Re: NFPA Code Question

["Michael Baker" <mbbaker@xxxxxxxxx>]

Nomen Nescio wrote:
> Michael Baker said:
>
> >NFPA 72-2002
> >4.4.4 Performance and Limitations.
> >4.4.4.1 Voltage, Temperature, and Humidity Variation. Equipment shall
> >be designed so that it is capable of performing its intended functions
> >under the following conditions:
> >(1) At 85 percent and at 110 percent of the nameplate primary (main)
> >and secondary (standby) input voltage(s)
> >(2) At ambient temperatures of 0=B0C (32=B0F) and 49=B0C (120=B0F)
> >(3) At a relative humidity of 85 percent and an ambient temperature of
> >30=B0C (86=B0F)
>
> These are minimum requirements for the equipment.  They don't have anythi=
ng
> to do with the installation, since a manufacturer could choose to exceed
> these minimum requirements.

You're right.  How's this:
NFPA 72-2002
4=2E4.4.2.4 Equipment shall be installed in locations where conditions do
not exceed the voltage, temperature, and humidity limits specified in
4=2E4.4.1.
Exception:  Equipment specifically listed for use in locations where
conditions can exceed the upper and lower limits specified in 4.4.4.1
shall be permitted.

> >NFPA 72-2002
> >4.4.5 Protection of Fire Alarm Control Unit(s). In areas that are not
> >continuously occupied, automatic smoke detection shall be provided at
> >the location of each fire alarm control unit(s) to provide notification
> >of fire at that location.
> >Exception:  Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic
> >smoke detection, automatic heat detection shall be permitted.
>
> The system in question is a residential system.  This requirement does not
> apply here.

The requirements do apply if the fire alarm system is used to meet the
minimum requirements of the building code (see chapter 11).  If this
system is installed in addition to smoke alarms, the requirements would
not apply.

> >NFPA 72-2002
> >5.7.1.8*  Unless specifically designed and listed for the expected
> >conditions, smoke detectors shall not be installed if any of the
> >following ambient conditions exist:
> >(1) Temperature below 0=B0C (32=B0F)
> >(2) Temperature above 38=B0C (100=B0F)
> >(3) Relative humidity above 93 percent
> >(4) Air velocity greater than 1.5 m/sec (300 ft/min)
>
> Again, a smoke detector is not required for equipment protection in a
> residential system.  These requirements are irrelevant.
>
> One section you neglected to mention is NEC section 110.26, relating to
> spaces around electrical equipment.
>
> Generally, there is a working space requirement of 3 feet in front of the
> equipment, which can be waived by special permission for low voltage
> equipment.  But there is also a "dedicated equipment space" requirement,
> which requires a clear space in front of the equipment that extends from
> the floor to 6 feet above the equipment or the structural ceiling,
> whichever is less.  This requirement could give an inspector grounds to
> reject a panel installed in an attic.

Good point.

> The temperature specs for this panel are 32 degrees to 120 degrees
> Fahrenheit,, which might be a problem for some attics.  Panels must be
> installed per the manufacturer's specs.
>
> Personally, every time I see a panel installed in an attic or above a drop
> ceiling, I figure the installer is a complete asshole, because he's
> forgotten that people will have to work on that system, and he's too
> goddamn lazy to put the panel in an accessible location.  So I'm on the
> electrical inspector's side:  move the panel!  Of course, the inspector is
> an idiot when he starts talking about return loops on two-wire smoke
> detector loops.
>
> Inspectors may think they're God, but they're not.  They're paid to enfor=
ce
> code, not make up their own code as they go along.  The installer should
> have asked the inspector to cite the code sections that support his
> decision.

More like demigod or godlike.  Unfortunately the inspector has the
upper hand in many cases.  One may win the war and loose the battle
(certificate of occupancy).

> - badenov

Mike