FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING

BULLETIN NO. 32

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Complete Revision: February 26, 2014

Ford Motor Company

J. Paquet (jhiggi37)
Corporate Security and Fire
February 26, 2014

SFD File No.: Bulletin 32

Transient Record
Bulletin 32 (2014)
Security: Proprietary
Record Retention Code: S + 5, O

When printed, this becomes an uncontrolled document

Verify the latest revision on the Corporate Fire Protection Website at www.security.ford.com

Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.

SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................... 1

II

DEFINITIONS........................................................................................................................ 2

III.

SYSTEM EVALUATION...................................................................................................... 3

IV.

DESIGN APPROVALS ......................................................................................................... 3

V.

FACILITY TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 4

A.

Required Alarm System Types .................................................................................. 4

B.

Requirements for All Facilities .................................................................................. 5

C.

Fire Alarm System Requirements for Category A and B Facilities ............... 8

D.

Fire Alarm System Requirements for Category C Facilities ............................ 11

VI.

EXISTING SYSTEMS ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS ...................................... 11

VII.

ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS ............................................................................... 11

VIII. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................ 12

IX.

X.

A.

Company (Owner) Responsibilities ......................................................................... 12

B.

Contractor Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 13

ACCEPTANCE TESTING REQUIREMENTS................................................................ 18

A.

Contractor Pre-Testing ............................................................................................. 18

B.

Owner Acceptance Tests ........................................................................................... 18

C.

Final Acceptance Testing .......................................................................................... 19

CERTIFICATION, DOCUMENTATION AND TRAINING ......................................... 19

A.

Certification ............................................................................................................... 19

B.

Documentation ........................................................................................................... 20

C.

Operations and Maintenance Manuals ................................................................... 20

D.

As Built Drawings...................................................................................................... 20

E.

Training ...................................................................................................................... 21

APPENDICES
A.

Fire Alarm System Evaluation Worksheet ............................................................. 22

B.

Condition/Alarm Tone/Voice Announcement/Employee Action to be Taken

Chart ........................................................................................................................... 24

C.

Sketch Nos. 1-5........................................................................................................... 25

Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
I.

SCOPE
A Fire Alarm System is an essential component of a facilitys fire protection system. When
properly designed and operational, a fire alarm system can enhance life safety and help reduce
damage due to fire by promptly identifying fire protection system alarm and trouble
conditions to a constantly attended location. This communication allows prompt response by
Emergency Response Teams and public fire departments/brigades.
This Bulletin establishes the minimum requirements for fire alarm system installations in Ford
Motor Company facilities. It applies to new construction, renovation, and for upgrading fire
alarms systems in existing facilities. The Company generally references the latest edition of
NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm Code", along with the applicable portions of the latest edition
of NFPA 70, National Electric Code. These codes and the Ford Fire Protection Bulletins
are the basis for these requirements in all fire alarm system installations. This bulletin
recognizes the NFPA concept for both Pre-signal and Positive Alarm Sequence. These
features when properly utilized provide for employee safety and reduce the number of false
alarms. False alarms have long been known to increase the risk to employee safety.
When local, State or National fire alarm and life safety requirements are more stringent than
those presented in NFPA 72 or this bulletin, those requirements shall be applied.
This Bulletin also provides guidelines (System Evaluation) for determining when an alarm
system can no longer be expected to provide the necessary reliability of function and should
be considered for replacement.
Additional Bulletins, Standards, and codes for reference are:

Bulletin No. 7, Water Supply Systems and associated topics.

Bulletin No. 8, Automatic Sprinkler System Installations.

Bulletin No. 9, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishing Systems.

Bulletin No. 20, Bulletin Deviation Procedure.

Bulletin No. 27, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements for Fire
Protection Systems and Equipment and related topics.

Bulletin 29, Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems.

Ford Section No. 01100, Safety Guidelines and Information for Contractors.

Ford Section No. 16000, General Electrical Specifications.

Ford Section No. 16400, Power Distribution Systems.

This Bulletin and any associated topics are owned by Ford Corporate Fire Protection
Engineering, Corporate Security and Fire.
These requirements apply to all Company owned and leased facilities including subsidiaries
of Ford Motor Company. Where NFPA, Local, State or Federal or National codes are more

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Fire Alarm Systems
stringent than these standards, or other Company standards referenced here, the more
stringent requirements shall be followed.
Written approval is required from Corporate Fire Protection Engineering for deviations from
the following requirements.
II.

DEFINITIONS
Circuit Integrity
The ability of an alarm circuit to transmit alarms during non-simultaneous single circuit fault
conditions.
Conceptual Design
A written description of the new fire alarm and occupant notification system.
Listed or Approved Products
Equipment, materials, or systems included in a list published by an organization concerned
with evaluation of products. The listing shall state that the equipment or material meets
appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified
purpose.
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) listing or Factory Mutual (FM) approval are the normal
means to meet requirements for listed or approved products. Where UL listed or FM
approved equipment, materials, or systems are required, but not available, equipment listed by
a nationally recognized laboratory in the country of use may be substituted if approved by
Ford Corporate Fire Protection Engineering.
Pre-signal A pre-signal feature shall meet the following conditions:
The initial fire alarm signals sound only in department offices, control rooms, fire
brigade stations, or other constantly attended central locations.
Where there is a connection to a remote location, the transmission of the fire alarm
signal to the supervising station activates upon the initial alarm signal.

Subsequent system operation is by human action that activates the general fire alarm.

Positive Alarm Sequence (PAS)

An automatic sequence that results in an alarm signal, even when manually delayed for
investigation, unless the system is reset.
Shall
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
Should
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
Stand-Alone
The ability of a control panel within a network to function as an independent Fire Alarm
Control Panel should it be disconnected from the network.

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Fire Alarm Systems
System Evaluation
A review of an alarm system to determine if it can function with the desired reliability into the
future.
System Survivability
The ability of a fire alarm system to perform all or part of its function when in an impaired
condition.
III.

SYSTEM EVALUATION
When additions, remodels, or renovations are proposed, or when the reliability of the system
is in question complete the Fire Alarm System Evaluation Work Sheet Appendix A.

IV.

DESIGN APPROVALS
Conceptual designs for new fire alarm systems and additions or revisions to existing fire
alarm systems shall be approved by Corporate Fire Protection Engineering before bidding a
project.
Plans for new and revised fire alarm systems shall be approved before installation begins.
If work starts before receiving approvals, the installing contractor shall be responsible for any
required changes.
A.

Corporate Approvals
The Ford Corporate Manager of Fire Protection Engineering shall be notified prior to
the development of any projected related to Fire Alarm Systems. Once the project is
approved, detailed plans with equipment layout and fire protection details shall be
submitted for review and approval. Plans shall indicate the specific codes, standards,
and editions used to design the system.
1.

2.

Property Loss Prevention Consultant Review

Detailed plans for fire alarm systems as described below shall be submitted for
review by the Property Loss Prevention Consultant.
a.

All new fire alarm systems.

b.

Revisions or additions to existing fire alarm systems that meet any of the
following conditions.
1)

Systems that affect an area of 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) or more.

2)

Projects that add 5 or more devices to a system.

3)

Projects that include modifying more than one circuit.

Corporate Fire Protection Engineering Review

Detailed plans for all fire alarm systems that do not require review by the
Property Loss Prevention Consultant shall be submitted for review by Corporate
Fire Protection Engineering.

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Fire Alarm Systems
B.

Local Permits and/or Approvals Where Required

Plans and related details shall be submitted to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction
(AHJ) if required.

C.

Final Acceptance
1.

V.

As-Built Drawings
a.

Contractor shall provide detailed as-built drawings for all new systems.

b.

For additions or revisions to existing systems, contractor shall update

existing as-built drawings to show as-built work for his project. This is
necessary to have records of the system that are as accurate and current
as possible.

2.

Contractors certificates for installed systems shall be provided as required by

NFPA 72.

3.

Where approval by the Loss Prevention Service Provider is required, the

appropriate acceptance form(s) shall be completed. The installing contractor
shall provide 10 working days advance notice of required acceptance testing.

4.

When required by the local authority, the installing contractor shall provide
advance notice of acceptance testing and all documentation needed to obtain the
final acceptance. Consult the local authority to establish the required advance
notice.

FACILITY TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS

Written approval is required from Corporate Fire Protection Engineering for deviations from
the following requirements.
A.

Required Alarm System Types

Facilities are considered Category A, Category B, or Category C. The type of alarm
system required depends on the occupancy and value of the protected facility.
1.

Category A and B Facilities

Category A and B facilities include:

Category A facilities include those whose Total Insured Value is more

than $200,000,000 U. S. and/or having a critical BI potential.

Category B facilities include those whose Total Insured Value is more

than $100,000,000 U. S. up to $200,000,000 U.S.

Note: The alarm system requirements for Category A and Category B facilities
are the same.
2.

Category C Facilities
Category C facilities include all other facilities.

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B.

Requirements for All Facilities

1.

Alarm Initiating Devices

a.

b.

Systems installed in accordance with this Bulletin shall monitor, as a

minimum, the following:
1)

All sprinkler system water-flow alarms and associated supervisory

signals as required by Ford Bulletin 8 or the local authority.

2)

All CO2 systems as required by Ford Fire Protection Bulletin 9.

3)

All new and existing special hazards protection systems (i.e. paint
shop, ovens, paint mix).

4)

All computer center and/or telecommunication facility protection

systems as required by Ford Bulletins 24 and 25.

5)

All water supply supervisory and trouble signals as required by

Ford Fire Protection Bulletin 7 and Topics 7.03, and 7.04.

6)

Valve supervision devices (tampers) shall not be installed on any

fire control valves. Valves shall be secured with a lock and chain.
If local authorities recommend tampers contact Corporate Fire
Protection.

Provide manual pull stations:

1)

In sprinklered areas, provide manual pull stations within 1.5 m (5

ft.) of any designated exit. Locate at least one manual pull station
on each floor.
Exception: Where Positive Alarm Sequence is used, provide
manual pull stations so that the maximum travel distance to a pull
station does not exceed 60 m (200 ft).

2)

2.

In unsprinklered or partially sprinklered areas, provide manual

pull stations so that the travel distance does not exceed 60 m (200
ft).

Alarm Notification Appliances

a.

Audible Appliances
1)

Audible appliances shall be installed to provide a sound level that

is a minimum sound level of 75 dBA, or 15 dB above the average
twenty-four ambient sound level, or 5 dB above the maximum
sound level having duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is
greater.

2)

Voice communication systems shall have adequate intelligibility

as determined by NFPA 72.

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3)
b.

c.

Audible appliances in manufacturing or storage areas shall be

located 4.5 m (15 ft) above the floor.

Visual Appliances
1)

Visual appliances (strobes) shall be provided in all common use

spaces including, but not limited to restrooms, lobbies, hallways,
meeting and conference rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, filing and
photocopy rooms, employee break rooms, and other spaces not
used solely as employee work areas.

2)

Manufacturing plants are not defined as public areas and therefore

shall not be equipped with visual appliances. Areas that are
considered public areas that are within the manufacturing plant
(bathrooms, conference rooms, cafeterias, etc) shall still be
considered public and be provided with visual appliances.

3)

Existing plants that are being renovated and already have visual
appliances in portions of the manufacturing plant shall contact
Corporate Fire Protection for additional guidance. Based on
individual site layout visual appliances may be required in
remodeled areas.

4)

Visual appliances shall be provided in egress aisles in plant areas

such as stamping plant basements that have noise levels in excess
of 90dBA. Typical noise levels in Ford production facilities are
reported as follows:

Assembly (Trim, Chassis,and Final) 75 to 82 dBA

Assembly (Body) 80 to 85 dBA

Stamping (Press Operations) 85 to 93 dBA

Stamping (Assembly) 80 to 85 dBA

Transmission 80 to 87 dBA

Engine 75 to 82 dBA

Office Areas 52 to 65 dBA depending on construction

and degree of isolation from production operations.
Laboratory areas are assumed similar to office areas.

Notification appliances shall be capable of providing distinct signals in

accordance with those outlined in Appendix B of this document for:

Pre-tone (High Rise buildings only where required by local code).

Evacuation.

Weather alert.
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3.

All clear.

d.

Signals shall be synchronized throughout the building for installations

after August 1, 2008.

e.

All system output (printed and text displays and pre-recorded messages)
shall be in the local language.

f.

All supporting documentation associated with the fire alarm system shall
be in the local language.

Pre-Signal Where a Pre-Signal feature is used the alarm shall register in a

constantly attended location. The use of Pre-Signal is not a substitute for lack
of fire alarm system maintenance. Systems designed for automatic evacuation
shall be repaired and upgraded as necessary to maintain this status and shall not
be converted to Pre-Signal.
a.

Installation of new pre-signal systems is forbidden.

b.

When existing systems are replaced or upgraded, pre-signal systems shall

not be continued.

c.

Systems designed for automatic evacuation shall be repaired and

upgraded as necessary to maintain this status and shall not be converted
to Pre-Signal.

4.

Positive Alarm Sequence Where Positive Alarm Sequence (PAS) is used; the
time for investigation may be up to a total of 5 minutes if permitted by local
authorities.

5.

Equipment Requirements
a.

b.

All components of the alarm system shall be listed or approved for the
intended purpose. Products shall be of the latest design. Obsolete or
discontinued models are not acceptable.
1)

The Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) shall be completely prewired and programmed requiring only the connection of incoming
field wiring and the plugging in of accessory modules such as
additional memory or printer interface boards.

2)

Use UL listed wire or fiber optic devices, per the requirements of

NFPA 70, Section 760, for connecting alarm initiating device
circuits and alarm notification appliance circuits to the FACP.

Each component of the Fire Alarm System shall be the product of a

single fire alarm system manufacturer.
Exception: Speakers, strobes, and explosion proof devices may be
supplied by a different manufacturer; however, each shall be listed for its
intended use and compatible with the FACP and other equipment.
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C.

Fire Alarm System Requirements for Category A and B Facilities

All fire alarm control panels shall be:

Listed per UL 864, 9th Edition.

Modular in design.

Microprocessor based and point addressable.

Capable of alarm verification to avoid unwanted alarms and positive alarm

sequence (PAS) as outlined in NFPA 72 and this Bulletin.

Programmable control-by-event of outputs for individual alarm or supervisory

point addressable devices.

Be multiplex capable of networking with additional fire alarm control panels

(nodes) for large applications. Each Node panel shall be capable of degrade
operations in the event of communication loss with the main FACP.

All initiating devices and control devices shall be point addressable and capable
of multiplex operation.

1.

System Coverage
Fire alarm panels shall only monitor fire alarm systems or conditions that
adversely affect fire protection systems.

2.

System Performance, Circuit Integrity, and System Survivability

a.

Devices shall be point addressable.

b.

Signal transmission (where provided) from a monitored facility to the

Ford Global Communication Center (GCC), shall use circuitry as
described in NFPA 72. See Appendix B, Sketch #1.

c.

Networked panels in a protected facility shall communicate by Class X

(formerly Class A, Style 7) as described in NFPA 72. See Appendix B,
Sketch #1.

d.

All Class A circuits shall maintain 1.3 m (4 ft) horizontal and 0.3 m (1 ft)
vertical separation. The intent of this requirement is to protect the cables
from physical damage that would affect both the outgoing and return
circuits.

e.

Notification circuits and initiating circuits shall originate from the zone
they cover.

f.

Addressable initiating device loop wiring shall be Class A, as

described in NFPA 72. See Appendix B, Sketch #2.

g.

Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) with more than one (1) initiating device
connected to the circuit shall be Class A as described in NFPA 72. See
Appendix B, Sketch #2.
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3.

h.

An IDC with only one (1) initiating device connected to the circuit shall
be Class B as described in NFPA 72. See Appendix B, Sketch #2.

i.

Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC) shall be Class B as described in

NFPA 72. See Appendix B, Sketch #3.

Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and Intermediate Control Panels (ICP)
a.

All FACPs for greenfield sites shall be a minimum of 20% oversized.

ICPs shall be a minimum of 10% oversized to accommodate future
system expansion of input and output needs. Replacement FACPs and
ICPs on fire alarm systems shall be a minimum of 10% oversized to
accommodate any future changes to the system.

b.

The following hardware shall be provided in all control panels:

c.

1)

A CPU/LCD Display unit that will display system messages,

status information, and programming means.

2)

Audio control module with built-in hand-held microphone to

provide voice messages (instructions) to building occupants.

3)

Standby batteries sized as needed with fused battery outlets.

FACP Cabinet(s) shall be lockable painted steel enclosure(s).

1)

Arrange unit so all operations required for testing or for normal

care and maintenance of the system is performed from the front of
the enclosure.

2)

If more than a single unit is required to form a complete control

unit, provide matching modular unit enclosures.

3)

Wiring shall be through the sides or bottom of the cabinet.

d.

Cabinets in normal office areas and substations shall be NEMA Type 1a.
Cabinets not installed in a normal office or substation environment shall
be NEMA 4 rated enclosures.

e.

Alphanumeric Display and System Controls: Panel shall include an LCD

(Liquid Crystal Display) display to indicate alarm, supervisory, and
component status messages and shall include a keypad for use in entering
and executing control commands.

f.

In the event that any control panel should lose communications with the
network, that panel shall operate in a degrade mode as a stand-alone
FACP.

g.

Locate the FACP in cooperation with local Fire Department officials.

The preferred location is at a constantly attended location or within 6 m
(20 ft) of the main building entrance.

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4.

h.

FACPs shall not be located in locked rooms. ICPs shall be lockable or

located in a locked room.

i.

Heat detectors shall be located above all control panels. In office areas,
smoke detectors shall be located above all control panels.

Other System Components

a.

Printer
A printer compatible with the fire alarm system shall be provided for
management of the system.

b.

Duct Smoke Detectors

Duct smoke detectors should be avoided whenever possible. These units
are designed to be installed within HVAC air transfer units to detect and
prevent smoke transfer between rooms in a subdivided space such as an
office environment. In general they are not required in open spaces such
as plants or warehouses.

c.

1)

Duct detectors should not be installed for air systems that only
supply plant areas.

2)

For all other areas duct smoke detectors should be avoided unless
required by local code. Feel free to contact Corporate Fire
Protection Engineering to verify code actually requires installation
if requested by local officials.

3)

Where duct detectors are required by local code, provide the

following.
a)

A keyed test switch, with LED alarm light within 2 m (80

in) of the finished floor level.

b)

A permanent label, adjacent to the test switch, describing

the function of the switch.

c)

A label to show the location of the duct detector.

Remote Power Supplies

1)

Remote power supplies installed to provide power for notification

appliances shall be supervised by the main fire alarm system for
trouble conditions.

2)

Each power supply shall be activated by an individual notification

circuit originating at the FACP or ICP or an individual control
module.

3)

Activation of remote strobe power supplies by cascading of strobe

power supplies or circuits shall not be acceptable.

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Execption: If remote strobe power supplies are located in the
same location, it is acceptable to activate the group with a single
control module and monitor the group with an addressable
monitor module.
d.

D.

VI.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Category C Facilities

In lieu of the requirements for Category A and B facilities provide the following:
1.

Signal transmission may be non-addressable. External alarm communication

shall be via a supervised digital dialer.

2.

Initiating device circuits as defined in NFPA 72 for connecting initiating

devices to the FACP shall be Class B.

3.

Notification appliance circuits as defined by NFPA 72 for connecting

notification appliances to the FACP shall be Class B.

4.

Program digital dialer so that it is compatible with the Ford Global

Communication Center (GCC) Station in Dearborn, Michigan or local approved
supervising station.

5.

Provide alarm horns (with strobe lights as required by applicable codes), for
evacuation in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 and NFPA 101.

EXISTING SYSTEMS ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS

A.

B.

VII.

Graphic Display System

Although not recommended, there is often an option to provide a graphic
display system, complete with high-resolution color monitor, keyboard,
and Microsoft-compatible computer. These systems have an advantage
when there is a high turnover in personnel responsible for monitoring the
fire alarm system. These systems are expensive to keep updated and are
considered to be not cost-effective.

For projects where there is presently a fire alarm system in existence, the switchover to
the new system shall be carefully coordinated, such that:
1.

No alarm points are out of service beyond a single 8-hour period.

2.

Full system operability is achieved prior to the daily departure of installation

personnel from the job site.

If it becomes necessary to leave the protected premises while parts, sections, zones, or
components are out of service, a full time trained security guard service shall be
provided, at the contractors expense, subject to the approval of the Corporate Fire
Protection Engineer.

ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS

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A.

Manufacturers
All system components shall only be purchased from one of the approved
manufacturers listed below:
1.

2.

B.

Category A and Category B Facilities

Notifier/Honeywell

Simplex/Grinnell

Category C Facilities

Notifier/Honeywell

Simplex/Grinnell

Silent Knight

Manufacturers Obligations
1.

Being listed as an acceptable manufacturer in no way relieves the obligation to

provide all equipment and features in accordance with these specifications.

2.

The manufacturer shall be a nationally recognized company specializing in fire

alarm and detection systems. This organization shall employ factory trained (and
NICET certified technicians for U.S. facilities) and shall maintain a service
organization within 200 km (125 mi) of the project location. The manufacturer
and service organization shall have a minimum of ten (10) years experience in the
fire protective signaling systems industry.

3.

Each manufacturer shall designate one (1) single point of contact or Ford Account
Manager. All proposals/submittals shall be prepared/reviewed by this Account
Manager to assure compliance with Ford standards and procedures.

VIII. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

A.

Company (Owner) Responsibilities

See Section III.
1.

Prior to requesting funding for the project, contact Corporate Fire Protection
Engineering and the local purchasing activity.

2.

Existing facilities shall provide current and accurate CAD drawings of the
facility. Failure to do so will result in increased cost and longer project
duration. Plans shall include the following:

Current point list

Appropriate existing power distribution panels

System designer

Component supplier

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B.

Installing contractor

3.

Prior to putting the project out for bid, have a job site meeting with Corporate
Fire Protection Engineering or their designee and the Loss Prevention Service
Provider.

4.

Construction reviews shall be scheduled with the same professional (see 3

above) during the course of the project.

Contractor Responsibilities
1.

Plans and Approvals

a.

The contractor shall visit the site, examine and verify the conditions
under which his work shall be conducted before submitting a proposal.
The submitting of a proposal implies that the contractor has visited the
site and is conversant with all site conditions.

b.

The Fire Alarm System supplier shall submit to Ford Corporate Fire
Protection Engineering a preliminary design and equipment cut sheets
with the proposal for approval. Equipment cut sheets shall identify all
system components and U.L. listings.

c.

DO NOT START installation of the fire alarm system until detailed

plans and specifications have been approved and documented by the
Corporate Fire Protection Engineering, the Property Loss Prevention
Consultant, the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction, and the appropriate
Building Officials and installation permits have been obtained from local
officials. It is the contractors responsibility to notify Corporate Fire
Protection Engineering, and the Property Loss Prevention Consultant
when conflicts between the local code and this bulletin occur.
Equipment submissions shall include the following as a minimum:
1)

Complete and accurate Scope of Work. For renovations or

modifications to existing systems the areas of work shall be
clearly identified on submitted documents.

2)

Complete description data indicating listed or approved products

for all system components.

3)

Complete sequence of operations of all functions of the system.

4)

Details of system security levels and access methodology.

5)

Detailed description of the functions and displays of the main

operators console.

6)

A list of every system address provided for purposes of alarm

initiation, status monitoring, supervised signaling, and auxiliary

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controls shall be provided to the local site activity responsible for
the alarm system.

d.

7)

Detailed description of alarm functioning and hard copy print out

log of trouble and alarm conditions.

8)

Detailed operational description of the audible evacuation system

including built-in tones, messages, and main console microphone
unit.

9)

Complete system-wiring diagrams for all components and

interfaces to equipment supplied by others.

10)

Completed building plan view showing location of all devices and

wiring runs.

11)

A listing of the manufacturers representatives for installation,

coordination and service.

12)

Standby battery, voltage drop, and current load calculations.

The installation shall be in accordance with:

1)

Approved submittals.

2)

Contract drawings and specifications.

3)

All applicable requirements of the referenced codes and standards.

4)

Current recommendations of the equipment manufacturer.

e.

Systems that are connected to a Ford Global Communication Center

(GCC) Station shall have all device labeling approved in writing by GCC
and local plant personnel prior to system programming. DO NOT
connect any points to GCC Station without their approval. The installing
contractor will bear any cost, time, or funding associated with any system
label reprogramming due to failure to provide approved labels.

f.

Non-central station system descriptors only need to be approved by the

local plant personnel.

g.

Only certified technicians (NICET, national or state license, or

certified by the alarm system manufacturer) skilled in this type of
work shall be used to perform installation work.

h.

Factory trained technicians shall be used for the supervision of

installation and all required system software additions/changes.

i.

The contractor shall hold timely (recommended weekly) site meetings to

address and resolve any issues that arise during installation. Review of
compliance to design specifications and approved drawings, along with

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all revisions to drawings, is required during these meetings. The
contractor shall provide meeting minutes to all attendees within 72 hours.
2.

3.

System Power Requirements

a.

All fire alarm equipment supplied from plant power shall be served by a
dedicated branch circuit. Non-fire alarm system equipment shall not be
permitted on the same branch circuit.

b.

The breaker shall be clearly labeled Fire Alarm System and

mechanically protected against unauthorized switching.

c.

The contractor shall be responsible for all necessary 120 volt (or 220
volt) wiring. The contractor shall utilize a spare breaker or supply a new
circuit breaker of the correct type and size if no spares are available. The
contractor shall verify the circuit breaker is not switchable by the energy
management system.

d.

All 120 volt (or 220 volt) wiring shall comply with Fords Sections
16000 and 16400 requirements, and shall be provided and installed as
recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

e.

Emergency Power
1)

The secondary (back up) power supply shall be capable of a

minimum 24 hours of standby power for all system components,
followed by 5 minutes (15 minutes for voice systems) of full fire
mode operation. Full fire mode operation includes: a general
alarm audible signal, alarm strobe light activation, and any
auxiliary alarm functions. The system shall automatically transfer
to the standby batteries upon power failure. All battery charging
and recharging operations shall be automatic.

2)

All fire alarm equipment shall be supplied by emergency power

circuits when available.

System Wiring Requirements

a.

All wiring for this system shall be separate and distinct from all other
wiring in the facility. It shall not share raceways or cable trays and shall
not be bundled with other cables.

b.

All raceway fittings, conduit fittings, pull boxes and similar items
containing wiring for this system, where exposed, shall be painted red
per Ford Specifications. It is not intended to paint the entire raceway or
conduit.

c.

All boxes in other than office space shall be NEMA 12 (or, in Canada,
Code gauge galvanized steel, EEMAC Type 12) without holes inside the
building and NEMA 4X outside the building.
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Fire Alarm Systems

4.

d.

Any new underground and exposed exterior wiring shall be in rigid

galvanized steel conduit, per Ford Section 16400.

e.

All wiring shall be appropriately color-coded and permanent wire

markers shall be used for identification at each termination. The colorcoding shall be maintained consistent throughout the project.

f.

All wires shall be continuous and there shall be no splices. Terminations

shall utilize terminal blocks or insulated crimp connectors. T-taps are
not permitted.

g.

All wiring in hazardous areas shall be in rigid, galvanized steel conduit

using explosion proof fittings, boxes, devices, etc. rated for Class I
Division I ( E.U. Class 0) environments.

Wiring
a.

All wiring and cable shall be UL listed for use in fire alarm and occupant
notification systems.

b.

All devices shall be labeled with a marking that will not fade or wash off.
This label shall include the system program address of the device.

c.

All system wiring shall be copper or fiber optic.

d.

All system wiring shall be installed in a workmanlike manner, and run

parallel with or perpendicular to building steel.

e.

All wiring shall be protected from damage. Acceptable methods of

installation include:
1)

2)

General Requirements
a)

Support wiring properly as indicated in NFPA 70 and 72.

b)

Protect wiring from mechanical damage per Sketches 4 and

5.

c)

Wiring installed in areas subject to temperatures greater

than 71C (160F) shall be listed for the application.

d)

All wiring shall be installed in strict compliance with all

the provisions of NEC Article 760 A and C, PowerLimited Fire Protective Signaling Circuits or if required
may be reclassified as non-power limited and wired in
accordance with NEC-Article 760 A and B.

Above bottom of truss in plants and warehouses

a)

Open wiring in bridle rings, metal raceways, and/or cable

trays is acceptable.

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
b)
3)

4)

5)

f.

Change of direction shall be by a 90 conduit bend, a

weather head connection, or a conduit connector.

Below bottom of truss in plants and warehouses

All wire shall be in minimum 19 mm (3/4 in) conduit
a)

Wiring less than 3 m (10 ft) above the floor shall be in

rigid conduit.

b)

EMT is acceptable for wiring more than 3 m (10 ft) above

the floor.

Offices and similar areas

a)

Wiremold or EMT is acceptable for offices.

b)

Install plenum rated cable or the equivalent above

suspended ceilings or within walls, as required by the local
code.

Underground
a)

Wiring installed underground shall be direct burial wire in

Schedule 80 PVC pipe.

b)

Underground conduit shall utilize at least Schedule 80

conduit. Where conduit will pass beneath a roadway
carrying truck traffic or beneath a railroad track, concrete
encasement shall be required. Underground conduits in
concrete shall be a minimum of 25 mm (1 in) PVC
Schedule 80 and shall be buried a minimum of 3.1 m (42
in) below finished grade. Where conduits are laid in the
same trench with others, they shall be separated at least 5
cm (2 in) one from the other. Whenever entering or exiting
a building, and 1.5 m (5 ft) beyond the building, rigid
galvanized conduit shall be used.

c)

Conduits shall be not more than 50% filled with wires.

Pull wires for future additions shall be provided.

d)

All conduits run underground shall have marker tape

installed 0.3 m (12 in) above the conduit. Refer to Ford
Section No. 16000 for additional requirements for
installation of underground conduits and marking.

Provide lightning protection as follows:

1)

Furnish and install lightning protection devices on all fire alarm

circuits that extend beyond the main building. The isolator
modules shall be provided at the location the circuit leaves the
first building and again as it enters the second building.
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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
2)

IX.

The lightning protection devices shall be located as close as

practical to the point at which the circuits leave or enter a building
and be located at a height serviceable from the floor level.

ACCEPTANCE TESTING REQUIREMENTS

A.

B.

Contractor Pre-Testing
1.

Prior to any testing, the system shall be connected to primary power for a
minimum of 2 weeks.

2.

System acceptance test procedures and sequence of testing for the entire system
shall be submitted to the owner prior to the scheduling of any tests.

3.

Upon completion of the review and approval of these test procedures and of the
sequence of operation by the owner, the installing contractor and equipment fire
alarm supplier shall perform a pretest prior to the scheduled acceptance test.

4.

Upon documented or owner witnessed successful completion of the pre-test, the

acceptance tests shall be scheduled.

5.

The contractor shall provide all necessary equipment and materials for testing;
including equipment for airflow differential testing required to verify proper
duct detector location and orientation.

6.

System testing shall be performed with test instruments and procedures required
by the manufacturer, and in full conformance with NFPA guidelines. Test
instruments shall be calibrated per the manufacturers recommendations.

7.

The contractor shall demonstrate proper operation of all systems, system

components, devices, and functions, including attainment of prescribed dBA
sound levels, during the acceptance tests. Test all devices for proper alarm and
trouble indication at the FACP and at all remote annunciation locations.

8.

The contractor shall submit a report certifying that the installation is in full
compliance with the contract documents and NFPA 72. The test reports shall
include the following:

A complete list of all equipment installed.

Certification by the contractor and manufacturer's representative that all

equipment is properly installed and functional, and conforms to the
requirements of this bulletin.

Certification by the contractor that all individual zones and devices have
been tested for proper alarm, annunciation, control, and supervision.

Technician's name, company, and date of test.

Floor map/log of sound level test results (dBA).

Owner Acceptance Tests

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
1.

The contractor shall coordinate all testing with the owner. If required, perform
testing before or after regular working hours at no additional charge to the
owner. This applies to all system testing.

2.

All costs associated with retests shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

3.

As-built drawings shall be provided prior to the owners acceptance testing.

4.

A full review and verification of as-built drawings, alarm point labels, and
secondary power supplies shall be conducted.

5.

A full functional test shall be conducted in the presence of the owner, the
Corporate Fire Protection Engineer and the Loss Prevention Service Provider.
Provide a minimum of 14 days advance notice of this test to the Loss
Prevention Service Provider and the owner. This functional test shall include:

A complete operational test of all system devices.

A functional test of the system software and programming.

Testing shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 72.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, and materials necessary
to accomplish the test.
C.

X.

Final Acceptance Testing

1.

Upon completion of the owner acceptance testing, the final acceptance test shall
be performed in the presence of the local authority having jurisdiction and the
owner.

2.

The final acceptance test shall include a complete test of all system devices and
functions, and any additional testing requested by the authority having
jurisdiction and the owner.

3.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, and materials necessary
to accomplish the test.

CERTIFICATION, DOCUMENTATION, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Note: 15% of final payment will be withheld pending completion to the satisfaction of the
owner of corrections noted during testing and receipt of the drawings and document
requirements of this section. At the owners discretion, and with the concurrence of
Corporate Fire Protection Engineering and Purchasing, this requirement may be
reduced provided the contractor can demonstrate final project completion is delayed
beyond their control.
A.

Certification
1.

Upon successful completion of all testing, the contractor shall present the owner
with a completed copy of the NFPA Fire Alarm System Certification and

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
Description form (per NFPA 72). The contractor and the authority having
jurisdiction signatures are required to certify system completion and acceptance.

B.

C.

D.

2.

Upon satisfactory completion of system acceptance testing, provide UL Field

Certification (North America only) or EN-54 Field Certification (Europe only)
for all new fire alarm system installations and when existing fire alarm systems
are refurbished, updated, and/or renovated. The fire alarm equipment supplier
shall be authorized by Underwriters Laboratory to provide the UL certification.
This is only required for the first year after installation.

3.

A copy shall also be sent to the Loss Prevention Service Provider.

Documentation
The owner shall receive the following documentation prior to releasing the retention
compensation.
1.

Fire Alarm System pre-test report described in Section IX.A.8. of this bulletin

2.

A statement of a 2 year warranty including the date of warranty termination.

The warranty period begins after final acceptance testing and correction of
noted items.

Operations and Maintenance Manuals

Note: All information shall be provided in the local language.
1.

The contractor shall provide a minimum of six copies of Operation and

Maintenance (O&M) manuals (in indexed, three-ring binders) for all equipment
furnished.

2.

O&M Manuals shall provide the name and phone number (24 hour) of the
person to be called in the event of equipment failure.

3.

O&M Manuals shall contain manufacturers' data sheets and wiring diagrams for
all products furnished and installed under this contract.

4.

O&M Manuals shall include detailed instructions to permit troubleshooting,

diagnosis, and repair to the circuit-board replacement level for all systems. The
instructions shall be site-specific.

5.

O&M Manuals shall include detailed instructions regarding recommended

preventive maintenance and testing procedures, including software instructions
for generating smoke detector status reports.

6.

O&M manuals shall be site-specific and not generic in nature. Submitting the
equipment manufacturers installation manual is not satisfactory.

As Built Drawings
1.

All drawings shall be provided in the local language.

2.

All drawings shall be supplied in AutoCAD format. Three paper copies of all
drawings shall be supplied on D size (24 by 36) and on 11 x 17 in the
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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
manuals. Block diagrams and schematics shall also be furnished both as 11 x
17 in manuals and on D size. Three sets of electronic media files for all
drawings shall be supplied.
E.

Training
1.

All training shall be provided in the local language.

2.

The contractor shall provide a minimum of 9 hours training (3 hours per shift)
for the facility Engineering staff, Security officers, and all other personnel
(including local Fire Department representatives) required to operate or respond
to the Fire Alarm system.

3.

The contractor is also responsible for providing training regarding normal daily
operation of fire alarm system for designated users and facility tenants.

4.

Training shall be conducted at dates and times agreed upon by the contractor
and the owner.

5.

Only engineers or technicians highly skilled in the systems, and certified by the
manufacturer as qualified to train in the particular systems, shall be used to
conduct this training.

6.

Ford reserves the right to document or otherwise record (audio and/or visual)
the session(s).

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
Fire Alarm System Evaluation Work Sheet
Appendix A
Site Information
Building/Plant Name

Ford ID

Location

Date

System Basics
Manufacturer
Model

Ranking

Poor

Fair

Good

Weight

0-1

2-3

4-5

Age of System

5
2

Notification Appliances

> 25 Years
NFPA 72
Deficient
NFPA 72
Deficient

< 25 to 15 Years

Initiating Devices

< 15 Years
Meets Bulletin
32
Meets Bulletin
32

Max Score

System
Score

Weighted
Score

25

10

10

Subtotal

45

System Design and Architecture

Meets NFPA 72
Meets NFPA 72

Frequency of Service Issues

Control Panels/Communications

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

40

Nuisance Alarms (Caused by System

Electrical Issues)

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

15

Trouble Alarms

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Subtotal

60

Results of Testing
Initiating Circuits

3 or More

Less than 3

No Problems

35

Notification Circuits

3 or More

Less than 3

No Problems

15

Panels (Communication Errors)

Comm Errors Multi- Nodes

Comm Errors Single Node

No Problems

25

Subtotal

75

Manufacturer Support
Service/Design

Out of Service

Short Supply

Available

15

Tech Response

10

Out of Service

Short Supply

Available

50

Parts Availability

Out of Service

Short Supply

Available

40

Subtotal

105

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
Local Code Compliance

System is Compliant with Local AHJ

Requirements

Future Building Use

Notification
Appliances Are
Inadequate

Inadequate
Number of
Initiating
Devices

Meets Local
Requirements

25

Building
Additions
Planned

No Change

No future site
plans

15

Subtotal

40

Total

325

System Evaluation Score

0%

Evaluation Scoring
Total Score

Possible Score

325

Percentage

0%
Score Between
0% -- 50%

Replace System

50% -- 65%

Repair as Required/Replace or Upgrade

65% -- 80%
81% -- 100%

Repair/Upgrade as Required
Continue to Maintain System

Notes/Comments

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems
Bulletin 32 Appendix: Condition/Alarm Tone/Voice Announcement/Employee Action to be Taken Chart
Condition
Evacuation
(Total)

Alarm Tone
Horn Temporal Code 3 for
10 Seconds

Weather Alert

Hi-Low for 10 Seconds

All Clear

Continuous Horn

Voice Announcement
Attention, Attention, an
emergency has been
reported. You are to leave
the building by the nearest
exit or exit stairway. Walk
to the nearest exit. DO
NOT USE ELEVATORS.
Repeat 3 times, Pause Horn
Temporal Code 3Repeat
Until Silenced
Attention, Attention, a
severe storm emergency has
been reported. Walk to the
nearest designated shelter
area immediately. Play 3
times. Pause. Play tone
and repeat until silenced.
Attention, Attention, The
building emergency
condition has been cleared.
Please return to your
normal activities. Repeat
3 times

Employee Action to Be Taken

All building occupants are to
leave the building by the nearest
exit. Assemble outside at the
designated evacuation areas.
Report to supervision or
evacuation officer. Do not
reenter the building until the all
clear is given.

All building occupants are to

remain inside of the building.
Move to designated shelter
areas away from windows.
Await further instructions.

All building occupants return to

the building and resume work.

As a local option a facility may have the following:

Earthquake Take shelter
Partial building evacuation (High Rise or Large Assembly and Manufacturing Locations
All voice announcements are to be in the local language(s) and the exact text is to be approved by the local
Security/Fire Protection Activity.
Tones and text shall comply with local laws, codes and customs, if any conflict exists between this document and the
local legal requirements.

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems

Category A and B Facilities

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems

Category A, B, and C Facilities

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems

Category A, B, and C Facilities

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems

Category A and B Facilities

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Fire Protection Bulletin No. 32

Fire Alarm Systems

Category A, B, and C Facilities

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