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Agenda

Technical Committee on

Supervising Station Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems

June 24-26, 2013

Saint Louis, MO

Item No. Subject 13-6-1 Call to Order (8:00 A.M) 13-6-2 Roll Call 13-6-3 Approval of Agenda 13-6-4 Approval Meeting Minutes – October & November 2011 [Enclosures] 13-6-5 Staff Remarks & Overview of New Process [Staff] 13-6-6 Strategy to Improve Correlation [Staff] 13-6-7 Assignment of TC Responsibility [Staff] 13-6-8 Task Group Reports 13-6-9 Review of Public Inputs/Generate First Revisions [Enclosures] 13-6-10 Other Business 13-6-11 Adjournment

NFPA 72 Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems SIG-SSS Chapter 26 ROC Minutes 10/12 & 13/2011

National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

Minutes Prepared by: Tony Mucci ADT Security Services, Inc.

1501 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431

Meeting Minutes Technical Committee on

Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems SIG-SSS ROC Meeting October 12 & 13, 2011

Richmond Marriott, Richmond, VA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1 – Wednesday October 12, 2011

Item No. Subject

11-10-1 Call to Order Meeting called to order at 8:05 AM by Warren Olsen.

11-10-2 NFPA Staff review of fire alarm and exit procedures

11-10-3 Introduction of Members and Guests

11-10-4 Review of Meeting Procedures and Revision Schedule

11-10-5 Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes TC for SSS ROP January 19, 20, & 21, 2011 San Diego, CA Motion and seconded, minutes approved.

11-10-6 Chair’s Remarks

11-10-7 Comments/Questions from Committee and/or Guests - none

11-10-8 Industry Round Table and Task Reports: AFAA – none NEMA – none CSAA – Lou Fiore: (See attached) AICC – Lou Fiore: (See attached).

ESA – none FM – none ETL – none UL – none FSSA – none IMSA – none

Task Group Reports - 90 second verification delay

11-10-9 Processing of Comments

Break 9:53AM - 10:20AM Resumed with next comment Lunch 12:01 - 1:15PM Resumed with next comment Break 2:50 PM - 3:05 PM Resumed with next comment

4:07PM – Task Group Assignments Art Black to assemble a task group for Verification.

Tom Connaughton to assemble task group chapter 14 TMs Steve Schmitt to assemble task group to Chapter 7 “Docs”

Day 1 recessed at 4:15 PM to reconvene tomorrow 10/13/11 at 8:00AM.


Day 2 – Thursday October 13, 2011

Meeting called to order at 8:00 AM October 13, 2011 by Chairman Olsen.

Report from Steve Schmitt task group for Chapter 7

Break 9:05 AM - 9:21 AM Resumed with task group report

Report from Tom Connaughton task group for Chapter 14 – TMS

Report from Art Black task group for 90 second verification

Resumed with next comment

Break 10:50 AM - 11:05 AM Resumed with next comment Lunch 12:05 - 1:05 PM Resumed with next comment Break 2:05 PM - 2:15 PM Resumed with next comment Break 2:49 PM - 2:53 PM Resumed with next comment 4:45 PM – all comments processed

11-10-10 Fire Protection Research Foundation Requests 11-10-11 Old Business - none 11-10-12 New Business – review of upcoming meeting dates 11-10-13 Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 4:54 PM October 14, 2011 Attachments: CSAA and AICC Reports to NFPA72 ROC Attendance List Respectfully Submitted, Tony Mucci ADT Security Services, Inc.


CSAA and AICC Reports to the NFPA 72 ROC

SSS TC Meeting Richmond, VA

October 12, 2011 CSAA:

Generally, we are having a very good year with programs and financially as well. Our dues revenue is the highest we have ever had despite the economy and we already have a number of new members in the till for 2012 so we are getting ahead of the game for next year. With Protection One joining, we have all the national companies as members.

The membership drivers are the On-Line Training Programs, ASAP program, Nationwide Licensing Bill, FCC and Regulatory Issues, Codes and Standards Issues and relationships with the AHJ’s. Also, our “Councils” continue to improve and grow in their own right with the Proprietary Council, Contract Monitoring Council and perhaps soon a PERS Council.

We hit a milestone two weeks ago with our On-line Training Programs hitting the 10,000th subscriber nationally and internationally.

The ESX Meeting (that’s our mid-year meeting held jointly with ESA) continues to improve and grow and its emphasis is on education. The CSAA Annual Meeting in Venice begins this Friday.

Fall Operations Management Seminar in Chicago, Nov. 13-15, 2011

The annual Long Range Planning Meeting Jan 25-29, 2012 at the Fairmont Whistler, Canada

The Central Station Alarm Association is preparing to advance a next generation 911 communications program that benefits the security industry, emergency response centers (public safety answering points or PSAPs), and the public with a new protocol initiative.

CSAA is calling the initiative ASAP-to-the-PSAP. ASAP stands for Automated Secure Alarm Protocol and once fully functional will allow central stations to use the Monitoring Station to PSAP Data Exchange Program (*which is an ANSI standard developed jointly with APCO) to deliver any where from a “data slim link” to bandwidth-rich multi-media content like video and audio to PSAPs and first responders.

We currently have 70 Central Stations signed on as charter members of the ASAP project. Thus raising the needed money to support the servers and operating costs for the startup. Any listed Central Stations interested in participating sooner than later should reach out to Ed Bonifas soon as the Charter Program will come to an end.

Membership comparisons are as follows: 2007(Dec.) 2008(Dec.) 2009(Dec.) 2010 (Dec.) 2011(Sept)

Associate 42 51 55 59 58

Consultant 17 21 23 19 18

Honorary 15 14 12 13 13

International 8 9 10 8 15

Press 4 4 4 4 4

Proprietary 22 29 31 30 30

North American 148 158 157 162 170

TOTAL 256 286 292 295 308


AICC:

AICC continues to grow mainly due to the various communications issues affecting our industry.

AICC now has 37 members: CSAA ESA SIA ADT AFA Protective Systems Bay Alarm COPS Monitoring DGA Security Diebold Protection One Security Network of America Security Networks Select Security Stanley Convergent United Central Control Universal Atlantic Systems Vector Security Vivint AES Intellinet

Alarm.com Axis Communications Bosch DMP DSC Honeywell Interlogix Inovonics Linear Corp LogicMark Napco Security Numerex (Uplink) RSI Videofied Telular Visonic FM Approvals Intertek Testing Underwriters Laboratories

Current Topics include:

Nationwide Monitoring License Telecommunications Service Priority Frequency Auctions Sprint and Verizon as presenters “NOI” on Next Generation 911

AICC successfully lobbied to have the 450 to 470 MHz band removed from consideration for auction. Re: Nationwide Monitoring License

Renew effort to introduce legislation Re-rewrite 2006 Bill as follows:

Monitoring across state lines with no fee except for the monitoring entities home state. Looking for support and funding.

Regarding the American Job’s Act of 2011

The Act would create jobs but to a large part pay for these jobs with funds derived from frequency auctions and other related means. AICC is concerned about perhaps the auctioning off “free spectrum” such as Part 15 devices and the introduction a “usage fee” for radio spectrum usage. The latter would make certain technologies enjoying the free use of spectrum (except for a nominal license fee) then pay for spectrum usage, probably at a fee commensurate to what a public carrier would charge.


ATTENDANCE LIST

ROC October 12 to 13 2011 Richmond, VA Attended Name Organization Status

X Lee Richardson NFPA Staff X Olsen, Warren IL Fire Inspectors Association Chair Aus, Geoffrey Menlo Park Fire Protection Dist. P X Bigelow, Raymond Town of Needham, MA FD / IMSA P

X Black, Art Carmel FD P Bonifas, Edward Alarm Detection Systems P X Boyer, J. UTC / Edwards / NEMA P X Brown, Thomas The RJA Group, Inc P Buckley, Robert Signal Communications P X Carroll, Paul Central Signal Corp . P

Colby, Scot Colby Fire & Security Systems / ESA P X Connaughton, Thomas Intertek Testing Services P X Coveny, Lawrence Chicago Metro Fire Prevention Co P X Crews, James Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co P X Egan, Patrick Select Security P X Elliott, Bob FM Approvals P X Fiore, Lou L.T. Fiore, Inc P X Fox, Harvey Keltron Corp. P Hu, Xianxu Insurance Services Office, Inc. P X Keighley, James CSAA P X Kleinman, Richard AFA Protective Systems P X Marts, Ronald Telcordia Technologies P

Monaco, Eugene Monaco Enterprises P X Mucci, Tony ADT/Tyco P Pannell, Donald Memphis Fire Department P X Papier, Isaac Honeywell Life Safety P X Schmit, Steve UL P X Titus, Sean Fike Corporation / FSSA P

Aiken, Douglas International Municipal Signal Associates A Betz, Jeffrey AT&T Corp A X Blanken, David Keltron Corp A Gagliardi, Cheryl FM Approvals A Hope, Gordon Honeywell Inc. A

Johnson, Michael The RJA Group, Inc. A X Mann, Larry Central Station Inc. / AFAA A X Mathews, Derek UL A X May, Scott Bosch Security Systems / NEMA A Mitchell, Robert Bay Alarm / CSAA A X Reiswig, Rodger SimplexGrinnell/Tyco A

Scholes, Robert Fireman’s Fund Insurance A Tokarz, Frank Monaco Enterprises A

Guests

X Blanc, Jean NFPA G X Burke, Bill NFPA G X Farraher, Marty Siemens G X Finnegan, Dan Siemens Fire G X Foster, Steve IAFC / TVFR G X Olson, Paul Underwriters Labs, Inc G X Parow, Jack IAFC G X Parrish, Tom Telgian G X Schifiliti, Bob RPSA, Inc. G X Shudak, Larry Underwriters Labs, Inc G X Stanek, Sandra NFPA G X Woodward, Andrew Arup G

1

National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

Meeting Minutes of the

Technical Committee on Supervising Station Alarm Systems November 17, 2011

(Teleconference) Item 11-11-1 Call to Order Chair Warren Olsen called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM ET. Item 11-11-2 Roll Call In addition to the chair, the following TC members were present: Anthony Mucci (P) Art Black (P) Bob Boyer (P) Robert Buckley (P) Thomas Connaughton (P) Patrick Egan (P) Ronald Marts (P) Steven Schmit (P) The following NFPA Staff was present: Lee F. Richardson Item 11-11-3 Purpose of Meeting The clarity of proposed paragraph 26.2.2.1 of the committee action on Comment 72-348 has come into question. The purpose of this meeting was for the committee to review the proposed language so that clarifying language can be recommended to the TCC. Within the proposed committee action text, paragraph 26.2.2.1 begins with the words “Where required … .” This could be interpreted to mean: “where alarm signal pre-verification is required” or “where alarm signal verification is required.” The committee members present discussed this and the consensus was that the text should be clarified to say “Where alarm signal verification is required.” Item 11-11-4 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:15 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Lee F. Richardson Secretary Pro Tem

NFPA 72 SIG-SSS PIs (Bold PI numbers indicate PI sent to more than one TC) *Revise includes delete PI TC Proposed 2013

Section *Type of Change

Related PI

Notes

254 SSS 3.3.189 revise 255 SSS 3.3.204 revise 256 SSS 3.3.226 revise 257 SSS 3.3.249 revise 150 SSS 3.3.283.3.1

3.3.283.3.2 new 151 Emulated

252 SSS 3.3.43.2 revise 253 SSS 3.3.65 revise 301 SSS 3.3.XX new Written correspondence

Code uses “In writing” Ch 14 & 26 97 SSS 10.5 Emulated

Relocate 10.5 to new chapter 349 SSS 10.5 revise 101 SSS 26.2 102 Emulated

Relocate 26.2 and related annex material to 26.2.5? or 26.2.4.5 – TC, new paragraph assignment must be incorrect (see code organization). Note related annex material is not addressed in the emulation. See submitted PI pdf

651 SSS 26.2.1 revise 652 Emulated Use submitter’s version – emulated text looks questionable

156 SSS 26.2.1.1 26.2.1.2

new Emulated

166 SSS 26.2.2 revise Emulated Emulated text looks off ? See submitted PI pdf

341 SSS 26.2.2 revise 644 SSS 26.2.2

26.2.3 revise

143 SSS 26.2.2.1 revise What about balance of 26.2.2 164 SSS 26.2.3 revise 165 Emulated

Emulated text looks off ? See submitted PI pdf

310 SSS 26.2.3.1 revise 152 SSS 26.2.5.2 revise 153 Emulated

See submitted PI pdf 95 SSS 26.2.6.1 revised 96 Emulated 312 SSS 26.2.7.1 revise 393 SSS 26.2.7.1 revise 395 SSS 26.2.7.2 revise 313 SSS 26.2.7.3 revise 397 SSS 26.2.7.3 revise 102 SSS 26.3 103 Emulated

Renumber 26.3 and subsections See submitted PI pdf

237 SSS 26.3.3 revise 398 SSS 26.3.4.7 revise 652 SSS 26.3.8.1.1 revise 651 Emulated

Use submitter’s version – emulated text looks questionable

314 SSS 26.3.8.3 revise 400 SSS 26.3.8.3 revise 343 SSS 26.3.8.5 new 557 SSS 26.3.8.5.4 revise 562 633 SSS 26.3.9.2 revise 422 SSS 26.4.6.6.1 revise 344 SSS 26.4.6.6.4 new 634 SSS 26.4.7.2 revise 635 SSS 26.4.7.3 revise 172 SSS 26.5 revise Emulated

Check emulation carefully See submitted PI pdf

345 SSS 26.5.4.5 new 399 SSS 26.5.6 revise 636 SSS 26.5.7.2 revise 104 SSS 26.6.1.1 revise Emulated 425 SSS 26.6.2.3.2 revise 163 SSS 26.6.2.4 revise Emulated 31 SSS 26.6.2.4.4(2) From TIA 13-1 (Item 1)

The TC needs to affirm the TIA or take other action deemed appropriate.

433 SSS 26.6.3.1.15.1 revise 424 SSS 26.6.3.1.2 revise 427 SSS 26.6.3.1.3 revise 162 SSS 26.6.3.1.6

23.6.3.1.7 revise Emulated

85 SSS 26.6.3.1.7 revised 423 SSS 26.6.3.1.7 revise 316 SSS 26.6.3.2.1.1 revise 317 SSS 26.6.3.2.1.4(B) revise 386 386 SSS 26.6.3.2.1.4(B) revise 317 157 SSS 26.6.3.2.1.5 revise Emulated 335 SSS 26.6.3.2.1.5 revise 32 SSS 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) From TIA 13-1 (Item 2)


151 SSS A.3.3.283.3.2 new 150 Emulated 96 SSS A.26.2.1 revised 95 Emulated

Replace existing annex text 342 SSS A.26.2.2.2 new 165 SSS A.26.2.3.2 revise 164 Emulated

See submitted PI pdf 153 SSS A.26.2.5.2 revise 152 Emulated

See submitted PI pdf 103 SSS A.26.3 102 Emulated

Renumber related 26.3 annex sections See submitted PI pdf

8 SSS A.26.5.4.4 new Held ROC 72-448 33 SSS A.26.6.1 From TIA 13-1 (Item 3)


346 SSS A.26.6.3.1.7 revise 34 SSS A.26.6.3.2.2.2(c)(1)(d) From TIA 13-1 (Item 4)


35 SSS A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) From TIA 13-1 (Item 5) The TC needs to affirm the TIA or take other action deemed appropriate. Note that (F) was deleted by the TIA so it doesn’t appear in the 2013 edition.

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Public Input No. 301-NFPA 72-2013 [ Global Input ]

3.3.319A Writing-written correspondence. Any form of correspondence that can beverified upon request, such as a letter, fax, email, text, or other means of documentedtransfer of information from one entity to another. (This does not apply to “written”documents required, such as, system layouts or marked drawings)

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input

Several sections refer to the need to notify someone in writing (written correspondence):14.2.2.2.3 Test deficiency14.4.6.1 Completion of testing26.2.7.1 Change of supv. Station26.3.4.6 Notify who is AHJMany customers and/or entities prefer “electronic’ means of communication, because it can often provide for a “quicker’, “targeted” and permanently archived mechanism of correspondence. Also since many standards orginations take the position that being silent on a subject, prohibits it's use, it's vital to make it clear that written correspondence may take most any form as long as there is a record of what was communicated, to whom, from whom, using a defined method, by date and time.

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name:LARRY DISCHERT

Organization: LRD Consulting

Submittal Date: Thu May 16 10:06:41 EDT 2013

Copyright Assignment

I, LARRY DISCHERT, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and

full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and

Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of

the NFPA in w hich this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby w arrant that I am the

author of this Public Input and that I have full pow er and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I aff irm that I am LARRY DISCHERT, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright

Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am

creating an electronic signature that w ill, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a

handw ritten signature

Public Input No. 252-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.43.2 ]

3.3.43.2 Derived Channel.A signaling line circuit that uses the local leg of the public-switched network as an active multiplex channel while simultaneously allowing that leg’s use for normal telephone communications. (SIG-SSS)


The term "Derived Channel" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and the index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.


Submitter Full Name: Warren Olsen

Organization: Fire Safety Consultants, Inc.

Affilliation: Illinois Fire Inspectors Association

Submittal Date: Sun May 12 20:04:58 EDT 2013


I, Warren Olsen, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Warren Olsen, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature

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Public Input No. 253-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.65 ]

3.3.65 Derived Channel.

See 3.3.43 , Channel.


See substantiation for Public Input No. 252-NFPA 72-2013.


Submitter Full Name:Warren Olsen





I, Warren Olsen, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full

rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and




By checking this box I aff irm that I am Warren Olsen, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright





3.3.189 Parallel Telephone System.A telephone system in which an individually wired circuit is used for each fire alarm box. (SIG-SSS)


The term "Parallel Telephone System" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and the index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.







I, Warren Olsen, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I herebywarrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.



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3.3.204 Private Radio Signaling.A radio system under control of the proprietary supervising station. (SIG-SSS)


The term "Private Radio Signaling" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and the index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.












3.3.226 Radio Alarm System (RAS).A system in which signals are transmitted from a radio alarm transmitter (RAT) located at a protected premises through a radio channel to two or more radio alarm repeater station receivers (RARSR) and that are annunciated by a radio alarm supervising station receiver (RASSR) located at the central supervising station. (SIG-SSS)


In the definition for a RASSR (3.3.225), which immediately preceedes the definition for a RAS, the RASSR's location is said to be located at the "supervising station" which is a general term covering all alarm signal receiving locations covered by NFPA 72. RASSR's can be found in central, remote or proprietary supervising station locations. The definition used for the RAS indicates that the RASSR is located at the "central station". The definition for the RAS should be revised to coincide with 3.3.225 by indicating the RASSR is located at a "supervising station".












3.3.249 Scanner.Equipment located at the telephone company wire center that monitors each local leg and relays status changes to the alarm center. Processors and associated equipment might also be included. (SIG-SSS)


The term "Scanner" is no longer found in NFPA 72 except in its definition and the index and as such no longer needs to be maintained in Chapter 3.











Public Input No. 150-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 3.3.284.3 ]

3.3.284.3.1 Type M Remote Supervising Station Alarm System. A protected premises fire alarm system (exclusive of any connected to a public emergency reporting system) in which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals are trasmitted automatically to, recorded in, and supervised from a communications center that complies with the requirements of NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems.3.3.284.32* Type P Remote Supervising Station Alarm System. A protected premises fire alarm system (exclusive of any connected to a public emergency reporting system) in which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals are transmitted automatically to, recorded in, and supervised from an alternate location approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved3.3.284.3.pdf Cover Sheet


See related Public Input related to Type M and Type P remote station fire alarm systems. These definitions are required for useability.


Submitter Full Name: Art Black

Organization: Carmel Fire Protection

Submittal Date: Thu Apr 25 14:03:00 EDT 2013


I, Art Black, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and fullrights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Art Black, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature



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Public Input No. 97-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 10.5 ]

Relocate entire Section 10.5 to new chapter on Qualifications. Renumber as required.


File Name Description Approved

10.5.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


Qualifications sections in Chapter 10 should be relocated to a new chapter in the administrative chapters section of the document, as qualifications apply to all systems and functions covered in the code. Having the qualifications requirements in a separate chapter makes the requirements easier to find (user friendly) and allows for additional qualifications to be more easily added if appropriate.


Submitter Full Name:Art Black


Submittal Date: Tue Apr 23 10:37:56 EDT 2013


I, Art Black, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights

in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and




By checking this box I aff irm that I am Art Black, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright




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Public Input No. 349-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 10.5 ]

10.5 Personnel Qualifications.

10.5.1 System Designer.

10.5.1.1

Fire alarm system and emergency communications system plans andspecifications shall be developed in accordance with this Code by personswho are experienced in the

proper

design, application, installation, and testing of the alarm systems ,emergency communications systems, or both .

A. 10.5.1.

2

1

State or local licensure

regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel. Depending on state orlocal licensure regulations, qualified personnel shall

or certification regulations for qualification of personnel should include, butnot be limited to, one or more of the following:

(1) Personnel who

are registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority

(1) have satisfactorily attended a course on alarm system design,emergency communicaitons system desing, or both

(2) Personnel who are certified by a

nationally recognized

(1) certification organization acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction

(2) Personnel who

are factory trained and certified for

(1) have undergone instruction and passed an examination on fire alarmsystem design

and/or

(1) , emergency communication system design

of the

(1) , or both for a specific type and brand of system

and who are

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(1)

10.5.1.2 Persons that design, install, and test alarm systems, emergency

communications systems, or both shall be required to pas an examinationadministered by an organization acceptable to the authority having

jurisdiction

jurisdiciton.

10.5.1.3

The system designer shall

be identified on the system design documents.

provide evidence of compliance to 10.5.1.2 when required by the authorityhaving jurisdiction.

10.5.1.4 Persons training to design, install, and test alarm systems, emergencycommunication systems, or both shall be permitted to perform these tasks under thesupervision of a person that meets 10.5.1.2.

10.5.1.

4

5

The system designer shall

provide evidence of their qualifications and/or certifications when required by theauthority having jurisdiction.

be identified on the system design documents.

(moved to 10.5. 1.3)

10.5. 2 System Installer.

10.5.2.1

Fire alarm systems and emergency communications systemsinstallation personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by personswho are qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of thesystems.

A. 10.5.2.

2

1

State or local licensure

regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel. Depending on state orlocal licensure regulations, qualified personnel shall include, but not be limited to,

or certification regulations should include one or more of the following:

(1) Personnel who

are registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority

(1) have satisfactorily attended a course on installation, inspection, andtesting of fire alarm systems, emergency communications systems,or both

(2) Personnel who are certified by a

nationally recognized

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(1) certification organization acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction

(2) Personnel

who are factory trained and certified for fire alarm system installation and/or emergencycommunications system installation of the

(1) who have undergone instruction and passed an examination on thespecific type and brand of system

and who are

(1)

10.5.2.2 Persons that install, inspect, and test fire alarm systems, emergencycommunications systems, or both shall be required to pass a test administeredby an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction .

10.5.2.3

The system installer shall provide evidence

of their qualifications and/or certifications when

of compliance to 10.5.2.2 when requested by the authority havingjurisdiction.

10.5. 2.4 Persons training to install and test alarm systems, emergencycommunication systems, or both shall be permitted to perform these tasks underthe supervision of a person that meets 10.5.2.2.

10.5. 3 * Inspection, Testing, and Service Personnel. (SIG-TMS)

Personnel

, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization that is registered,licensed, or certified by a state or local authority, shall be recognized as

that inspect, test and maintain systems addressed within the scope ofthis Code shall be qualified and experienced in the inspection, testing,and maintenance of systems addressed within the scope of this Code.

10.5.3.1 * Inspection Personnel.

Inspections shall be performed by personnel who have developedcompetence through training and experience acceptable to theauthority having jurisdiction

or meet the requirement of 10

.

5.3.3.

10.5.3.2 * Testing Personnel.

Testing personnel shall have knowledge and experience of the testingrequirements for fire alarm and signaling equipment of this Code that isacceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

or meet the requirement of 10

.

5.3.3.

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10.5.3.3 Service Personnel.

Service personnel shall be qualified in the maintenance and servicingof systems addressed within the scope of this Code

. Qualified personnel shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following

and shall pass an examination administered by an organizationacceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

A.10.5.3.3 The following are examples of persons that could be consideredqualified to service systems :

(1)

factory

(1)

(2)

by a nationally recognized

(1)

(1)

(2) Personnel

, either individually or through their affiliation with an organization that is registered,licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform service on systemsaddressed within the scope of this Code Personnel who are employed and

(1) who are qualified by an organization

listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

(1) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction for the servicing ofsystems within the scope of this Code

10.5.3.4 Programming.

Personnel programming a system shall be

certified by the system manufacturer

trained and pass an examination that is acceptable to the authorityhaving jurisdiction .

10.5.3.5 Evidence of Qualification.

Evidence of qualifications to 10.5.3.1, 10.5.3.2, 10.5.3.3, and 10.5.3.4shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

10.5.4 Supervising Station Operators. (SIG-SSS)

10.5.4.1

All operators in the supervising station shall demonstratecompetence in all tasks required of them in Chapter 26

by one or more of the following: Certified by the manufacturer of the Other training orcertification approved

* Personnel who are

trained and certified for the specific type and brand of systembeing serviced

* Personnel who are certified

in the servicing of systems within the scope of this Code by a certification organization acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction

*

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.

A.10.5.4.1 Supervising station operators should be competent in alltasks required of them. The following are examples of methods for qualifyingsupervising station operators:

(1) Instruction and testing by an organization acceptable to theauthority having jurisdiction on the receiving system or equipment orthe alarm-monitoring automation system

(2)

Licensed or certified by a state or local authority

(1)

(2) Other instruction and testing approved by the authority havingjurisdiction

10.5.4.2

Evidence of

qualifications and/or certification shall

qualifications to 10.5.4.1 shall be provided when requested by theauthority having jurisdiction.

A .10.5.4.2 A license or qualification listing

shall

should be current in accordance with the requirements of the

issuing

authority

or organization

having jurisdiction .

10.5.4.3

Operator trainees shall be under the direct supervision of a qualifiedoperator until qualified as required by 10.5.4.1 .


The current text is unreasonably restircitve and restrains trade. Qualification criterion should be reasonable, enforceable, and not unfairly restricive to individuals that seek to become qualified.


Submitter Full Name:Mark Conroy

Organization: Brooks Equipment Company

Submittal Date: Fri May 17 14:25:01 EDT 2013


I, Mark Conroy, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full




* Certified by an organization acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction

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Original Show Markup

26.2.4.5 General.

26.6.2.1 Master Control Unit.

If the protected premises master control unit is neither integral to nor colocated with the supervising station, thecommunications methods of Section 26.6 shall be used to connect the protected premises to either a subsidiarystation, if used, or a supervising station for central station service in accordance with Section 26.3, proprietary stationin accordance with Section 26.4, or remote station in accordance with Section 26.5.

26.6.2.2* Alternate Methods.

Nothing in Chapter 26 shall be interpreted as prohibiting the use of listed equipment using alternate communicationsmethods that provide a level of reliability and supervision consistent with the requirements of Chapter 10 and theintended level of protection.

26.6.2.3* Equipment.

26.6.2.3.1

Alarm system equipment and installations shall comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules andregulations, as applicable, concerning the following:

Electromagnetic radiation

Use of radio frequencies

Connection to the public switched telephone network of telephone equipment, systems, and protectionapparatus

26.6.2.3.2

Radio receiving equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810.

26.6.2.3.3

The external antennas of all radio transmitting and receiving equipment shall be protected in order to minimize thepossibility of damage by static discharge or lightning.

26.6.2.4 Dual Control.

26.6.2.4.1

Dual control, if required, shall provide for redundancy in the form of a standby circuit or other alternate means oftransmitting signals over the primary trunk portion of a transmission channel.

26.6.2.4.2

The same method of signal transmission shall be permitted to be used over separate routes, or alternate methodsof signal transmission shall be permitted to be used.

26.6.2.4.3

Public switched telephone network facilities shall be used only as an alternate method of transmitting signals.

26.6.2.4.4

If using facilities leased from a telephone company, that portion of the primary trunk facility between thesupervising station and its serving wire center shall not be required to comply with the separate routingrequirement of the primary trunk facility. Dual control, if used, shall require supervision as follows:

Dedicated facilities that are able to be used on a full-time basis, and whose use is limited to signalingpurposes as defined in this Code, shall be exercised at least once every hour.Paragraphs 26.6.2.4.4(2) and 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) were revised by a tentative interim amendment (TIA). Seepage 1.

Public switched telephone network facilities shall be exercised at least once every 6 hours.



Open 26.6.2_26.6.3.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/XmlImageManager?objId=/TerraView/Content/72-2013.ditamap/2/C1366733054745.xml:=root&imageId=26.6.2_26.6.3.G1366733098720.pdf&altImageId=G1366733098720

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This eliminates two sections with the same title and reduces the number of "numbers" in all section identifiers in this section. Editorial only for better usability.






I, Art Black, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including

both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in

any publication of the NFPA in w hich this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby w arrant that I am the author of this Public Input

and that I have full pow er and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I aff irm that I am Art Black, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained

therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that w ill, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal

force and effect as a handw ritten signature

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Public Input 101

Public Input No. 651-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 26.2.1 ]

26.2.1 Alarm Signal Disposition. Alarm signals initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow fromthe automatic sprinkler system, or actuation of other fire suppression system(s) or equipment shall be treated as fire alarm signals. Except as permitted by 26.2.2 and 29.7.9.2, all fire alarm signals received by a supervising station shall be immediately retransmitted to the communications center.


File Name Description Approved26.3.8.1.1.pdf Cover Sheet


In the 2013 edition there is an explanation of what a fire alarm signal is under Central Station Service but not for the other categories of supervising stations. This public input relocates the existing text from Central Station Service to the front of the chapter to apply to all supervising station fire alarm systems.




Submittal Date: Wed May 22 08:15:31 EDT 2013






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Public Input 651


26.2.1* Alarm Signal Disposition.Except as permitted by 26.2.2 and 29.7.9.2, all fire alarm signals received by a supervising station shall be immediately retransmitted to the communications center such that initiation of the information exchangebetween the supervising station and the communications center shall occurwithout unreasonable delay but in no case greater than 90 seconds .


File Name Description Approved26.2.1_A.26.2.1.pdf Cover Sheet


This public comment clarifies the meaning of "immediately" by moving the current annex material relating to 90-seconsd from the annex to the body of the code.










Public Input No. 156-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 26.2.1 ]

26.2.1.1 Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station by a zone or zones shall be retransmitted by zone to the communications center.26.2.1.2 Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station that are identified as an individual point or points shall be retransmitted by point identifier to the communications center.



26.2.1.1_26.2.1.2.pdf Cover Sheet


To clarify that zone or point ID signals are required to be retransmitted by zone or point ID to the communications center.










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26.2.3 Alarm Signal Pre-Verification.

26.2.3.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department, the supervisingstation shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has beenreceived and verification is in process.

Exception: Where the authority having jurisdiction specifically prohibits pre-verification andnotifies the supervising station in writing of this prohibition.

26.2.3.2

Verification shall meet the requirements of 26.2.3.

26.2.3.3 Alarm signals that are verified as nuisance or other unwanted alarms shall bereported to the responsible fire department in a manner and at a frequency specified by theresponsible fire department.



26.2.2.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


(1) Verification should come before pre-verification, which is only applicable when verification is required.(2) Fire authorities may prohibit pre-verification; if so, the proposed language requires notification to the supervising station so that the supervising station has written records of the requirement to immediately verify alarms.(2) Section 26.2.3.3 is added specifically address the procedure to be used if pre-verification results in an undispatched signal.See companion Public Input related to changing the order of verification and pre-verification.




Submittal Date: Fri Apr 26 08:27:54 EDT 2013









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26.2.2 Alarm Signal Preverification Verification .

26.2.2.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department, thesupervising station shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarmsignal has been received and verification is in process.

Supervising stations shall be permitted to verify alarm signals prior toreporting them to the fire service except where prohibited by the authorityhaving jurisdiction, provided the verification process does not delay thereporting by more tahn 90 seconds.Verification shall meet the requirements of26.2.3

26.2.2.2

Verification shall meet the requirements of 26.2.3 .

After the 90 second period has expired, all fire alarm signals received by thesupervising station shall be immeciately retransmitted to the communications center.


In the NFPA Research Foundation report "Development of a Risk-Based Decision Support Tool to Assist Fire Departments in Managing Unwanted Alarms" Final Report consider the data on Report Page 5. It details about 30,000 alarm activations and determined actual fires were at only .7% of them. Systems today less than 1% reliable.


Submitter Full Name:Louis Fiore

Organization: L. T. Fiore, Inc.



I, Louis Fiore, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full





By checking this box I aff irm that I am Louis Fiore, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright




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Public Input No. 644-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 26.2.2, 26.2.3 ]

Original Hide Markup

Sections 26.2.2, 26.2.3

26.2. 2 Alarm Signal Preverification.

26.2.2.1

Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department, the supervising station shallimmediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has been received and verification is inprocess.

26.2.2.2

Verification

shall meet the requirements of 26

.

2.3.

26.2.

3 Alarm Signal Verification. 26.2.3.

1

For applications other than those addressed under the scope of 29.7.9.2 , supervising station personnel shallattempt to verify alarm signals prior to reporting them to the communication center where all the followingconditions exist:

Documentation of the requirement for alarm signal verification is provided by the responsible firedepartment to the supervising station and the protected premises.

If the requirement for verification changes, the responsible fire department shall notify the supervisingstation and the protected premises.

Verification of the alarm signal is received only from authorized personnel within the protectedpremises.

Alarm signals that are verified as nuisance alarms are not dispatched and are handled in accordancewith 26.2.3.2 .

26.2.

3.

2 *

Alarm signals not reported to the communications center shall be reported to the responsible fire departmentin a manner and at a frequency specified by the responsible fire department.


This proposal fixes a significant problem in the 2013 code. When Verification was adtopted by the committee, a "PreVerification" section was inserted which makes the long establsihed verifciation process virtually unusable. Preverification requires signals be "immediately" pretransmitted to the 911 center, meaning within 90 seconds. However, the following section 26.2.3 only allows 90 seconds to verify an alarm signal. This will result in one of three scenarios:1. WIth one operator

* Alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department for a specific protectedpremises.

* The verification process does not take longer than 90 seconds from the time the alarm signal isreceived at the supervising station until the time that retransmission of the verified alarm signal isinitiated.

* Verified alarm signals are immediately retransmitted to the communications center and includeinformation that the signal was verified at the protected premises to be an emergency.

* Alarm signals where verification is not conclusive are immediately retransmitted to the communicationscenter.

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processing the call, it is not possible to comply. It will take more than 90 seconds to simply "preverify" (national data generally 1:30 or more simply to process a call by the 911 center. Meaning by the time the operator gives the preverification information to the 911 center, all tiem to verify has expired.2. With 2 Operators processing a single alarm call (which means a minimum of 3 must be on-duty at all times to account for breaks, etc.) that while the first operator is reporting the call, a second operator will be verifying. By the time the first operator has even finished giveing location and alarm infomration, the second operator will be calling in to the dispatch center to report the results of the verification. This makes no sense, will cause confusion, and ties up the nations 911 centers with mulitple calls that could and should be processed as a single call.3. If interpreted as giving 90 seconds in addition to the preverification time, it will result in alarm processing in excess of 4 1/2 minutes (90 seconds to "preverify", 90 seconds to "verify" and 90 seconds more to "immediately" retransmit. This was not the committe or the proponents intent.This proposal will follow the same verification protocol that has been widely used for nearly 20 years on household systems.


Submitter Full Name:STEVE FORSTER

Organization: TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE

Submittal Date: Mon May 20 19:41:11 EDT 2013


I, STEVE FORSTER, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input

(including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint

author, in any publication of the NFPA in w hich this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby w arrant that I am the author of this

Public Input and that I have full pow er and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I aff irm that I am STEVE FORSTER, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions

contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that w ill, upon my submission of this form, have the

same legal force and effect as a handw ritten signature


26.2.2.1Where alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department, the supervising station shall immediately notify the communications center that a fire alarm signal has been received and verification is in process.


Section 26.2.3 was added to the 2013 edition base on the work done by a small task group assembled to reach a consensus of acceptable language concerning "alarm signal verification" originally proposed by the IAFC. Section 26.2.2 was not part of that submittal. The committee statement said that this "provides the necessary redundancy in reporting and allows the fire service to prepare for dispatch". Although a nice idea, the dispatcher who accepts the calls from a supervising station does not need time to prepare to dispatch. They are trained to accept these calls, gather the necessary information and dispatch the appropriate units. They really don't need an extra phone call telling them that there "might" be an alarm. 26.2.2 adds un-necessary text that can cause confusion to dispatchers on what exactly the supervising station is calling about. Lastly, 26.2.2 is basically un-enforceable. How does a Fire Department ensure the phone call for "preverification" is happening on every false fire alarm? If they don't call because the verification was successful, we don't know that the alarm every happened (except for 26.2.3.2, if the Fire Department requires them to be reported - you really don't think that the Fire Official in charge is going to cross reference the list of false fire alarms with phone calls received by dispatch). Isn't the result the same with or without the extra phone call? We're either going to dispatch based on the alarm not being verified (or it's verified of an actual event) or the verification is successful, proves to be false, and we're not dispatch.


Submitter Full Name: DAVID LOWREY

Organization: BOULDER CITY OF

Submittal Date: Wed Apr 24 15:28:48 EDT 2013


I, DAVID LOWREY, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am DAVID LOWREY, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature




26.2.3 2 Alarm Signal Verification.26.2.

32 .1

For applications other than those addressed under the scope of 29.7.9.2 , supervising station personnel shall attempt to verify alarm signals prior to reporting them to the communication center where all the following conditions exist:

(1)

(2) Documentation of the requirement for alarm signal verification is provided by the responsible fire department to the supervising station and the protected premises.

(3) If the requirement for verification changes, the responsible fire department shall notify the supervising station and the protected premises.

(4)

(5) Verification of the alarm signal is received only from authorized personnel within the protected premises.

(6)

(7)

(8) * Alarm signals that are verified as nuisance alarms

are not dispatched and are handled in accordance with 26.2.3.2 . 26.2.3.2 * Alarm signals not reported to the communications center

(1) shall be reported to the responsible fire department in a manner and at a frequency specified by the responsible firedepartment.


* Alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department for a specific protected premises.

* The verification process does not take longer than 90 seconds from the time the alarm signal is received at the supervising station until the time that retransmission of the verified alarm signal is initiated.

* Verified alarm signals are immediately retransmitted to the communications center and include information that the signal was verified at the protected premises to be an emergency.

* Alarm signals where verification is not conclusive are immediately retransmitted to the communications center.



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26.2.3.pdf Cover Sheet


(1) Verification should come before pre-verification, which is only applicable when verification is required.(2) Subsection (8) and existing 26.2.3.2 are combined for usability.











26.2.3.1For applications other than those addressed under the scope of 29.7.9.2 , supervising station personnel shall attempt to verify alarm signals prior to reporting them to the communication center where all the following conditions exist:

(1)

(2) Documentation of the requirement for alarm signal verification is provided by the responsible fire department to the supervising station and the protected premises.

(3) If the requirement for verification changes, the responsible fire department shall notify the supervising station and the protectedpremises.

(4)

(5) Verification of the alarm signal is received only from authorized personnel from a person who identifies themselves and reports that there are the signs of a fire in progress, withinthe protected premises.

(6)

(7)

(8) Alarm signals that are verified as nuisance alarms are not dispatched and are handled in accordance with 26.2.3.2 .


Although “authorized” is a good idea, in a fire emergency there may not be an authorized person available, but almost anyone can see if a fire is in progress and are often willing to identify themselves.


Submitter Full Name: LARRY DISCHERT




* Alarm signal verification is required by the responsible fire department for a specific protected premises.

* The verification process does not take longer than 90 seconds from the time the alarm signal is received at the supervising station until the time that retransmission of the verified alarm signal is initiated.

* Verified alarm signals are immediately retransmitted to the communications center and include information that the signal was verified at the protected premises to be an emergency.

* Alarm signals where verification is not conclusive are immediately retransmitted to the communications center.



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26.2.5.2*Effective January 1, 2014, any Any signal received by the a Type P remote supervising station that has not restored to normal condition within 24 hours of initial receipt shall be redisplayed to an operator as a nonrestored signal and shall be reported to the subscriber and, where required, to the authority havingjurisdiction in a manner acceptable to the subscriber and the authority having jurisdiction .Exception : This provision shall not apply to scheduledimpairments, including ongoing installation, renovation, long-term natural disasters or other activities that would cause a system to have an ongoing trouble, supervisory or alarmcondition .




It is important that the subscriber and the authority having jurisdiction know on an on-going basis that alarm system signals are not restored. Since there are other means prescribed for Central Station Service and proprietary supervising station systems, and Type M systems are monitored by a public communications center, this requirement is proposed to be limited to Type P remote station systems.











26.2.7.1Supervising station customers or clients and the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified in , by the prime contractor, in writingwithin 30 days of any scheduled change in service that results in signals from the client's property being handled by a different supervising station.


Need to identify who will do the notifying.






I, LARRY DISCHERT, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am LARRY DISCHERT, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature



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26.2.7.1Supervising station customers or clients and the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified in writing by the current supervising station provider that within 30 days of any scheduled calendar days a change in service will occur that results in signals from the client's property being handled by a different supervising station.


Proposed changes clarifies who is responsible to make the notification to the client and that the time frame is measured in calendar days.











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26.2.7.2Where the new provider of supervising station provides the required testing and where service changes services covered by 26.2.7.1 occur also provides the required testing , the supervising station shall new provider shall test all zones, points, and signals from each affected property in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 14 within 30 calendar days of the change of service .


Proposed changes clarifies who is responsible to complete the required testing and that the time frame is measured in calendar days.











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26.2.7.3Where the supervising station does not provide the required testing and where service changes covered by 26.2.7.1 occur, the supervising station shall notify the prime contractor of the need to test all zones, points, and signals from each affected property in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 14 .


Strike entire section, the “prime contractor” is the responsible party not the supervising station. This would dilute the concept of defining the roll of the prime contractor, and making them responsible for all aspects of the system. We should not take one portion of compliance and give it to another entity.See 3.3.202 Prime Contractor.3.3.202 Prime Contractor. The one company contractually responsible for providing central station services to a subscriberas required by this Code. The prime contractor can be either a listed central station or a listed alarm service–local company.











26.2.7.3Where the new provider of supervising station does not provide the required testing and where service changes services coveredby 26.2.7. 1 occur 1 does not provide the required testing , thesupervising station shall new provider shall notify the prime contractor of and the alarm system owner of the need to test all zones, points, and signals from each affected property in accordancewith the requirements of Chapter 14 within 30 calendar days of thechange of service .


Proposed changes clarifies who is responsible to make notifications, adds the alarm system owner to the list of who needs to be notified, and also clarifies how the time frame is measured.











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26.3.3 Contract Requirements.The central station service elements shall be provided under contract to a subscriber by one of the following:

A listed central station that provides all of the elements of central station service with its own facilities and personnel.

•

A listed central station that provides, as a minimum, the signal monitoring, retransmission, and associated record keeping and reporting with its own facilities and personnel and shall be permitted to subcontract all or any part of the installation, testing, and maintenance and runner service.

•

A listed alarm service–local company that provides the installation, testing, and maintenance with its own facilities and personnel and that subcontracts the a prime contractor that has a listing for central station fire alarm services. 26.3.3.1 The prime contractor shall be responsible for code compliant service delivery, regardless of any subcontracting arrangements involved in the delivery of service.

26.3.3.2 Signal monitoring, retransmission, and associated record keeping and reporting

to a listed central station with the required runner service provided by the listed alarm service–local company with its own personnel or the listed central station with its own personnel.A listed central station that provides the installation, testing, and maintenance with its own facilities and personnel and that subcontracts the monitoring, retransmission, and associated record keeping and reporting to another listed central station with the required runner service provided by either central stationshall be provided for by a company that has a listing for central station alarm services covering these elements .




Problem 1 – Current language 1) prescribes a limited number of permissible contractual relationships and 2) does so asymmetrically (I.e. – a central station may subcontract any or all installation, testing, maintenance, runners service without condition, but an alarm service local company must deliver all of those elements of service with its own staff & facilities).

These limited, restrictive prescriptions are not compatible with contemporary practice. For example, on large projects, a general contractor my sub wire work to an electrical contractor and fire alarm device installation to an alarm service company. Current language would appear to all a full service central station to participate in this project, but exclude a local service company who didn’t do the wire work with its own staff & facilities. A similar situation exists with respect to “take overs” of existing accounts and certification of very old accounts with less than complete documentation on the parties that actually did physical work.

In 20+ years of operating a Certification program that includes this requirement, UL has seen no technical substation to justify such discrimination between participants. AHJs universally allow local deviations to the “with own staff/facilities” language. UL’s program practice in these jurisdictions is reflected by the proposed language of 26.3.3.1 and has proven to be extremely effective at achieving compliance without unduly restricting business practice.

Problem 2 – Contemporary technology enables new central station operating methods that can deliver new features/service, improved efficeincy and better reliability/availability, especially during disastor recovery. Networking solutions that include cloud computing concepts and new communication service provder entities are necessarily part of implementation. Central stations in the future may or may not deliver Central Station service using entirely their own staff & facilities.

Addressing the myriad of safety and reliability issues involved in central station operation in a networked environment is more appropriately handled within the realm of ANSI/UL 827, The Standard for Central Station Services and the certification programs operated by nationally recognized test laboratories than in NFPA 72. ANSI standards can be revised as needed, when needed, rather than on a fixed 3 yr cycle. Certification programs give the test labs access and insight to operation details necessary to assure code compliant service delivery, regardless of asset ownership or employee status.

Proposed 26.3.3.2 appropriately places responsibility with the listing organizations.

Overall, in UL’s experience, effective compliance is less a matter of asset ownership or legal employment stats and much more about prime contractor or central station managemnt control mechnaisims, due dilligence and qualifications/knowledge of the individuals doing the work. Replacing restrictive/prescriptive language with more performace based language that draws on the strengths & capabilities of listing organizations is appropriate.


Submitter Full Name: STEVE SCHMIT

Organization: UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC





I, STEVE SCHMIT, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement ofProblem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am STEVE SCHMIT, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature




26.3.4.7The authority(ies) having jurisdiction identified in 26.3.4.2 (5) shall be notified within 30 calendar days of the expiration or cancellation by the organization that has listed the prime contractor.


Attaches a time frame for the notification to take place which did not previously exist.











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26.3.8.1 Alarm Signals.

26.2.1

Alarm signals initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow fromthe automatic sprinkler system, or actuation of other fire suppression system(s) orequipment shall be treated as fire alarms.

26.3.8.1.2

The central station shall perform the following actions:

(1)

(2) Dispatch a runner or technician to the protected premises to arrive within 2 hours afterreceipt of a signal if equipment needs to be manually reset by the prime contractor.Except where prohibited by the authority having jurisdiction, the runner or technicianshall be permitted to be recalled prior to arrival at the premises if a qualifiedrepresentative of the subscriber at the premises can provide the necessary resetting ofthe equipment and is able to place the system back in operating condition.

(3) Immediately notify the subscriber.

(4) Provide notice to the subscriber or authority having jurisdiction, or both, if required.

Exception : If the alarm signal results from a prearranged test, the actions specified by26.3.8.1.2 (1) and (3) shall not be required.



26.3.8.1.1.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


In the 2013 edition there is an explanation of what a fire alarm signal is under Central Station Service but not for the other categories of supervising stations. This public input relocates the existing text from Central Station Service to the front of the chapter to apply to all supervising station fire alarm systems.











* Retransmit the alarm to the communications center in accordance with 26.2.1.

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26.3.8.3 * Supervisory Signals.Upon receipt of a supervisory signal from , that is not prearranged, from a sprinkler system, other fire suppression system(s), or other equipment, the central station shall perform , if required by the authority having jurisdiction, perform the following actions:

(1)

(2) Dispatch a runner or maintenance person to arrive within 2 hours to investigate unless the supervisory signal is cleared in accordance with a scheduled procedure determined by 26.3.8.3 (1)

(3) Notify the authority having jurisdiction when sprinkler systems or other fire suppression systems or equipment have been wholly or partially out of service for 8 hours

(4) When service has been restored, provide notice, if required, to the subscriber or the authority having jurisdiction, or both, as to the nature of the signal, the time of occurrence, and the restoration of service when equipment has been out of service for 8 hours or more

Exception : If the supervisory signal results from a prearranged test, the actions specified by 26.3.8.3 (1), (3), and (4) shall not be required.


All but one of the conditions (1-4) has these exceptions, and they all should have them. Item (2) would be subject to these same exceptions, i.e. You would not send a runner if the event was prearranged. Thus remove all the exiting existing exceptions, by making this change in the introductory paragraph and removing the “exception at the bottom. Thus making it clear (up front) to the reader it’s only the unexpected signal that is treated to the requirements of (1) to (4).Also the Manual of Style says:2.3.5.5* Exceptions shall not be used where there is a long list of exceptions indicating that the basic rule is often inapplicable.







* Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber and notify the fire department or law enforcement agency, or both, when required by the authority having jurisdiction



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26.3.8.3 * Supervisory Signals.Upon receipt of a supervisory signal from a sprinkler system, other fire suppression system(s), or other equipment, the central station shall perform the following actions:

(1)

(2) Dispatch a runner or maintenance person to arrive within 2 hours to investigate unless the supervisory signal is cleared in accordance with a scheduled procedure determined by 26.3.8.3 (1)

(3) Notify the authority having jurisdiction when and the subscriber whensprinkler systems or other fire suppression systems or equipment havebeen wholly or partially out of service for 8 hours

(4) When service has been restored, provide notice , if required, to thesubscriber or the subscriber and the authority having jurisdiction , or both, as to the of the nature of the signal, the time of occurrence, and the restoration of service when equipment has been out of service for 8 hours or more

Exception : If the supervisory signal results from a prearranged test, the actions specified by 26.3.8.3 (1), (3), and (4) shall not be required.


The change within (3) is being proposed because of the requirement in (4) in which the subscriber may be notified that their fire suppression system is back in service. The change in (3) adds a requirement that the subscriber be notified that the fire suppression system is wholly or partially out of service before they are told it is back in service.The change to (4) clarifies that once the subscriber's fire suppression systems are restored to full service the subscriber and the AHJ shall be notified that a system is back in service.








* Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber and notify the fire department or law enforcement agency, or both, when required by the authority having jurisdiction




26.3.8.5 Point Identification

(Renumber the remainder of this section accordingly.)

Alarm, Supervisory and Trouble Signals shall be transmitted to the central station by initiating devices.


Industry practice has proven that annunciation of a zone has given much better response to alarms and service. While on-premises annunciation is helpful, the transmission of this information to the central station can provide better response, especially to an escalating fire.


Submitter Full Name: Louis Fiore




I, Louis Fiore, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Louis Fiore, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature



Public Input No. 557-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.3.8.5.4 ]

26.3.8.5.4The central station shall dispatch personnel to arrive within 2 hours if protected premises equipment needs to be manually reset after testing.

Central station systems using multiple paths of communication to the supervising station shall be permitted to perform a manual test trigger verification prior to dispatching personnel.


Systems miss timer test for a variety of reasons: Power Outage, Communication Maintenance, System malfunctions are some of the common reasons why tests may not arrive on time. With 2 unique paths, the system has the means of transmitting all events on the available path. This addition to the section would remove the need to dispatch personnel to verify one of the 2 paths is not available which is information already available to the central station.


Submitter Full Name: Richard Simpson

Organization: Vector Security Inc.



I, Richard Simpson, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement ofProblem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Richard Simpson, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature



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26.3.9.2Testing and maintenance records shall be retained as required by 14.6.3 . Chapter 7


NFPA has decided to place all Documentation requirements into Chapter 7


Submitter Full Name: Scott Jacobs

Organization: ISC Electronic Systems, Inc.



I, Scott Jacobs, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I herebywarrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Scott Jacobs, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature




26.4.6.6.1 Alarms.Upon receipt of an alarm signal, the proprietary supervising station operator shall initiate action to perform the following:

(1) Notify the fire department communications center , the emergency response team, and such other parties as the authority having jurisdiction requires in accordance with 26.2.1

(2) Dispatch a runner or technician to the alarm location to arrive within 2 hours after receipt of a signal

(3) Restore the system as soon as possible after disposition of the cause of the alarm signal


For consistency between the operations of the three supervising station types, notification of alarm signals should be made to the communications center.











Public Input No. 344-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after 26.4.6.6.4 ]

26.4.6.6.4 Point Identification

Alarm, superivisory and trouble signals transmitted to a propietary supervising station shall be by initating device.


Practice has proven that annunciation of a zone has given much better response to alarms and service. While on-premises annunciation is helpful, the transmission of this information to the proprietary supervising station can provide better response, especially to an escalating fire.











26.4.7.2Testing and maintenance records shall be retained as required by 14.6.3 . Chapter 7













26.4.7.3The proprietary supervising station shall make arrangements to furnish reports of signals received to the authority having jurisdiction in a form manner approved by the authority will accept. having jurisdiction


Consistency with 26.3.9.3










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Public Input No. 172-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.5 ]

26.5 Remote Supervising Station Alarm Systems.

26.5.1 Application and General.

26.5.1.1

Section 26.5 shall apply where central station service is neither required nor elected, andshall be classified as Type M or Type P remote supervising station alarm systems.

26.5.1.1.1 Type M remote supervising station systems shall be monitored in accordancewith 26.5.3.1.1 or 26.5.3.1.2.

26.5.1.1.2 Type P remote supervising station systems shall be monitred in accordancewith 26.5.3.1.3.

26.5.1.2

The installation, maintenance, testing, and use of a remote supervising station alarmsystem that serves properties under various ownership from a remote supervising stationshall comply with the requirements of Section 26.5.

26.5.1.3

Remote supervising station physical facilities, equipment, operating personnel, response,retransmission, signals, reports, and testing shall comply with the minimumrequirements of Section 26.5.

26.5.1.4

Remote supervising station alarm systems shall provide an automatic audible and visibleindication of alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions at a location remote from theprotected premises.

26.5.1.5

Section 26.5 shall not require the use of audible or visible notification appliances otherthan those required at the remote supervising station. If it is desired to provide alarmevacuation signals in the protected premises, the alarm signals, circuits, and controlsshall comply with the provisions of Chapters 18 and 23 in addition to the provisions ofSection 26.5.

26.5.1.6

The loading capacities of the remote supervising station equipment for any approvedmethod of transmission shall be as designated in Section 26.6.

26.5.2 Indication of Remote Station Service.

Owners utilizing remote station alarm systems shall provide annual documentation tothe authority having jurisdiction identifying the party responsible for the inspection,testing, and maintenance requirements of Chapter 14. This documentation shall takeone of the following forms:

(1)

(2) Documentation indicating code compliance of the remote station alarm systemissued by the organization that listed the service provider

(3) Other documentation acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

* Affidavit attesting to the responsibilities and qualifications of the partiesperforming the inspection, testing, and maintenance and accepting responsibilityof compliance with Chapter 14 and signed by a representative of the serviceprovider

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26.5.3* Facilities.

26.5.3.1

Alarm systems utilizing remote supervising station connections shall transmit alarmand supervisory signals to a facility meeting the requirements of either 26.5.3.1.1,26.5.3.1.2, or 26.5.3.1.3.

26.5.3.1.1

Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be permitted to be received at acommunications center that complies with the requirements of NFPA 1221, Standardfor the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services CommunicationsSystems.

26.5.3.1.2

Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be permitted to be received at the firestation or at the governmental agency that has public responsibility for takingprescribed action to ensure response upon receipt of a alarm signal.

26.5.3.1.3*

Where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, alarm, supervisory, and troublesignals shall be permitted to be received at an alternate location approved by theauthority having jurisdiction.

26.5.3.2*

Trouble signals shall be permitted to be received at an approved location that haspersonnel on duty who are trained to recognize the type of signal received and totake prescribed action. The location shall meet the requirements of 26.5.3.1.3 andshall be permitted to be other than that at which alarm and supervisory signals arereceived.

26.5.3.3

Wher a Type P remote supervising station is used for the receipt of signals, accessto receiving equipment shall be restricted in accordance with the requirements ofthe authority having jurisdiction.

26.5.4 Equipment.

26.5.4.1

Signal-receiving equipment shall indicate receipt of each signal both audibly andvisibly.

26.5.4.1.1

Audible signals shall meet the requirements of Chapter 18 for the privateoperating mode.

26.5.4.1.2

Means for silencing alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be provided andshall be arranged so that subsequent signals shall re-sound.

26.5.4.1.3

A trouble signal shall be received when the system or any portion of the systemat the protected premises is placed in a bypass or test mode.

26.5.4.1.4

An audible and visible indication shall be provided upon restoration of thesystem after receipt of any signal.

26.5.4.1.5

If visible means are provided in the remote supervising station to identify thetype of signal received, a common audible notification appliance shall bepermitted to be used.

26.5.4.2

Power supplies shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10.

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Power supplies shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10.

26.5.4.3

Transmission means shall comply with the requirements of Section 26.6.

26.5.4.4

Retransmission of an alarm signal, if required, shall be by one of the followingmethods, which appear in descending order of preference as follows:

(1) A dedicated circuit that is independent of any switched telephonenetwork. This circuit shall be permitted to be used for voice or datacommunications.

(2) A one-way (outgoing only) telephone at the remote supervising stationthat utilizes the public-switched telephone network. This telephone shallbe used primarily for voice transmission of alarms to a telephone at thecommunications center that cannot be used for outgoing calls.

(3) A private radio system using the fire department frequency, wherepermitted by the fire department.

(4) Other methods accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.

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26.5.5 Personnel.

26.5.5.1 Type M remote supervising stations shall have qualifiedoperators in accordance with the requiremetns of NFPA 1221.

26.5.5.2 Type P.

26.5.5.2.1

Type P remote supervising station shall have not less than two qualifiedoperators on duty at the remote supervising station at all times to ensuredisposition of signals in accordance with the requirements of 26.5.6.

26.5.1.2

Duties pertaining to other than operation of the remote supervising stationreceiving and transmitting equipment shall be permitted, subject to theapproval of the authority having jurisdiction.

26.5.6 Operations.

26.5.6.1

For Type P remote supervising stations, alarm signals shall beretransmitted to the communications center in accordance with 26.2.1.

26.5.6.2

Upon receipt of an alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal by the Type Premote supervising station, the operator on duty shall be responsible forimmediately notifying the owner or the owner’s designated representative,and where required, the authority having jurisdiction.

26.5.6.3

All operator controls at the Type P remote supervising station shall beoperated at the beginning of each shift or change in personnel, and thestatus of all alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be noted andrecorded.

26.5.7 Record Keeping and Reporting.

26.5.7.1

A permanent record of the time, date, and location of all signals andrestorations received and the action taken shall be maintained for atleast 1 year and shall be able to be provided to the authority havingjurisdiction.

26.5.7.2

Testing and maintenance records shall be retained as required in14.6.3.

26.5.7.3

Records shall be permitted to be created by manual means.

26.5.8 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance.

26.5.8.1

Inspection, testing, and maintenance for remote supervising stationsshall be performed in accordance with Chapter 14.

26.5.8.2

Where required, inspection, testing, and maintenance reports shallbe submitted to the authority having jurisdiction in a form acceptableto the authority having jurisdiction.



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26.5.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


Remote station fire alarm systems can be monitored by either municipal or privately owned facilities. The proposed re-write of this section delineates the differences between the requirements for municipally operated remote stations and privately owned remote stations.















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26.5.4.5 Point Identification

Aalrm, supervisory and trouble signals transmitted to a remote supervising station or to another facilities shall be by initiating device.


Practice has proven that annunciation of a zone has given much better response to alarms and service. While on-premises annunciation is helpful, the transmission of this information to the remote supervising station can provide better response, especially to an escalating fire.










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Original Hide Markup

26.5.6 Operations Disposition of Signals .

26.5.6.1

If the remote supervising station is at a location other than the communications center, alarm signals shall beretransmitted to the communications center in accordance with 26.2.1 .

26.5.6.2

Upon receipt of an alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal by the remote supervising station, the operator on dutyshall be responsible for immediately notifying the owner or the owner’s designated representative, and whererequired, the authority having jurisdiction.

26.5.

6

7 Operations .

3

All operator controls at the remote supervising station shall be operated at the beginning of each shift orchange in personnel, and the status of all alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be noted andrecorded.

Renumber 26.5.7 and 26.5.8 to 26.5.8 and 26.5.9 respectively.


Proposal renames section 26.5.6 to Disposition of Signals to match similiar sections in 26.3 (26.3.8.1) and 26.4 (26.4.6.6) for continuity purposes. Moves the testing of the operator controls to 26.5.7, Operations. Renumbers 26.5.7 and 26.5.8 because of the addition of the new section on Disposition of Signals.







I, Warren Olsen, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including

both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in

any publication of the NFPA in w hich this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby w arrant that I am the author of this Public Input

and that I have full pow er and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I aff irm that I am Warren Olsen, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions

contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that w ill, upon my submission of this form, have the

same legal force and effect as a handw ritten signature

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26.5.7.2Testing and maintenance records shall be retained as required in 14.6.3 . Chapter 7













26.6.1.1The methods of communications between the protected premises and the supervising station shall comply with the requirements in Section 26.6. These requirements shall include the following:

(1) Transmitter located at the protected premises

(2) Transmission channel between the protected premises andthe supervising station or subsidiary station

(3) If used, any subsidiary station and its communicationschannel

(4) Signal receiving, processing, display, and recording equipment at the supervising station Exception : Transmission channels owned by, and under the control of, the protected premises owner that are notfacilities leased from a supplier of communications service capabilities, such as video cable, telephone, or other communications services that are also offered to other customers.



26.6.1.1.pdf Cover Sheet


All communications should meet the same criteria required for alarm system signal transmission. Privately owned channels should not be excepted from these requirements.







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26.2.4.5 Communications Methods.

The communications methods used to transmit signals to supervising stations shall meetthe requirements of 26.6.3 for performance-based technologies, or 26.6.4 or 26.6.5 forprescriptive-based technologies.

26.6.3* Performance-Based Technologies.

26.6.3.1 Conformance.

Communications methods operating on principles different from specific methods coveredby this chapter shall be permitted to be installed if they conform to the performancerequirements of this section and to all other applicable requirements of this Code.

26.6.3.2 Federal Communications Commission.

Alarm system equipment and installations shall comply with the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) rules and regulations, as applicable, concerning electromagneticradiation, use of radio frequencies, and connections to the public switched telephonenetwork of telephone equipment, systems, and protection apparatus.

26.6.3.3 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

Equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

26.6.3.4 Communications Integrity.

Provision shall be made to monitor the integrity of the transmission technology and itscommunications path.

26.6.3.5 Single Communications Path.

Unless prohibited by the enforcing authority, governing laws, codes, or standards, a singletransmission path shall be permitted, and the path shall be supervised at an interval of notmore than 60 minutes. A failure of the path shall be annunciated at the supervising stationwithin not more than 60 minutes. The failure to complete a signal transmission shall beannunciated at the protected premises in accordance with Section 10.15.

26.6.3.6 Multiple Communications Paths.

If multiple transmission paths are used, the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Each path shall be supervised within not more than 6 hours.

(2) The failure of any path of a multipath system shall be annunciated at the supervisingstation within not more than 6 hours.

(3) The failure to complete a signal transmission shall be annunciated at the protectedpremises in accordance with Section 10.15.

26.6.3.7* Single Technology.

A single technology shall be permitted to be used to create the multiple paths providedthe requirements of 26.6.3.6 (1) through 26.6.3.6 (3).

26.6.3.8 Spare System Unit Equipment.

An inventory of spare equipment shall be maintained at the supervising station such thatany failed piece of equipment can be replaced and the systems unit restored to fulloperation within 30 minutes of failure.

26.6.3.9 Loading Capacity of System Unit.

26.6.3.9.1

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Public Input 102


26.6.2.3.2Radio receiving equipment Equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code , Article 810 .


All equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70 where applicable so this requirement, which is located in the General section, eliminates references to radio equipment and Article 810. A separate P.I. has been submitted to eliminate 26.6.3.1.3 which, if left in the code, would be redundent.












26.6.2.4 Dual Control.26.6.2.4.1

Dual control, if required, shall provide for redundancy in the form of a standby circuit or other alternate means of transmitting signals over the primary trunk portion of a transmission channel.

26.6.2.4.2The same method of signal transmission shall be permitted to be used over separate routes, or alternate methods of signal transmission shall be permitted to be used.

26.6.2.4.3Public switched telephone network facilities shall be used only as an alternate method of transmitting signals.

26.6.2.4.4If using facilities leased from a telephone company, that portion of the primary trunk facility between the supervising station and its serving wire center shall not be required to comply with the separate routing requirement of the primary trunk facility. Dual control, if used, shall require supervision as follows:

(1) Dedicated facilities that are able to be used on a full-time basis, and whose use is limited to signaling purposes as defined in this Code, shall be exercised at least once every hour.

Paragraphs 26.6.2.4.4(2) and 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) were revised by a tentative interim amendment (TIA). See page 1.

(2) Public switched telephone network facilities shall be exercised at least once every 6 hours.



26.6.2.4.pdf Cover Sheet


Dual Control was a concept carried over from NFPA 71 and applied to transmission methods that were removed from NFPA 72 in 2010. The functions and redundancy required by this section are already included in the remaining prescriptive communications methods as well as in the section on performance based communications methods. Surveys of senior members of the technical committee verify that this section has been obsolete for a number of cycles.




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26.6.2.4.4

If using facilities leased from a telephone company, that portion of the primary trunk facility between the supervising station and its serving wire center shall not be required to comply with the separate routing requirement of the primary trunk facility. Dual control, if used, shall require supervision as follows:

(1) Dedicated facilities that are able to be used on a full-time basis, and whose use is limited to signaling purposes as defined in this Code, shall be exercised at least once every hour.

Paragraphs 26.6.2.4.4(2) and 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) were revised by a tentativeinterim amendment (TIA). See page 1.

(2) Public switched telephone network facilities shall be exercised at least once every 6 hours.

See uploaded file.



72_PI31_Rec_from_TIA.pdf Rec Text from TIA

72_L11_Tbl_A.26.6.1_R.docx Table A.26.6.1




Note: This Proposal originates from Tentative Interim Amendment 72-13-1 (TIA 1052) issued by the Standards Council on August 9, 2012.

Changes made during the normal revision process for the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 have resulted in correlation issues that need to be resolved. The changes proposed by items 1 through 5 above are being made to provide correlation and consistency with the other changes made to communications methods in Chapter 26. Revisions have been made through the committee action on Proposal 72-483 in several locations in 26.6 to change the minimum 24-hour testing of communications paths to a minimum of 6-hours where multiple pathways are used. Revisions have also been made in several paragraphs of 26.6.3.1 for performance-based technologies. These include revisions to transmission pathway supervision intervals for both single pathways as well as for multiple pathways. Supervision intervals for single pathways must not be more than 60 minutes as compared to the 5 minutes provision used previously. Failure is required to be annunciated at the premises within 200 seconds after detection. The change from 24 hours to 6 hours was overlooked in 26.6.2.4.4(2), 26.6.3.2.2.2(F), and A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)(1)(d). The change in frequency has rendered A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) moot. In addition the revisions made by Proposal 72-483 were not reflected in Table A.26.6.1.Additional updates have been made in the Performance-Based Technology column of Table A.26.6.1 to provide consistency with other changes made in previous revision cycles.Emergency Nature: The changes proposed for this TIA intend to resolve conflicts and inconsistencies that would otherwise occur in the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 due changes made during the normal revision cycle. It is intended that this proposed TIA be processed concurrently with the processing of the 2013 edition of NFPA 72.




Submittal Date: Mon Jan 28 09:05:38 EST 2013






Report on Proposals – June 2015 NFPA 72_______________________________________________________________________________________________72- Log #11 SIG-SSS

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Warren E. Olsen, Fire Safety Consultants, Inc.

[Staff Note: Paragraph 26.6.2.4.4(2) corresponds to paragraph 26.6.2.6.2(2) in the 2010 edition, renumbered as26.6.2.4.4(2) in the committee action on Proposal 72-483 (which begins on page 72-280 of the ROP with acceptedparagraph 26.6.2.4.4 text shown on page 72-289 of the ROP).]

[Staff Note: Paragraph 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) corresponds to 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) in the 2010 edition and with 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) in thecommittee action on Proposal 72-483 (which begins on page 72-280 of the ROP with accepted paragraph 26.6.3.2.2text shown on pages 72-291 and 72-292 of the ROP).]

INSERT 72_L11_Tbl A.26.6.1_R

[Staff Note: Table A.26.6.1 corresponds to Table A.26.6.1 in the 2010 edition and with Table A.26.6.1 in the committeeaction on Proposal 72-483 (which begins on page 72-280 of the ROP with accepted table shown on pages 72-295 and72-296 of the ROP).]

[Staff Note: Paragraph A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)(1)(d) was not otherwise modified during the revision process for the 2013edition and retains the same number as in the 2010 edition.]

The verification of the 24-hour DACR line test should be done early enough in the day to allow repairsto be made by the telephone company.[Staff Note: Paragraph A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) was not otherwise modified during the revision process for the 2013 edition andretains the same number as in the 2010 edition.]

Changes made during the normal revision process for the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 have resulted incorrelation issues that need to be resolved.The changes proposed by items 1 through 5 above are being made to provide correlation and consistency with the otherchanges made to communications methods in Chapter 26. Revisions have been made through the committee action onProposal 72-483 in several locations in 26.6 to change the minimum 24-hour testing of communications paths to aminimum of 6-hours where multiple pathways are used. Revisions have also been made in several paragraphs of26.6.3.1 for performance-based technologies. These include revisions to transmission pathway supervision intervals forboth single pathways as well as for multiple pathways. Supervision intervals for single pathways must not be more than60 minutes as compared to the 5 minutes provision used previously. Failure is required to be annunciated at thepremises within 200 seconds after detection.The change from 24 hours to 6 hours was overlooked in 26.6.2.4.4(2), 26.6.3.2.2.2(F), and A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)(1)(d). Thechange in frequency has rendered A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) moot. In addition the revisions made by Proposal 72-483 were notreflected in Table A.26.6.1.Additional updates have been made in the Performance-Based Technology column of Table A.26.6.1 to provideconsistency with other changes made in previous revision cycles.

The changes proposed for this TIA intend to resolve conflicts and inconsistencies that would

1Printed on 1/28/2013

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Public Input 31

Report on Proposals – June 2015 NFPA 72otherwise occur in the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 due changes made during the normal revision cycle. It is intended thatthis proposed TIA be processed concurrently with the processing of the 2013 edition of NFPA 72.


72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

Table A.26.6.1 Communications Methods for Supervising Stations [ROP-483]

Criteria

Performance-Based Technologies 26.6.3.1

[ROP-483]

Digital Alarm Communicator Systems

26.6.3.2

Two-Way Radio Frequency (RF)

Multiplex Systems 26.6.3.3.1

One-Way Private Radio Alarm Systems 26.6.3.3.2

FCC approval when applicable Yes Yes Yes Yes

Conform to NFPA 70, National Electrical Code

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Monitoring for integrity of the transmission and communications channel

Monitor for integrity or provide backup channel tested as below

Both the premises unit and the system unit monitor for integrity in a manner approved for the means of transmission employed. A single signal received on each incoming DACR line once every 6 hours. [ROP-483]

Systems are periodically polled for end-to-end communications integrity.

Test signal from every transmitter once every 24 hours

Annunciate, at the supervising station, the degradation and restoration of the transmission or communications channel

Within 60 5 minutes for a single communications path and within 6 hours for multiple communication paths (can use a second separate path to report failure)

Within 4 minutes using alternate phone line to report the trouble

Not exceed 90 seconds from the time of the actual failure

Only monitor the quality of signal received and indicate if the signal falls below minimum signal quality specified in Code

Redundant communication path where a portion of the transmission or communications channel cannot be monitored for integrity

Provide a redundant path if communication failure not annunciated at supervising station

Employ a combination of two separate transmission channels alternately tested at intervals not exceeding 6 hours. [ROP-483]

Redundant path not required — supervising station always indicates a communications failure

Minimum of two independent RF paths must be simultaneously employed

Interval testing of the backup path(s)

If backup path required, test path once every 24 hours. on alternating channels, testing each channel every 48 hours

When two phone lines are used, test alternately every 6 hours. Testing for other back-up technologies, see 26.6.3.2.1.4(B). [ROP-483]

Backup path not required

No requirement, because the quality of the signal is continuously monitored

Annunciation of communication failure or ability to communicate at the protected premises

Systems where the transmitter at the local premises unit detects a communication failure before the supervising station, the premises unit will annunciate the failure within 200 seconds 5 minutes of detecting the failure

Indication of failure at premises due to line failure or failure to communicate after from 5 to 10 dialing attempts

Not required — always annunciated at the supervising station that initiates corrective action

Monitor the interconnection of the premises unit elements of transmitting equipment, and indicate a failure at the premises or transmit a trouble signal to the supervising station.

Time to restore signal-receiving, processing, display, and recording equipment

Where duplicate equipment not provided, spare hardware required so a repair can be effected within 30 minutes. Complete set of critical spare parts on a 1 to 5 ratio of parts to system units or a duplicate functionally equivalent system unit for every five

Spare digital alarm communicator receivers required for switchover to backup receiver in 30 seconds. One backup system unit for every five system units.

Where duplicate equipment not provided, spare hardware required so a repair can be effected within 30 minutes


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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

system units.

Table A.26.6.1 Communications Methods for Supervising Stations [ROP-483] (continued)

Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2




Loading capacities for system units and transmission and communications channels

512 independent alarm systems on a system unit with no backup. Unlimited if you can switch to a backup in 30 seconds. The system must be designed such that a failure of a transmission channel serving a system unit must not result in the loss in the ability to monitor more than 3000 transmitters.

See Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) for the maximum number of transmitters on a hunt group in a system unit

512 buildings and premises on a system unit with no backup. Unlimited if you can switch to a backup in 30 seconds.


End-to-end communication time for an alarm

90 seconds from initiation of alarm until displayed to the operator and recorded on a medium from which the information can be retrieved

Off-hook to on-hook not to exceed 90 seconds per attempt. 10 attempts maximum. 900 seconds maximum for all attempts.

90 seconds from initiation until it is recorded

90% probability to receive an alarm in 90 seconds, 99% probability in 180 seconds, 99.999% probability in 450 seconds

Record and display rate of subsequent alarms at supervising station

Not slower than one every 10 additional seconds

Not addressed When any number of subsequent alarms come in, record at a rate not slower than one every additional 10 seconds

When any number of subsequent alarms come in, record at a rate not slower than one every additional 10 seconds

Signal error detection and correction

Signal repetition, parity check, or some equivalent means of error detection and correction must be used.

Signal repetition, digital parity check, or some equivalent means of signal verification must be used.

Not addressed Not addressed

Path sequence priority No need for prioritization of paths. The requirement is that both paths are equivalent.

The first transmission attempt uses the primary channel.


Carrier diversity When a redundant path is required, the alternate path must be provided by a public communication service provider different from the primary path where available.

Where long distance service (including WATS) is used, the second telephone number must be provided by a different long distance service provider where there are multiple providers.


Throughput probability When the supervising station does not regularly communicate with the transmitter at least once every 200 seconds, then the throughput probability of the alarm transmission must be at least 90% in 90 seconds, 99% in 180 seconds, 99.999% in 450 seconds.

Demonstrate 90% probability of a system unit immediately answering a call or follow the loading Table 16.6.3.2.2.2(C). One-way radio backup demonstrates 90% probability of transmission.

Not addressed 90% probability to receive an alarm in 90 seconds, 99% probability in 180 seconds, 99.999% in probability 450 seconds

72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2




Unique premises identifier If a transmitter shares a transmission or communication channel with other transmitters, it must have a unique transmitter identifier.

Yes Yes Yes

Unique flaws From time to time, there may be unique flaws in a communication system. Unique requirements must be written for these unique flaws.

If call forwarding is used to communicate to the supervising station, verify the integrity of this feature every 4 hours.

None addressed None addressed

Signal priority If the communication methodology is shared with any other usage, all alarm transmissions must preempt and take precedence over any other usage. Alarm signals take precedence over supervisory signals.

Chapter 1 on fundamentals requires that alarm signals take priority over supervisory signals unless there is sufficient repetition of the alarm signal to prevent the loss of an alarm signal.



Sharing communications equipment on premises

If the transmitter is sharing on-premises communications equipment, the shared equipment must be listed for the purpose (otherwise the transmitter must be installed ahead of the unlisted equipment).

Disconnect outgoing or incoming telephone call and prevent its use for outgoing telephone calls until signal transmission has been completed.


Public Input No. 433-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.6.3.1.15.1 ]

26.6.3.1.15.1 Premises Equipment.Secondary The secondary power capacity for all transmitters and shared equipment necessary for the transmission of alarm, supervisory, trouble, and other signals located at the protected premises shall be as follows: Fire alarm transmitters not requiring shared on-premises communications equipment shall comply with a minimum of 24 hours or as permitted by 10.6.7 . If the fire alarm transmitter is sharing on-premises communications equipment, the shared equipment shall have a secondary power capacity of 24 hours. 3.1(2). Exception : Secondary power capacity for shared equipment shall be permitted to have a capacity of 8 hours where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and where a risk analysis is performed to ensure acceptable availability is provided.


The current code text does not allow for installations that utilize an automatic starting generator which would permit a reduction of the secondary power requirements for the FACU to 4 hours. Sub-sections (1) and (2) are proposed to be eliminated as it should not matter if the transmission equipment is sharing on-premises equipment or not. Any equipment included in the transmission of signals should either meet the 24 hour requirement or the permitted 4 hour requirement with an auto-start generator just as the FACU is permitted to do.












26

.

6.3.1.2 Federal Communications Commission.

Alarm system equipment and installations shall comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations, as applicable, concerning electromagnetic radiation, use of radio frequencies, and connections to the public switched telephone network of telephone equipment, systems, and protection apparatus.


This is a redundent requirement which is verbatum to 26.6.2.3.1 located in the General section of Communications Methods and is not needed to be repeated in Performance-Based Technologies.












26.6.3.1.3 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.Equipment shall be installed in compliance with NFPA 70 , NationalElectrical Code .


26.6.3.1.3 is redundent to the proposed revised 26.6.2.3.2 in P.I. #425 and is a requirement that would better be located only in the General section of 26.6.











Public Input No. 162-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections 26.6.3.1.6, 26.6.3.1.7 ]

Sections 26.6.3.1.6, 26.6.3.1.7

26.6.3.1.6 Multiple Communications Paths.If multiple transmission paths are used, the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Each path shall be supervised within not more than 6 hours.

(2) The failure of any path of a multipath system shall be annunciated at the supervising station within not more than 6 hours.

(3) Multiple communications paths shall be arranged so that a single point of failure shall not cause more than a single path to fail.

(4) The failure to complete a signal transmission shall be annunciated at the protected premises in accordance with Section 10.15.

26.6.3.1.7* Single Technology.A single technology shall be permitted to be used to create the multiple paths provided the requirements of 26.6.3.1.6 (1) through 26.6.3.1.6 (3 4 ).


File Name Description Approved26.6.3.1.6_26.6.3.1.7.pdf Cover Sheet


To clarify that a single path of failure cannot disable multiple paths on a multiple communications path technology.










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26.6.3.1.7 * Single Technology.A single technology shall be permitted to be used to create the multiple paths provided that the requirements of 26.6.3.1.6 (1) through 26.6.3.1.6 (3) aremet .


The text did not read correctly and needs to be modified to clearly show that all the requirements must be met.


Submitter Full Name: Rodger Reiswig

Organization: Tyco/SimplexGrinnell

Submittal Date: Wed Apr 03 08:42:02 EDT 2013


I, Rodger Reiswig, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Rodger Reiswig, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and the terms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will, upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature




26.6.3.1.7 * Single Technology.A single technology shall be permitted to be used to create the multiple paths provided the requirements of 26.6.3.1.6 (1) through 26.6.3.1.6 (3) are met .


Editorial change to add missing words at the end of the sentence.












26.6.3.2.1.1 * Public Switched Telephone Network.A DACT shall be connected to the public switched telephone network upstream of any private telephone system at the protected premises.(A)

The connections to the public switched telephone network shall be under the control of the subscriber for whom service is being provided by the supervising station alarm system.

(B)

Special attention shall be required to ensure that this connection is made only to a loop start telephone circuit and not to a ground start telephone circuit.


This is a defined word and should be precise in its use. Also this ties it into the definition with the new added use of MFVN’s.










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Public Input No. 317-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.6.3.2.1.4(B) ]

(B)The following requirements shall apply to all combinations listed in 26.6.3.2.1.4(A) :

(1) The means for supervising each channel shall be in a manner approved for the method means of transmission employed.

(2) The interval for testing each channel shall not exceed 6 hours If a signal has not been processed, over the subject channel, in the last six hours a test signal shall be processed .

(3) The failure of either channel shall send a trouble signal on the other channel within 4 minutes.

(4) When one transmission channel has failed, all status change signals shall be sent over the other channel.

(5) The primary channel shall be capable of delivering an indication to the DACT that the message has been received by the supervising station.

(6)

(7) Simultaneous transmission over both channels shall be permitted.

(8) Failure of telephone lines (numbers) shall be annunciated locally.


In the case of combination systems, there are regular signals, such as openings and closing, that are a “test” of the channel.






* The first attempt to send a status change signal shall use the primary channel.

Exception : Where the primary channel is known to have failed.



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Public Input No. 386-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.6.3.2.1.4(B) ]

(B)The following requirements shall apply to all combinations listed in 26.6.3.2.1.4(A) :

(1) The means for supervising each channel shall be in a manner approved for the method means of transmission employed.

(2) The interval for testing each channel shall not exceed 6 exceed 24 hours.

(3) The failure of either channel shall send a trouble signal on the other channel within 4 minutes.

(4) When one transmission channel has failed, all status change signals shall be sent over the other channel.

(5) The primary channel shall be capable of delivering an indication to the DACT that the message has been received by the supervising station.

(6)

(7) Simultaneous transmission over both channels shall be permitted.

(8) Failure of telephone lines (numbers) shall be annunciated locally.


* The first attempt to send a status change signal shall use the primary channel.

Exception : Where the primary channel is known to have failed.



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In the 1996 edition, if a panel performed a weekly test the regular “inspection” could be once a year. (See 1996-7.3.2 below)In the 1999 edition, the regular PSTN testing was changed to daily. (See 1999-5-5.2.4.2 (2) below)Thus since the very beginning, almost 20 years ago, testing has remained much less than once every six (6) hours. With this type and length of history, if this testing frequency was faulty, there would be statistical data to indicate that. None has been brought forth and as such there is no foundation to change the testing to a more frequent basis. And since this application of testing, applies to commercial premises, there is a much more heighten awareness of the property management of the need for life-safety policies & systems. Because of this heighten sense for adequate protection systems; there will almost always be someone on the management team who “knows” when things are not right like: power outages, telephone system interruptions, and other facility issues, that could have an effect on the life-safety systemsNFPA-72-1996 Ed. 7.3.2* Testing shall be performed………etc. Where automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed for the application, the manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be extended to annual. NOTE: This included DACT.NFPA-72-1999 Ed. 5-5.2.4.2 (2) Public switched telephone network facilities shall be exercised at least once every 24 hours. NOTE: this was dual-line PSTN.

Related Public Inputs for This Document

Related Input RelationshipPublic Input No. 317-NFPA 72-2013 [Section No.26.6.3.2.1.4(B)]

Both speak to the six hourtesting.






I, LARRY DISCHERT, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement ofProblem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.





26.6.3.2.1.5 DACT Transmission Means.The following requirements shall apply to all digital alarm communications transmitters:

(1) A DACT shall be connected to two separate means of transmission at the protected premises such that a single point of failure on one means of transmission shall not affect the second means of transmission .

(2) The DACT shall be capable of selecting the operable means of transmission in the event of failure of the other means.

(3) The primary means of transmission shall be a telephone line (number) connected to the public switched network.

(4)

(5) Each DACT shall be programmed to call a second receiver when the signal transmission sequence to the first called line (number) is unsuccessful.

(6) Each transmission means shall automatically initiate and complete a test signal transmission sequence to its associated receiver at least once every 6 hours. A successful signal transmission sequence of any other type, within the same 6-hour period, shall fulfill the requirement to verify the integrity of the reporting system, provided that signal processing is automated so that 6-hour delinquencies are individually acknowledged by supervising station personnel.

(7)


File Name Description Approved26.6.3.2.1.5_1_.pdf Cover Sheet


To clarify that a single path of failure cannot disable multiple telephone lines (numbers) or other means of transmission for DACTs.






* The first transmission attempt shall utilize the primary means of transmission.

* If a DACT is programmed to call a telephone line (number) that is call forwarded to the line (number) of the DACR, a means shall be implemented to verify the integrity of the call forwarding feature every 4 hours.



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26.6.3.2.1.5 DACT Transmission Means.The following requirements shall apply to all digital alarm communications transmitters:

(1) A DACT shall be connected to two separate means of transmission at the protected premises.

(2) The DACT shall be capable of selecting the operable means of transmission in the event of failure of the other means.

(3) The primary means of transmission shall be a telephone line (number) connected to the public switched network.

(4)

(5) Each DACT shall be programmed to call a second receiver when the signal transmission sequence to the first called line (number) is unsuccessful.

(6) Each transmission means shall automatically initiate and complete a test signal transmission sequence to its associated receiver at least once every 6 24 hours. A successful signal transmission sequence of any other type, within the same 6 24 -hour period, shall fulfill the requirement to verify the integrity of the reporting system, provided that signal processing is automated so that 6 24 -hour delinquencies are individually acknowledged by supervising station personnel.

(7)


* The first transmission attempt shall utilize the primary means of transmission.

* If a DACT is programmed to call a telephone line (number) that is call forwarded to the line (number) of the DACR, a means shall be implemented to verify the integrity of the call forwarding feature every 4 hours.



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DACT has proven to be a reliable form of communication over its 30 year life. With the pending demise of land line phone service DACT's future life is questionable. At this time to retain the quadruple the test traffic will unreasonably cost supervising stations and/or clog current receivers with no predictable life safety benefit. I am aware of no report detailing fire losses due to 24 hour test intervals that would have been averted with a 6 hour test window. In the absence of such a study DACT should be allowed to live out its limited life without tinkering.There is no evidence, documented or otherwise, that the long standing, 24 hour DACT check-in was a reliability issue. As DACT is nearing its end of life, it makes no sense to make a retain check-in at 6 hours, creating considerable additional costs to the central station industry.The current 6 hour transmission test signal from a DACT does not seem to consider that the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 allows a DACT only if used together with a different technology. In this configuration, the increased test interval from 24 hours to 6 hours provides no benefit to the subscriber because there will always be a backup to the DACT, but places a burden to the supervising station to accommodate a 4x increase in test signals. If the demise of land line service is to drive down the consumption of DACTs, the supervising station should not be required to increase facilities and capabilities during that period of time because of a notion that the quality of land line service will degrade relative to falling number of consumers.The fact is the Code required a DACT to be used with another technology. The second technology should give sufficient supervision to the DACT, eliminating the need for a 6 hour check-in.






I, Louis Fiore, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I herebywarrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.




Public Input No. 32-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. 26.6.3.2.2.2(F) ]

(F)

A signal shall be received on each individual incoming DACR line at least once every 6 hours.

See uploaded file.


File Name Description Approved72_PI31_Rec_from_TIA.pdf Rec Text from TIA












_______________________________________________________________________________________________











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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2






Yes Yes Yes Yes































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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

system units.


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2































72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2





Yes Yes Yes












Public Input No. 151-NFPA 72-2013 [ New Section after A.3.3.275 ]

A.3.3.284.3.2 A Type P Remote Supervising Station Alarm System may have alarm and supervisory signals transmitted to an approved alternate location, and trouble signals transmitted to a second approved alternate location.




See related Public Input related to Type M and Type P remote station fire alarm systems. These definitions are required for useability.











A.26.2.1 The retransmission requirement can be satisfied with the first verbal connection between supervising station personnel and responsible personnel in the communications center. The requirement can also be satisfied through the use of electronic transfer of alarm signal information being sent from the supervising station to the communicationscenter.



26.2.1_A.26.2.1.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


This public comment clarifies the meaning of "immediately" by moving the current annex material relating to 90-seconsd from the annex to the body of the code.






I, Art Black, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.





A.26.2.2.2

The term immediately in this context is intended to mean "without unreasonable delay."Routine handling should take amaximum of 90 seconds from receipt of an alarm signal or at the end of the verification time by the supervising station until the initiation ofretrnasmission to the communications center.


This annex item is to make supervising station response to verification consistent with response in the current edition of NFPA 72






I, Louis Fiore, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and fullrights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.




Public Input No. 165-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.2.3.2 ]

A.26.2.3.2 2.1(8)When verification of a fire alarm signal results in a signal not being reported to the communications center, it is important that fire department personnel be made aware of the alarm and the reason for nondispatch so that problematic systems can be identified.



26.2.3.pdf Cover Sheet ✓


(1) Verification should come before pre-verification, which is only applicable when verification is required.(2) Subsection (8) and existing 26.2.3.2 are combined for usability.






I, Art Black, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright in this Public Input (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend that I acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Input in this or another similar or derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Input and that I have full power and authority to enter into this copyright assignment.




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Public Input 165

Public Input No. 153-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.2.5.2 ]

A.26.2.5.2

Scheduled impairments include interruptions caused byconstruction or building damage. In addition, natural disasters can result in long-term system impairments that are not intended to require 24-hour reminders.




It is important that the subscriber and the authority having jurisdiction know on an on-going basis that alarm system signals are not restored. Since there are other means prescribed for Central Station Service and proprietary supervising station systems, and Type M systems are monitored by a public communications center, this requirement is proposed to be limited to Type P remote station systems.










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Public Input 153

Public Input No. 103-NFPA 72-2013 [ Sections A.26.6.3.1,

A.26.6.3.1.7, A.26.6.3.1.14, A.26.6.3.... ]

SectionsA.26.6.3.1, A.26.6.3.1.7, A.26.6.3.1.14, A.26.6.3.1.15, A.26.6.3.2.1.1, A.26.6.3.2.1.3, A.26.6(C), A.26.6.3.2.1.4(B)(6), A.26.6.3.2.1.5(4), A.26.6.3.2.1.5(7), A.26.6.3.2.2.2(A), A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C), A.26.6.3.3.1.4, A.26.6.3.3.2, A.26.6.3.3.2.2

A.26.6.3.1Certain legacy technologies (active multiplex, McCulloh, directly connected non-coded and private microwave) have been removed from the text of the document. Existing systems utilizing these technologies are acceptable,because all these technologies also comply with the general provisions of 26.6.3.1.

The object of 26.6.3.1 is not to give details of specific technologies but rather give basic operating parameters of the transmission supervison rates of technologies. The following list represents examples of current technologies that can be configured to meet the requirements and the intent of 26.6.3.1:

(1) Transmitters using IP (Internet Protocol)

(2) IP transmission over the public open Internet or over private IP facilitiesmaintained by an organization for its own use

(3) Transmitters using various (non-dialup) digital cellular technology

Wired IP Transmission. There are two types of wired IP transmission devices. One where the IP network is connected directly to the fire alarm control unit(integrated IP or native IP). The second uses an intermediary module that can include the following:

(1) IP dialer capture module

(2) IP data capture module (such as RS-232, keypad bus, RS-485)

(3) Relay contact monitoring module

Devices referred to as “IP dialer capture modules” (an IP communicator used with a DACT) are transmission devices that connect to the DACT output of the fire alarm control unit and convert the output data stream to IP (Internet protocol). As such, they are considered to use IP technology in their connection to the IP network. Therefore they should be treated in this Code under the requirements of 26.6.3.1, performanced-based technologies, andnot under the requirements of 26.6.3.2, digital alarm communicator systems.



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Digital Cellular. To accommodate an increase in the demand for mobile wireless communications as well as introducing new services over that same network, wireless voice communications no longer utilizes dedicatedconnections to pass voice band frequencies. Current ubiquities methods such as 2G and 3G have established a new and different environment to operate. In place of the voice band, the voice conversation is converted into a stream of bits and packaged within data packets that conform to messaging protocols, packets are addressed to a destination point, delivered into the network, received by the destination point, and are converted back into an intelligible voice-grade message. The message exchange through this wireless data network is done through well known defined protocols such as “Global System for Mobile” communications (GSM) for voice communications as well as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) for both voice and data and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data services. These protocols have been developed to operate in an optimal way for the intended application. For example, GSM is used to efficiently establish voice-grade connections that deliver an appropriate level of intelligible voice quality, but might not be good enough to pass tones that represent data. Datatransmission is better served by GPRS and CDMA where a connection into the wireless network is always available without having to “dial,” and large amounts of data can be efficiently transmitted. However the data passed using GPRS or CDMA is not that of coded tones such as DTMF (Contact ID), but is computer type messages similar to IP.

When using digital cellular, a DACT might or might not be used.

For example, the digital cellular device might be used to backup the DACT or, if properly supervised, be used as a stand-alone device. If used, the DACT is connected to a digital cellular radio device that connects to the cellular network by means of an antenna. The digital cellular radio device isconstantly connecting to the wireless network and is always ready to attempt to transmit to a destination address without having to “dial” a number. The radio device recognizes that the alarm panel is attempting to place a call by the DACT’s “off-hook” signaling. The radio device accepts the DACT tone signaling, converts it into a packeted data stream, and sends the packets into the wireless network for delivery to a pre-assigned destination address.

A.26.6.3.1. 7When considering a fire alarm system utilizing a single communication path to the supervising station, consideration should be given to the risk exposure that results from the loss of that path for any period of time and for any reason. Some of these outages can be regular and predicable and otherstransitory.

A.26.6.3.1. 14Most communications equipment is not specifically listed for fire alarm applications, but is listed in accordance with applicable product standard for general communications equipment and is acceptable.

A.26.6.3.1. 15This requirement is to ensure that communications equipment will operate for the same period of time on secondary power as the alarm control unit.

A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.1Special care should be used when connecting a DACT to a digital service such as DSL or ADSL. Filters or other special equipment might be needed to communicate reliably.

A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.3To give the DACT the ability to disconnect an incoming call to the protected premises, telephone service should be of the type that provides for timed-release disconnect. In some telephone systems (step-by-step offices), timed-release disconnect is not provided.



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A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.3(C)A DACT can be programmed to originate calls to the DACR telephone lines (numbers) in any alternating sequence. The sequence can consist of single or multiple calls to one DACR telephone line (number), followed bytransmissions on the alternate path or any combination thereof that isconsistent with the minimum/maximum attempt requirements in 26.6.3.2.1.3(C).

A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.4(B)(6)Where two telephone lines (numbers) are used, care should be taken to assign the primary DACT telephone line (number) to a nonessential telephone line (number) at the protected premises so that the primary line used in the premises is not unnecessarily interrupted.

A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.5(4)Where two telephone lines (numbers) are used, care should be taken to assign the primary DACT telephone line (number) to a nonessential telephone line (number) at the protected premises so that the primary line used in the premises is not unnecessarily interrupted.

A.26.6.3 4 .2. 1.5(7)Because call forwarding requires equipment at a telephone company central office that could occasionally interrupt the call forwarding feature, a signal should be initiated whereby the integrity of the forwarded telephone line (number) that is being called by DACTs is verified every 4 hours. This can be accomplished by a single DACT, either in service orused solely for verification, that automatically initiates and completes atransmission sequence to its associated DACR every 4 hours. A successful signal transmission sequence of any other type within the same 4-hour period should be considered sufficient to fulfill this requirement.

Call forwarding should not be confused with WATS or 800 service. Thelatter, differentiated from the former by dialing the 800 prefix, is a dedicated service used mainly for its toll-free feature; all calls are preprogrammed to terminate at a fixed telephone line (number) or to a dedicated line.

A.26.6.3 4 .2.2.2 (A)The timed-release disconnect considerations as outlined in A.26.6.3.2.1.3 apply to the telephone lines (numbers) connected to a DACR at the supervising station.

It might be necessary to consult with appropriate telephone service personnel to ensure that numbers assigned to the DACR can beindividually accessed even where they are connected in rotary (a huntgroup).

Paragraph A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)(1)(d) was revised and A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) was deleted by a tentative interim amendment (TIA).

A.26.6.3 4 .2.2.2 (C)In determining system loading, Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) can be used, or it should be demonstrated that there is a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability. Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) is based on an average distribution of calls and an average connected time of 30 seconds per message. Therefore, where it is proposed to use Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C)to determine system loading, if any factors are disclosed that could extend DACR connect time so as to increase the average connect time, the alternate method of determining system loading should be used. Higher (or possibly lower) loadings might be appropriate in someapplications.



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(1) Some factors that could increase (or decrease) the capacity of a hunt group follow:

(a) Shorter (or longer) average message transmission time can influence hunt group capacity.

(b) The use of audio monitoring (listen-in) slow-scan video or other similar equipment can significantly increase the connected time for a signal and reduce effective hunt group capacity.

(c) The clustering of active burglar alarm signals can generate high peak loads at certain hours.

(d) Inappropriate scheduling of 6-hour test signals can generate excessive peak loads.

(2) Demonstration of a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability can be accomplished by the following in-servicemonitoring of line activity:

(a) Incoming lines are assigned to telephone hunt groups. When a DACT calls the main number of a hunt group, it can connect to any currently available line in that hunt group.

(b) The receiver continuously monitors the “available” status of each line. A line is available when it is waiting for an incoming call. A line is unavailable for any of the following reasons:

i. Currently processing a call

ii. Line in trouble

iii. Audio monitoring (listen-in) in progress

iv. Any other condition that makes the line input unable to accept calls

(c) The receiver monitors the “available” status of the hunt group. A hunt group is available when any line in it is available.

(d) A message is emitted by the receiver when a hunt group is unavailable for more than 1 minute out of 10 minutes. This message references the hunt group and the degree of overload.

A.26.6.3 5 .3. 1.4The intent of the plurality of control sites is to safeguard against damage caused by lightning and to minimize the effect of interference on the receipt of signals. The control sites can be co-located.

A.26.6.3 5 .3. 2Originally the concept of one-way private radio was codified for a one-way system requiring at least two receiving towers or repeaters. Othersimilar systems have been developed that use this basic principle. Among them is the concept of the “mesh network” where a premises transmitter can access multiple nearby transmitters.

It is difficult to reliably test redundant paths on a mesh radio network without significant impact on the system and considerable efforts of time and personnel.



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A remedy is to have the mesh network system equipment generate a report at the protected premises or supervising station showingredundant pathways. Additionally, the mesh system equipment at the protected premises and at the supervising station periodically determine the number of viable redundant paths and generate a trouble signal whenever the number falls below two paths, as is required by 26.6.3.3.2.

A.26.6.3 5 .3. 2.2It is intended that each RAT communicate with two or more independently located RARSRs. The location of such RARSRs should be such that they do not share common facilities.

NOTE: All probability calculations required for the purposes of Chapter 17 should be made in accordance with established communications procedures, should assume the maximum channel loading parameters specified, and should further assume that 25 RATs are actively in alarm and are being received by each RARSR.


File Name Description Approved26.6.2_26.6.3.pdf Cover Sheet


This eliminates two sections with the same title and reduces the number of "numbers" in all section identifiers in this section. Editorial only for better usability.










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Public Input 103

6/10/13 TerraView™


Public Input No. 8-NFPA 72-2012 [ New Section after A.26.5.3.2 ]

A.26.5.4.4 Other methods of retransmission of an alarm signal may include transmitting analarm data signal indicating a fire emergency via an internet protocol-based computer networkinterface between a supervising station and a public fire service communications center. Thismethod can include emerging computer data networking technologies such as the ExternalAlarm Interface Information Exchange Packet Documentation (IEPD), which is a standardendorsed by the American National Standards Institute and the Association of PublicCommunications Officials. IEPD reduces the processing time of 911 calls by two to threeminutes, reduces the number of voice-based calls, and reduces information transfer errorsbetween supervisory stations and communications centers.


NOTE: This proposal appeared as Comment 72-448 (Log #304) which was held from the A12 ROC on Proposal N/A. In early 2009, the Association of Public Communications Officials ("APCO") and the American National Standards Institute ("ANSI") adopted as a standard an alarm interface technology known as the External Alarm Interface Information Exchange Packet Documentation ("IEPD"). From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Linwood "Bill" Hobgood, Jr., Systems Development Leader for the Richmond Virginia, Department of Information Technology, developed IEPD. IEPD allows providers of supervising station services to communicate via a computer network interface with a public safety answering point ("PSAP") to send/receive fire, CO, and security alarm supervisory signal data. The problems to be solved and benefits of IEPD in reporting CO and fire emergencies to a PSAP include: (1) eliminating 2-3 minutes of processing time between supervising station and the PSAP call taker, which is critical in fire and CO emergencies; (2) reducing information transfer errors such as address errors, linguistic issues, which are common in verbal exchanges between supervising station personnel and PSAP personnel; (3) eliminates manual telephone calls from a supervisory station to a PSAP; (4) IEPD or some variations are being implemented or considered by over 100 local/county/state jurisdictions. In chapter 26, the retransmission of an alarm signal from a supervising station to communications center is governed by a number of provisions within 26.3.6.1 (Equipment), 26.4.5 (Operations), 26.5 (Facilities) and the Annex thereto. A number of these provisions, such as 26.4.5.4 are tied to other provisions including 26.3.6.1.6, and 26.5.4.4. Of these two provisions, 26.5.4.4 presents a number of methods for retransmission of an alarm signal, which is referenced in section 26.4.5.4 Retransmission Means. No annex explanatory material currently exists for 26.5.4.4, and as such should include a brief reference to this IP-based computer data networking standard. Such a reference would not have the effect of modifying or otherwise revising the provisions of NFPA 72, Chapter 26, but instead explains this emerging technology that is being adopted by a growing number of jurisdictions that can increase the effectiveness (as shown above) of communication between supervising stations and communications centers, and further save life and property from fire dangers. Proposed TC and TCC action on Comment This comment is similar to a comment submitted by the undersigned during the A2011 revision cycle for NFPA 720 to revise 9.6.8.1, which received a "hold" by the TC (See, Report on Comments, p. 720-11; 720-5 Log #6 SIG-CAR). The undersigned respectfully requests that this comment be accepted fully or in part or in principle by the TC or the TCC for the following reasons: a) the aforementioned comment to NFPA 720 (which is related to NFPA 72) presented an ample



opportunity for public review; b) the concept of retransmission of an alarm signal between a supervisory station communications center via an IP-based computer data network is a recognized technology; c) the concept presented in this comment to NFPA 72 is inextricably intertwined with the concept presented in the comment to NFPA 720; d) the concept is an important advancement in this field of technology and vital to public safety. Alternatively, the undersigned requests that a "hold" under 4.4.6.2.2(a) be placed on this comment, to be processed as a proposal in the next revision cycle. Thank you for your consideration.


Submitter Full Name:Jon Woodard

Organization: Seward, AK

Submittal Date: Fri Dec 14 10:13:25 EST 2012


I, Jon Woodard, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full





By checking this box I aff irm that I am Jon Woodard, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright






Public Input No. 33-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.6.1 ]

A.26.6.1

Refer to Table A.26.6.1 for communications methods.

Table A.26.6.1 was revised by a tentative interim amendment (TIA).

Table A.26.6.1 Communications Methods for Supervising Stations

Criteria

Performance-Based

Technologies26.6.3.1

Digital AlarmCommunicator

Systems

26.6.3.2

Two-WayRadio

Frequency(RF) Multiplex

Systems

26.6.3.3.1

One-WayPrivate Radio

AlarmSystems26.6.3.3.2

FCC approvalwhen applicable

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Conform toNFPA 70,NationalElectrical Code

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Monitoring forintegrity of thetransmissionandcommunicationschannel

Monitor forintegrity

Both thepremises unit andthe system unitmonitor forintegrity in amanner approvedfor the means oftransmissionemployed. Asingle signalreceived on eachincoming DACRline once every 6hours.

Systems areperiodicallypolled for end-to-endcommunicationsintegrity.

Test signal fromevery transmitteronce every 24hours

Annunciate, atthe supervisingstation, thedegradation andrestoration ofthetransmission orcommunicationschannel

Within 60 minutesfor a singlecommunicationpath and within 6hours for multiplecommunicationpaths

Within 4 minutesusing alternatephone line toreport the trouble

Not exceed 90seconds fromthe time of theactual failure

Only monitor thequality of signalreceived andindicate if thesignal fallsbelow minimumsignal qualityspecified inCode

Redundantcommunicationpath where aportion of thetransmission orcommunicationschannel cannot

Employ acombination oftwo separatetransmissionchannelsalternately tested

Redundant pathnot required —supervisingstation alwaysindicates a

Minimum of twoindependent RFpaths must besimultaneouslyemployed

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channel cannot

be monitored for

integrity

at intervals not

exceeding 6hours

communications

failure

employed

Interval testingof the backuppath(s)

When two phonelines are used,test alternatelyevery 6 hours.Testing for otherback-uptechnologies, see

26.6.3.2.1.4(B).

Backup path notrequired

No requirement,because thequality of thesignal iscontinuouslymonitored

Annunciation ofcommunicationfailure or abilityto communicateat the protectedpremises

Systems wherethe transmitter atthe local premisesunit detects acommunicationfailure, thepremises unit willannunciate thefailure within 200seconds of thefailure

Indication offailure atpremises due toline failure orfailure tocommunicateafter from 5 to 10dialing attempts

Not required —alwaysannunciated atthe supervisingstation thatinitiatescorrective action

Monitor theinterconnectionof the premisesunit elements oftransmittingequipment, andindicate a failureat the premisesor transmit atrouble signal tothe supervisingstation.

Time to restoresignal-receiving,processing,display, andrecordingequipment

Where duplicateequipment notprovided, sparehardware requiredso a repair can beeffected within 30minutes.

Spare digitalalarmcommunicatorreceivers requiredfor switchover tobackup receiver in30 seconds. Onebackup systemunit for every fivesystem units.

Where duplicateequipment notprovided, sparehardwarerequired so arepair can beeffected within30 minutes

Where duplicateequipment notprovided, sparehardwarerequired so arepair can beeffected within30 minutes

Loadingcapacities forsystem unitsandtransmissionandcommunicationschannels

512 independentalarm systems ona system unit withno backup.Unlimited if youcan switch to abackup in 30seconds.

See Table26.6.3.2.2.2(C) forthe maximumnumber oftransmitters on ahunt group in asystem unit

512 buildingsand premiseson a systemunit with nobackup.Unlimited if youcan switch to abackup in 30seconds.

512 buildingsand premises ona system unitwith no backup.Unlimited if youcan switch to abackup in 30seconds.

End-to-endcommunicationtime for analarm

90 seconds frominitiation of alarmuntil displayed tothe operator andrecorded on amedium fromwhich theinformation can beretrieved

Off-hook to on-hook not toexceed 90seconds perattempt. 10attemptsmaximum. 900secondsmaximum for allattempts.

90 secondsfrom initiationuntil it isrecorded

90% probabilityto receive analarm in 90seconds, 99%probability in180 seconds,99.999%probability in450 seconds



attempts.

Record anddisplay rate ofsubsequentalarms atsupervisingstation

Not slower thanone every 10additionalseconds

Not addressed

When any

number ofsubsequentalarms come in,record at a ratenot slower thanone everyadditional 10seconds

When any

number ofsubsequentalarms come in,record at a ratenot slower thanone everyadditional 10seconds

Signal errordetection andcorrection

Signal repetition,parity check, orsome equivalentmeans of errordetection andcorrection mustbe used.

Signal repetition,digital paritycheck, or someequivalent meansof signalverification mustbe used.


Path sequencepriority

No need forprioritization ofpaths. Therequirement isthat both pathsare equivalent.

The firsttransmissionattempt uses theprimary channel.


Carrier diversity

Where longdistance service(including WATS)is used, thesecond telephonenumber must beprovided by adifferent longdistance serviceprovider wherethere are multipleproviders.


Throughputprobability

Demonstrate 90%probability of asystem unitimmediatelyanswering a callor follow theloading Table16.6.3.2.2.2(C).One-way radiobackupdemonstrates90% probability oftransmission.

Not addressed

90% probabilityto receive analarm in 90seconds, 99%probability in180 seconds,99.999% inprobability 450seconds

Uniquepremisesidentifier

If a transmittershares atransmission orcommunicationchannel with othertransmitters, it

Yes Yes Yes



identifier transmitters, it

must have aunique transmitter

identifier.

Unique flaws

From time to time,there may beunique flaws in acommunicationsystem. Uniquerequirementsmust be written forthese uniqueflaws.

If call forwardingis used tocommunicate tothe supervisingstation, verify theintegrity of thisfeature every 4hours.


Signal priority

If thecommunicationmethodology isshared with anyother usage, allalarmtransmissionsmust preempt andtake precedenceover any otherusage. Alarmsignals takeprecedence oversupervisorysignals.

Chapter 1 onfundamentalsrequires thatalarm signalstake priority oversupervisorysignals unlessthere is sufficientrepetition of thealarm signal toprevent the lossof an alarmsignal.

Chapter 1 onfundamentalsrequires thatalarm signalstake priority oversupervisorysignals unlessthere issufficientrepetition of thealarm signal toprevent the lossof an alarmsignal.

Chapter 1 onfundamentalsrequires thatalarm signalstake priority oversupervisorysignals unlessthere issufficientrepetition of thealarm signal toprevent the lossof an alarmsignal.

Sharingcommunicationsequipment onpremises

If the transmitteris sharing on-premisescommunicationsequipment, theshared equipmentmust be listed forthe purpose(otherwise thetransmitter mustbe installed aheadof the unlistedequipment).

Disconnectoutgoing orincomingtelephone calland prevent itsuse for outgoingtelephone callsuntil signaltransmission hasbeen completed.


See uploaded file.



72_PI31_Rec_from_TIA.pdf Rec Text from TIA ✓

72_L11_Tbl_A.26.6.1_R.docx Table A.26.6.1 ✓


Note: This Proposal originates from Tentative Interim Amendment 72-13-1 (TIA 1052) issued by the



Standards Council on August 9, 2012.

















_______________________________________________________________________________________________











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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2






Yes Yes Yes Yes































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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

system units.


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2































72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2





Yes Yes Yes












Public Input No. 346-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.6.3.1.7 ]

A.26.6.3.1.7When considering a fire alarm system utilizing a single communication path to the supervising station, consideration should be given to the risk exposure that results from the loss of that path for any period of time and for any reason. Some of these outages can be regular and predicable and otherstransitory.

An example of the use of a Single Technology used to produce two paths is the use of a digital cellular premises unit communicating with two or more cell towers. In this case the supervisng station and the protected premises must be made aware if communications degrades to below two towers. Another example is the use of two different cellular carriers to produce the two paths. Similarly, in this case the supervising station and the protected must be made aware if communications degrades to one carrier.


The text in chapter 26 requires an example to illustrate what was meant by this paragraph. The annex addition is a viable and often used technology.










Public Input No. 34-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C) ]

A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)

In determining system loading, Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) can be used, or it should be demonstrated that there is a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability. Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) is based on an average distribution of calls and an average connected time of 30 seconds per message. Therefore, where it is proposed to use Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) to determine system loading, if any factors are disclosed that could extend DACR connect time so as to increase the average connect time, the alternate method of determining system loading should be used. Higher (or possibly lower) loadings might be appropriate in some applications.


(a) Shorter (or longer) average message transmission time can influence hunt group capacity.

(b) The use of audio monitoring (listen-in) slow-scan video or other similar equipment can significantly increase the connected time for a signal and reduce effective hunt group capacity.

(c) The clustering of active burglar alarm signals can generate high peak loads at certain hours.

(d) Inappropriate scheduling of 6-hour test signals can generate excessive peak loads.

(2) Demonstration of a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability can be accomplished by the following in-service monitoring of line activity:

(a) Incoming lines are assigned to telephone hunt groups. When a DACT calls the main number of a hunt group, it can connect to any currently available line in that hunt group.

(b) The receiver continuously monitors the “available” status of each line. A line is available when it is waiting for an incoming call. A line is unavailable for any of the following reasons:


ii. Line in trouble


iv. Any other condition that makes the line input unable to acceptcalls

(c) The receiver monitors the “available” status of the hunt group. A hunt group is available when any line in it is available.

(d) A message is emitted by the receiver when a hunt group is unavailable for more than 1 minute out of 10 minutes. This message references the hunt group and the degree of overload.

See uploaded file.



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File Name Description Approved72_PI31_Rec_from_TIA.pdf Rec Text from TIA















_______________________________________________________________________________________________











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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2






Yes Yes Yes Yes































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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

system units.


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2































72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2





Yes Yes Yes














Public Input No. 35-NFPA 72-2013 [ Section No. A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C) ]

A.26.6.3.2.2.2(C)

In determining system loading, Table 26.6.3.2.2.2(C) can be used, or it should bedemonstrated that there is a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability. Table26.6.3.2.2.2(C) is based on an average distribution of calls and an average connectedtime of 30 seconds per message. Therefore, where it is proposed to use Table26.6.3.2.2.2(C) to determine system loading, if any factors are disclosed that couldextend DACR connect time so as to increase the average connect time, the alternatemethod of determining system loading should be used. Higher (or possibly lower)loadings might be appropriate in some applications.


(a) Shorter (or longer) average message transmission time can influence huntgroup capacity.

(b) The use of audio monitoring (listen-in) slow-scan video or other similarequipment can significantly increase the connected time for a signal andreduce effective hunt group capacity.

(c) The clustering of active burglar alarm signals can generate high peak loads atcertain hours.

(d) Inappropriate scheduling of 6-hour test signals can generate excessive peakloads.

(2) Demonstration of a 90 percent probability of incoming line availability can beaccomplished by the following in-service monitoring of line activity:

(a) Incoming lines are assigned to telephone hunt groups. When a DACT callsthe main number of a hunt group, it can connect to any currently availableline in that hunt group.

(b) The receiver continuously monitors the “available” status of each line. A lineis available when it is waiting for an incoming call. A line is unavailable forany of the following reasons:


ii. Line in trouble


iv. Any other condition that makes the line input unable to accept calls

(c) The receiver monitors the “available” status of the hunt group. A hunt group isavailable when any line in it is available.

(d) A message is emitted by the receiver when a hunt group is unavailable formore than 1 minute out of 10 minutes. This message references the huntgroup and the degree of overload.

A.26.6.3.2.2.2(F) was deleted. See uploaded file.


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72_PI31_Rec_from_TIA.pdf Rec Text from TIA ✓

72_L11_Tbl_A.26.6.1_R.docx Table A.26.6.1 ✓



















_______________________________________________________________________________________________











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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2






Yes Yes Yes Yes































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72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)

system units.


Criteria


[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2































72_L11_Rbl A.26.6.1_R (A2015)


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[ROP-483]


26.6.3.2





Yes Yes Yes












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