TRAINING.

Overview

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

• Identify and apply the relevant codes and standards for properly installing, verifying, and maintaining fire alarm systems.
• Interpret the National Building and Fire Codes (2020 edition) and ULC Standards to ensure compliance in various fire alarm system applications.
• Analyze different fire alarm systems and their components, including conventional, addressable, single-stage, and two-stage systems.
• Evaluate and select the appropriate fire alarm control units, considering standard and optional features like alarm verification, voice communication, and smoke control.
• Design and implement fire alarm systems, integrating knowledge of ULC certification requirements and special inspection needs.

Description
A well-designed and properly functioning fire alarm system is essential for safeguarding lives and property during a fire emergency. This webinar explores fire alarm systems, focusing on the design, installation, inspection, and testing processes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of input and output devices, system response times, annunciation, and networking capabilities, enabling them to implement systems that meet safety standards and operational requirements. This course references the 2020 edition of the National Building Code and National Fire Code of Canada. Different versions of the course are tailored to meet the specific requirements for clients in Alberta and Ontario.

In addition to exploring various fire alarm systems, including local, auxiliary, remote, and proprietary configurations, attendees will learn about the different types of alarm systems, such as conventional, addressable, single-stage, and two-stage setups. The course also covers the standard and optional features of fire alarm control units, ensuring participants can choose the right components for specific building needs. Essential standards like CAN/ULC-S524, CAN/ULC-S536, and CAN/ULC-S537 will be thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with national installation and maintenance standards.

Participants will also delve into the compatibility of input/output devices and voice communication systems and the evaluation and certification of fire alarm equipment according to ULC Standards. Practical exercises, such as designing fire alarm systems for different building types and workshops on creating effective layouts, provide hands-on experience. This approach ensures participants are well-equipped to handle fire alarm system design, installation, and maintenance complexities.

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for Fire Alarm System Designers, Engineers, Installation and Service Personnel, Electrical Project Engineers, Supervisors, Building Owners, Property Managers, Superintendents, Maintenance Personnel, and Building and Fire Inspectors.

It also benefits those involved in fire safety and emergency preparedness, including fire safety consultants, facility managers, and regulatory authorities. Anyone responsible for overseeing fire alarm systems or needing a deeper understanding of fire safety standards and practices will find this course valuable.

Please note: You can check other time zones here.

Syllabus

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
• Firefighterstelephone, indication, and paging

Standard and Optional Features of Fire Alarm Control Units

• Basic features, annunciation, and controls
• Electrical supervision
• The 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

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

Ontario 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

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 Ontario Building Code
• Audibility level requirements as per the Ontario 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 can keep the completed checklist for future reference.

Instructor

John Percy, CFAA Tech, FPO, PFLSE, CFEI

John Percy, Office of the Fire Marshal, Ontario Fire College.

John is a certified Canadian Fire Alarm Association Technician (CFAA) for Ontario, public fire & life safety educator, fire prevention officer and currently an Instructor with the Office of the Fire Marshal. He has over 28 years of experience in the fire protection and fire service industries. He has experience with enforcement of the Ontario Fire & Building codes, fire investigations, education, media relations and building plans examination review. Currently registered (BCIN) as a Fire Protection Inspector with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing in Ontario.