Course Catalogue.

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

• Describe the types of fire alarm systems and their applications
• Recognize the basic and optional features of fire alarm systems
• Explain the requirements of Voice Communication Systems
• Relate the requirements of British Columbia 2024 Building Code and Fire Code to systems
• Apply your knowledge to design a fire alarm system

Description
Only a well-designed and functioning fire alarm system can protect people and the building from a fire hazard. This course is designed to provide participants with the tools needed to design, install and maintain fire alarm systems in accordance with building and fire codes.

Who Should Attend
Fire Alarm System Designers and Engineers • Installation and Service personnel • Electrical Project Engineers and Supervisors • Building Owners • Property Managers • Superintendents • Maintenance personnel • Building and Fire Inspectors

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
• Fire fighters 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 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

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

British Columbia Fire Code

• 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 British Columbia Building Code
• Audibility level requirements as per the British Columbia 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.