Fire Alarm Submittal Criteria

Submittal Criteria for Fire Alarm & Detection Systems

Plan Submittals

Installations of fire alarm systems shall comply with the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA Standard #72), as amended by Chapter 35 of the California Building Code, California Fire Code, and local ordinances. A Certificate of Completion shall be provided for all systems. Parts 1, 2, and 4-10 shall be completed after system installation; Part 3 shall be completed after operational and acceptance tests are completed. Plans submitted for review shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

A. Plans:

The "Title" sheet shall reflect a completed "Fire Alarm System Submittal Cover Sheet", available in downloadable/printable format on the Forms page.

Plans shall be produced in 1/8":1' or 1/4":1' scale, and be a maximum size of 30"x44", utilizing symbols outlined in NFPA Standard 170. The submittal shal consist of a floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, and building/area elevations for each floor that reflect the following:

1. location of all devices
2. Type of device
3. Location of the fire alarm control panel (FACP)
4. Location of remote annunciators
5. Conduit connections and size
6. Type and size of wire or cable
7. Location of exterior mounted devices
8. Complete building address, to include floor and suite designations
9. Building owners name
10. Tenant business name

B. Wiring Diagram:

1. Provide both a point-to-point and riser diagram
2. Note the type of power supply for the control panel
3. External connections of modules in the control panel

C. Symbols list and equipment identification:

1. A symbol legend complying with NFPA Std. 170
2. Device model number, manufacturers specification and CSFM listing number

D. Alarm circuit load consumption:

1. Show quantity of audible devices on the furthest circuit and current consumption
2. Show length of the furthest circuit

E. Attachment to drawings:

1. Battery Calculations:
   1. Stand-by power consumption of all current drawing devices
   2. Alarm power consumption of all current drawing devices including operating signals, lights, relays, etc.. Omit power consumption for door hold opens, unless they are intended to be maintained as part of the system.
   3. Formula format for battery calculations.
2. Sequence of operations:
   1. Provide a step by step outline for the operation of each type of initiating device in the system, to include reset procedures.

F. Testing procedures:

The contractor shall provide a testing sequence in accordance with NFPA Std. #72, manufacturers recommendations, and Santa Clara County Fire Department requirements. See the Field Inspection Checklist, available in downloadable/printable format on the Forms page.

Permit Application, Fees, and Inspections:

At the time of plan submittal, the contractor shall provide for each separate address:

1. A separate, completed and signed permit application
2. A certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance
3. A copy of the installer's business license
4. Three (3) complete sets of shop drawings (max. 30"x44")
5. One (1) copy of the manufacturer's specifications and listings, and CSFM listing sheets
6. Full payment of required fees

The approved permit will entitle the applicant to two inspections:

1. Inspection of the rough wiring installation prior to cover, to include the battery test, at which time all initiating and audible devices shall be tested;
2. A final inspection.

Additional inspections, if necessary, are subject to additional fees, paid prior to scheduling. It is the installers responsibility to perform sufficient pre-inspection testing to ensure operational integrity and reliability of the system in order to avoid delays at time of final inspection. Requests for inspection shall be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance by contacting the fire prevention division secretary at (408) 378-4010, prior to 3:30 pm.