Performance Specifications:
Performance Based Specifications (as opposed to proprietary
specifications) is the best approach (for the end user) when designing fire
detection systems.
| 1. |
The initial step in this approach is to identify
information relative to the overall scope of work in the project, the
big picture and the relationship that the system will play. These
relationships include the characteristics of the building, design
intent, design and construction team organization, various constraint on
the design, project schedule, proposed building construction and
features, relevant hazards, how the building functions and occupant
characteristics. |
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| 2. |
Performance based goals . .
| a. |
Life Safety |
| b. |
Asset protection |
| c. |
Continuing operations |
| d. |
Environmental impact |
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| 3. |
The next step in performance based system
specifications involves the various stakeholders; i.e. The architect,
the building owner, the insurance carrier, building or fire officials,
the authority having jurisdiction and the design engineer. Each
stakeholder must explicitly identify his or her objectives in terms of
acceptable loss for the goals previously stated. Most often, the code
will define a performance objective or a stakeholder objective. |
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| 4. |
Fire alarm specifications will include some or all of
the following: |
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| a. |
Address of the protected premises. |
| b. |
Owner of the protected premises. |
| c. |
Authority having jurisdiction. |
| d. |
Applicable codes, standards and other design criteria
to which the system is required to comply. |
| e. |
Type of building construction and occupancy. |
| f. |
Fire department response point and annunciator
location(s). |
| g. |
Type of fire alarm system to be provided. |
| h. |
Calculations (i.e. Secondary power supply and voltage
drop calculations). |
| i. |
Types of initiating devices, supervisory alarm
initiating devices and notification appliances to be provided. |
| j. |
Intended area of coverage. |
| k. |
Complete list of fire safety control functions. |
| l. |
Complete sequence of operations detailing inputs and
outputs. |
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