NFPA 72-2020 - National Fire Protection Association Report

Public Comment No. 214-NFPA 72-2020 [ New Section after 3.3 ]

3.3.x Fire Alarm - An alarm that produces an alarm signal for the purpose of no fying the occupants and anypublic fire sta on, or company or to any officer or employee thereof of the presence of a fire. (SIG‐HOU)

Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved

Proposal_to_NFPA_72_from_Definition_TG_May_5_2020_2_.docx TG on definitions

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment

Definition used at least once in Chapter 29. Reference 29.3.3. Note - Copied and modified from 3.3.111.2 Household Fire Alarm System and IFC 2018: “The giving, signaling or transmission to any public fire station, or company or to any officer or employee thereof, whether by telephone, spoken word or otherwise, of information to the effect that there is a fire at or near the place indicated by the person giving, signaling or transmitting such information.”

Related Item

• NFPA 72: 2019

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Arthur Lee

Organization: US Consumer Product Safety Com

Affiliation: TG on definitions

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue May 05 20:44:29 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The definitions within Paragraph 3.3.111 are appropriate and do not need this addition as itdoes not add information.

National Fire Protection Association Report https://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPar...

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3.3.X Household Carbon Monoxide Alarm System - A system of devices that uses a carbon monoxidealarm control unit to produce an alarm signal in the household for the purpose of no fying the occupants of thepresence of carbon monoxide so that they will evacuate the premises. (SIG‐HOU)





Definition used at least once in Chapter 29. Reference 29.9.3

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. A definition already exists in Paragraph 3.3.37under Carbon Monoxide Detection System. Also see Paragraph 3.3.37.2.


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3.3.X Carbon Monoxide Detector - A carbon monoxide detector that detects either abnormally high carbonmonoxide or rate‐of‐carbon monoxide rise, or both. (SIG‐HOU)





Definition used at least once in Chapter 29. Reference 29.10.3

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but see related SR

Resolution: SR-5011-NFPA 72-2020

Statement: The Technical Committee adds a definition for carbon monoxide detector. A carbon monoxidedetector responds to accumulated levels of carbon monoxide and not necessarily abnormally highlevels.


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3.3.X Household Alarm Control Unit ‐ A component of a household alarm system, provided with primary andsecondary power sources, which receives signals from ini a ng devices and processes these signals to determinepart or all of the required alarm system output func on(s) (SIG‐HOU)





Definition in Chapter 29 and Appendix Chapter 29. References 29.14.3, 29.10.6.8, 29.108.11, A29. Note - Copied and modified from 3.3.108 Fire Alarm Control Unit

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. Definitions currently exist in Paragraph 3.3.115 forthe FACU and further defined in Paragraph 3.3.115.2 protected premise. Paragraph 3.3.118.2provides a definition for Household Fire Alarm System.


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Public Comment No. 210-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 3.3.89.1 ]

3.3.89.1 Multiple Dwelling Unit.

A building containing three or more dwelling units. (SIG-HOU)





Definition not used in Chapter 29 or Chapter 29 Appendix. See proposal on A.29.1.2

Related Item

• NFPS 72:2019 A.29.1.2




Affiliation: TG chair for definitions

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee removes Paragraph 3.3.89.1 because the definition is not used inChapter 29 or its annex.

The Technical Committee removes Paragraph 3.3.89.2 because the definition is not used inChapter 29 or its annex.


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3.3.89.2 Single Dwelling Unit.

A building consisting solely of one dwelling unit. (SIG-HOU)





Definition not used in Chapter 29 or Chapter 29 Appendix. See proposal on A.29.1.2

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019 A.29.1.2




Affiliation: TG on Definitions

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee removes Paragraph 3.3.89.1 because the definition is not used inChapter 29 or its annex.

The Technical Committee removes Paragraph 3.3.89.2 because the definition is not used inChapter 29 or its annex.


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Public Comment No. 212-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 3.3.258 ]

3.3.258 Residential Board and Care Occupancy and Facilities .

An occupancy or facilities used for lodging and boarding of four or more residents, not related by blood ormarriage to the owners or operators, for the purpose of providing personal care services. [101, 2021] (SIG-HOU)





Both terminologies, occupancy and facilities, are used in Chapter 29 and Chapter 29 Appendix. References in 29.8.1.1; A29.1.2; A.29.8.1.1; A.29.8.1.1(1)

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. Paragraph 29.8.1.1 talks parenthetically aboutsmall facilities. The definition in Paragraph 3.3.258 is about occupancy and not facility. Facilitiesdefines a structure and not a use group or occupancy.


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3.3.259 Residential Occupancy and Facilities .

An occupancy that or facilities that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health careor detention and correctional. [101, 2021] (SIG-HOU)





Both terminologies, occupancy and facilities, are used in Chapter 29 and Chapter 29 Appendix. References in 29.8.1.1; A29.1.2

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. The current definition is accurate. Facilitiesdefines a structure and not a use group or occupancy.


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Public Comment No. 333-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 29.1 ]

The Technical Committee is advised to review the new Chapter 11 on cybersecurity and determinewhether it should be referenced in the Application statement for this Chapter.

29.1 Application.

29.1.1*

The performance, selection, installation, operation, and use of single- and multiple-station alarms andhousehold alarm systems shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

29.1.2*

Alarms shall be installed in all occupancies where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards.

29.1.3

The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26, and 27 shall not apply unless otherwisenoted.

29.1.4*

The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to installations in manufactured homes.

29.1.5

This chapter shall apply to the life safety of occupants and not to the protection of property.



CorrelatingNoteNo._85.pdf


NOTE: This Public Comment appeared as Correlating Committee Note No. 85 in the First Draft Report.

The Technical Committee is advised to review the new Chapter 11 on cybersecurity and determine whether it should be referenced in the Application statement for this Chapter.

Related Item

• CN No. 85


Submitter Full Name: CC on SIG-AAC

Organization: NFPA 72 Correlating Committee

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu May 07 10:59:16 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:




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Statement: The Technical Committee edits the text to include Chapter 11 in the list of excluded chapters to beconsistent with the characteristics of Chapter 29. Inclusion of Chapter 11 does not prohibitcoordination with the requirements of Chapter 11.


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29.1.3

The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26, and 27 shall not apply unlessotherwise noted.


This exclusion is consistent with the characteristics of this chapter.

Related Item

• correlcomm note #85


Submitter Full Name: Megan Hayes

Organization: Nema

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Apr 28 14:39:41 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:





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29.1.3

The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26, and 27 shall not apply unless otherwisenoted.



NFPA_72_PC_29.1.3.docx PC for 29.1.3


SIG-HOU will choose which portions of Chapter 11 apply to Chapter 29, similar to how the other Chapters listed are handled, instead of making all of Chapter 11 applicable for all household alarms and systems.

Related Item

• FCR-3


Submitter Full Name: Cory Ogle

Organization: Code Consultants, Inc.

Affiliation: SIG-HOU

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:





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The Technical Committee is directed to review the requirements in 29.5 .10.1(2) and determinewhether the requirements in 18.4.6.3 should be added or referenced for household systems.

29.5 Notification.

29.5.1*

Unless otherwise permitted by 29.5.3, fire-warning equipment to be installed in residential occupanciesshall produce the audible emergency evacuation signal described in ANSI/ASA S3.41, Audible EmergencyEvacuation (E2) and Evacuation Signals with Relocation Instructions (ESRI), whenever the intendedresponse is to evacuate the building.

29.5.2

The audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted to be used for other devices as long as thedesired response is immediate evacuation.

29.5.3

Where mechanically powered single-station heat alarms are used as supplementary devices, unlessrequired by applicable laws, codes, or standards, such devices shall not be required to produce theemergency evacuation signal described in ANSI/ASA S3.41, Audible Emergency Evacuation (E2) andEvacuation Signals with Relocation Instructions (ESRI).

29.5.4*

Carbon monoxide–warning equipment to be installed in residential occupancies shall produce the T-4signal. After the initial 4 minutes of alarm, the 5-second “off” time of the alarm signal shall be permitted tobe changed to 60 seconds ± 10 percent.

29.5.5*

Fire-warning equipment producing the audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted toincorporate voice notification under either or both of the following conditions:

(1) Where the voice message is contained completely within the 1.5-second pause period of the audibleemergency evacuation signal

(2) Where the voice message complies with 29.5.5(2)(a) and 29.5.5(2)(b) as follows:

(3) The voice message is first preceded by a minimum of eight cycles of the audible emergencyevacuation signal.

(4) The voice message periodically interrupts the signal for no longer than 10 seconds, followed by aminimum of two cycles of the audible emergency evacuation signal between each voice message.The initial eight-cycle period shall not be required to be repeated.

29.5.6*

Carbon monoxide–warning equipment producing the audible notification signal shall be permitted toincorporate voice notification under either or both of the following:

(1) Where the voice message is contained completely within the 5-second pause period of the audiblenotification signal


(a) The voice message is first preceded by a minimum of 6 cycles of the audible notification signal.

(b) The voice message periodically interrupts the signal for no longer than 10 seconds, followed by aminimum of two cycles of the audible notification signal between each voice message. The initial6-cycle period shall not be required to be repeated.

29.5.7

All audible notification signals installed shall meet the performance requirements of 18.4.4, 18.4.6.1,18.4.6.2, and 29.5.10.


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29.5.8*

Where visual appliances are provided, they shall meet the requirements of Section 18.5.

29.5.9

Since hearing deficits are often not apparent, the responsibility for advising the appropriate person(s) of theexistence of this deficit shall be that of the party with hearing loss.

29.5.10

Notification appliances provided in sleeping rooms and guest rooms for those with hearing loss shallcomply with 29.5.10.1 and 29.5.10.2, as applicable.

29.5.10.1* Mild to Severe Hearing Loss.

Notification appliances provided for those with mild to severe hearing loss shall comply with the following:

(1) An audible notification appliance producing a low frequency alarm signal shall be installed in thefollowing situations:

(2) Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards for people with hearing loss

(3) Where provided voluntarily for those with hearing loss

(4)

(5)

(6)

29.5.10.2* Moderately Severe to Profound Hearing Loss.

Visual notification appliances in accordance with the requirements of 18.5.5.9 and tactile notificationappliances in accordance with the requirements of Section 18.10 shall be required for those withmoderately severe to profound hearing loss in the following situations:

(1)


29.5.11

Signals from notification appliances shall not be required to be synchronized.





NOTE: This Public Comment appeared as Correlating Committee Note No. 29 in the First Draft Report, on First Revision No. 5025.

The Technical Committee is directed to review the requirements in 29.5.10.1(2) and determine whether the requirements in 18.4.6.3 should be added or referenced for household systems.

Related Item

• CN No. 29 • FR No.5025




Street Address:

City:

* The low frequency alarm signal output shall comply with the following:

The waveform shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz ± 10 percent.

The minimum sound level at the pillow shall be 75 dBA, or 15 dB above the average ambientsound level, or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds,whichever is greater.

* Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards for people with hearing loss


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State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee does not accept that this text should only be in Chapter 18. While therequirements in 29.5.10.1(2)(a) are the same as that in 18.4.6.3(1), the requirements of29.5.10.1(2)(b) are different than that in 18.4.6.3(2). Additionally, the annex material for 18.4.6.3indicates that “Requirements for single- and multiple-station alarms and household fire alarmsystems can be found in Chapter 29”. Therefore, pointing to 18.4.6.3, even part of it, may causeconfusion as the annex then points back to Chapter 29. Additionally, as Chapter 29 is considered astand-alone chapter, either having all or none (all pointing to Chapter 18) of the requirements in theChapter makes it more clear to the user. In this case, some of the requirements are different andtherefore all should remain in Chapter 29.


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The Technical Committee is directed to reconsider Public Input 336 to eliminate duplication ofrequirements in Chapters 18 and 29.

29. 5 Notification.

29.5.1*

Unless otherwise permitted by 29.5.3, fire-warning equipment to be installed in residential occupanciesshall produce the audible emergency evacuation signal described in ANSI/ASA S3.41, Audible EmergencyEvacuation (E2) and Evacuation Signals with Relocation Instructions (ESRI), whenever the intendedresponse is to evacuate the building.

29.5.2

The audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted to be used for other devices as long as thedesired response is immediate evacuation.

29.5.3

Where mechanically powered single-station heat alarms are used as supplementary devices, unlessrequired by applicable laws, codes, or standards, such devices shall not be required to produce theemergency evacuation signal described in ANSI/ASA S3.41, Audible Emergency Evacuation (E2) andEvacuation Signals with Relocation Instructions (ESRI).

29.5.4*

Carbon monoxide–warning equipment to be installed in residential occupancies shall produce the T-4signal. After the initial 4 minutes of alarm, the 5-second “off” time of the alarm signal shall be permitted tobe changed to 60 seconds ± 10 percent.

29.5.5*

Fire-warning equipment producing the audible emergency evacuation signal shall be permitted toincorporate voice notification under either or both of the following conditions:

(1) Where the voice message is contained completely within the 1.5-second pause period of the audibleemergency evacuation signal


(3) The voice message is first preceded by a minimum of eight cycles of the audible emergencyevacuation signal.

(4) The voice message periodically interrupts the signal for no longer than 10 seconds, followed by aminimum of two cycles of the audible emergency evacuation signal between each voice message.The initial eight-cycle period shall not be required to be repeated.

29.5.6*

Carbon monoxide–warning equipment producing the audible notification signal shall be permitted toincorporate voice notification under either or both of the following:

(1) Where the voice message is contained completely within the 5-second pause period of the audiblenotification signal


(a) The voice message is first preceded by a minimum of 6 cycles of the audible notification signal.

(b) The voice message periodically interrupts the signal for no longer than 10 seconds, followed by aminimum of two cycles of the audible notification signal between each voice message. The initial6-cycle period shall not be required to be repeated.

29.5.7

All audible notification signals installed shall meet the performance requirements of 18.4.4, 18.4.6.1,18.4.6.2, and 29.5.10.


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29.5.8*

Where visual appliances are provided, they shall meet the requirements of Section 18.5.

29.5.9

Since hearing deficits are often not apparent, the responsibility for advising the appropriate person(s) of theexistence of this deficit shall be that of the party with hearing loss.

29.5.10

Notification appliances provided in sleeping rooms and guest rooms for those with hearing loss shallcomply with 29.5.10.1 and 29.5.10.2, as applicable.

29.5.10.1* Mild to Severe Hearing Loss.

Notification appliances provided for those with mild to severe hearing loss shall comply with the following:

(1) An audible notification appliance producing a low frequency alarm signal shall be installed in thefollowing situations:



(4)

(5)

(6)

29.5.10.2* Moderately Severe to Profound Hearing Loss.

Visual notification appliances in accordance with the requirements of 18.5.5.9 and tactile notificationappliances in accordance with the requirements of Section 18.10 shall be required for those withmoderately severe to profound hearing loss in the following situations:

(1)


29.5.11

Signals from notification appliances shall not be required to be synchronized.





NOTE: This Public Comment appeared as Correlating Committee Note No. 31 in the First Draft Report, on First Revision No. 5025.

The Technical Committee is directed to reconsider Public Input 336 to eliminate duplication of requirements in Chapters 18 and 29.

Related Item

• CN No. 31 • FR No. 5025




Street Address:

City:

* The low frequency alarm signal output shall comply with the following:

The waveform shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz ± 10 percent.

The minimum sound level at the pillow shall be 75 dBA, or 15 dB above the average ambientsound level, or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds,whichever is greater.

* Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards for people with hearing loss


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State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee does not accept that this text should only be in Chapter 18. As Chapter29 is a stand-alone chapter, having the requirements in Chapter 29 as well as elsewhere in thestandard is helpful to the reader.


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Public Comment No. 139-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 29.5.10 [Excluding any Sub-

Sections] ]

Notification appliances and smoke alarms provided in sleeping rooms and guest rooms for those withhearing loss shall comply with rooms shall be a 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal in accordancewith 29.5.10.1 and .

A. 29.5.10 .2, as applicable. The standard audible alarm signal used in all smoke alarms for the past 30years utilized a typical frequency of 3Khz. Peer-reviewed research has concluded the wakeningeffectiveness of the 520 Hz low-frequency signal is superior to standard 3 KHz audible alarm signal forawakening high-risk segments of the population such as people over 65, people who are hard of hearing,school age children and people who are alcohol impaired. Therefore, smoke alarms are now required toproduce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal in areas intended for sleeping. If smoke alarmsthat are capable of producing the low-frequency audible alarm signal are not available, smoke detectorsarranged to function in the same manner as smoke alarms are required. The following product solutionsare currently available in the market if the smoke alarm is unable to produce the 520 Hz low-frequencyaudible alarm signal in sleeping rooms.

1. Smoke detectors with integral sounder bases

2. Fire Alarm system horns and horn/strobes

The peer-reviewed research was conducted under the auspicious of the Fire Protection ResearchFoundation (Optimizing Fire Alarm Notification for High Risk Groups) as well as the coincidingreports (Waking Effectiveness of Alarms for Adults Who are Hard of Hearing, and Waking Effectiveness ofAlarms for the Alcohol Impaired) .


This Public Comment (PC) is in response to resolved PI-206 and PI-175 that were seeking to enhance the waking effectiveness of high risk segments of the population by providing a requirement for the 520 Hz low frequency audible fire alarm signal to be provided in all sleeping rooms.

It is important to note that the requirement in this PC won’t become widely enforced until 2025 or 2026 because the 2022 edition of NFPA 72 will be referenced in the 2024 edition of the ICC and NFPA model codes. Smoke alarm manufacturers will be working to develop a product that will produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal because the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code will require smoke alarms that are installed in sleeping rooms of new hotels, dormitories and apartment buildings to produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal. Also, the NFPA 101 Residential Committee unanimously approved FR 6886 and FR 6892 that will require smoke alarms that are installed in sleeping rooms to produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal. Any further delay in implementing a technology that is proven to enhance public life safety needs to be avoided. Peer-reviewed research has concluded the wakening effectiveness of the 520 Hz low-frequency signal is superior to standard 3KHz audible alarm signal for awakening high-risk segments of the population such as such as people over 65, people who are hard of hearing, school age children and people who are alcohol impaired. Peer-Reviewed Research: Ian R. Thomas and Dorothy Bruck, Waking Effectiveness of Alarms for Adults Who Are Hard of Hearing (Melbourne, Australia: Victoria University), National Fire Protection Association, 2007.

Related Item

• PI 175



Organization: Nema

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee does not accept the concept that low frequency alarms are required inevery sleeping room in every residence. A full-cost benefit analysis of the advantage of lowfrequency alarms over standard smoke alarms has not been fully realized. While low frequencynotification is beginning to make its way into the building codes for sleeping rooms, the problem stillexists that no low frequency smoke alarms are currently present on the market. A FPRF study(Dinaburg, 2020) indicated that it is likely possible to reduce the sound pressure levels for lowfrequency alarms which should ease power requirements, the study concluded that the amount ofthat reduction is still unclear. Therefore, product still does not exist and the cost of such products isunknown and cannot be weighed against any benefit. The substitutes suggested by the submitter(smoke detectors with integral bases and fire alarm system horns and horn/strobes) may not bewithin the economic means of many residential occupants/owners and therefore should not bemandated.


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29.5.10.1* Mild to Severe Hearing Loss. 520Hz Low Frequency Audible Alarm Signal

Notification appliances

provided for those with mild to severe hearing loss shall comply with the following:

An audible notification appliance producing a low frequency alarm signal shall be installed in the followingsituations:



The low frequency alarm signal output shall comply with the following:or smoke alarms provided in sleeping rooms and guest rooms shall produce a 520 Hz low-frequencyaudible alarm signal complying with the following:

1. The waveform shall have a fundamental frequency of

520 Hz ± 10 percent520 Hz} 10 percent .

2. The minimum sound level at the pillow shall be 75 dBA, or 15 dB above the average ambient soundlevel, or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least

60 seconds60 seconds , whichever is greater.



NFPA_72_29.5.10.1_NEMA_3SB_comments_R2.docx Section 29.5.10.1 Public Input - NEMA


This Public Comment (PC) is in response to resolved PI-206 and PI-175 that were seeking to enhance the waking effectiveness of high risk segments of the population by providing a requirement for the 520 Hz low frequency audible fire alarm signal to be provided in all sleeping rooms. It is important to note that the requirement in this PC won’t become widely enforced until 2025 or 2026 because the 2022 edition of NFPA 72 will be referenced in the 2024 edition of the ICC and NFPA model codes. Smoke alarm manufacturers will be working to develop a product that will produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal because the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code will require smoke alarms that are installed in sleeping rooms of new hotels, dormitories and apartment buildings to produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal. Also, the NFPA 101 Residential Committee unanimously approved FR 6886 and FR 6892 that will require smoke alarms that are installed in sleeping rooms to produce the 520 Hz low-frequency audible alarm signal.Any further delay in implementing a technology that is proven to enhance public life safety needs to be avoided. Peer-reviewed research has concluded the wakening effectiveness of the 520 Hz low-frequency signal is superior to standard 3KHz audible alarm signal for awakening high-risk segments of the population such as such as people over 65, people who are hard of hearing, school age children and people who are alcohol impaired. Peer-Reviewed Research: Ian R. Thomas and Dorothy Bruck, Waking Effectiveness of Alarms for Adults Who Are Hard of Hearing (Melbourne, Australia: Victoria University), National Fire Protection Association, 2007.

Related Item

• PI 177


*


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Organization: Nema

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee does not accept the concept that low frequency smoke alarms arerequired in every sleeping room in every residence. A full-cost benefit analysis of the advantage oflow frequency alarms over standard smoke alarms has not been fully realized. While low frequencynotification is beginning to make its way into the building codes for sleeping rooms, the problem stillexists that no low frequency smoke alarms are currently present on the market. A FPRF study(Dinaburg, 2020) indicated that it is likely possible to reduce the sound pressure levels for lowfrequency alarms which should ease power requirements, the study concluded that the amount ofthat reduction is still unclear. Therefore, product still does not exist and the cost of such products isunknown and cannot be weighed against any benefit.


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29.9.2 Primary Power Source Nonreplaceable Primary Battery.

If smoke, heat, or carbon monoxide alarms are powered by a nonrechargeable, nonreplaceable primarybattery, the battery shall be monitored to ensure the following conditions are met:

(1) All smoke alarm power requirements are met for at least 10 years of battery life, including requiredperiodic testing.

(2) Single-station carbon monoxide alarm power requirements are met for at least 10 years of battery life,including required periodic testing.

(3) Multiple-station alarm power requirements are met for at least 7 years of battery life, including requiredperiodic testing.

(4)

(5) A distinctive audible trouble signal occurs before the battery is incapable of operating the device(s) foralarm purposes.

(6) At the battery voltage at which a trouble signal is obtained, the unit is capable of producing a fire alarmsignal for at least 4 minutes, or a carbon monoxide alarm signal for at least 12 continuous hours inaccordance with 29.5.4, followed by not less than 7 days of trouble signal operation.

(7) The audible trouble signal is produced at least once every minute for 7 consecutive days.

(8) The trouble signal is allowed to be silenced for up to 12 hours.

(9) A visible "power on" indicator is provided.


This should be removed. This creates different requirements for sealed battery devices that can interconnect vs. those that cannot. First, the seven years is not substantiated, but was a SWAG. Since the UL 217 Standard has not yet established a testing protocol for wireless interconnection of alarms, there is no way to know whether this number is feasible. Second, consumers do not know the difference between “single station” and “multiple station” and will be confused at the different requirements. “Ten year” has become a shorthand for a sealed device. This will only confuse the issue.

Related Item

• FR 5163



Organization: Nema

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:




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Statement: The Technical Committee changes item (1) which corrects a conflict that was introduced withitem (3) from the FR.


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Public Comment No. 297-NFPA 72-2020 [ Sections 29.10.7.8.2, 29.10.7.8.3 ]

Sections 29.10.7.8.2, 29.10.7.8.3

29.10.7.8.2

Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be permitted to be connected to system control unitsequipment located within the dwelling unit.

29.10.7.8.3

When connected, the actuation of a single- or multiple-station smoke alarm shall initiate an alarm signal atthe system control units equipment located within the dwelling unit.


FR 5131 added glossary item 3.3.67 for "Control Equipment - Equipment listed as a control unit or control unit accessory" to address the original concern of referencing an undefined term. Recommend reverting to the "control equipment" text in these clauses because smoke alarms may be connected to control units through control unit accessories such as monitor modules. In addition, annunciation of alarm signals may be at a user interface not integral with the control unit such as a remote keypad.

Related Item

• FR 5092 • FR 5094 • FR 5131


Submitter Full Name: Lawrence Shudak

Organization: UL LLC

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Wed May 06 16:12:30 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Accepted


Statement: The Technical Committee edits the text. FR 5131 added 3.3.67 for "Control Equipment - Equipmentlisted as a control unit or control unit accessory" to address the original concern of referencing anundefined term. The TC revises the text reverting to the "control equipment" text in these clausesbecause smoke alarms may be connected to control units through control unit accessories such asmonitor modules. In addition, annunciation of alarm signals may be at a user interface not integralwith the control unit such as a remote keypad.


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Public Comment No. 336-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 29.10.9.10.7 ]

The Technical Committee is directed to review this text for conformance with the Manual of Stylewith respect to orphan paragraphs.

29.10.9.10.7

Transmission devices connected to the supervising station shall be in compliance with applicablestandards such as UL 985, Household Fire Warning System Units.

29.10.9.10.7.1

Transmission devices connected to the supervising station sharing on-premises equipment shall be listedas communications or information technology equipment.





NOTE: This Public Comment appeared as Correlating Committee Note No. 30 in the First Draft Report, on First Revision No. 5098

The Technical Committee is directed to review this text for conformance with the Manual of Style with respect to orphan paragraphs.

Related Item

• CN No. 30 • FR No. 5098




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee edits the text to adhere to the NFPA Manual of Style. New section29.10.9.10.8 was changed from 29.10.9.10.7.1, which was an orphan paragraph.


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Public Comment No. 310-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. 29.10.9.10.7.1 ]

29.10.9.10.7.1

Transmission If the transmission devices connected to the supervising station are sharing on-premisesequipment shall , the shared equipment are permited to be listed as communications or informationtechnology equipment.

29.10.9.10.7.2

The secondary capacity for the shared on-premise equipment necessary for the transmission of alarm,supervisory and trouble signals shall be a minimum of 24 hours.


This is to recommend text to clarify the intent of 29.10.9.10.7.1 with respect to the listing of any shared on-premise communications equipment. The text is based on the same issue in chapter 26 and specifically 26.6.3.12.

Additional concern for the referenced shared equipment is the issue of the need to provide standby power for the shared equipment because the listing in accordance with applicable product standards for general communications equipment does not include any performance assessment for the efficacy of standby power. Products referenced in 29.10.9.10.7 meeting UL 985 include performance based assessment for 24 hours of standby power. Clause 29.10.9.10.7.2 is based on 26.6.3.13.1 and is included to draw attention to the need for secondary power in chapter 29.

Related Item

• FR 5098


Submitter Full Name: Lawrence Shudak


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. The change to 29.10.9.10.7.1 does not provideclarity and changes a shall requirement to a permissible requirement with no clear justification forthis change. The Technical Committee does not agree that the proposed change is warranted.Theaddition of a new section 29.10.9.10.7.2 is unnecessary as 29.10.9.10.4 covers the 24 hoursecondary power requirement that 29.10.9.10.7.2 is proposing.


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29.11.3.4 Specific Location Requirements.

The installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located where ambient conditions, including humidityand temperature, are outside the limits specified by the manufacturer's published instructions.

(2) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located within unfinished attics or garages or in otherspaces where temperatures can fall below 40ºF (4.4ºC) or exceed 100ºF (38ºC).

(3)

(4)

(5) Smoke alarms or smoke detectors that use photoelectric detection shall be permitted for installation ata radial distance greater than 6 ft (1.8 m) from any stationary or fixed cooking appliance when both allthree of the following conditions are met:

(a) The kitchen or cooking area and adjacent spaces have no clear interior partitions or headers.

(b) The 10 ft (3.0 m) area of exclusion would prohibit the placement of a smoke alarm or smokedetector required by other sections of this Code.

Effective January

(6)

(a) The devices use photoelectric detection or have been tested for resistance to cooking nuisancealarms.

(7) Effective May 1, 2022, smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed between 6 ft (1.8 m) and 20 ft(6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance shall be listed forresistance to common nuisance sources from cooking.

(8)

(9) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal path fromthe supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the directairflow from those registers.

(10)

(11) Where stairs lead to other occupiable levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located so thatsmoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smoke detector byan intervening door or obstruction.

(12) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on thebasement ceiling near the entry to the stairs.

(13)

(14) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirementsof 17.7.3.2.4.

(15) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of17.6.3.


When product meeting the new UL smoke alarm and detector standards is widely available, it will no longer be necessary to specify photoelectric technology for these locations. However, the delay in the effective dates chosen

* Where the mounting surface could become considerably warmer or cooler than the room, such as apoorly insulated ceiling below an unfinished attic or an exterior wall, smoke alarms and smokedetectors shall be mounted on an inside wall.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within an area of exclusion determined by a10 ft (3.0 m) radial distance along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance,unless listed for installation in close proximity to cooking appliances. Smoke alarms and smokedetectors installed between 10 ft (3.0 m) and 20 ft (6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationaryor fixed cooking appliance shall be equipped with an alarm-silencing means or , use photoelectricdetection, or be labeled as resistant to cooking nuisance alarms .

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub unless listed for installation in close proximity tosuch locations.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan unless the room configuration restrictsmeeting this requirement.

* For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed onthe highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 in. (300 mm) verticallydown from the highest point.


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by the test labs means there may be a period of time during which a mix of old and new products are on the shelves. The UL test lab date has moved from May 29, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Intertek/ETL's date is December 31, 2021.This language addresses allows for a smooth transition by delaying the effective date in this chapter, as well as allowing either photoelectric devices or those tested to the new standard to be installed until that time.

Related Item

• PI 583


Submitter Full Name: Wendy Gifford

Organization: Consultant

Affiliation: Submitted on behalf of a Chapter 29 Task Group

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Apr 30 10:06:07 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee revises the language in the Comment Public to accomplish three things.

1. Permit a transition period for the installation of smoke detection devices manufactured before thecompliance date established by UL and ETL to comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7thedition.

2. Require a cutoff date that prohibits the installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectorsmanufactured before the compliance date established by UL and ETL to comply with UL 217 8thedition and UL 268 7th edition.

3. Requires an effective compliance date that only permits the installation of smoke detectiondevices that comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7th edition.

The change is necessary because in 2019 UL and ETL published the compliance date for all smokedetection devices to comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7th edition. UL moved thecompliance date from May 29, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Intertek/ETL's date is December 31, 2021.The new compliance dates of UL and ETL will result in a mix of old and new products beingavailable in the stream of commerce. Furthermore, the COVID-19 crisis has caused unforeseendelays in new products being introduced.


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29.11.3.4 Specific Location Requirements.


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The installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located where ambient conditions, including humidityand temperature, are outside the limits specified by the manufacturer's published instructions.

(2) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be located within unfinished attics or garages or in otherspaces where temperatures can fall below 40ºF (4.4ºC) or exceed 100ºF (38ºC).

(3)

(4)

(5) Prior to January 1, 2022 smoke alarms or smoke detectors installed between10 ft

(6) 10ft (3.0 m

(7) 0 m ) and20 ft

(8) 20 ft (6.1 m

(9) 1 m ) along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance shallbe equipped

(10) comply with the following:

(11) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be equiped with an alarm

-

(12)

(a) silencing means or use photoelectric detection.

(b) Smoke alarms or smoke detectors that use photoelectric detection shall be permitted forinstallation at a radial distance greater than

6 ft

(a) 6 ft (1.

8 m

(a) 8 m ) from any stationary or fixed cooking appliance when both of the following conditions aremet:

The

(I) The kitchen or cooking area and adjacent spaces have no clear interior partitions or headers.

(II) The 10 ft (3.0 m) area of exclusion would prohibit the placement of a smoke alarm or smokedetector required by other sections of this Code.

(6) Effective January 1, 2022, smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed between 6 ft (1.8 m) and 20 ft(6.1 m) along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance shall be listed forresistance to common nuisance sources from cooking.

(1)

(2) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal path fromthe supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the directairflow from those registers.

(3)

* Where the mounting surface could become considerably warmer or cooler than the room, such as apoorly insulated ceiling below an unfinished attic or an exterior wall, smoke alarms and smokedetectors shall be mounted on an inside wall.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within an area of exclusion determined by a10 ft (3.0 m) radial distance along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance,unless listed for installation in close proximity to cooking appliances. Smoke alarms and resistance tocommon nuisiance sources from cooking.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub unless listed for installation in close proximity tosuch locations.

* Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in. (910 mm) horizontal pathfrom the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan unless the room configuration restrictsmeeting this requirement.


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(4) Where stairs lead to other occupiable levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located so thatsmoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smoke detector byan intervening door or obstruction.

(5) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on thebasement ceiling near the entry to the stairs.

(6)

(7) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirementsof 17.7.3.2.4.

(8) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of17.6.3.



PI_578_PC_304.docxThe edit page did not convert into a readable legislative format for TC review. This document is meant to better demonstrate the changes.


We agree with the committee’s recommendation to maintain the effective date and technology specific requirements in this section. However, as currently structured the requirements in Section (4) through (6) are difficult to follow. This public comment accomplishes the following: 1. In (4) it replaces the phrase “installation in close proximity to cooking appliances” with the phrase “resistance to common nuisance sources from cooking” for consistency with the item (6) language. 2. Clarifies that the requirements for smoke detection currently covered in the second half of existing item (4) and item (5) only apply to installations prior to the January 1, 2022 effective date. It does this by grouping these together under a new item (5) with no substantive changes.

Related Item

• PI 583


Submitter Full Name: Kelly Nicolello


Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee revises the language in the Comment Public to accomplish three things.

1. Permit a transition period for the installation of smoke detection devices manufactured before thecompliance date established by UL and ETL to comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7thedition.

2. Require a cutoff date that prohibits the installation of smoke alarms and smoke detectorsmanufactured before the compliance date established by UL and ETL to comply with UL 217 8thedition and UL 268 7th edition.

* For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed onthe highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 in. (300 mm) verticallydown from the highest point.


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3. Requires an effective compliance date that only permits the installation of smoke detectiondevices that comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7th edition.

The change is necessary because in 2019 UL and ETL published the compliance date for all smokedetection devices to comply with UL 217 8th edition and UL 268 7th edition. UL moved thecompliance date from May 29, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Intertek/ETL's date is December 31, 2021.The new compliance dates of UL and ETL will result in a mix of old and new products beingavailable in the stream of commerce. Furthermore, the COVID-19 crisis has caused unforeseendelays in new products being introduced.


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29.14.1.1.1

All alarms and detectors shall be plainly marked with the following information on the unit:

(1) Manufacturer’s or listee’s name, address, and model number

(2) A mark or certification that the unit has been listed, labeled, or approved

(3) Electrical rating (where applicable)

(4) Manufacturer's published operating and maintenance instructions

(5) Test instructions

(6) Replacement and service instructions

(7) Explanation of signal indicators, including identification of lights, switches, meters, and similar devices,regarding their function, unless their function is obvious

(8) Distinction between alarm and trouble signals on units employing both

(9) The sensitivity setting for an alarm having a fixed setting (For an alarm that is intended to be adjustedin the field, the range of sensitivity shall be indicated. The marked sensitivity shall be indicated as apercent per foot obscuration level. The marking shall include a nominal value plus tolerance.)

(10) Reference to an installation diagram and system owner’s manual

(11) Date of manufacture in the format YEAR (in four digits), MONTH (in letters), and DAY (in two digits)located on the outside of the alarm


This is a proposed change as a placeholder for any changes that need to be made based on the outcome of listed/approved/certified/labeled discussion.

This is a SIG-HOU task group proposal.

Related Item

• FR-5113


Submitter Full Name: Stephen Olenick

Organization: Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Apr 17 06:11:06 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee edits the text to generalize the requirement without the use of terms“listed” or “certified” which are unnecessary in the marking section.


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29.14.1.3.1

Unless otherwise permitted by 29.14.1.3.2, all household alarm control units shall be plainly marked withthe following information on the unit:

(1) Manufacturer’s or listee’s name, address, and model number

(2) A mark or certification that the unit has been listed, labeled, or approved

(3) Electrical rating (where applicable)

(4) Identification of all user interface components and their functions (such as, but not limited to, lights,switches, and meters) located adjacent to the component

(5) Manufacturer's published operating and maintenance instructions

(6) Test instructions

(7) Replacement and service instructions

(8) Reference to an installation wiring diagram and homeowner’s manual, if not attached to control unit, bydrawing number and issue number and/or date


This is a proposed change as a placeholder for any changes that need to be made based on the outcome of listed/approved/certified/labeled discussion.

This is a SIG-HOU task group proposal.

Related Item

• FR-5113


Submitter Full Name: Stephen Olenick

Organization: Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Apr 17 06:16:05 EDT 2020

Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:



Statement: The Technical Committee edits the text to generalize the requirement without the use of terms“listed” or “certified” which are unnecessary in the marking section.


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Public Comment No. 219-NFPA 72-2020 [ Section No. A.29.1.2 ]

A.29.1.2

An example of the applicable code within the NFPA set of codes and standards is NFPA 101. Other codessuch as local building codes are other examples to be considered.

The requirements of Chapter 29 are intended to apply to installations in the following new and existinglocations:

(1) One- and two- family dwelling units

(2) Sleeping rooms of lodging and rooming houses

(3) Individual dwelling units of apartment buildings

(4) Guest rooms, sleeping rooms, and living areas within guest suites of hotels and dormitories

(5) Day-care homes

(6) Residential board and care facilities

(7) Other locations where applicable laws, codes, or standards specify a requirement for the installation ofsmoke alarms





There is no definition for the term “family”, but a definition for dwelling unit exits as listed in NFPA 72:2019 3.3.83 (SIG-HOU)

Related Item

• NFPA 72:2019





Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee: SIG-HOU

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected

Resolution: The Technical Committee rejects the comment. Family is a common term used in building andother related codes.


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Documents

NFPA 72-2020 - National Fire Protection Association Report