This document provides an overview of emerging communication systems discussed at an NFPA conference. It summarizes the four types of emergency communication systems and describes chapters in the NFPA 72-2010 edition regarding these systems. Requirements outlined include system components, operation, documentation, security, and interfaces with other systems.

1. An Overview of Emerging Communication Systems NFPA Fire & Life Safety Conference December 13, 2010 Orlando, FL Richard Roux

2. Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) Four types of ECS: (1) Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems (EVACS) (2) Mass Notification Systems (MNS) (3) Two-Way, Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) (4) Other Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)

3. NFPA 72® 2010 edition

4. NFPA 72-2010, Chapter 24, ECS In-Building Fire EVACS 24.4.1 Two-Way Wired Emerg Svcs ECS 24.5.1 In-Building MNS 24.4.2 Two-Way Radio Emerg Svcs ECS 24.5.2 Wide-Area MNS 24.4.3 Area of Refuge ECS 24.5.3 Distributed Recipient MNS 24.4.4 Elevator ECS 24.5.4 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) Chapter 24 24.1, 24.2, 24.3 One-Way ECS 24.4 Info. Command and Control 24.6 Two-Way In-Building ECS 24.5 Performance-Based Design 24.7 Combination ECS Interfaces with MNS PA Systems Used for ECS

5. NFPA 72-2010, Chapter 24, ECS Other chapters of NFPA 72 apply: Fundamentals – Chapter 10 Circuits and Pathways – Chapter 12 Initiating Devices – Chapter 17 Notification Appliances – Chapter 18 Emergency Control Functions and Interfaces – Chapter 21 Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems – Chapter 23 Supervising Station Alarm Systems – Chapter 26 Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems – Chapter 27 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance – Chapter 14

6. NFPA 72-2010, Chapter 24, ECS Chapter 24 establishes required levels of: Performance Reliability Quality of installation

7. Audibility and Intelligibility Audibility: Chapter 18 provides requirements for: Public Operating Mode Private Operating Mode Intelligibility: Systems must be capable of the reproduction of: Prerecorded Synthesized Or live (e.g., microphone, telephone handset, radio) Messages must have voice intelligibility per Chapter 18

8. Ancillary Functions The EVACS or MNS can also be used for: General paging Background music Other non-emergency functions However: These must not interfere with the performance requirements of the fire alarm system or MNS Fire alarm system speakers providing ancillary functions can be used providing: The fire command center is constantly attended by trained personnel Selective paging is permitted by the AHJ The speakers and associated equipment are installed or located to resist tampering or misadjustment Monitoring integrity requirements continue to be met

9. Pathway Survivability Applies to: Notification and communications circuits and other circuits necessary to ensure the continued operation of the ECS Applies to: In-building EVACS In-building MNS Wide-area MNS Two-way in-building wired ECS Two-way radio communications enhancement systems Area of refuge (area of rescue assistance) ECS Elevator ECS Central command station ECS All other ECS circuits

10. Purpose of ECS For the protection of life: Indicates the existence of an emergency situation Communicates information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action Is intended to: Communicate information about emergencies: Fire Human-caused events (accidental and intentional) Other dangerous situations Accidents Natural disasters Etc

11. Why ECS? Bells, Horns, Chimes, Strobes, etc. merely alert Information is sparse Textual (Audible and Visible): Alert with specific pertinent information Live voice or prerecorded messages provide specific information Messages can be in real time Can facilitate actions contingent on the emergency

12. Where is ECS Required? 24.3.2requires installation: In occupancies where required by the AHJ Or by other applicable governing laws, codes, or standards: Building Code High-rise Unified Facilities Command (UFC) Etc 24.3.3 permits Nonrequired (Voluntary) ECS, however: ECS and components must meet the requirements of Chapter 24 Components must be identified on the record drawings

13. Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems (EVACS) In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications System “Dedicated manual or automatic equipment for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building”

14. Circuits and Pathways For systems providing relocation or partial evacuation: Pathway survivability is required: Level 2 Or Level 3 For systems that do not provide relocation or partial evacuation: Pathway survivability is required: Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Or Level 3

15. Mass Notification Systems (MNS) Three classifications of MNS: In-Building MNS Wide-Area MNS Distributed Recipient (DRMNS)

16. Four Tiers of MNS Tier 1: Immediate and intrusive alerting Sirens, indoor/outdoor loudspeakers Fire voice evacuation Electronic signage Code-compliant system Tier 2: Personal alerting Short message service (SMS) text (cell phones) Computer pop-ups Tone alert radios Email broadcast (Internet) Automated voice dialing and text messaging Tier 3: Public alerting Satellite/AM/FM radio broadcasts Satellite/off-air TV broadcasts Location-specific messages Text messages Tier 4: Locally relevant alerting Handheld bullhorns Radio cell phones Two-way radios

17. In-Building Mass Notification Systems Purpose: To notify and instruct occupants in an emergency

18. Risk AnalysisEmergency Response Plan Risk Analysis: Each application of MNS to be specific as to the nature and anticipated risks of the facility Required to consider both fire and non-fire emergencies when determining risk tolerances for survivability for the MNS The risk analysis is used as the basis for development of the emergency response plan Emergency Response Plan Elements: “A well-defined emergency response plan shall be developed in accordance with NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, and NFPA 1620, Recommended Practice for Pre-Incident Planning, as part of the design and implementation of a mass notification system”

19. Priority Levels Determined by the emergency response plan: Only MNS recorded messages determined by the emergency response plan can be of higher priority than fire alarm (their activation can override the fire alarm notification) Activation of any other recorded message cannot interfere with the operation of fire alarm notification Priority levels: Established by the emergency response plan

20. MNS Documentation Documentation is required: Record of Completion form An owner’s manual including: Complete set of operations and maintenance manuals Manufacturer’s published instructions Product data sheets covering all system equipment Record drawings and as-built drawings Record copy of the system-specific software Emergency response plan Security for MNS documentation is determined by the stakeholders: An appropriately sized as-built plans cabinet must be provided to house the documentation The contents of the cabinet is only accessible to authorized personnel

21. MNS Security and Access Secure access of the fire alarm/MNS Interface: Access to, and physical protection of, the fire alarm/mass notification system interface is determined by the risk analysis and as defined in the emergency response plan

22. In-Building Mass Notification Systems An In-Building MNS includes one or more of the following components: Autonomous control unit (ACU) (primary control unit) Local operating console (LOC) (“A station used by authorized personnel and emergency responders to activate and operate an in-building mass notification system”) Fire alarm control interface Notification appliance network Initiating devices Interface to other systems and alerting sources

23. Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) (This is an optional component): “The primary control unit for an in-building MNS” The ACU monitors and controls the notification appliance network Authorized personnel can initiate communications from the ACU

24. System Operation Only authorized personnel are permitted to control message initiation Only where identified by the risk analysis can the MNS have the capability for authorized personnel to remotely activate live and prerecorded emergency messages

25. Live Voice Capability If live voice capability is provided: Override previously initiated signals to the selected notification zone(s) Have priority over any subsequent automatically initiated signals to the selected zone(s)

26. MNS Control A manual means at eachMNS control location to permit the MNS to relinquish control of the fire alarm system During the period after the MNS has seized control of the audible notification appliances, but before the MNS relinquishes control, an audible and visible signal shall be actuated by the notification appliances at least once every 30 seconds

27. Multiple Control Locations Only one can be in control at any given time A visible indication must be provided at all other control locations indicating that another control location is in use Manual controls must be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off status for their associated notification zone

29. Authorized personnel can initiate communications from the LOCRequires protection against unauthorized use: Lock wire seals Break-glass-type enclosures Equivalent protection Controls must be clearly identified

30. In-Building Mass Notification Systems Control units installed as part of a MNS must be in compliance with this Code and applicable standards: Applicable standards such as: ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems UL 2017, Standard for General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems Subject 2572, Outline of Investigation for Control and Communication Units for Mass Notification Systems

31. Fire Alarm Control Interface (FACI) Where a fire alarm system is installed and MNS is required, a FACI is required The barrier gateway must be listed

32. Fire Alarm Control Interface (FACI) FACI: Coordinates signals between each system Indicates failure Provides indication to the fire alarm system that the MNS is active Deactivates fire alarm audible and visible notification appliances that could interfere with MNS intelligibility Does not permit the fire alarm system to disable notification appliances for suppression systems Provides signal to the supervising station

33. Speaker Circuits for MNS Speaker circuits used for mass notification that are not fire alarm circuits are exempt from the monitoring requirements, provided that alternate methods of achieving comparable reliability are accepted by the AHJ Speaker circuit survivability is determined by the risk analysis

34. MNS Message Content For an evacuation message, a tone in accordance with 18.4.2 (distinctive evacuation signal) must be used with a minimum of two cycles preceding and following the voice message

35. Speaker Volume Control Local volume control is permitted for: Non-emergency signals: Background music Building paging Etc Upon activation of an emergency signal, the system overrides any local volume setting

36. Visible Notification Where audible notification is provided, the MNS shall also provide visible notification information: Accomplished using strobes (visible notification appliances) Video display systems are permitted: Textual, graphic, or video displays

37. Visible Appliances Strobes: Required to meet the requirements of 18.5 (Public Mode) or 18.6 (Private Mode), as appropriate

38. Visible Appliances Strobes used in combination systems where the same strobe is used for both mass notification and fire notification must be clear or nominal white, meeting the listing requirements of ANSI/UL 1971, Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired All strobes (regardless of color) are marked with their listed effective intensity Strobes used for mass notification must be listed to an applicable standard such as ANSI/UL 1971, Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired Strobes used for mass notification must meet the synchronization requirements of Section 18.5 (Public Mode)

39. Visible Appliances MNS/only strobes: Must have the word “Alert” stamped or imprinted on the appliance Be visible to the public

40. Visible Appliances If combo (FIRE/MNS) strobes are used: Be clear or nominal white, meeting the listing requirements of ANSI/UL 1971, Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired Have no marking or be marked with the word “ALERT” stamped or imprinted on the appliance Be visible to the public

41. Textual Visible Notification Textual visible appliances: Meet the requirements of 18.9 (Textual Visible Appliances) 18.9.3.1 Private Mode 18.9.3.2 Public Mode Intensity and readability are required Must be listed for the purpose for which they are used Appliances that receive their power from a MNS SLC must be listed for use with the control unit Most receive text data to display from the MNS

42. Textual Visible Notification Textual visible appliances must be monitored for integrity or loss of communication or be provided with: Visual status indicators, including loss of communication or loss of power, that are clearly visible on the appliance

43. Textual Visible Notification Appliance Character Size Characters must contrast with their background Light to dark or dark to light Uppercase or lowercase, or both Conventional in form Not: Italic Oblique Script Highly decorative Percentage of height to width criteria

44. Textual Visible Notification Appliance Character Size For Public Mode, character size is based on: Height to finished floor or ground from baseline of character Horizontal viewing distance Must be 70 in. (min) (approx. 5.8 ft) AFF Examples: Height Viewing Character AFF Distance Height <10 ft <15 ft 2 in. >10 ft <21 ft 3 in.

45. Initiating Devices Devices initiating an automatic response are evaluated based on the risk analysis Mass notification initiating devices must be listed for their intended purpose Where no listed device exists for the detection required by the emergency response plan, nonlisted devices are permitted to be used if their failure will not impair the operation of the MNS Non-fire emergency manual actuating stations (boxes): Must be listed with an applicable standard, such as ANSI/UL 2017, Standard for General Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems Have tactile markings Be of a contrasting color to manual fire alarm boxes of the protected premises, and not be red Be installed similarly to manual fire alarm boxes in accordance with Chapter 17

46. MNS with Other Voice Systems MNS with Other Voice Systems: EVACS Public Address (PA) System(s)

47. MNS with EVACS Listing: All components that affect operation of fire alarm system require listing for fire alarm use with an applicable standard such as ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems

48. MNS with Public Address (PA) System(s) PA system(s): Can be used for MNS when evaluated to determine applicability and compliance Must comply with Chapter 24 and the risk analysis Emergency messages must have priority Speaker volume controls must default to emergency sound levels Monitoring of circuit integrity is required Visible notification appliances could be required

49. MNS Interface with Other Systems MNS is permitted to interface to building controls per the risk analysis and as permitted by the AHJ: Examples include: Air-handling control Door control Elevator control Etc In-building MNS is permitted to interface with Wide-Area MNS per the risk analysis and AHJ Wide-area MNS cannot normally activate In-building MNS

50. In-Building Mass Notification Systems Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: Level 0 Or greater if determined by the risk analysis

51. Secondary Power Supply In-building MNS secondary power: Operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then 15 minutes at maximum connected load

52. Secondary Power Supply for Textual Visible Appliances Sufficient secondary power to operate for a minimum of 2 hours of continuous display time during an emergency event If a textual visible appliance, other than the main control unit, is not on a dedicated branch circuit, it shall have a primary source of power and a secondary source of power and be monitored for power integrity in accordance with Section 10.5

53. Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems A wide-area MNS includes one or more of the following components: Central control station (emergency communications control unit (ECCU)) High power speaker array (HPSA)

54. Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems Based on the risk analysis, wide-area MNS shall have: Multiple levels of password protection access control, including levels for: System operators Maintainers Supervisors Executives Or other means to limit access Permitted to connect to: Regional MNSs Public emergency alarm reporting systems, as defined in this Code Public reporting systems as defined in NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems

55. Central Control Station Central Control Station: “A mass notification system facility(s) with communications and control equipment serving one or more buildings where responsible authorities receive information from premises sources or systems or from (higher level) regional or national sources or systems and then disseminate appropriate information to a building, multiple buildings, outside campus areas, or a combination of these in accordance with the emergency response plan established for the premises”

56. High Power Speaker Array (HPSA) High Power Speaker Array (HPSA): “High power speaker arrays provide capability for voice and tone communications to large outdoor areas”

57. High Power Speaker Array (HPSA) Requirements: Intelligible voice and audible tone communications Secondary power for 7 days in standby, followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load Voice and tone HPSA Enclosures: NEMA 4 or 4X Latching supervisory signals to the central control station Intrusion detection Door in open position

58. High Power Speaker Array (HPSA) Requirements: All external conductors require surge protection HPSA cannot be used inside structures HPSAs and supporting structures require design for: Structural loads Wind loads Seismic loads Installation requirements: At minimum mounting height based on rated output At height and orientation to prevent hearing damage

59. Textual Visible Notification Textual visible appliances shall meet the requirements of Section 18.9 and 24.4.2.21

60. Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems For information flow from the remote control center, a predefined control hierarchy is required between: Wide-area MNS In-building MNS Regional MNS And information from specific locations Requires primary and redundant communications link Must be electrically and operationally compatible

61. Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: Level 0 Or greater if determined by the risk analysis

62. Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System (DRMNS): “A distributed recipient mass notification system is a system meant to communicate directly to targeted individuals and groups that might not be in a contiguous area”

63. Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems Send alert messages to target recipients Installed behind the appropriate firewalls to provide network integrity Be capable of sending alert messages to end-users (recipients) via multiple delivery methods Tier Examples: Tier 2: Personal alerting Short message service (SMS) text (cell phones) Computer pop-ups Email broadcast (Internet) Tier 3: Public alerting Text messages Tier 4: Radio cell phones Two-way radios

64. Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems “Distributed recipient mass notification system (DRMNS) alerting shall not be used in lieu of required audible and visible alerting mass notification systems but shall be integrated with mass notification systems whenever possible” Tier architecture

65. Two-Way, In-Building Emergency Communications Systems Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems

66. Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems Wired: Listed for two-way telephone communications service Collocated with in-building fire EVACS equipment Monitored for integrity per 10.17.2

67. Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems Used by: Emergency responders Fire wardens At control unit: Call-in notification signal If selective talk, a distinctive visible indicator is furnished for each circuit Required at: Each floor level Each notification zone Each elevator cab Elevator lobbies Elevator machine room(s) Emergency and standby power room(s) Fire pump room(s) Area(s) of refuge Each floor level inside an enclosed exit stair(s) Other room(s) or area(s) as required by the AHJ

68. Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems Telephone jacks: If provided, two or more portable handsets to be available

69. Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: Level 2 Or Level 3

70. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Radio: Operates on frequencies assigned to the jurisdiction by the FCC Must not cause interference Plans are submitted prior to installation Successful acceptance testing is required

71. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems May require amplification: Radiating cable system or distributed antenna system (DAS) FCC-certified signal boosters

72. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Coverage: Provided throughout the building as a percentage of floor area General building areas: 90% floor area radio coverage Critical areas coverage: (99% floor area radio coverage) Emergency command center(s) Fire pump room(s) Exit stairs Exit passageways Elevator lobbies Standpipe cabinets Sprinkler sectional valve locations Other areas deemed critical by the AHJ

73. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Components: Approved and compatible with the public safety radio system: Repeaters Transmitters Receivers Signal boosters Cabling Fiber-distributed antenna systems Enclosures: NEMA 4 or 4X

74. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems System monitoring: Automatic supervisory and trouble signals for malfunctions of the signal booster(s) and power supply(ies) are annunciated by the fire alarm system: Integrity of the circuit monitoring signal booster(s) and power supply(ies) per 10.17.1 System and signal booster supervisory signals: Antenna malfunction Signal booster failure Power supply supervisory signals include the following for each signal booster: Loss of normal ac power Failure of battery charger Low-battery capacity, alarming at 70 percent of battery capacity

75. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Dedicated Panel: Provided at the emergency command center to annunciate the status of all signal booster locations Panel provides visual and labeled indication for each signal booster: Normal ac power Signal booster trouble Loss of normal ac power Failure of battery charger Low-battery capacity

76. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: (exclusive of the antennae) Level 2 Or Level 3 System must be approved by the AHJ

77. Other Communications Systems Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems Elevator Emergency Communications Systems

78. Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) ECS Comprised of: Remotely located area of refuge stations A central control point master station

79. Central Control Point Station Physical location: Designated by the building code or AHJ If central control point is not constantly attended: Shall have a timed automatic communications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location

80. Area of Refuge Station Shall provide for: Hands-free operation Two-way communication Audible and visible signal to indicate communication has occurred Instructions for use: Instructions must be posted adjacent Station must have written identification Must also be in Braille

81. Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) ECS Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: Level 2 Or Level 3 Circuits intended to transmit off-premises: Pathway survivability is required: Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Or Level 3

82. Elevator ECS Installed in accordance with ANSI/ASME A17.1a/CSA B44a, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Circuits and Pathways: Pathway survivability is required: Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Or Level 3

83. Thank you