Course Catalogue.

After Participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and categorize various types of fire alarm systems and their applications for specific environments.
• Analyze and integrate essential features of fire alarm systems, including detection devices, annunciation, and response requirements.
• Apply knowledge of the National Building Code and Fire Code, Alberta Editions requirements to ensure system design and installation compliance.
• Evaluate and implement Voice Communication Systems and other ancillary systems to enhance fire safety measures.
• Design comprehensive fire alarm systems tailored to meet the unique needs of different building types and fire scenarios.

Description
Fire alarm systems play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property by providing early detection and notification of potential fire hazards. A well-structured and effectively functioning fire alarm system ensures timely responses, minimizing risks and protecting assets. Participants in this course will explore the diverse categories and types of fire alarm systems, their functions, and features. Topics such as detection devices, air sampling systems, and voice communication systems are covered in depth to equip learners with the knowledge to design, install, and maintain fire alarm systems aligned with current standards.

Understanding the principles of fire alarm system design requires familiarity with national and provincial codes, including the National Building Code and Fire Code, Alberta Editions. Learners will delve into the evaluation and certification of systems as per ULC standards, ensuring their designs meet regulatory requirements. The course also emphasizes the compatibility of input/output devices, advanced signalling methods, and the integration of ancillary systems such as electromagnetic locking devices and sprinkler flow alarms. By learning to analyze and address these components, participants gain valuable insights into creating systems that enhance fire safety and operational efficiency.

Practical exercises, including designing fire alarm systems for various building types, provide hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge. Participants will leave with an in-depth understanding of designing, installing, inspecting, and maintaining systems that meet stringent safety and operational standards. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and best practices, this course empowers professionals to advance their expertise and contribute to safer built environments.

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals involved in designing, installing, and maintaining fire alarm systems. It is ideal for fire alarm system designers, engineers, technicians, and installation and service personnel. Building inspectors, property managers, superintendents, and maintenance staff responsible for fire safety will find this course beneficial. Electrical project engineers, supervisors, and building owners will also gain valuable insights into integrating and operating fire alarm systems.

Audiences looking to deepen their knowledge of national and provincial fire codes and the technical intricacies of fire alarm systems will benefit greatly. Professionals responsible for compliance, such as fire code consultants, safety officers, and regulatory authorities, are also encouraged to attend. This course caters to diverse individuals, from those seeking foundational knowledge to those aiming to refine their fire alarm system design and management skills.

Course Syllabus

Day I

Overview of Fire Alarm Systems and Applications

• Input, output, processing, response time, and annunciation
• Stand-alone
• Distributed
• Centralized
• Networking (local and degraded mode)

Categories and Types of Fire Alarm Systems

• Local, auxiliary, remote, and proprietary
• Conventional and addressable (analog and digital)
• Single-stage and two-stage systems
• Single- to three-channel voice communication
• Firefighters telephone, indication, and paging

Standard and Optional Features of Fire Alarm Control Units

• Basic features, annunciation, and controls
• Electrical supervision
• Priority level of indication
• Alarm silence/inhibit
• Input/output mapping
• Requirement of the annunciation (local and remote)
• Circuit types Class A and B
• Conventional and addressable loops
• Response time
• Different types of faults and trouble
• Optional features such as suppression systems, alarm verification, voice, smoke control, and egress
• door securing

Compatibility of Input/Output Devices, Voice Communication Systems

• Initiating and signalling devices
• Interfacing voice systems, built-in and stand-alone
• Interfacing different makes of control units

Evaluation and Certification of Fire Alarm Equipment as Per ULC Standards

• How ULC evaluates and certifies control units according to CAN/ULC-S527
• Certification of field devices according to their respective CAN/ULC-500 series standards
• What is required in voice communication systems
• Evaluation of transponders and their role
• Primary and secondary power requirements

In-Depth Analysis of National Installation and Maintenance Standards

• CAN/ULC-S524 Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
• CAN/ULC-S536 Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
• CAN/ULC-S537 Standard for Verification of Fire Alarms
• CAN/ULC-S1001 Standard for the Integration of Fire Protection Systems

Day II

Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems and Access Level

• What level of access may be made available to the building owners/users and service companies
• (software controlled)
• Role of AHJ
• Responsibilities of the manufacturer

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Requirements for sprinkler flow alarms
• Types of flow alarms
• Requirements for sprinkler supervision

ULC Certificate Program and Starting a Listed Service Company

• Requirements and how to qualify for certificates
• How you can start and become a listed fire alarm service company
• Required qualifications and experience

National Fire Code – Alberta Edition

• What is required for fire alarm systems and restorations
• Testing and maintenance

Customized Installation and Special Inspection

• How customized installation affects ULC certification
• What is required for special inspection
• Who can initiate the request for field inspection
• AHJ involvement and their requirements for issuing occupancy permits

Exercise

• Design of a fire alarm system for a Low-Rise building

Day III

Types of Detection Devices

• Heat Detectors: types, spacing, and placement restrictions as per ULC S524
• Smoke Detectors: types, spacing and placement restrictions
• Flame Detectors: types, spacing and placement restrictions
• Air Duct Type Smoke Detectors: types, spacing, and placement restrictions
• Manual Stations: types and location requirements

VESDA Air Sampling Applications

• Overview of the purpose and type of areas protected by VESDA systems

Types of Audible Signaling Devices

• Bells, horns, and speakers: types and location requirements as per the Alberta Building Code
• Audibility level requirements as per the Alberta Building Code

Types of Ancillary Systems Connected to Fire Alarm Systems

• Electromagnetic locking devices (maglocks)
• Hold Open devices

Exercise

• Design of a fire alarm system for a High-Rise building

Workshop: Design/Layout of a Typical Fire Alarm System
Participants will have an opportunity to design a fire alarm system based on the knowledge gained from the course.

Inspection Checklist
An initial checklist will be provided and discussed. Participants will be able to keep the completed checklist for future reference

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