Maricopa Community Colleges  ABA256   19974-20032 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 03/25/97
ABA256 19974-20032 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Fire Alarm Systems
Operating principles of fire alarm systems. Components of fire alarm and security systems. Installation of heat and smoke detectors. National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Troubleshooting and maintaining fire alarm systems. Prerequisites: (Indentured status with the Arizona Builders Alliance) or permission of the apprenticeship coordinator.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
ABA256   19974-20032 Fire Alarm Systems
1. List and define specific trade terms associated with fire and security systems. (I)
2. Explain the operating principles of fire alarm systems. (II)
3. Identify specific components of fire alarm and security systems. (II)
4. Describe the proper procedures for the installation and connection of heat and smoke detectors. (III)
5. Design a complete security/fire alarm system for a commercial project according to NEC and manufacturer's requirements. (IV)
6. Describe specific troubleshooting and maintenance procedures for fire alarm systems. (V)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
ABA256   19974-20032 Fire Alarm Systems
    I. Terminology
        A. Active multiplexed system
        B. Addressable device
        C. Alarm verification feature
        D. Analog initiating device (sensor)
        E. Annunciator
        F. Carrier system
        G. Central processing unit (CPU)
        H. Circuit interface
        I. Combination detector
        J. Digital alarm communicator system (DACS)
        K. Radio alarm system
        L. Remote supervising station fire alarm system
        M. Other
      II. Fire Alarm and Security Systems
          A. Control unit
          B. Noncoded alarm systems
          C. Coded alarm systems
            1. Master control systems
            2. March time coded system
            3. Selective coded system
            4. Zone coded system
          D. Initiating device circuits
            1. Two-wire, normally open contact
            2. Two-wire, normally closed contact
            3. Two-wire, polarized initiating and notification devices
            4. Four-wire, normally open contact
            5. Four-wire, polarized initiating and notification devices
          E. Signal line circuits
          F. Notification device circuits
            1. Series
            2. Parallel
          G. Power supplies
          H. Supplementary circuits
          I. Control systems
            1. Protected premises (local)
            2. Auxiliary
            3. Remote supervising station
            4. Proprietary supervising station
            5. Emergency voice/alarm communications
            6. Central supervising station
            7. Fire safety control functions
            8. Combination systems
            9. Interconnected control units
          J. New technology systems
            1. Multiplexing
            2. Circuit interfaces (transponders)
            3. Multiplexed outputs
            4. Addressing
            5. Intelligent (smart) circuit interfaces
            6. Programming
            7. Addressable devices
            8. Multiplexing technology
            9. Active multiplexing
            10. Digital signaling
            11. Analog sensors
            12. Intelligent systems
            13. Displays
            14. Digital alarm communicator systems
          K. Manual and automatic alarm initiating devices
            1. Manual fire alarm boxes
            2. Automatic alarm initiating devices
          L. Notification devices
            1. Audible alarm notification
            2. Visible alarm notification
            3. Combination audible/visible notification
          M. Permanent recorders
            1. Punch registers
            2. Print recorders
            3. Time stamps
        III. Installation and Connection of Heat and Smoke Detectors
            A. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements
            B. Manufacturer's instructions and recommendations
            C. Authority having jurisdiction requirements
            D. Special smoke detector wiring requirements
            E. Location considerations
            F. Power supplies
            G. Wiring and equipment
            H. Types of circuits
            I. Conductors and cables
              1. Cable markings
              2. Circuit identification
            J. Monitoring
            K. Lightning protection
            L. Outside wiring
          IV. Design Exercise
              A. Building protection requirements
              B. System specifications
                1. NEC requirements
                2. Initiator and notification device locations
                3. Control unit location
                4. Power supply
                5. Circuit requirements
            V. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
                A. Control units
                  1. Relays
                  2. Battery chargers
                  3. Fuses
                  4. Circuit breakers
                  5. Control unit cabinets
                B. Batteries
                C. Alarm boxes
                  1. Noncoded manual
                  2. Coded manual
                  3. Spring driven
                  4. Motor-driven coded
                D. Automatic transmitters
                E. Automatic heat detectors
                  1. Fixed-temperature
                  2. Rate-of-rise
                  3. Rate-compensation
                  4. Explosion proof
                F. Smoke detectors
                G. Sprinkler waterflow detectors
                  1. Pressure-operated
                  2. Vane-operated
                H. Switches
                  1. Tank
                  2. Differential pressure
                I. Alarm horns and bells
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