFS3030 with DAA-2 amplifiers.

a. PSE-10 Remote Power Supply or approved equal.

4. Approved equal: Will be determined by the Regional Fire Protection Engineer who will evaluate the proposed equipment for:

Functionality: Equal features as the three models specified and meeting all specification requirements.

Quality Controls: The manufacturer must limit the purchase, design, installation, and repair of their fire alarm systems / equipment strictly through certified / authorized distributorships.

Serviceability: Manufacturers must license a minimum of three independent Fire Alarm installation contractors as certified (authorized) distributors of their brand of fire alarm products within 200 miles of the project site.

B. Functionality: Fire Alarm panel shall be modular by design, meaning each function component such as the SLC portion, Speaker output, networking portion and so on is a modular card that can be changed out in the event of its failure to ensure that the failure of one component does not inhibit the entire system and repair of an item does not require that total reinstallation of the fire alarm control panel.

C. Display

1. The Display shall provide a minimum 80-character backlit, supertwist, Liquid Crystal Display

(LCD). It shall provide Light-Emitting Diodes (LED's) for AC power; system alarm; system trouble; display trouble; and disable.

D. Serial Interface

1. The Serial Interface shall provide the following:

a. A minimum of two RS-232D ports for remote printers.

b. A minimum of one RS-485 port for remote annunciators.

E. Field Programming

1. The system shall be 100% field programmable and shall not require replacement of memory

IC's. Systems requiring factory programming/re-programming or field replacement of memory chips shall not be acceptable. All programs shall be stored in non-volatile RAM memory. Programming shall be accomplished only after entering an appropriate password security code. System programming mode shall not require the system to be taken off-line nor prohibit the system from performing its normal operations and routines. The system shall be capable of revising programmed functions or system expansion at any time subsequent to initialization as described herein without factory modifications or factory reprogramming.

Field programming via the use of external computers may be considered provided programming can be accomplished on-site.

F. Event History

1. The main fire alarm panel shall have the resident ability to store a minimum of 400 system events in chronological order of occurrence. Event history shall include all system alarms, troubles, operator actions, unverified alarms, circuit/point alterations, and component failures. Events shall be time and date stamped. Events shall be stored in a non-volatile buffer memory. Access to the history buffer shall be secured via a password security code.

G. Fire Alarm Control Panel and Network Node Panel Power Supply

1. The Fire Alarm Panel shall be protected by a UL 1449 surge protection device.

2. The power supply shall provide all control panel and peripheral power needs with filtered and regulated 24VDC power.

3. Input power shall be 120VAC 60Hz. The power supply shall provide for charging and supervision of batteries. The power supply shall provide both positive and negative ground fault supervision, battery/charger fail condition, A.C. power fail indicators.

4. The power supply shall provide charging of standby batteries with a capacity for 24-hour standby capacity plus 15-minute full building alarm, with a battery charger using dual-rate charging techniques for fast battery recharge. The power supply shall be capable of charging a minimum of 100 ampere-hour batteries within a 48 hour period.

5. Visual Notification appliances are not allowed to be powered from or connected to the Fire Alarm Control Panel or the network node panel.

H. Remote Power Supplies

1. The Remote Power Supply shall be protected by a UL 1449 surge protection device.

2. Provide UL listed remote power supplies for all visual notification appliances as needed per floor.

3. Remote Power Supplies:

a. The remote power supplies are designed for use as either a remote 24 volt power supply or used to power visual notification appliances.

b. The remote power supplies shall be of the same manufacturer as the Fire Alarm Control

Panel.

c. Each floor with have at minimum 1 dedicated remote power supply to power it’s visual notification circuits. Due the lack of mechanical closet space in the “old” building TX0182, floors 3 and 4’s remote power supplies will be physically installed in the penthouse with circuits serving their respective floors. (unless contractor can find approved physical space on floor to install the remote power supply)

d. Each circuit of the remote power supply shall not be loaded more than 1.2 amperes or more than the manufacturer’s requirements, whichever is lower.

e. Provide batteries with a minimum rating of 12 ampere-hours.

f. Each remote power supply shall be activated by an addressable control module and monitored by a separate addressable monitor module.

g. Remote power supplies shall not be controlled directly by a signaling line circuit and shall not be programmable.

h. Provide a permanent label for each remote power supply. Label shall be plastic laminate with etched lettering at a minimum font height of ¼ inch. Labels shall be white with red lettering. The designation of the remote power supply indicated on the permanent label shall be reflected at the Fire Alarm Control Panel and node panel display to identify each remote power supply in the system. Each label shall indicate the electrical panel and circuit supplying the power supply.

i. Provide a maximum load on any circuit such that it is no more than 80% of the maximum current allowed by manufacturer.

j. Provide a total maximum load of 80% or less of the maximum current allowed for the remote power supply.

4. The remote power supplies shall provide both positive and negative ground fault supervision, battery/charger fail condition, A.C. power fail indicators.

I. Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter:

1. Digital alarm communicator transmitter shall be acceptable to the Remote or Central Station and shall comply with UL 632 and be listed and labeled by an NRTL.

2. Functional Performance: Unit shall receive an alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal from fire-alarm control unit and automatically capture two telephone lines and dial a preset number for a remote or central station. When contact is made with the remote or central station, signals shall be transmitted. If service on either line is interrupted for longer than 45 seconds, the transmitter shall initiate a local trouble signal and transmit the signal indicating loss of telephone line to the remote alarm receiving station over the remaining line. Transmitter shall automatically report telephone service restoration to the remote or central station. If service is lost on both telephone lines, transmitter shall initiate the local trouble signal

3. Local functions and display at the digital alarm communicator transmitter shall include the following:

a. Verification that both telephone lines are available.

b. Programming device.

c. LED display.

d. Manual test report function and manual transmission clear indication.

e. Communications failure with the central station or fire-alarm control unit.

4. Digital data transmission shall include the following:

a. Address of the alarm-initiating device.

b. Address of the supervisory signal.

c. Address of the trouble-initiating device.

d. Loss of ac supply or loss of power.

e. Low battery.

f. Abnormal test signal.

g. Communication bus failure.

5. The DACT shall support independent zone/point reporting when used in the Contact ID format.

In this format the DACT shall support transmission of up to 2,040 points. This enables the central station to have exact details concerning the origin of the fire or response emergency.

6. Provide DACT transmission wiring in EMT conduit from the Fire Alarm Control Panel to the telephone demark connection point.

7. Provide 2 dedicated voice grade loop start telephone lines from the telephone service to the telephone demark location.

2.2 FIRE COMMAND ROOM

A. Provide a main fire alarm control and voice communication panel in the designated fire command room.

B. The GSA fire protection engineer shall designate the fire command room.

C. The voice communication control panel shall be of the same manufacture as the Fire Alarm Control Panel and be modular in design utilizing solid state microprocessor circuitry.

D. Communications Controls: The communications control panel shall incorporate the following controls and indicators:

1. All Call Switch

2. General Alarm Switch

3. Audio Trouble LED

4. Audio Level LED

5. Manual Tone/Message Select Switches With LED Indicators

6. Telephone Page Selector Switch

7. Speaker Zone Select Switches

8. Telephone Zone Select Switches

9. Master Paging Microphone

10. Master Firefighter’s Telephone Handset

E. Paging

1. The microprocessor based one way paging system shall be provided with a means to selectively or simultaneously activate voice, tones or prerecorded messages to any or all zones in the system.

2. Each speaker circuit shall be supervised for opens, shorts or grounds. All speaker circuits shall be power limited. Each speaker circuit shall be provided with an amber trouble LED for circuit trouble conditions and an active/on LED indicator.

3. The system shall have the ability to provide any combination of standard digitized factory programmed messages, custom field programmable digitized messages, and/or alarm tones.

2.3 Audio Amplifiers

1. Each amplifier shall be continuously monitored for proper output level. Each amplifier shall be equipped with diagnostic indicators.

2. Each amplifier shall provide between 25 and 70 watts of 70V RMS power. Larger amplifiers are not allowed.

3. Bulk amplification is not allowed. No amplifier shall exceed 70 watts at 70V RMS.

4. No amplifier shall be loaded more than 80% of its rating.

5. Amplifiers shall be digital with separate digital voice module in each amplifier panel.

6. Analog amplifiers are not allowed.

7. All speaker circuits, inputs and outputs, shall be Class A and provided with minimum Level 1 pathway survivability.

8. Provide, in the fire control room voice panel, remote voice panel, and in each network node panel, at least one dedicated back up amplifier for the amplifiers in each panel. The backup amplifier must be the same size as the largest amplifier being used in the panel.

9. The fire alarm alert tone shall be a temporal 3 tone with standby default tone in the event the primary tone fails. Transfer to default tone shall also be automatic upon failure of any digitized voice message.

2.4 PRINTER

A. A high impact dot matrix printer shall be provided in the fire control room. The printer shall provide hard-copy printouts of all changes in status of the system and shall time-stamp such printouts with the current time-of-day and date. The printer shall be wide carriage with 80-characters per line and shall use standard pin-feed paper. The printer shall communicate with the control panel using an interface complying with EIA standard RS-232D. Printer shall be capable of operating on parallel or serial outputs. Power to the printer shall be 120VAC at 60Hz. The printer shall print all status information including status, zone, device/point, and programmed custom ID messages.

B. Provide separate table for printer.

C. Thermal printers are not acceptable.

D. Provide location of printer per GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

2.5 INTELLIGENT PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTORS

A. Analog addressable photoelectric smoke detectors shall be provided where indicated on the drawings.

2.6 AIR HANDLER SMOKE DETECTOR.

A. Provide an analog addressable photoelectric smoke detector installed inside of an air sampling duct detector or approved equal duct detector on the discharge plenum of each air handling unit greater than 2000 cfm and on both the discharge and return air plenum of units exceeding 15,000 cfm and serving more than one floor.

2.7 ADDRESSABLE MANUAL STATIONS

A. Manual stations shall be provided where indicated on the drawings.

2.8 REMOTE ADDRESSABLE MONITOR MODULE

A. Addressable monitor modules shall be provided where required to interface with contact devices and remote power supplies.

B. Each contact device, requiring monitoring by the fire alarm system, shall have a separate monitor module and separate address.

C. The circuit shall be an IDC and configured as Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 1.

2.9 REMOTE ADDRESSABLE CONTROL MODULE

A. Addressable control modules shall be provided for Class A interfacing with auxiliary relays used for fan control, unlocking doors, elevator recall, door holders, air handler unit shutdown, etc.

B. The control module shall be installed at the power supply with the relay installed at the system or device being controlled. Provide Class A circuit between control module and relay.

C. The control circuit shall be configured as Class ‘A’. Pathway survivability shall be Level 1.

D. A status LED shall be provided.

2.10 AUXILIARY RELAYS

A. Auxiliary relays shall be polarized and provided for interfacing to elevator recall, smoke control systems, HVAC, door unlocking, door holders, and AHU controls. Relays shall be heavy duty type and rated a minimum of 10 amps at 115 VAC resistive. Relays shall be provided with a metal NEMA I dust cover assembly with connected junction box and be provided with DPDT contacts as well as activated LED indicator. Provide MR-201 or equal.

2.11 LCD REMOTE ANNUNCIATORS

A. LCD remote annunciators shall be provided as indicated on the drawings

B. LCD remote annunciators shall be semi-flush, flush, or pedestal mounted in an approved location.

C. LCD remote annunciators shall have a minimum 80 character display which mimics the main fire control panel display and status indicators.

D. As a minimum the LCD remote annunciators shall provide the following remote functions

AKNOWLEDGE, RESET, and SIGNAL SILENCE. The remote annunciators shall include the ability to block out the use of these control functions via programming.

E. The remote annunciators shall receive power and data from the fire alarm system.

2.12 SPEAKERS

A. Speakers shall be equipped with a matching transformer with field selectable taps at ¼ watt, ½ watt, 1 watt or 2 watts. Speakers shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.

B. All speakers shall be tapped at ¼ watt unless noted otherwise herein and on the drawings.

C. All speakers must provide a minimum of 75 dBA at 10 feet.

D. Speakers shall be standard white in color.

E. Speakers shall be installed on the ceiling where possible as indicated on the drawings. Wall mounting shall be no less than 80 inches AFF or more than 96 inches AFF.

F. In lay-in/grid ceilings, speakers shall be installed in manufacturer’s recommended outlet boxes with an SSB-4 style tile bridge as indicated on the drawings.

2.13 SPEAKER-STROBE – MECHANICAL ROOMS

A. Provide a minimum of 2 speaker-strobes in each mechanical room.

B. Tap the mechanical room speakers at 2 watts each.

C. Strobe rating shall be no less than 110 candela.

D. All mechanical room speaker-strobes shall be wall mounted. Wall mounting shall be no less than 80 inches AFF or more than 96 inches AFF.

2.14 SPEAKER-STROBE

A. Speaker-strobes shall be equipped with an integral strobe light and a matching transformer with field selectable taps sat ¼ watt, ½ watt, 1 watt or 2 watts. Speakers shall be mounted on outlet boxes in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.

B. All speakers shall be tapped at ¼ watt unless noted otherwise on the drawings.

C. All speakers must provide a minimum of 75 dBA at 10 feet.

D. Speaker-strobes shall be standard white in color.

E. Speakers shall be installed on the ceiling where possible as indicated on the drawings. Wall mounting shall be no less than 80 inches AFF or more than 96 inches AFF.

F. Strobes shall be field adjustable to meet candela ratings indicated on the drawings.

G. In lay-in/grid ceilings, speakers shall be installed in manufacturer’s recommended outlet boxes with an SSB-4 style tile bridge as indicated on the drawings.

2.15 INDIVIDUAL STROBES

A. Individual strobes shall be provided as shown on drawings. Strobes that are shown mounted on walls shall be mounted at no less than 80 inches AFF or more than 96 inches AFF.

B. Strobes shall be field adjustable to meet candela ratings indicated on the drawings.

2.16 SPRINKLER WATERFLOW SWITCH

A. Provide connection to all waterflow switches with individual addressable monitor modules. Each waterflow switch monitor module shall be provided with an individual address.

B. Address shall be programmed as an alarm.

2.17 SPRINKLER VALVE SUPERVISORY SWITCH

A. Provide connection to all valve supervisory switches with individual addressable monitor modules.

Each supervisory switch shall be provided with an individual address.

B. Address shall be programmed as a supervisory.

2.18 SPRINKLER PRESSURE SWITCH (If applicable)

A. Provide connection to all sprinkler pressure switches with individual addressable monitor modules.

Each pressure switch shall be provided with an individual address.

B. Address shall be programmed as an alarm.

2.19 DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SUPERVISORY AIR PRESSURE SWITCH (If applicable)

A. Provide connections to all dry pipe sprinkler supervisory air pressure switches with individual addressable monitor modules. Each switch shall be provided with an individual address.

B. Address shall be programmed as a supervisory.

2.20 FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER (If applicable)

A. Provide connection to the fire pump controller with monitor modules. The following points on the fire pump shall be monitored and have separate addresses.

1. Fire pump running.

2. Fire pump AC power loss.

3. Fire pump phase reversal.

B. Each address shall be programmed as a supervisory.

2.21 Circuit Integrity Cable

A. Provide 14 AWG Circuit Integrity Cable for Network circuits.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 INSTALLATION

A. Wiring

1. All wiring shall be in accordance with the NEC, manufacturer’s recommendations, and this specification.

2. All wiring shall be 14 AWG solid 2 conductor U.L. Listed FPL, FPLR, or FPLP cable for limited energy (300V) and fire alarm applications and shall be installed in conduit. More than 2 conductors in a cable will not be allowed.

3. Fire alarm wiring is not allowed to be installed in conduit that is in contact with the earth, in conduit imbedded in concrete slab on or above grade, or any other NEC wet location.

4. Provide 14 AWG solid wiring for all circuits.

5. No wire size other than 14 AWG will be allowed.

6. Provide shielded wiring for all Notification & SLC circuits installed in same conduit as other fire alarm system wiring.

7. All other circuits of any type are prohibited from installation in the same conduit as fire alarm wiring.

8. All wiring for SLC signaling circuits shall be of the low capacitance type to reduce waveform distortion.

9. Wiring splices shall be limited to terminal strips in designated, approved and labeled terminal cabinet. Color code changes of wire in any circuit are prohibited.

10. Provide heat shrink labels on all wiring at panel terminations and terminal strip splices.

11. Cable Jacket Color:

Visual Notification Appliance Circuit – White

a. Speaker Notification Appliance Circuit – Yellow

b. Signaling Line Circuit – Red

c. Control Module to Relay Circuit - Green

d. 24 VDC Power – Blue

e. Monitor Module Circuit – Orange

B. Conduit/Raceway System

1. All wire shall be installed in an approved conduit/raceway system.

2. All conduits shall be concealed above a ceiling except those areas that are exposed to structure. Any other exception will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the regional fire protection engineer.

3. Provide Circuit Integrity Cable per the following:

a. CI cable is required to be installed in EMT only

b. Provide only the conduit brand required by the CI cable manufacturer.

c. Provide only the conduit fittings brand and manufacturer required by the CI cable manufacturer.

d. Provide only the brand of pull boxes required by the CI cable manufacturer.

e. Support CI cable conduit at 5 foot intervals.

f. CI cable supports must be anchored into or onto 2 hour fire rated building structure.

4. Four 14 AWG solid 2 conductor cables are allowed in the ½” flexible metal conduit drop from junction boxes to notification appliances mounted on the ceiling and in walls.

5. Provide steel compression fittings on all conduits. Fittings must be wholly made in the USA.

Fittings from any other country will not be acceptable.

6. Provide factory painted RED EMT conduit.

7. Wireways (gutters) shall be a minimum of 6 inches in height and width. Cover shall be hinged with the hinge at the top of the wireway.

8. Conduit shall not enter the fire alarm system control panels or back boxes except where power limited and non-power limited entry is specified by the manufacturer.

9. Conduit size shall be either ¾ inch or 1 inch only. Conduit shall be installed per approved shop drawings. Any variation from shop drawings will require approval from the GSA Fire

Protection Engineer.

10. Flexible conduit shall be steel.

11. Provide ½ inch trade size flexible steel conduit where used for connection to devices.

12. All riser boxes shall be adequately sized for the number of conductors traversing the respective box as well as the number of terminations required.

13. Provide 90 degree bends or 90 degree fittings at each conduit entry and exit in a junction box or terminal cabinet for support of vertically installed conductors at EACH floor.

C. Wiring and conduit installation shall meet the NEC and NECA 1-2010 installation requirements.

D. All wiring shall be installed such that the Class ‘A’ and Class ‘X’ conduits, exiting from and returning to the Fire Alarm Control or Node Panel, respectively, are routed to provide a minimum separation of 4 feet in all directions for the horizontal installation and 1 foot in all directions for the vertical installation.

E. Provide 2 vertical network conduit risers connected together such that a full network Class ‘X’ loop is provided continuous from the Fire Alarm Control Panel through the networked node panels then through the ceiling of the top floor of the building and back to the Fire Alarm Control Panel.

Pathway survivability shall be Level 2 or 3.

3.2 SMOKE DETECTOR LOCATION

A. Provide a minimum of 5 feet between any smoke detector and the edge of an air supply grill or diffuser.

B. Smoke detectors shall be installed only in areas acceptable to the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

3.3 SPEAKER/ AUDIBLE LOCATIONS/PERFORMANCE

A. Speakers shall be located to provide a minimum sound pressure level of 70 dBA in all occupiable areas. The voice evacuation message shall be intelligible. Intelligibility shall be objectively determined by testing with an approved Intelligibility Meter.

3.4 TEST AND REPORTS

A. The services of a NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems Technician currently certified on the system to be installed by the fire alarm control equipment manufacturer and a full time employee of the installer for a minimum of 3 years shall be provided to perform final control panel connections and supervise testing of the system. Upon completion of the acceptance tests, the owner and/or his representatives shall be instructed in the proper operation of the system. This technician shall have a current fire alarm license issued by the State in which the project resides. Any proposed technician who cannot provide evidence of such qualifications may be rejected

B. Pre-testing: After installation, perform complete pre-testing. Determine, through pre-testing, the compliance of the system with requirements of drawings and specifications. Correct deficiencies observed in pre-testing. Replace malfunctioning or damaged items with new ones, and retest until satisfactory performance and conditions are achieved. Provide and prepare forms, acceptable to the GSA Fire Protection Engineer, for systematic recording of pre-test results.

C. Record and provide, on approved shop drawings, dBA readings for each room and area such that a minimum of 70 dBA is achieved in all occupiable areas.

D. Record and provide, on approved shop drawings, intelligibility readings for each location where sound level measurements were taken such that a minimum of 0.70 CIS is achieved in all occupiable areas.

E. Minimum System Pretests: Test the system according to procedures provided in NFPA 72 and the following:

1. Verify the absence of unwanted voltages between circuit conductors and ground.

2. Test all conductor insulation using a Fluke 1507 insulation-testing meter or approved equal.

Test the dielectric strength and the insulation resistance of the system interconnecting wiring by means of an instrument capable of generating 250 volts dc and equipped to indicate insulation resistance of 1000 megohms. For the purpose of this test, the instrument shall be connected between each conductor and between each conductor and ground, with the other extremity open circuited, prior to connection of system field devices. The system shall withstand the test without breakdown and shall indicate a resistance of not less than 5.0 megohms. This measurement being taken after an electrification of not less than 1.0 minute with a dc potential of not less than 250 volts nor more than 550 volts.

3. Provide insulation resistance testing for all circuits on form provided at the end of this specification.

4. With each conductor, isolate the ends of each conductor at the panel and measure the circuit resistance, between the open ends, with an ohmmeter.

5. Record the resistance of each conductor on form provided at the end of this specification.

6. Verify that the control unit is in the normal condition as specified in the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual.

7. Test all circuits for proper signal transmission under open circuit conditions. One connection each should be opened at each SLC, initiating, and notification devices.

8. Test each initiating and notification device for alarm operation and proper response at the control unit.

9. Test each Class X circuit for proper operation and proper response at the control panel with a direct short across the circuit.

10. Test smoke detectors with actual or simulated products of combustion. Testing with magnets is prohibited.

11. Test the system for all specified functions according to the approved operation and maintenance manual. Systematically initiate specified functional performance items at each station, including making all possible alarm and monitoring initiations and using all communications options. For each item, observe related performance at all devices required to be affected by the item under all system sequences. Observe indicating lights, displays, signal tones, and annunciator indications. Observe all voice audio for clarity, quality, freedom from noise and distortion, intelligibility, and proper sound level.

12. Test Both Primary and Secondary Power: Verify by test that the secondary power system is capable of operating the system for the period and in the manner specified.

F. Report of Pre-testing: After pre-testing is complete, provide a letter certifying the installation is complete and fully operable, including the names and titles of witnesses to preliminary tests.

G. Retesting: Correct deficiencies indicated by tests and completely retest work affected by such deficiencies. Verify by system test that the total system meets specifications and complies with applicable standards.

H. Report of Tests and Inspections: Provide a written record of inspections, tests, and detailed test results on approved forms. Submit all forms indicating satisfactory completion of tests.

I. Final Test Notice: Provide a minimum of 10 working days notice to the GSA Fire Protection Engineer, in writing, when the system is ready for final acceptance testing.

J. Acceptance Testing: The installing contractor's NICET Level 3 technician shall retest the entire system in the presence of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer, or his representative, as often as may be required to achieve final acceptance of the fire alarm system.

K. Startup Services: Provide a factory authorized service representative to provide startup services and to demonstrate and train Government's building and maintenance personnel as specified below:

1. Train Government personnel on procedures and schedules related to startup and shutdown, troubleshooting, services, adjusting, and preventive maintenance. Provide a minimum of 4 hours training.

2. Training Aid: Use the approved final version…