fire alarms and phone lines
Lee Steffeck
phone line (dedicated for the FA only) and one other form of
communication (2nd phone, radio, cell, etc).
Looking the NFPA 72, 2002 edition, I can only find info that says
the phone lines must be seized (OK, I can do that) but nothing that
says at least one phone line must be a dedicated one. Does anyone know
where that tidbit of code is that states one phone line must be
dedicated?
J. Sloud
My book's at the office so I can't give you a page number, but it's in
the section that discusses digital alarm communication transmitters
(DACT). If you are using a DACT for transmission, you must have a
loop start phone line for a primary and either a second phone line or
a LISTED cell or radio dialer. Btw, the phone line(s) do not have to
be dedicated to the FA system provided a RJ31X jack is used for
connection.
J.
Robert L. Bass
code, the requirement is that there be two communications links. These can
be two phone lines or a combination of two among several methods --
telemetry, leased line (try to find one), etc.
There is nothing that I've been able to find saying that the phone line must
be dedicated. Perhaps it was so in the past since many techs still believe
it's the law of the land.
Regards,
Robert
=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
www.Bass-Home.com
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota, FL 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Support
941-232-0791 Mobile
ASA Approved Vendor
www.altsecurityalarms.com
=============================>
Frank Olson
news:030420031756583272%zi...@bo.com...
The phone lines do not have to be dedicated. The system must sieze the line
during communication. It's common practice (at least in Vancouver) to
utilize eight position jacks (RJ31X as already mentioned by Mr. Sloud) for
each line. All wiring between the FACP and the communicator, and the AC
must also be in conduit to meet ULC standard. I'm not sure about UL.
Perhaps someone else might clarify this.
--
Frank E. Olson
http://www.alt-security-alarms.com
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Michael B. Baker
requirements apply:
NFPA 72-2002 8.5.3.2.1.4 Transmission Channels.
(A)* A system employing a DACT shall employ one telephone line (number). In
addition, one of the following transmission means shall be employed:
(1) A second telephone line (number)
(2) A cellular telephone connection
(3) A one-way radio system
(4) A one-way private radio alarm system
(5) A private microwave radio system
(6) A two-way RF multiplex system
(7) A transmission means complying with 8.5.4
Exception: One telephone line (number) equipped with a derived local
channel or a single integrated services digital network (ISDN) telephone
line using a terminal adapter specifically listed for supervising station
fire alarm service, where the path between the transmitter and the switched
telephone network serving central office is monitored for integrity so that
the occurrence of an adverse condition in the path shall be annunciated at
the supervising station within 200 seconds.
(B) The following requirements shall apply to all combinations listed in
8.5.3.2.1.4(A):
(1) Both channels shall be supervised in a manner approved for the means of
transmission employed.
(2) Both channels shall be tested at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.
Exception No. 1: For public cellular telephone service, a verification
(test) signal shall be transmitted at least monthly.
Exception No. 2: Where two telephone lines (numbers) are used, it shall be
permitted to test each telephone line (number) at alternating 24-hour
intervals.
(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.
Exception: Where used in combination with a DACT, a derived local channel
shall not be required to send status change signals other than those
indicating that adverse conditions exist on the telephone line (number).
(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) The first attempt to send a status change signal shall use the primary
channel.
Exception: Where the primary channel is known to have failed.
(7) Simultaneous transmission over both channels shall be permitted.
(8) Failure of telephone lines (numbers) or cellular service shall be
annunciated locally.
"Lee Steffeck" <zi...@bo.com> wrote in message
news:030420031756583272%zi...@bo.com...
Michael B. Baker
8.5.3.2.1.1* Public Switched 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 fire alarm system.
Robert L. Bass
that which prescribes a dedicated line directly or indirectly. I'm not
trying to be smart-alecky on this. How do you read that as requiring a
dedicated line?
Regards,
Robert
=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
www.Bass-Home.com
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota, FL 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Support
941-232-0791 Mobile
ASA Online Vendor
www.altsecurityalarms.com
=============================>
"Michael B. Baker" <mbb...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:WuOja.30475$ug3....@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net...
badenov
That paragraph doesn't indirectly require a dedicated phone line. In fact,
it proves just the opposite: a dedicated line is not required.
You will note that this paragraph requires that the DACT be connected to
the network "upstream of any private telephone system at the protected
premises." That obviously contemplates that the DACT_will_ be connected
to the same telephone line as a private telephone system at the premises.
The only requirement is that the DACT be connected first, so that line
seizure can disconnect that private telephone system when needed.
(A) simply requires that the telephone lines and connections be under the
control of the subscriber to whom service is being provided. For example,
in a multi-unit building where the fire alarm system is provided by the
building owner, the lines must be in the building owner's name, rather than
using a tenant's phone lines. Otherwise, the fire alarm system could be
disabled if the tenant cancels his phone service or does not pay his phone
bill.
- badenov