VACANT-Cold storage

[leland]

Hi All!

I have a client who has a cold storage warehouse 250' x 50'-12' ceilings-all concrete-
5 levels,4 above grade-1 below and 4 dry sprinkler systems.
2 manual freight elevators and 2 stairwells,1 on each end- machine rms on the top of the shafts. 1 very small-maybe 500sqft office area. The ONLY heated area in the warehouse. The structure does not rise above the 70' limit for voice.

My next stop is to the AHJ. I thought I would start here.
This is in Massachusetts: Vintage 1920 +-.

Plan:
No heat; so,the panel goes in the office area. This will be a conventional panel. (due no heat)
Pull stations at every stairwell egress,elevator machine rm,and all exits to the outside. In addition (open stairwells) A smoke (photo), in each elevator machine rm.,and at the top and bottom of every stairwell and office area.

I'm hoping to get each sprinkler riser on 1 zone. Tamp,Low air=trouble-WF= alarm. Majn tamper it's own zone.
Also,being a conventional system,I would like to zone it out per floor.
However,there is a fire wall on each level,only...there is NO fire barrier (ie: door-auto or otherwise.

AV's will be as needed.

This structure is completely sprinkled with the exception of the stairwells.

Is there any reason I cannot wire class B ?

your thoughts and comments welcome. Thanx

[Sparky49]

There shouldn't be any reason not to wire Class B unless it's prohibited by your AHJ (Arizona for example).

[leland]

Thanx sparky.
Just found out today only the AVs can be wired cls B, In this particular jurisdiction.

Funny thing in Massachusetts: Electrical code= State wide.
Fire prevention= Town to town.

State code considers my Electrical license sufficient to engineer systems.
But the town requires a FPE (fire protection engineer) stamp.

Now the battle, I don't want to spend $1K - $2K for some thing I'm allowed to do, Just to find out the customer is a 'tire kicker'. Bigger,more complex,yes,not a problem....

AAAAAARRRRRGGGG!!!!

In general, how does my plan sound according to NFPA 72?

[Sparky49]

It's all fine per NFPA 72 but remember that NFPA 72 is more of an installation manual for fire alarm systems than anything else. To determine where and when certain protection devices are required, you need to look at your local or state fire or building code.

Per the General Laws of Massachusetts:

CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION

"Chapter 148: Section 26B. Automatic fire warning and smoke detection systems in certain buildings; enforcement; appeals

Section 26B. Every building or structure not exceeding seventy feet in height above the mean grade erected or substantially altered to be occupied for residential purposes shall be protected with an approved automatic fire warning system in accordance with the provisions of the state building code. Such system shall include the features of automatic smoke detection in conjunction with the approved fire detection devices.
The head of the fire department as defined in section one shall enforce the provisions of this section.
Whoever is aggrieved by the head of the fire department’s interpretation, order, requirement, direction or failure to act under the provisions of this section, may, within forty-five days after the service of notice thereof, appeal from such interpretation, order, requirement, direction, or failure to act, to the board of appeals as provided in the state building code and section twenty-three of chapter twenty-three B."

I would take a look at the Massachusetts Building Code in your case.

[sticky1]

Hummm,

Something is not right. You mentioned that the building is not heated. Two thoughts.

1- Your determining factor for a multiplexed or conventional panel doesn't make any sense if it is based on the temperature. It should be based on other factors.

2- If there isn't any heat and the building freezes (ie...dry systems) you can't install a fire alarm system since most, that I know of, are not spec'ed to go below 32* (unless the office area is heated year round) including smokes....!!

Doesn't matter what the codes say (other than to follow manf spec's) in this case...the manufactures specs take president.

[wjaa45]

This structure is completely sprinkled with the exception of the stairwells.
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