Re: Power Supply

["Michael Baker" <mbbaker@xxxxxxxxx>]

This is news to me and I'm an NFPA 72 committee member.  Maybe I fell
asleep on those issues.  The language has been in NFPA 72 for a very
long time, which allows AHJ's to require central station service.  The
2007 version of NFPA 72 will retain the same allowance... "where
required ...".  AHJ's like central station service because it places
the onus and the cost to maintain a fire protection system squarely on
the property owner.  If all property owner's did the right thing, we
wouldn't be having this conversation.

The NFPA 72 language has morphed over the past 3 code cycles to the
point where 3rd party verification may be provided by anyone approved
by the AHJ.  For example, a group of retired building inspectors
applies to become an approved 3rd party verifier to conduct audits on
fire alarm installing companies.  This could be a less expensive method
that using UL or FM.

NFPA 72, like all codes and standards, is published as a model, a
suggestion, intended to be adopted at the local level through a review
process that includes ammendments, deletions, etc. to fine tune it to
the local need.  Throughout these codes and standards you'll find the
qualifying words "where required ..."

Bob Worthy wrote:
> "Mr.Double-sided tape" <alarminstall@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1142530835.672775.118500@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Why would he bother himself with knowledge when his good ole boys
> > network appointment to that position only calls for him to make shit up
> > as he goes along?
> > Think about this, you're licensed to install fire, as well as certified
> > to teach fire installers, but your certifications mean diddly dick . How
> screwy is that?
>
> No one realizes what is coming on the next NFPA 72 rewrite (2006). From what
> I understand, everyone that installs and/or services fire alarm systems will
> be required to be a listed installation company by either UL or FM. This
> will include electrical contactors that install fire, as well. If you think
> this is BS, they (UL) and the fire marshalls are testing the waters in
> Florida right now. There are local ordinances and AHJ policies in place,
> already, requiring that you be a UL or FM listed company even to submit an
> application for a permit even though your are state licensed. The reason
> they can do this is because there is something about [if they know it is
> coming out in the code they can adopt it prior to]. They are putting
> themselves into and infront of any of the existing licensing laws. At that
> point, your license/certification will be truely worth diddly dick unless
> you spend mega bucks initially and annually thereafter for additional
> certifications. There are five counties and nine cities that are on board
> with this in Florida. Even though the state has adopted 72, in its entirety,
> these cities/counties have thrown out remote station, aux, and proprietary
> systems. You can only install central station service and you must be a
> listed contractor, even though you are state licensed. You can have all the
> credentials in the world and the only ones that will count is either UL or
> FM. One city went as far as to even exclude FM and will only except UL. One
> county has a policy that, every structure over 5,000 square feet must have a
> central station service system installed and you must be a listed company
> just to apply for the permit. Also, the next rewrite of NFPA, again from my
> understanding, contains the 730 and 731 burglar code language. That will
> mean, if the next version of 72 is adopted by your state, automatically so
> will 730 and 731. Everyone should be watching and educating your
> legistators, or who ever, on what is coming down the pike and to not let
> state law be trumped by code. After it is adopted, it will be to late for
> any whining and crying. They have found a way to slip in their personal
> agendas into a national code which is adopted without question. UL is giving
> seminars to the AHJs right now to educate them that is the way to go. The
> industry, on the other hand, is doing nothing, but what's new. I promise not
> to get on my soapbox about this issue but remember what I said when it comes
> to a city near you.