The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this Code. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.
Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
A standard that is an extensive compilation of provisions covering broad subject matter or that is suitable for adoption into law independently of other codes and standards.
Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means. [70:100] (SIG-FUN)
Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. [70:100] (SIG-FUN)
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth. (SIG-FUN)
Spaces or concealed areas of construction that can be entered via openable panels, doors hatches, or other readily movable elements (e.g., ceiling tiles). (SIG-IDS)
An emergency communications system notification zone, or subdivision thereof, that might be an enclosed or otherwise physically defined space, or that might be distinguished from other spaces because of different acoustical, environmental, or use characteristics, such as reverberation time and ambient sound pressure level. (SIG-NAS)
A multiplexing system in which signaling devices such as transponders are employed to transmit status signals of each initiating device or initiating device circuit within a prescribed time interval so that the lack of receipt of such a signal can be interpreted as a trouble signal. (SIG-SSS)
A fire alarm system component with discrete identification that can have its status individually identified or that is used to individually control other functions. (SIG-IDS)
Any condition occurring in a communications or transmission channel that interferes with the proper transmission or interpretation, or both, of status change signals at the supervising station. (See also 3.3.253.10, Trouble Signal.) (SIG-SSS)
An alarm box that can only be operated from one or more remote initiating devices or an auxiliary alarm system used to send an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
A manually operated box for separately transmitting a fire alarm signal and a distinctive guard patrol tour supervisory signal. (SIG-IDS)
A manually operated device used to initiate a fire alarm signal. (SIG-IDS)
A publicly accessible alarm box that can also be operated by one or more remote initiating devices or an auxiliary alarm system used to send an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
An enclosure, accessible to the public, housing a manually operated transmitter used to send an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
The service required following the receipt of an alarm signal. (SIG-SSS)
See 3.3.103, Fire Alarm System; 3.3.281, Supervising Station Alarm System; 3.3.211, Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System; 3.3.85.1.2, In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System; and 3.3.85.1.3, In-Building Mass Notification System.
A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period after being reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm initiation signal. (SIG-PRO)
An attention-getting signal to alert occupants of the pending transmission of a voice message. (SIG-PRO)
A building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units with independent cooking and bathroom facilities. (SIG-HOU) [5000, 2015]
The root mean square, A-weighted, sound pressure level measured over the period of time that any person is present, or a 24-hour period, whichever time period is the lesser. (SIG-NAS)
Documentation that provides information on the use of alarms, transmission of alarms, response to alarms, evacuation of immediate area, evacuation of smoke compartment, preparation of floors and building for evacuation and extinguishment of fire. (SIG-ECS)
High-frequency energy that can be modulated by voice or signaling impulses. (SIG-SSS)
The upper surface of a space, regardless of height. Areas with a suspended ceiling have two ceilings, one visible from the floor and one above the suspended ceiling. (SIG-IDS)
Ceilings that have a slope of less than or equal to 1 in 8. (SIG-IDS)
A ceiling that has a slope of more than 1 in 8. (SIG-IDS)
A ceiling in which the high point is at one side with the slope extending toward the opposite side. (SIG-IDS)
The height from the continuous floor of a room to the continuous ceiling of a room or space. (SIG-IDS)
A support for beams or joists that runs at right angles to the beams or joists. If the top of the girder is within 4 in. (100 mm) of the ceiling, the girder is a factor in determining the number of detectors and is to be considered a beam. If the top of the girder is more than 4 in. (100 mm) from the ceiling, the girder is not a factor in detector location. (SIG-IDS)
A circuit or path connecting a subsidiary station(s) to a supervising station(s) over which signals are carried. (SIG-SSS)
A band of frequencies of a width sufficient to allow its use for radio communications. (SIG-SSS)
A circuit or path connecting transmitters to supervising stations or subsidiary stations on which signals are carried. (SIG-SSS)
An audible or visible signal that conveys several discrete bits or units of information. (SIG-NAS)
A building or portion of a building that is specifically configured for the primary purpose of providing emergency communications services or public safety answering point (PSAP) services to one or more public safety agencies under the authority or authorities having jurisdiction. [1221, 2016] (SIG-PRS)
Any signaling path of an emergency communications system that carries voice, audio, data, or other signals. (SIG-ECS)
The area in the communications path that is supported by providers of communication services not governed under the scope of NFPA 72 in which signals travel between a protected property and a monitoring station. Depending on the type of transmission that is used, signals can travel on a single defined route or through various routes depending on what is available when the signal is initiated. (SIG-SSS)
A situation, environmental state, or equipment state of a fire alarm or signaling system. (SIG-FUN)
An abnormal condition that poses an immediate threat to life, property, or mission. (SIG-FUN)
An abnormal condition that poses a potential threat to life, property, or mission, and time is available for investigation. (SIG-FUN)
An abnormal condition in connection with the supervision of other systems, processes, or equipment. (SIG-FUN)
An abnormal condition in a system due to a fault. (SIG-FUN)
Circuits, systems, and components are functioning as designed and no abnormal condition exists. (SIG-FUN)
A system component that monitors inputs and controls outputs through various types of circuits. (SIG-PRO)
The primary control unit for an in-building mass notification system. (SIG-ECS)
A component that transmits/receives and processes wireless signals. (SIG-PRO)
A building or portion of a building in which more than 3 but not more than 12 clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision, by other than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s), for less than 24 hours per day. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
A condition that interferes with the service or reliability for which the part, system, or equipment was intended. (SIG-TMS)
A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution network that runs from the detector to the area(s) to be protected. An aspiration fan in the detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the detector through air-sampling ports, piping, or tubing. At the detector, the air is analyzed for fire products. (SIG-IDS)
A device designed to detect the presence of a fire signature and to initiate action. For the purpose of this Code, automatic fire detectors are classified as follows: Automatic Fire Extinguishing or Suppression System Operation Detector, Fire-Gas Detector, Heat Detector, Other Fire Detectors, Radiant Energy-Sensing Fire Detector, and Smoke Detector. (SIG-IDS)
A device that automatically detects the operation of a fire extinguishing or suppression system by means appropriate to the system employed. (SIG-IDS)
A device that either responds to more than one of the fire phenomena or employs more than one operating principle to sense one of these phenomena. Typical examples are a combination of a heat detector with a smoke detector or a combination rate-of-rise and fixed-temperature heat detector. This device has listings for each sensing method employed. (SIG-IDS)
A line-type or spot-type sensing element in which resistance varies as a function of temperature. (SIG-IDS)
A device that detects gases produced by a fire. (SIG-IDS)
A device that responds when its operating element becomes heated to a predetermined level. (SIG-IDS)
A radiant energy-sensing fire detector that detects the radiant energy emitted by a flame. (Refer to A.17.8.2.) (SIG-IDS)
A device that detects the presence of a specified gas concentration. Gas detectors can be either spot-type or line-type detectors. (SIG-IDS)
A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate-of-temperature rise, or both. (SIG-IDS)
A device in which detection is continuous along a path. Typical examples are rate-of-rise pneumatic tubing detectors, projected beam smoke detectors, and heat-sensitive cable. (SIG-IDS)
A device that contains multiple sensors that separately respond to physical stimulus such as heat, smoke, or fire gases, or employs more than one sensor to sense the same stimulus. This sensor is capable of generating only one alarm signal from the sensors employed in the design either independently or in combination. The sensor output signal is mathematically evaluated to determine when an alarm signal is warranted. The evaluation can be performed either at the detector or at the control unit. This detector has a single listing that establishes the primary function of the detector. (SIG-IDS)
A device that contains multiple sensors that separately respond to physical stimulus such as heat, smoke, or fire gases, or employs more than one sensor to sense the same stimulus. A device capable of generating multiple alarm signals from any one of the sensors employed in the design, independently or in combination. The sensor output signals are mathematically evaluated to determine when an alarm signal is warranted. The evaluation can be performed either at the detector or at the control unit. This device has listings for each sensing method employed. (SIG-IDS)
A line-type detector comprising small-diameter tubing, usually copper, that is installed on the ceiling or high on the walls throughout the protected area. The tubing is terminated in a detector unit containing diaphragms and associated contacts set to actuate at a predetermined pressure. The system is sealed except for calibrated vents that compensate for normal changes in temperature. (SIG-IDS)
A type of photoelectric light obscuration smoke detector wherein the beam spans the protected area. (SIG-IDS)
A device that detects radiant energy, such as ultraviolet, visible, or infrared, that is emitted as a product of combustion reaction and obeys the laws of optics. (SIG-IDS)
A device that responds when the temperature rises at a rate exceeding a predetermined value. (SIG-IDS)
A device that detects visible or invisible particles of combustion. (SIG-IDS)
A radiant energy-sensing fire detector that is designed to detect sparks or embers, or both. These devices are normally intended to operate in dark environments and in the infrared part of the spectrum. (SIG-IDS)
A supervised component of a life safety system that communicates with other components of life safety systems and that collects environmental data or performs specific input or output functions necessary to the operation of the life safety system. (SIG-PRO)
A system component that accepts and displays signals from digital alarm communicator transmitters (DACTs) sent over the public switched telephone network. (SIG-SSS)
A system in which signals are transmitted from a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) located at the protected premises through the public-switched telephone network to a digital alarm communicator receiver (DACR). (SIG-SSS)
A system component at the protected premises to which initiating devices or groups of devices are connected. The DACT seizes the connected telephone line, dials a preselected number to connect to a DACR, and transmits signals indicating a status change of the initiating device. (SIG-SSS)
A system component composed of two subcomponents: one that receives and decodes radio signals, the other that annunciates the decoded data. These two subcomponents can be coresident at the central station or separated by means of a data transmission channel. (SIG-SSS)
A system in which signals are transmitted from a digital alarm radio transmitter (DART) located at a protected premises through a radio channel to a digital alarm radio receiver (DARR). (SIG-SSS)
A system component that is connected to or an integral part of a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) that is used to provide an alternate radio transmission channel. (SIG-SSS)
The visual representation of output data, other than printed copy. (SIG-NAS)
A building or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
A single opening that has no intervening wall space or door trim separating the two doors. (SIG-IDS)
The radio signal from the base station transmitter to the portable public safety subscriber receiver. (SIG-ECS)
One or more rooms arranged for complete, independent housekeeping purposes with space for eating, living, and sleeping; facilities for cooking; and provisions for sanitation. [5000, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
A building containing three or more dwelling units. (SIG-HOU)
A building consisting solely of one dwelling unit. (SIG-HOU)
The minimum sound level at which the tone signal is audible in ambient noise. (SIG-NAS)
A system for the protection of life by indicating the existence of an emergency situation and communicating information necessary to facilitate an appropriate response and action. (SIG-ECS)
One-way emergency communications systems are intended to broadcast information, in an emergency, to people in one or more specified indoor or outdoor areas. It is intended that emergency messages be conveyed either by audible, visible, or textual means, or any combination thereof. (SIG-ECS)
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. (SIG-ECS)
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. (SIG-ECS)
A system used to provide information and instructions to people in a building(s) or other space using intelligible voice communications and including visible signals, text, graphics, tactile, or other communication methods. (SIG-ECS)
Wide-area mass notification systems are generally installed to provide real-time information to outdoor areas and could have the capability to communicate with other notification systems provided for a campus, military base, municipality, or similar single or multiple contiguous areas. (SIG-ECS)
Two-way emergency communications systems are divided into two categories, those systems that are anticipated to be used by building occupants and those systems that are to be used by fire fighters, police, and other emergency services personnel. Two-way emergency communications systems are used to both exchange information and to communicate information such as, but not limited to, instructions, acknowledgement of receipt of messages, condition of local environment, and condition of persons, and to give assurance that help is on the way. (SIG-ECS)
Various emergency communication systems such as fire alarm, mass notification, fire fighter communications, area of refuge communications, elevator communications, or others that can be served through a single control system or through an interconnection of several control systems. (SIG-ECS)
The room(s) or area(s) staffed during any emergency event by assigned emergency management staff. The room or area contains system 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 individuals, a building, multiple buildings, outside campus areas, or a combination of these in accordance with the emergency response plan established for the premises. The room or area contains the controls and indicators from which the ECS systems located in the room or area can be manually controlled as required by the emergency response plan and the emergency management coordinator. (SIG-ECS)
A listed fire alarm or signaling system component that directly interfaces with the system that operates the emergency control function. (SIG-PRO)
Building, fire, and emergency control elements or systems that are initiated by the fire alarm or signaling system and either increase the level of life safety for occupants or control the spread of the harmful effects of fire or other dangerous products. (SIG-PRO)
A documented set of actions to address the planning for, management of, and response to natural, technological, and man-made disasters and other emergencies. (SIG-ECS)
The end of a pathway where a single addressable device or a control unit is connected. (SIG-PRO)
The withdrawal of occupants from a building. (SIG-PRO)
A component of the fire alarm system, provided with primary and secondary power sources, which receives signals from initiating devices or other fire alarm control units, and processes these signals to determine part or all of the required fire alarm system output function(s). (SIG-PRO)
A fire alarm control unit that serves the protected premises or portion of the protected premises as a local fire alarm control unit and accepts inputs from other fire alarm control units. (SIG-PRO)
A fire alarm control unit that serves the protected premises or a portion of the protected premises. (SIG-PRO)
A protected premises fire alarm control unit that is intended to operate specifically identified emergency control function(s). (SIG-PRO)
A protected premises fire alarm control unit specifically listed for releasing service that is part of a fire suppression system and which provides control outputs to release a fire suppression agent based on either automatic or manual input. (SIG-PRO)
A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals. (SIG-FUN)
A fire alarm system in which components are used, in whole or in part, in common with a non-fire signaling system. (SIG-PRO)
A system of devices that uses a fire alarm control unit to produce an alarm signal in the household for the purpose of notifying the occupants of the presence of a fire so that they will evacuate the premises. (SIG-HOU)
A fire alarm system located at the protected premises. (SIG-PRO)
A protected premises fire alarm system that includes any of the features identified in 23.3.3.1 and that serves the general fire alarm needs of a building or buildings and that provides fire department or occupant notification or both. (SIG-PRO)
A protected premises fire alarm system installed specifically to perform emergency control function(s) where a building fire alarm system is not required. (SIG-PRO)
A protected premises fire alarm system that is part of a fire suppression system and/or that provides control inputs to a fire suppression system related to the fire suppression system's sequence of operations and outputs for other signaling and notification. (SIG-PRO)
The principal attended or unattended room or area where the status of the detection, alarm communications, control systems, and other emergency systems is displayed and from which the system(s) can be manually controlled. (SIG-ECS)
A device connected to a control unit that monitors the fire extinguisher in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 10. (SIG-IDS)
A building staff member or a tenant trained to perform assigned duties in the event of a fire emergency. (SIG-PRO)
Any detector, alarm, device, or material related to single- and multiple-station alarms or household fire alarm systems. (SIG-HOU)
A body or stream of gaseous material involved in the combustion process and emitting radiant energy at specific wavelength bands determined by the combustion chemistry of the fuel. In most cases, some portion of the emitted radiant energy is visible to the human eye. (SIG-IDS)
Minimum and maximum time between events. (SIG-TMS)
Fifty-two times per year, once per calendar week.
Twelve times per year, once per calendar month.
Four times per year with a minimum of 2 months, maximum of 4 months.
Twice per year with a minimum of 4 months, maximum of 8 months.
Once per year with a minimum of 9 months, maximum 15 months.
A device that is used in the transmission of serial data (digital or analog) from the fire alarm control unit to other building system control units, equipment, or networks and/or from other building system control units to the fire alarm control unit. (SIG-PRO)
A device that is manually or automatically initiated to indicate the route being followed and the timing of a guard's tour. (SIG-IDS)
An accommodation combining living, sleeping, sanitary, and storage facilities within a compartment. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
An accommodation with two or more contiguous rooms comprising a compartment, with or without doors between such rooms, that provides living, sleeping, sanitary, and storage facilities. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
A full or partial decrease in the ability to detect or comprehend sounds. (SIG-HOU)
A hearing threshold of greater than 90 dB.
A single- or multiple-station alarm responsive to heat. (SIG-HOU)
A single-station heat alarm employing a mechanical power source. (SIG-HOU)
High power speaker arrays provide capability for voice and tone communications to large outdoor areas. (SIG-ECS)
A building or groups of buildings under the same management in which there are sleeping accommodations for more than 16 persons and primarily used by transients for lodging with or without meals. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
A group of associated telephone lines within which an incoming call is automatically routed to an idle (not busy) telephone line for completion. (SIG-SSS)
Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, and so forth, where described in a particular Code requirement. [70:100] (SIG-PRS)
An abnormal condition, during either a planned or emergency event, where a system, component, or function is inoperable. (SIG-FUN)
Any form of correspondence that can be verified upon request. (SIG-FUN)
A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, or supervisory switch. (SIG-IDS)
An initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees of condition as contrasted with a conventional initiating device, which can only indicate an on-off condition. (SIG-IDS)
A device that responds to abnormal conditions that could affect the proper operation of an automatic sprinkler system or other fire extinguishing system(s) or suppression system(s), including, but not limited to, control valves, pressure levels, liquid agent levels and temperatures, pump power and running, engine temperature and overspeed, and room temperature. (SIG-IDS)
A device in which the sensing element is designed to be destroyed in the process of operation. (SIG-IDS)
A device in which the sensing element is not ordinarily destroyed in the process of operation, whose restoration can be manual or automatic. (SIG-IDS)
An initiating device such as a valve supervisory switch, water level indicator, or low air pressure switch on a dry pipe sprinkler system in which the change of state signals an off-normal condition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection or life safety system; or a need for action in connection with guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment, or maintenance features of related systems. (SIG-IDS)
A circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected where the signal received does not identify the individual device operated. (SIG-PRO)
The quality or condition of being intelligible. (SIG-NAS)
Capable of being understood; comprehensible; clear. (SIG-NAS)
A circuit component that interfaces initiating devices or control circuits, or both; notification appliances or circuits, or both; system control outputs; and other signaling line circuits to a signaling line circuit. (SIG-PRO)
The interface between the fire alarm system emergency control function interface device and the component controlling the emergency control function. (SIG-PRO)
A system component that connects a signaling line circuit to any combination of initiating devices, initiating device circuits, notification appliances, notification appliance circuits, system control outputs, and other signaling line circuits. (SIG-PRO)
The fire alarm control interface coordinates signals to and from the fire alarm system and other systems. (SIG-ECS)
The portion of a communications channel that connects not more than one protected premises to a primary or secondary trunk facility. The leg facility includes the portion of the signal transmission circuit from its point of connection with a trunk facility to the point where it is terminated within the protected premises at one or more transponders. (SIG-SSS)
A type of combination system that transmits fire safety control data through gateways to other building system control units. (SIG-PRO)
Any normally occupiable space in a residential occupancy, other than sleeping rooms or rooms that are intended for combination sleeping/living, bathrooms, toilet compartments, kitchens, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
The maximum number of discrete elements of fire alarm systems permitted to be used in a particular configuration. (SIG-SSS)
Equipment used by authorized personnel and emergency responders to activate and operate an in-building mass notification system. (SIG-ECS)
A building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one- or two-family dwelling, that provides sleeping accommodations for a total of 16 or fewer people on a transient or permanent basis, without personal care services, with or without meals, but without separate cooking facilities for individual occupants. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
The reduction of available voltage at the load below the point at which equipment can function as designed. (SIG-FUN)
Work, including, but not limited to, repair, replacement, and service, performed to ensure that equipment operates properly. (SIG-TMS)
A physical facilities-based network capable of transmitting real time signals with formats unchanged that is managed, operated, and maintained by the service provider to ensure service quality and reliability from the subscriber location to public-switched telephone network (PSTN) interconnection points or other MFVN peer networks. (SIG-SSS)
Published installation and operating documentation provided for each product or component. The documentation includes directions and necessary information for the intended installation, maintenance, and operation of the product or component. (SIG-TMS)
The mode of operation whereby all fire alarm occupant notification is superseded by emergency mass notification action. (SIG-ECS)
A single-station alarm capable of being interconnected to one or more additional alarms so that the actuation of one causes the appropriate alarm signal to operate in all interconnected alarms. (SIG-HOU)
Two or more single-station alarm devices that can be interconnected so that actuation of one causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate; or one single-station alarm device having connections to other detectors or to a manual fire alarm box. (SIG-HOU)
A signaling method characterized by simultaneous or sequential transmission, or both, and reception of multiple signals on a signaling line circuit, a transmission channel, or a communications channel, including means for positively identifying each signal. (SIG-SSS)
A net-centric alerting system incorporates web-based management and alert activation application through which all operators and administrators could gain access to the system's capabilities based on the users' permissions and the defined access policy. (SIG-ECS)
The method of communications used in a public emergency alarm reporting system that consists of two or more points that are connected by physical conductors. (SIG-PRS)
The method of communications used in a public emergency alarm reporting system that consists of two or more points that are not connected by physical conductors. (SIG-PRS)
The physical and logical design of a network, and the inherent ability of the design to carry data from one point to another. (SIG-ECS)
A system component or group of components that is installed at the option of the owner, and is not installed due to a building or fire code requirement. (SIG-FUN)
A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light, or text display that provides audible, tactile, or visible outputs, or any combination thereof. (SIG-NAS)
A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing. (SIG-NAS)
An audible notification appliance that marks building exits and areas of refuge by the sense of hearing for the purpose of evacuation or relocation. (SIG-NAS)
A notification appliance that conveys a stream of audible information. (SIG-NAS)
A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of touch or vibration. (SIG-NAS)
A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of sight. (SIG-NAS)
A notification appliance that conveys a stream of visible information that displays an alphanumeric or pictorial message. (SIG-NAS)
A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy. (SIG-FUN)
An area of a facility occupied by people on a regular basis. (SIG-FUN)
The bandwidth of a filter that comprises a frequency range of a factor of 2. (SIG-NAS)
The bandwidth of a filter that comprises a frequency range of a factor of 21/3. (SIG-NAS)
To make connection with the public-switched telephone network in preparation for dialing a telephone number. (SIG-SSS)
To disconnect from the public-switched telephone network. (SIG-SSS)
Audible or visible signaling only to those persons directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency action initiation and procedure in the area protected by the fire alarm system. (SIG-NAS)
Audible or visible signaling to occupants or inhabitants of the area protected by the fire alarm system. (SIG-NAS)
Any property or building or its contents under legal control by the occupant, by contract, or by holding of a title or deed. (SIG-SSS)
A system intended to page one or more persons by such means as voice over loudspeaker, coded audible signals or visible signals, or lamp annunciators. (SIG-PRO)
The ability of any conductor, optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions. (SIG-ECS)
An immediately readable, not easily alterable, print, slash, or punch record of all occurrences of status change. (SIG-SSS)
Individuals who conduct a visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition, in proper location, and is free of physical damage or conditions that impair operation. (SIG-TMS)
Individuals who perform those procedures, adjustments, replacement of components, system programming, and maintenance as described in the manufacturer's service instructions that can affect any aspect of the performance of the system. (SIG-TMS)
Individual responsible for the development of fire alarm and signaling system plans and specifications in accordance with this Code. (SIG-FUN)
Individual responsible for the proper installation of fire alarm and signaling systems in accordance with plans, specifications, and manufacturer's requirements. (SIG-FUN)
Individuals who perform procedures used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting acceptance, reacceptance, or periodic physical checks on systems. (SIG-TMS)
An automatic sequence that results in an alarm signal, even when manually delayed for investigation, unless the system is reset. (SIG-PRO)
A source of electrical operating power, including the circuits and terminations connecting it to the dependent system components. (SIG-FUN)
A nonrechargeable battery requiring periodic replacement. (SIG-FUN)
That part of a transmission channel connecting all leg facilities to a supervising or subsidiary station. (SIG-SSS)
The one company contractually responsible for providing central station services to a subscriber as required by this Code. The prime contractor can be either a listed central station or a listed alarm service-local company. (SIG-SSS)
A single-owner or singleuser protected premises on a continuous plot of ground, including any buildings thereon, that is not separated by a public thoroughfare, transportation right-of-way, property owned or used by others, or body of water not under the same ownership. (SIG-SSS)
An owner- or user-protected premises where two or more protected premises, controlled by the same owner or user, are separated by a public thoroughfare, body of water, transportation right-of-way, or property owned or used by others. (SIG-SSS)
The physical location protected by a fire alarm system. (SIG-PRO)
An electronic amplification system with a mixer, amplifier, and loudspeakers, used to reinforce a given sound and distributing the "sound" to the general public around a building. (SIG-ECS)
A system of alarm-initiating devices, transmitting and receiving equipment, and communication infrastructure (other than a public telephone network) used to communicate with the communications center to provide any combination of manual or auxiliary alarm service. (SIG-PRS)
A protected premises fire alarm system or other emergency system at the protected premises and the system used to connect the protected premises system to a public emergency alarm reporting system for transmitting an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
An auxiliary system that employs a locally complete arrangement of parts, initiating devices, relays, power supply, and associated components to automatically activate a master box or auxiliary box over circuits that are electrically isolated from the public emergency alarm reporting system circuits. (SIG-PRS)
An auxiliary system electrically connected to the public emergency alarm reporting system extending a public emergency alarm reporting circuit to interconnect initiating devices within a protected premises, which, when operated, opens the public emergency alarm reporting circuit shunted around the trip coil of the master box or auxiliary box. The master box or auxiliary box is thereupon energized to start transmission without any assistance from a local source of power. (SIG-PRS)
A system in which an alarm from an alarm box is received and is retransmitted to an emergency response facility either manually or automatically. (SIG-PRS)
A system in which an alarm from an alarm box is automatically transmitted to an emergency response facility and, if used, is transmitted to supplementary alerting devices. (SIG-PRS)
A fire, emergency medical services, or law enforcement agency. (SIG-ECS)
A system installed to assure the effective operation of radio communication systems used by fire, emergency medical services, or law enforcement agencies. (SIG-ECS)
A radio communication system used by fire, emergency medical services, or law enforcement agencies. (SIG-ECS)
A competent and capable person or company that has met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. (SIG-TMS)
A system component that receives radio signals and resides at a repeater station that is located at a remote receiving location. (SIG-SSS)
A system component that receives data and annunciates that data at the supervising station. (SIG-SSS)
A system in which signals are transmitted from a radio alarm transmitter (RAT) located at a protected premises through a radio channel to two or more radio alarm repeater station receivers (RARSR) and that are annunciated by a radio alarm supervising station receiver (RASSR) located at the supervising station. (SIG-SSS)
A system component at the protected premises to which initiating devices or groups of devices are connected that transmits signals indicating a status change of the initiating devices. (SIG-SSS)
The number of electromagnetic wave frequency cycles transmitted by a radio in 1 second. [1221, 2016] (SIG-PRS)
Drawings (as-built) that document the location of all devices, appliances, wiring sequences, wiring methods, and connections of the components of the system as installed. (SIG-FUN)
A document that acknowledges the features of installation, operation (performance), service, and equipment with representation by the property owner, system installer, system supplier, service organization, and the authority having jurisdiction. (SIG-FUN)
The movement of occupants from a fire zone to a safe area within the same building. (SIG-PRO)
The location of the equipment needed to relay signals between supervising stations, subsidiary stations, and protected premises. (SIG-SSS)
A control function that attempts to return a system or device to its normal, nonalarm state. (SIG-FUN)
An occupancy used for lodging and boarding of four or more residents, not related by blood or marriage to the owners or operators, for the purpose of providing personal care services. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
An occupancy that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health care or detention and correctional. [101, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
Actions performed upon the receipt of a signal. (SIG-FUN)
The response to the receipt of an alarm signal. (SIG-FUN)
The response to the receipt of a pre-alarm signal. (SIG-FUN)
The response to the receipt of a supervisory signal. (SIG-FUN)
The response to the receipt of a trouble signal. (SIG-FUN)
A numerical value that represents the thermal response sensitivity of the sensing element in a heat detector, sprinkler, or other heat-sensing fire detection device to the fire environment in terms of gas temperature and velocity versus time. (See B.3.3.3.7.) (SIG-IDS)
A process to characterize the likelihood, vulnerability, and magnitude of incidents associated with natural, technological, and manmade disasters and other emergencies that address scenarios of concern, their probability, and their potential consequences. (SIG-ECS)
A person other than the required number of operators on duty at central, supervising, or runner stations (or otherwise in contact with these stations) available for prompt dispatching, when necessary, to the protected premises. (SIG-SSS)
The service provided by a runner at the protected premises, including restoration, resetting, and silencing of all equipment transmitting fire alarm or supervisory or trouble signals to an off-premises location. (SIG-SSS)
That part of a transmission channel connecting two or more, but fewer than all, leg facilities to a primary trunk facility. (SIG-SSS)
The area of a dwelling unit where the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. [720, 2015] (SIG-HOU)
The shapes of ceilings can be classified as sloping or smooth. (SIG-IDS)
Documents that provide information pertaining to the system necessary for installation of a fire alarm and/or signaling system. (SIG-FUN)
An indication of a condition communicated by electrical, visible, audible, wireless, or other means. (SIG-FUN)
A signal that results from the manual or automatic detection of an alarm condition. (SIG-FUN)
A signal indicating a supervisory condition and the need for action in connection with the supervision of guards or system attendants. (SIG-PRO)
A distinctive alarm signal intended to be recognized by the occupants as requiring evacuation of the building. (SIG-PRO)
A signal that results from the manual or automatic detection of a fire alarm condition. (SIG-FUN)
A signal generated when a guard on patrol has activated a guard's tour reporting station. (SIG-PRO)
A signal that results from the detection of a pre-alarm condition. (SIG-FUN)
A signal that results from the return to normal condition of an initiating device, system element, or system. (SIG-FUN)
A signal that results from the detection of a supervisory condition. (SIG-FUN)
A signal that results from the detection of a trouble condition. (SIG-FUN)
A circuit path between any combination of addressable appliances or devices, circuit interfaces, control units, or transmitters over which multiple system input signals or output signals or both are carried. (SIG-PRO)
A detector comprising an assembly that incorporates a sensor, control components, and an alarm notification appliance in one unit operated from a power source either located in the unit or obtained at the point of installation. (SIG-HOU)
An assembly that incorporates the detector, the control equipment, and the alarm-sounding device in one unit operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation. (SIG-HOU)
A single or multiple-station alarm responsive to smoke. (SIG-HOU)
The principle of using an air sample drawn from the protected area into a high-humidity chamber combined with a lowering of chamber pressure to create an environment in which the resultant moisture in the air condenses on any smoke particles present, forming a cloud. The cloud density is measured by a photoelectric principle. The density signal is processed and used to convey an alarm condition when it meets preset criteria. (SIG-IDS)
The principle of using a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air between two differentially charged electrodes to sense the presence of smoke particles. Smoke particles entering the ionization volume decrease the conductance of the air by reducing ion mobility. The reduced conductance signal is processed and used to convey an alarm condition when it meets preset criteria. (SIG-IDS)
The principle of using a light source and a photosensitive sensor onto which the principal portion of the source emissions is focused. When smoke particles enter the light path, some of the light is scattered and some is absorbed, thereby reducing the light reaching the receiving sensor. The light reduction signal is processed and used to convey an alarm condition when it meets preset criteria. (SIG-IDS)
The principle of using a light source and a photosensitive sensor arranged so that the rays from the light source do not normally fall onto the photosensitive sensor. When smoke particles enter the light path, some of the light is scattered by reflection and refraction onto the sensor. The light signal is processed and used to convey an alarm condition when it meets preset criteria. (SIG-IDS)
The principle of using automatic analysis of real-time video images to detect the presence of smoke. (SIG-IDS)
Programs, instruments, procedures, data, and the like that are executed by a central processing unit of a product and that influences the functional performance of that product. For the purpose of this Code, software is one of two types: executive software and site-specific software. (SIG-TMS)
Control and supervisory program that manages the execution of all other programs and directly or indirectly causes the required functions of the product to be performed. Executive software is sometimes referred to as firmware, BIOS, or executive program. (SIG-TMS)
Program that is separate from, but controlled by, the executive software that allows inputs, outputs, and system configuration to be selectively defined to meet the needs of a specific installation. Typically it defines the type and quantity of hardware, customized labels, and the specific operating features of a system. (SIG-TMS)
A horizontally measured dimension used as a criterion in determining the allowable coverage of devices. (SIG-FUN)
A moving particle of solid material that emits radiant energy due to either its temperature or the process of combustion on its surface. [654, 2013] (SIG-IDS)
The number of watts (or the fraction of a watt) of radiant power from a point source radiator, applied as a unit step signal at the wavelength of maximum detector sensitivity, necessary to produce an alarm signal from the detector within the specified response time. (SIG-IDS)
Any individual, group, or organization that might affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by the risk. (SIG-ECS)
The phenomenon where the upward movement of smoke and gases ceases due to the loss of buoyancy. (SIG-IDS)
The recipient of a contractual supervising station signal service(s). In case of multiple, noncontiguous properties having single ownership, the term refers to each protected premises or its local management. (SIG-SSS)
A subsidiary station is a normally unattended location that is remote from the supervising station and is linked by a communications channel(s) to the supervising station. Interconnection of signals on one or more transmission channels from protected premises with a communications channel(s) to the supervising station is performed at this location. (SIG-SSS)
A facility that receives signals from protected premises fire alarm systems and at which personnel are in attendance at all times to respond to these signals. (SIG-SSS)
A supervising station that is listed for central station service and that also commonly provides less stringent supervising station services such as remote supervising services. (SIG-SSS)
A supervising station under the same ownership as the protected premises fire alarm system(s) that it supervises (monitors) and to which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals are received and where personnel are in attendance at all times to supervise operation and investigate signals. (SIG-SSS)
A supervising station to which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals or any combination of those signals emanating from protected premises fire alarm systems are received and where personnel are in attendance at all times to respond. (SIG-SSS)
A system or group of systems in which the operations of circuits and devices are transmitted automatically to, recorded in, maintained by, and supervised from a listed central station that has competent and experienced servers and operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by this Code. Such service is to be controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose business is the furnishing, maintaining, or monitoring of supervised alarm systems. (SIG-SSS)
An installation of an alarm system that serves contiguous and noncontiguous properties, under one ownership, from a proprietary supervising station located at the protected premises, or at one of multiple noncontiguous protected premises, at which trained, competent personnel are in constant attendance. This includes the protected premises fire alarm system(s); proprietary supervising station; power supplies; signal-initiating devices; initiating device circuits; signal notification appliances; equipment for the automatic, permanent visual recording of signals; and equipment for initiating the operation of emergency building control services. (SIG-SSS)
A protected premises fire alarm system (exclusive of any connected to a public emergency reporting system) in which alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals are transmitted automatically to, recorded in, and supervised from a remote supervising station that has competent and experienced servers and operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by this Code. (SIG-SSS)
The use of a system or a group of systems including the protected premises fire alarm system(s) in which the operations of circuits and devices are signaled to, recorded in, and supervised from a listed central station that has competent and experienced operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by this Code. Related activities at the protected premises, such as equipment installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and runner service, are the responsibility of the central station or a listed alarm service local company. Central station service is controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose business is the furnishing of such contracted services or whose properties are the protected premises. (SIG-SSS)
The use of a system or a group of systems including the protected premises fire alarm system(s) in which the operations of circuits and devices are signaled to, recorded in, and supervised from a supervising station under the same ownership as the protected premises that has competent and experienced operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by this Code. Related activities at the protected premises, such as equipment installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and runner service, are the responsibility of the owner. Proprietary supervising station service is controlled and operated by the entity whose properties are the protected premises. (SIG-SSS)
The use of a system including the protected premises fire alarm system(s) in which the operations of circuits and devices are signaled to, recorded in, and supervised from a supervising station that has competent and experienced operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by this Code. Related activities at the protected premises, such as equipment installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance, are the responsibility of the owner. (SIG-SSS)
As used in this Code, supplementary refers to equipment or operations not required by this Code and designated as such by the authority having jurisdiction. (SIG-FUN)
A loop start telephone circuit is an analog telephone circuit that supports loop start signaling as specified in either Telcordia GR-506-CORE, LATA Switching Systems Generic Requirements: Signaling for Analog Interface, or Telcordia GR-909-CORE, Fiber in the Loop Systems Generic Requirements. (SIG-SSS)
An assembly of communications equipment and telephone service providers that utilize managed facilities-based voice networks (MFVN) to provide the general public with the ability to establish communications channels via discrete dialing codes. (SIG-SSS)
An individual trained to operate and/or initiate a mass notification system. (SIG-ECS)
The active subassemblies at the supervising station used for signal receiving, processing, display, or recording of status change signals; a failure of one of these subassemblies causes the loss of a number of alarm signals by that unit. (SIG-SSS)
A means of communications within a building normally dedicated to emergency functions. Commonly referred to as fire fighters' phones, but can also be used for communications with fire fighters and/or fire wardens, including occupants, during an emergency, such as between a fire command center and a designated location, such as a stair, stairwell, or location of emergency equipment. (SIG-ECS)
The ability to conference multiple telephones in a single conversation. This is similar to what was referred to as a party line. (SIG-ECS)
The ability for personnel at the fire command center to receive indication of incoming calls and choose which call to answer. This includes the ability to transfer between incoming calls and conference multiple phone locations. Selective calling can include the ability to initiate calls to emergency phone locations. (SIG-ECS)
A system component that provides an interface between signaling line circuits, initiating device circuits, or control units and the transmission channel. (SIG-SSS)
A multiplex alarm transmission system functional assembly located at the protected premises. (SIG-SSS)
An unwanted activation of an alarm initiating device caused by a person acting with malice. (SIG-FUN)
An unwanted activation of a signaling system or an alarm initiating device in response to a stimulus or condition that is not the result of a potentially hazardous condition. (SIG-FUN)
An unwanted activation of an alarm initiating device caused by a person acting without malice. (SIG-FUN)
An unwanted activation of an alarm initiating device or system output function where the cause has not been identified. (SIG-FUN)
The radio signal from the portable public safety subscriber transmitter to the base station receiver. (SIG-ECS)
The principle of using automatic analysis of real-time video images to detect the presence of flame. (SIG-IDS)
A scheme for prioritizing mass notification messages. (SIG-ECS)
Telephone company service allowing reduced costs for certain telephone call arrangements. In-WATS or 800-number service calls can be placed from anywhere in the continental United States to the called party at no cost to the calling party. Out-WATS is a service whereby, for a flat-rate charge, dependent on the total duration of all such calls, a subscriber can make an unlimited number of calls within a prescribed area from a particular telephone terminal without the registration of individual call charges. (SIG-SSS)
The distance between the peaks of a sinusoidal wave. All radiant energy can be described as a wave having a wavelength. Wavelength serves as the unit of measure for distinguishing between different parts of the spectrum. Wavelengths are measured in microns (µm), nanometers (nm), or angstroms (Å). (SIG-IDS)
Signaling intended to provide alerting or information to exterior open spaces, such as campuses, neighborhood streets, a city, a town, or a community. (SIG-NAS)
A system or a part of a system that can transmit and receive signals without the aid of interconnection wiring. It can consist of either a wireless control unit or a wireless repeater. (SIG-PRO)
A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent, or an area in which a form of control can be executed. (SIG-FUN)
Upcodes Diagrams
A discrete area of a building, bounded by building outer walls, fire or smoke compartment boundaries, floor separations, or other fire safety subdivisions, in which occupants are intended to receive common notification. (SIG-PRO)
An area consisting of one or more notification zones where signals are actuated simultaneously. (SIG-ECS)