FIRE SAFETY
Ideal Solutions for Campus Fire Alarm Networks

Choosing the right fire alarm system and network design for a campus is not a matter of “one size fits all.” Questions need to be asked and answered. What is the goal of the system? Is central monitoring needed? Should it be a proprietary, non-proprietary, or an integrated system?

The answers lie in today’s fire alarm network technologies and with an experienced, competent engineer and installer who knows how to use the technology to create the best fire alarm network for a school or health care multibuilding setting.”

Among the newest advancements in networked systems are communications survivability, user-friendly interface, system expandability, less wiring, and remote monitoring of one or more systems.

Today’s Technology
The features of today’s fire alarm system are designed to take the latest technology and translate it into an intelligible system that provides the highest quality of fire and life safety by complying with the applicable codes and standards..

As a result, current-day fire systems represent the best technological systems available, says Erick Slabaugh, CEO of ABSCO Alarms in Lynnwood, Washington. “The newest systems provide installers and designers with the best alternatives for our customers.”

Among the newest advancements in networked systems are communications survivability, user-friendly interface, system expandability, less wiring, and remote monitoring of one or more systems. In addition, networked fire alarm systems benefit from the ability to incorporate audio for mass notification capabilities.

“The peer-to-peer technology can be used in a single building, or to meet the needs of a networked campus environment. It scales well and is affordable even in smaller applications. These systems combine flexibility of use, longevity and cost savings to assist us in meeting our clients’ needs,” says Slabaugh.

A networked fire alarm system can be monitored remotely or by a central station. This flexibility supports the demands of many facility managers and security personnel. To accommodate this requirement, manufacturers respond with a technology that allows users to monitor a network remotely via a laptop or computer monitor. An overview of the network is displayed on the screen. When a problem develops, it can be seen quickly and a response is made instantaneously.

“There are also tablet computers that are portable and designed to be rugged. This mobile tablet displays the entire campus, including what is located inside each building. This is essential in an emergency because it provides an exact description of the hazard,” says Bob Gomersall, product manager for Gamewell-FCI. “This is particularly useful on a campus where there are labs and other specialized occupancies.”

A Common Platform
Which type of system maximizes the use of new technology? “Latest trends in fire alarm network technologies can be fully demonstrated when using a proprietary system. Newer proprietary systems also take advantage of fiber optics rather than wiring. The benefit of this system is to use a single fiber connection, rather than multiple wires,” according to Gomersall. “Fiber is being used more and more. However, when you try to combine it with an older or non-proprietary alarm system you can have problems.”

According to Ben Nelson, president of Nelson Fire in Salt Lake City,
Utah, the benefits of a proprietary system are linked to choice and
reliability. “If you select a company by service, product and cost, then
review reliable references from previous projects, you will continue to
have consistent quality throughout the life of the system.”

Challenges
Once a system type is chosen, what are some of the problems that could be encountered? Among the challenges facing facility managers and installers are cost, system maintenance and local code compliance.

“Cost is always an issue for the customer, particularly in a campus situation. Often, campus projects are subject to funding. That’s way it is important to break down the project into sections. For example, the newest buildings, the buildings that have been previously retrofitted, and the buildings needing the most work,” commented Slabaugh. “The latest technology installed in the newer buildings can be networked with the renovated buildings. Working out the cost on each is a matter of determining exactly what is needed. Then select a system that can be expanded to meet those needs.”

All agree that bringing in the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
is essential when discussing a largescale school or hospital project.

Cost-savings may prompt some to go with a non-proprietary system. “Benefits of a non-proprietary system include a lower cost due to competition on bids. However, the quality of products and services cannot be guaranteed because company selection is solely based on cost,” says Nelson.

According to Nelson, on a retrofit system, there are concerns on keeping the existing fire alarm system operational during installation of the new system. “A network system allows the use of either a spare twisted pair wire or spare multi-mode fiber. This allows the new nodes to be operational before disabling the old system. Then the existing system can be replaced one node (area) at a time, to reduce fire alarm down time and minimize fire watch expenses.

“On a new system, the backbone network can be installed and all nodes made operational. Each building can be brought online one node at a time. When using fiber to connect nodes you can eliminate some of the problems that can occur on copper wires” (like grounds, 20 AS&HF September/October 2008 corrosion and lightning strikes), says Nelson.

Involving the AHJ
All agree that bringing in the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is essential when discussing a large-scale school or hospital project. “Bringing them in early makes the process go smoother because the AHJ will get an understanding of what is planned and you get a better understanding of what the local requirements are for your project,” comments Slabaugh.

“When the technology is different from what they may be used to, it is vital that they understand how the system is designed and how the technology meets the codes and standards,” explains Gomersall. “Once the AHJ understands that the code-compliant system is going to provide the best fire, life safety and property protection, the project will proceed and everyone will be pleased with the end result”, notes Slabaugh.

Case Study: OK Blood Institute
As the United States’ tenth largest non-profit regional blood center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s (OBI) operations are comprised of 15 campus-style locations of laboratories, donor centers and a main headquarters, spread throughout Oklahoma.

The OBI facilities are a mix of old and new offices, blood processing laboratories and other medical support areas. With each campus in various stages of new construction, renovation and retrofitting, the upkeep of all fire and life safety systems became a challenge.

“When it came time to improve and expand all of these systems,
OBI sought out an experienced installer and modern technology that
can provide a much higher level of efficiency, reliability and safety,”
said Bill Novak, director of facilities for OBI.

The facilities management team banked on STAMPSCO Fire &
Security, a local integrator based in Oklahoma City and an authorized
distributor of Gamewell-FCI fire alarm products.

“We wanted a system that satisfied our needs for voice evacuation
and mass notification. Ease of use was another requirement and we
wanted all locations to be networked,” says Jerry Martinez, safety
officer for OBI.

The fire alarm system designed for OBI provided an addressable
solution that could pinpoint the location of a fire emergency, be monitored
remotely, allow for future expansion and provide a voice evacuation
fire safety solution for the planned high-rise, plus the laboratory
and office areas. To ensure designs were acceptable per local codes
and requirements, STAMPSCO met early and often with the local
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Expandable Life Safety
Taking into account OBI’s future growth and technology needs,
STAMPSCO went with Gamewell-FCI’s E3 Series® line of
Expandable Emergency Evacuation products.

“By using the E3 Series line of fire alarms, we can choose from a
variety of panels and modules to fit the job and allow for any additions
or upgrades down the road,” said Stamps, CEO of STAMPSCO.

Its distributed communication control with Style 7 wiring, makes
the E3 Series a more “survivable system”. The system’s broadband
technology also has the bandwidth to enable split-second performance
with no delays while delivering clear, intelligible communications.

Only two-pair of copper wires or fiber-optic cables are required
for networking of a complete E3 Series system of panels and nodes.
This exclusive feature reduced costs and minimized the impact of
wiring on OBI’s retrofit areas.

Focus on FocalPoint
“The customer had some unique needs that required having a centralized location for the remote monitoring of its numerous buildings that are scattered around the region. It made the most sense to use the FocalPoint product for monitoring,” said Stamps.

Configured with site-specific graphics, the FocalPoint desktop monitoring station provides information on the whole fire alarm network. Its intuitive interface allows users to easily monitor remote site activity and a history log of events, plus link to multimedia files (text, audio, video, and bitmaps).

As the project progresses, STAMPSCO plans to install the new ‘FocalPoint Mobile’wireless tablet PC, which supplies the same realtime information and layouts via a wireless network connection or cellular broadband. FocalPoint Mobile allows facility managers, security personnel and emergency responders to quickly evaluate emergency incidents while on the go.

“We put a lot of thought into the specific needs of each facility. With the success of the installations, we feel confident that we’re providing OBI with the highest level of quality and protection available,” said Stamps.

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