3.04 Replacement of Fire Alarm Panels

Reference: 2007 C.F.C. Section 907 C.B.C Section 907

The following is the policy of the San Francisco Fire Department when a fire alarm control panel is replaced:
1. If the new fire alarm control panel is listed to be compatible with all the existing initiation, notification and control devices, no further upgrade is required.
2. If the existing devices are not listed to be compatible with the new panel, the system must be brought up to current code for existing buildings. The system must be capable of alerting all occupants. Audible and visual alarms shall be installed per NFPA 72, 2002 edition.
3. LED style annunciation shall be installed as required by Administrative Bulletin 3.02; Fire alarm Annunciation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Existing High-rise Buildings:
New fire alarm systems in existing buildings must be designed by a licensed engineer working in his (or her) area of expertise.
The California Building Code requires all high-rise buildings to have a  fire warning system . The following items are required regardless of whether a new panel is being installed or not.
1. This system must be capable of alerting all occupants. Audibility is required throughout and visual appliances shall be provided.
2. All extinguishing systems must be interconnected.
3. A voice evacuation system shall be provided in all buildings which exceed 150 feet in height.
4. A fire department communication system is required.
5. When stairwell doors are locked from the stairway side, emergency telephones must be provided per CBC section 403.12
6. Smoke detection for elevator recall per CBC Section 3003 shall be provided.