Below is the method statement for the installation of fire alarm system which can be modified for different type of systems like HSSD or Vesda etc.
This method also covers testing and commissioning fire alarm system.
The steps are very general and should be customized depending upon the project specific requirements, specifications and applicable NFPA or other standards for installation testing and commissioning fire alarm system.
Installation Procedure
All materials received at site shall be inspected and ensured that the materials are as per approved material submittal.
Any discrepancies, damages etc. shall be notified and reported for further action.
Material found not suitable for the project shall be removed from site immediately.
All the Fire Alarm System Outstations, Modules & Control Panels etc. shall be stored in an air conditioned place.
25 mm PVC Conduiting for concealed installation. For surface installation, FP200 cable will be clipped on the soffit on the slab in false ceiling and non-false ceiling areas.
The containment system for Fire Alarm system is being used wherever required and also near the Fire Alarm control panels.
Correct type of back boxes for all the outstations should be installed as per approved shop drawings / material submittals.
The mounting heights for the Junction boxes should be verified with approved shop drawings.
Containment System should be offered for QC verification prior to cabling works.
All the related documents like latest approved shop drawings and schematic etc. should be available with installation team.
Fire Alarm System Installation Method Statement
- Required amount of cable should be transferred from Stores to Site access point by pick-up and to the particular floor with wheelbarrow as required to the work place.
- The correct size and type of cable should be identified and cut to the required length.
- All the cables should be clipped in surface or installed in concealed PVC conduit or G.I. Tray only.
- Proper identifications to be provided for loop in / loop out of Fire Alarm cables.
- The earth cables to all the outstations to be properly terminated with earth sleeve in the appropriate terminal in order to avoid any earth fault in the loop.
- The junction boxes and back boxes to the outstations such as smoke detectors, manual call points and modules should be installed as per the approved shop drawings.
- Installation of system outstation should be offered for QC Verification.
- Adequate additional cable lengths to be provided during cabling for the detectors, which are coming in False ceiling.
- All the cables to be terminated in the outstations with proper screw driver and as per the identifications provided in the cables.
- No joints are allowed in between two outstations.
- All the Fire Alarm control Panels such as Main Control Panels, Mimic Panels, Repeater Panels should be installed as per approved shop drawing.
- Installation shall be offered for QC verification.
- All Smoke Detectors to have cover on it after installation and before handing over of the area, in order to avoid any physical damages / accumulation of dust within the Smoke Detectors.
- All cables to be properly identified in Fire Alarm control panel before termination.
- Installation of Beam sensors to be as per the approved shop drawings / Manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Installation of Duct detectors to be as shown in the approved shop drawings.
- Work Inspection Request shall be raised for Consultant’s inspection and sign off.
- The devices/peripherals (Smoke detectors, heat detectors, break glass, duct detectors, beam detectors, control and monitoring modules) are connected in Class A circuit with the Control panels.
- The speakers & speaker with strobes are connected in Class A circuit with the Control panels.
- 2 Core 1.5mm2 FP 200 cable to be used for cabling the Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) to the panel, additional 2c x 2.5mm2 FP200 cable is required for the smoke detector with sounder base for the activation of the sounders units.
- 2 core 1.5mm2 FP 200 cable to be used for cabling the Speakers with the panel, additional 2c x 2.5mm2 FP200 cable is required from the FACP for the speaker with strobe for the activation of the strobe unit allied in vertical walls the run of conduit will be kept straight.
- Comply with NFPA 72 for installation of fire alarm equipment.
Smoke- or Heat-Detector Spacing:
Comply with NFPA 72, “Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors” & “Heat-Sensing Fire Detectors”.
Smooth ceiling spacing shall not exceed 30 feet (9 m).
Fire-Alarm Control Unit: Surface mounted, with tops of cabinets not more than 72 inches (1830 mm) above the finished floor.
Annunciator: Install with top of panel not more than 72 inches (1830 mm) above the finished floor.
Wiring & Connections Requirements
Verify that hardware and devices are NRTL listed for use with fire-alarm system before making connections.
Make addressable connections with a supervised interface device to the following devices and systems.
Install the interface device less than 3 feet (1 m) from the device controller.
Make an addressable confirmation connection when such feedback is available at the device or system being controlled.
Alarm-initiating connection to smoke-control system (smoke management) at fire-fighter smoke-control system panel.
Alarm-initiating connection to stairwell and elevator-shaft pressurization systems.
Smoke dampers in air ducts of designated air-conditioning duct systems.
Alarm-initiating connection to elevator recall system and components.
Alarm-initiating connection to activate emergency lighting control.
Alarm-initiating connection to activate emergency shutoffs for gas and fuel supplies.
Supervisory connections at valve supervisory switches.
Supervisory connections at low-air-pressure switch of each dry-pipe sprinkler system.
Supervisory connections at elevator shunt trip breaker.
Supervisory connections at fire-pump power failure including a dead-phase or phase reversal condition.
Supervisory connections at fire-pump engine control panel.
Fault Finding in Fire Alarm System
Battery Charger Faults:
Battery Charger Faults that can arise during the operational lifetime of a panel. You may observe one of the following Faults;
Charger 2% out of range
Battery Charger Supply incorrect to correctly measure the output voltage you will need to follow the steps below.
To prevent damage to the system, disconnect the batteries & power down the system, disconnect the power & harnesses from the Power Supply.
Connect the Multi-meter to the battery leads (with batteries disconnected), power up & measure the voltage.
Calculate the difference between the measured voltage & 27.6v.
NOTE: After 90 seconds, the voltage will drop to <24v.
If this happens, power down & start again.
Positive/Negative Earth Ground Faults:
Fire Panels have the ability to detect positive or negative Earth Ground Faults.
An Earth Ground Fault occurs when an electrical circuit is shorted to ground
Inspection and Field Testing
All inspection and testing for fire alarm system shall be carried out in accordance with specifications.
Work shall be carried out by the experienced site team under the guidance of engineer and shall further be checked and approved by quality engineer.
- Check the materials are approved.
- Check for any damage or defects, name plate details
- Check all devices installed as per the specifications & Drawing.
- Visual Inspection: Conduct visual inspection prior to testing.
- Inspection shall be based on completed and approved drawings and system documentation as per NFPA.
- Comply with “Visual Inspection Frequencies” Table in the “Inspection” Section of the “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance” Chapter in NFPA 72; retain the “Initial/Reacceptance” column and list only the installed components.
FA System Testing: testing and commissioning fire alarm system
Comply with “Test Methods” Table in the “Testing” Section of the “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance” Chapter in NFPA 72.
Test audible appliances for the public operating mode according to manufacturer’s written instructions.
Perform the test using a portable sound-level meter complying with Type 2 requirements in ANSI S1.4.
Test audible appliances for the private operating mode according to manufacturer’s written instructions.
Test visible appliances for the public operating mode according to manufacturer’s written instructions.
Factory-authorized service representative shall prepare the “Fire Alarm System Record of Completion” in the “Documentation” Section of the “Fundamentals of Fire Alarm Systems” Chapter in NFPA 72 and the “Inspection and Testing Form” in the “Records” Section of the “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance” Chapter in NFPA 72.
Re-acceptance Testing: Perform re-acceptance testing to verify the proper operation of added or replaced devices and appliances.
Test all the field loop devices with the control panel.
Check the detectors with the artificial test smoke spray.
Use forms developed for initial tests and inspections.
Field tests shall be witnessed by authorities having jurisdiction.
Manufacturer’s Field Service
Engage a factory authorized service representative to inspect, test, and adjust components, assemblies, and equipment installations, including connections.
- Perform tests and inspections.
- After testing & commissioning provide training demonstration to facility management team.
- Conduct Cause effect inspection as per programmed cause & effect matrix.
- Test all the connected devices responds as per the matrix.
- Identify system components, wiring, cabling, and terminals.
- Comply with requirements for identification specified in specifications.
- Install framed instructions in a location visible from fire-alarm control unit.