Arizona Fire Alarm Standards
New Plan Review Requirements
Design Criteria for 5 or fewer devices
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fire Alarm Requirements
Alarm Symbols
FIRE ALARM PLAN REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Effective January 2, 2001 all requests for fire alarm permits submitted to this Jurisdiction shall comply with specific design standards. The Arizona Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Phoenix Area Valley Fire Marshals, AZ State Fire Marshals Office, and other jurisdictions have developed these standards. The intent of these standards is to provide a uniform approach for the design community. This change was made public in October of 2000.Those items/modules checked have been adopted by this jurisdiction and shall meet standard requirements. Plan submittals that do not meet these minimum standards may be denied, or returned for corrections. Additional design standards/modules may be adopted as they are approved.
£ Base Plan package (includes 24 x 36 plans, details, specification book)
£ Standard Plan Symbols and Legend
- Plan Cabinet (Tampered cabinet for new installations that contains as-built drawings, specifications, hard copy of program, instructions, etc.)
- Requests for Permits with fewer than five devices may be excluded from the long- format, but shall include at least a one page short-format drawing. See www.azafaa.org for more information on short-format.
The following are not required by Phoenix as of January 1, 2001 but may be required in the future.
- This jurisdiction requires that plans be sealed by an Arizona Registered Engineer/Architect. (This is required under Arizona State Law.)
- This jurisdiction requires that plans be stamped by a NICET level ________.
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New Plan Review Requirements
Adopted by the City of Phoenix – Effective January 1, 2001
In the summer of 1999 the Arizona Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Surprise Chandler, Gilbert and Central Yavapai District, formed a committee to standardize Plan Review requirements throughout the State of Arizona.Information was requested from all of the Jurisdictions. When received the information was tabulated and compared. The common requirements were accepted and the others were discussed for clarification. Each item was discussed clarified, adopted or discarded. Some items were only required by one or two jurisdictions but they were very important to them and therefore also adopted. The list was then formulated encompassing the needs of all jurisdictions. Conflicting requirements were discussed while codes and standards were researched until agreements were reached to everyone’s satisfaction.
It is unlikely that any one jurisdiction would require all the information provided. However if we all provide the requested information then we will fulfill the needs of all jurisdictions. This will lead the way in providing the critical information needed to allow our AHJ’s to correctly evaluate each project for Fire Protection needs. Contractors will benefit from having all the information needed to install and maintain the system. Owners will get a complete design package to support their system.
Drawings
Applies to all sheets- All sheets to be same size ( "C" Size 24" X 36" Preferred )
- Acceptable Scale 1/8" Minimum
- All sheets to be same scale except site plan.
- Drawing Number, Revision & Date.
- Name and Address of Project
- Name and Address of Installing Contractor
- Sealed Drawings by Arizona Registrant if required
- Reviewed by Section on Title Block Showing NICET Certification Sub-Field, Level, Number and Expiration Date if required.
- Type of System
- Show Compass Points
- Sheet Title
- Key Plan for Building Sections
- Clear and Legible Plans suitable for Photocopying
First Sheet (Title Sheet)
- Name and Address of Building Owner
- Name and Telephone Number of Installation Company Contact person
- Contractors License Classification and Number
- Name and Address of General Contractor ( if Applicable )
- Name and Address of Electrical Contractor ( if Applicable )
- Square Footage of each building and Total
- Building Occupancy Type
- Type of System : Fire Alarm, Conventional Hardwired, Wireless, Addressable, Analog Addressable, Class "A", Class "B"
- List applicable Codes and Standards with Editions used in the system design Bldg Code, Fire Code, NFPA 72, NFPA 70, UMC, Elev.,
- All Approving Agencies, Name & telephone Number
- Sequence of operation
- Identify if wiring is enclosed in conduit, open wiring, power limited or non-power limited.
- Contractor Notes with reference to this project
- Fire Department notes with reference to this project
- Name and Location of monitoring company
- Type of Notification. (Temporal, Steady, Coded, Match existing, etc.)
- Scope of Work
- Box for AHJ Approval Stamp
- Wiring Legend
- Symbol List with Manufacturer, Part Number and backbox.
If insufficient space for Wiring Legend and Symbol List on Title sheet then insert an additional sheet.
Site Plan Sheet
- Site Plan
- Scale of Site Plan
- Scale Bar Graph
- Main Control Panel and all Sub Control Panel Locations
- Fire Alarm Annunciator
- Location of As Built Drawing Cabinet
- Location of Lock Box
Floor Plan Sheets
- Building Floor Plan
- Sheet Title
- Scale of Sheet
- Scale Bar Graph
- Location of All Doors Windows walls Exterior and Interior
- Location of all obstructions exceeding 6ft above FFL.
- Intended use of each room ( e.g. Storage, Classroom, Restroom, Vestibule )
- Location of all Air Supply and Return registers
- Ceiling Heights, Ceiling Details and configuration may be shown on an additional sheet. With Reference Key
- Full Height Cross Section of building. May be shown on an additional sheet. With reference key.
- Mounting Heights of devices
- Location of Main Fire Alarm Control Panel
- Show location and source of Emergency Standby Power.
- Location of all Annunciator panels, Sub Fire Alarm Panels, Booster Panels
- Location of all Power sources, Panel Numbers and breaker Numbers for each piece of equipment
- Show location of all Fire Alarm Detection and Notification devices. Along with Temperature ratings and Candela Ratings if applicable
- Show location of all ancillary devices, i.e. Door Holders, Door closers, Gas shut off, Fan shutdown, Smoke dampers, Shunt trips, etc.
- Show location of all Fire Sprinkler risers, Waterflow switches and tamper switches.
- Show locations of all fire pumps and fire pump controllers.
- Show all Access Doors and signage for Duct Detector Access.
- Show all remote indicators for hidden devices.
- Show Zoning if a conventional system.
- Show wiring type, size, number of conductors and approx. wiring layout
- Show all Rated Walls
- When T.I. Show adjacent Devices and Rooms.
Additional sheets as required
- Show all areas of the building
- Show all floors and all configurations.
- Cross Sections
- Ceiling Details.
- Device Wiring Details
- Device Spacing Typicals
- ADA Mounting Heights, Show Detail
Riser Diagram Sheet
- Full Riser diagram showing all devices as connected in the circuit, Device addresses, room numbers and or names.
Details Sheet
- Circuit Wiring Diagram
- Typical device & Ancillary Device wiring
Voltage Drop Calculations Sheets
- Voltage Drop calculations for each Notification Appliance Circuit showing wire size Circuit Current and Voltage drop.
Stand-by Battery Calculation Sheets
- Standby Battery Calculations for each Control Panel, Sub Panel, Power Booster, Central Station Transmitter, Power supply.
All of the above sheets are to be submitted as a complete set of plans for approval.
Approved plans must be kept on site during construction.
Specification Package
TABLE OF CONTENTS (each section shall have tabs and be separated accordingly. Include table of contents.)
- Fire Alarm Control Panels, Power Supplies and Annunciators
- Detection Devices
- Audio/Visual Devices
- System Components, Modules and Relays
- Battery Calculations and cut sheets (calcs shall also be on plans)
- Voltage Calculations (shall also be on plans)
- Compatibility Listings (matrix, table, or info showing device compatibility)
- Operating Instructions for entire System (This will include a copy of what will be posted adjacent to/inside FACP)
- Manufacturers Inspections Instructions – NFPA Chapter 7
- NICET Certificate (when required or if prepared by NICET)
As-Built Drawing Cabinet to be Provided
An AS BUILT Drawing Cabinet shall be installed at each project that has a new Fire Alarm System and located where acceptable to the Fire Marshal. These shall be as built drawings and shall include system modification drawings.
The cabinet shall be tampered and record a supervisory signal at the FACP
The cabinet shall contain the following:
- Complete set of As Built Drawings
- A copy of each Permit
- A copy of the Fire Marshal Inspection Report
- A copy of the original test printout
- A hard copy print out of the system configuration if a programmable system
- A copy of each maintenance inspection report
- Operating Instructions
- A copy of the equipment submittals/specifications.
- Voltage Drop Calculations
- Battery Calculations
- Shall be keyed the same as the FACP
- Any keys required for the system.
Some of the Endorsing Agencies
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Arizona Automatic Fire Alarm Association
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Office of the State Fire Marshal City of Phoenix Fire Department City of Scottsdale Fire Department Rural Metro Fire Department Fountain Hills Fire Department City of Yuma Fire Department City of Surprise Fire Department |
City of Mesa Fire Department Central Yavapai Fire District City of Prescott Fire Department Sun City Fire Department City of Kingman Fire Department City of Tempe Fire Department Apache Junction Fire Department |
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Short-Format Design Criteria for 5 or fewer devices
Submit when obtaining an over-the-counter permitEffective March 1, 2001
The following minimum criteria shall be provided on 11" x 17" or 8-1/2" x 11" sheets when obtaining an over-the-counter fire alarm permit. The number of pages is dependent only upon including the necessary information. All information shall be legible. 11" x 17" Sheets shall be folded so they can be attached to an 8-1/2" x 11" permit.
- Project name
- Location of project (address, suite, etc.)
- Contractor name, address, phone number
- Written scope of work
- Graphical scope of work (floor plan)
- Key map showing where the respective project is within the building/site
- Symbol legend for applicable devices installed
- Wire/cable criteria (size, type)
- Compatibility information for new and existing devices
- End of line voltage readings for existing notification circuits effected
- Voltage limits of existing and new devices on circuits effected
- Current readings for each circuit on respective power supplies
- Current limits for power supplies (per circuit and total)
- Wiring class of new circuits (A or B)
This sheet shall be submitted at the time the permit is obtained.
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Common Questions To Standardized Fire Alarm Requirements
- What is the formal implementation date for submitting standard plans?
- Does every jurisdiction in the State require the standard format?
- How should the specification booklet be prepared?
- How should the tabs be labeled?
- How many specification packages shall be prepared?
- What type of binding should be used for the specification package?
- What should be printed on the outside cover of the binder?
- What is the purpose of section 9, Manufacturers Inspections Instructions?
- Does the AHJ keep specification packages?
- Are specification packages required to be present for the inspection?
- Do plans have to be submitted in the exact same format?
- Do all the drawing sheets have to be the same size?
- Can 8-1/2" x 11" drawings be submitted?
- What should be in the "Scope of Work" section?
- Does the monitoring company have to be identified on the original submittal package?
- Can any symbols be used to identify devices?
- Are contractors using this format currently?
- Do I have to draw a compete set of plans for a small tenant improvement?
- What is the cost of standardized requirements?
- Are plans required to be kept with the fire alarm panel?
January 1, 2001 is the formal implementation date for all standardized plan submittals. This will only apply to those jurisdictions that have adopted the standard format prior to this date. We strongly encourage use of the standard format prior to this date.
No, not yet. As of August 2000 there are a large number of jurisdictions looking at requiring the format. We hope to include those jurisdictions that require the standard format on the web site at www.azafaa.org. Because the format is so inclusive of reviewer's needs, we do not anticipate any jurisdiction denying the standard format. Several jurisdictions outside of AZ are also looking at the format.
The fire alarm specification booklet is required to contain the following information. Each section shall be tabbed and contain the indicated information within each tab.
1. Fire alarm control panels, power supplies and annunciators
2. Detection/Initiation Devices (smokes, heat, pull stations, flame detection, etc)
3. Audio/Visual devices
4. System components, modules, relays, dialer board, etc.
5. Battery Calculations and battery cut sheets
6. Voltage calculations (indicate if they are included on plans)
7. Compatibility listings (contractors responsibility to show devices are compatible)
8. Operating instructions for entire system (this includes a copy of what will be posted adjacent to FACP)
9. Manufacturers inspection requirements/instructions and copy of NFPA Chapter Seven information
10. NICET or other certificates for responsible designer and lead installers as applicable
Our intent is that the tabs/sections be in the proper sequence. Tabs can be numbered with a front index page, or tabs may be printed with descriptions. AFAA is looking into bulk printing of pre-printed tabs.
At minimum the following will be required. One set shall be maintained at the fire alarm control panel (still being standardized), one set shall be provided to the owner prior to final inspection, and at least two sets submitted for review. The returned review sets may meet the other requirements.
At this time the type of binding has not been standardized. This is to allow for flexibility in how the contractors present their material to the AHJ's and owners. Things to keep in mind are; will the specifications be rolled up with the plans so that they do not get lost/separated, three-ring hard binders are very hard to keep with plans, pages shall be secured to binder (not held by pressure binders).
We suggest that contractors be creative and promote their companies. We request contractors indicate on the cover that the package meets the AZAFAA submittal standards. This will help AHJ's in the log-in process, and will promote to the owner that your package has been organized to a set of standards.
This section is provided for the building owner/manager along with the field inspector and installer. It provides necessary documentation so the owner can properly maintain the system just installed. A copy of the signal codes for dialers shall also be provided. This information is required to be provided to the owner per NFPA Ch. 7.
This will vary by the AHJ.
Yes, specifications are considered part of the system design. They shall be available on site at all times, the same as the approved plans and permit.
Yes. The purpose of a standardized format is that the information is organized in such a manor that all parties will know where to look for specific information. Guidelines have been established as to what goes on each page. However, the exact layout on each of those pages could vary based on unique circumstances. All information shall be organized / grouped so that it is clear and legible.
Yes, all drawing sheets shall be the same size.
No, standard blue print size sheets shall be used. 24" x 36" is preferred.
This should be a brief summary of what work is taking place. (i.e. is it a new system, modification, tenant improvement, ADA upgrade, etc.) Either this section or the "Contractor Notes" section should outline who is responsible for hanging the devices, pulling wire, etc.
Yes, it is understood that the monitoring company might change once turned over to the owner. However, this is usually not the case. The approval of the monitoring company needs to be addressed during the plan review stage.
No, a standard symbol legend has been adopted and should be used following the formal implementation date. If a standard symbol does not exist, than the designer may use their own. The main symbol legend should also identify mounting information. See web site. Simplified symbol legends may be used on floor plan sheets.
Yes, several contractors have started to adapt to the new format.
Consult with the respective AHJ for exact requirements. We are looking at standardizing small projects at a later time.
None. You are required to prepare the plans prior to the standardization. It is felt by contractors that there will actually be a cost savings when compared to the multiple reviews and uncertainties that currently exist.
Yes, all new systems under this standard are required to have a plan/specification box mounted adjacent to the panel, or mounted in an accessible place with the location indicated on the panel. The box shall be keyed the same as the panel, shall be tampered, and capable of holding as-builts, specifications, instructions, maintenance history, low level passwords, software information, and a hard copy of the current program.
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Alarm Symbols
For a printable list of fire alarm symbols, please click here. (This is a pdf file, requiring Adobe Acrobat.)Return to top of Arizona Fire Alarm Standards