Card Access System Layout

TOP 10 Card Access Sales Questions

When you visit a job site to gather information for a card access quote, consider these questions:


1) How many doors need Card Access Control?

2) How many users will the Access Control system require?

3) How many locations/zones/partitions need Card Access?

4) Are there any existing Card Access readers?

5) If so what is the current card access system being used?

6) Do they have a card access reader and/or credential preference?

7) Do they want to integrate any other security with the Access Control?

I.E. Intrusion panel or Video?

8) Do they have an existing video platform?

9) Is there existing platform IP or Analog?

10) How old is the video system?

Once you have completed these questions, you will find that designing your card access system will be much easier.  Also ask the client if they have a scale drawing of the floor plans that you can acquire before your job walk.  This gives you a good starting point and area to make detailed notes.

Pre Alarm Fault on Gamewell 600 Series FACP

Have you ever replaced an Apollo XP95-P or XP95-I addressable smoke detector on a Gamewell 600
series fire alarm control panel? If you have been in the industry for a while, then chances are that you have.

Let me paint a scenario for you. You receive a call from a customer or your central station claiming that their Gamewell 600 series fire alarm control panel is displaying a missing fault for an addressable smoke detector. Your technician responds and replaces the device one for one. (of course this is after he or she troubleshoots the other probable causes for a missing device) Now if you have determined that the device was bad and needed to be replaced then there should be no issues with a one for one swap, "right?'. Well the anser is yes and no. Most of the time the panel will poll the SLC (signaling line circuit) loop and find the newly installed XP95-P or XP95-I. On some occasions the fire alarm control panel may display a Pre-Alarm condition for that brand new device.

According to Gamewell's technical support department, this is caused from the panel's internal memory for each device's status. So theoretically the fire control panel is still finding the status of the old device for that particular address. Maybe before the device went missing it was dirty to the point of no return. Now the panel is showing a Pre-Alarm due to the mistaken identity of the old vs. new device.

With that said, have no fear there is a quick fix. Simply enter programming mode through the front display and select #1 for "Circuit Programming" then select #3 for "Initialize Circuit". Once the panel finishes scrolling through a few items enter the circuit number that the particular device is on and hit enter. This should re-poll the entire loop and reset the panel's memory for that device. To exit programming mode continue to hit the "enter" key until the panel displays "Commencing System Reset".

This should take care of your fault. If not read my article on Gamewell's 600 Series Soft Reset.

NICET Level 4 Major Project Writeup

If you need your NICET certification in "Fire Alarm Systems", then you have found the right place. Our site contains a ton of great information to help you achieve any NICET certification. If you are pursuing your NICET Level 4 certification you will need to perform what NICET refers to as a Major Project Write up.

The NICET certification level 4 Major Project Write up consist of a two to three page concise and detailed description of one major fire alarm system project.  Simply put you will need to write about a sophisticated fire alarm system you were involved with from design to final inspection. Here are a few things to keep in mind when drafting up your essay:

1 - Give a good description of the project and how your were involved.
2 - The NICET Certification level 4 Major Project Write up must be a separate document from your work history.
3 - The fire alarm project you choose to discuss must be within the past 3-4 years.
4 - Be sure to include all of your responsibilities, job duties and practices used to accomplish the completion of the project.

We have complied a digital download to assist fire alarm technicians with practicing for the NICET certification exam. Our material also contains Major Project Write up guidelines and another documentation on how to properly write an essay. All of this drastically helps as this process can be very tedious.

With NICET continuing to strive in their efforts to properly certify technicians in the field of fire alarm, it is important to stay up to date with their regulations and requirements. Visit NICET for more information or check out our material for NICET practice tests and NICET study material.

Wow System Sensor D4120 Duct Detector is Now Fixed

A while back I posted on the new System Sensor D4120 duct smoke detector. I stated that although a great improvement on the previous DH100 series it did have one major flaw. The System Sensor D4120 duct smoke detector would open the supervisory contact when powered up causing a trouble condition at the main fire control panel every time the end user or tech performed a reset. This was a major deal especially when you have a new high rise with over 60 of these new System Sensor D4120 duct detectors. The AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) typically does not understand why the fire control panel starts receiving 60 troubles when you reset the system.
Our tech department has been contacting System Sensor for months (ever since this device came out) trying to get an answer as to why they did this.

Well I am happy to report that System Sensor finally listened and has corrected the issue. Now when power is restored to the D4120 the supervisory contact will close immediately. Great job System Sensor with what we can now call another awesome product.

Read more from System Sensor here.

NICET Certification with New CBT Format

Has anyone taking the NICET certification exam with the new CBT (Computer Based Testing) format? I am under the impression that it is the same exam (questions and NICET elements). I completed my NICET level IV before the CBT went into effect.

I know that the Sate exams such as the California State fire technician certification exam is based on a multiple choice format through computer. It defiantly makes things nice not having to bubble in all of your answers on a scan-tron with a #2 pencil.

I would appreciate any help and or feedback on the new NICET testing procedures as I need to update my NICET fire alarm training CD. I am pretty sure it wont matter as the NICET questions are most likely the same.

Also can you still challenge questions on the new NICET test format?

If you are interested in taking the NICET Test for "fire alarms" or "Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarms", then we have you covered!  We are now selling our CBT Levels 1 - 4 NICET practice test with preparation material.  This material is packed with tons of NICET practice test questions along with all code references as to where to find the answers.  We have also supplied the material with all of the necessary NICET applications, CBT calculator demonstrations, links and more.  If you need more information, feel free to send an email.  You can find the link to purchase our NICET Practice Test on the top left section of this site.

Make sure to join our Fire Alarms Online Facebook Group HERE.

Another thing I heard is it takes a lot less time to receive your results. Maybe instant.

Fire Alarm Speaker Amplifiers New vs. Old

Wow times have changed. Check out these two pictures. The first one is a cabinet full of old fire alarm speaker amplifiers found at a high rise we are currently working at. CHeck out the size that each one of these take up.
Its amazing to think that back in the day this was state of the art!

Like I mentioned earlier, we are changing this existing system out one floor at a time so we currently have our FCI E3 voice system side by side with the old fire alarm panel in the electric room. This is where you truly notice the difference in modern technology. Check out this next picture of the FCI E3 AM-50 cards. There are four installed in this one picture, each with the capability of two supervised fire alarm speaker circuits with 50 watts.

It can't wait to see what the next 40 years will bring us.

I have also included some random pictures of this install to show how we have temporarily mounted the new FCI E3 fire alarm control panel using uni-strut. Once the entire high rise building has been switched over to the new FCI E3 we will demo out the old panel and move our new system to the wall.

Make sure to join our Fire Alarms Online Facebook Group HERE.

When Are Fire Alarm Batteries Required to be Replaced

What is the Code for Replacing Fire Alarm Batteries?

It is common knowledge in the fire alarm installation industry that fire alarm batteries are to be replaced typically within 4-5 years from date of manufacturing. What you will commonly notice with companies is a lack of experience resulting in dead fire alarm batteries. Most fire alarm technicians will simply take a label maker or Sharpie and write down the installation date on the backup fire alarm batteries.

You may ask yourself, "What's wrong with this?"

The answer is simple. As stated above the the fire alarm batteries must be replaced with 4 - 5 years from date of manufacture. If you write the installation date on the batteries then you are not noting accurate information. The reason for this is that there is no telling how long those fire alarm batteries sat in your warehouse or even the manufacturer's warehouse.

What's the Correct Way to Note the Battery Date?

Fire Alarm Back-up battery manufacturers are stamping the fire alarm batteries with the month and year of manufacture. This is the date that you want to mark down.  The fire alarm battery pictured above is manufactured by Power Sonic and has a date tamp of 10194-H on it.  I wont go into too many details about battery date codes as I have another files to assist you with this.  The code of 10194 = the Month (10) the Day (19) and the Year (2004). So as you can see by a technician labeling the batteries new on "2/2/2015" throws things off a bit.  If you want to download our multi-tool with voltage drop calculations, battery calcs, dB loss and battery date codes, click here.

For your reference I have included the NFPA 72 2013 edition code sections below:

Table 14.4.3.2 #9  Fire alarm batteries shall be replaced in accordance with the recommendations of the alarm equipment manufacturer or when the recharged battery voltage or current falls below the manufacturer's recommendations.

10.6.10.1.1 When the fire alarm batteries are not marked with the month/year by the manufacturer, the installer shall obtain the date code and mark the batteries with month/year of battery manufacture.

Make sure to join our Fire Alarms Online Facebook Group HERE.

Fire Alarm Definitions and Industry Terms

Glossary/Definitions

Addressable Device: A fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can have its status individually identified, or that is used to individually control other functions.

Air Sampling-Type Detector: A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution network from the detector to the areas being protected. A fan in the detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the detector. The air is analyzed for products of combustion

Alarm Signal: A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of a fire.

Alarm Verification: A feature of some automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms. Smoke detectors must report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period after being reset, to be accepted as a valid alarm initiating signal.

Analog Initiating Device: An initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees of condition, such as smoke obscuration levels. As contrasted with a conventional initiating device which can only indicate an “on/off” condition

Annunciator: A unit containing two or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays, or other equivalent means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition, or location.

Approved: Acceptable to the “authority having jurisdiction”.

Note: The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect or certify any installations, procedures, equipment, or materials, nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories.

Authority Having Jurisdiction: Organization, office or individual responsible for “approving” equipment, an installation or a procedure.

Automatic Extinguishing System Operation Detector: A device that detects the operation of an extinguishing system by means appropriate to the system employed. Including but not limited to water flow devices.

Automatic Extinguishing System Supervision: Devices that respond to abnormal conditions that could affect the proper operation of an automatic sprinkler system or other fire extinguishing system. Including but not limited to control valves, pressure levels, room temperature, etc.

Automatic Fire Detectors: A device designed to detect the presence of fire or the products of combustion. Including but not limited to heat detectors, flame detectors, smoke detectors.

Auxiliary Fire Alarm System: A system connected to a municipal fire alarm system for transmitting an alarm of fire to the public fire service communication center. Fire alarms from an auxiliary system are received at the public fire service communication center on the same equipment and by the same methods as alarms transmitted manually from municipal fire alarm boxes located on streets.

Breakglass Fire Alarm Box: A fire alarm box in which it is necessary to break a special element in order to operate the box.

Ceiling: The upper surface of a space, regardless of height. Areas with a suspended ceiling would have two ceilings, one visible from the floor and one above the suspended ceiling.

Ceiling Height: The height from the continuous floor of a room to the continuous ceiling of a room or space.

Ceiling Surfaces: Ceiling surfaces referred to in conjunction with the locations of initiating devices are as follows:

A} Beam Construction: Ceilings having solid nonstructural members projecting down from the ceiling surface more than 4 in. and spaced more than 3 ft., center to center.

B} Girders: Girders support beams or joists and run at right angles to the beams or joists. When the top of girders are within 4 in. of the ceiling, they are a factor in determining the number of detectors and are to be considered as beams. When the top of the girder is more than 4 in. from the ceiling, it is not a factor in detector location.

Central Station: A supervising station that is listed for central station service.

Central Station Fire Alarm System: 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.

Class A Circuit: Class A refers to an arrangement of monitored initiating device, signaling line, or notification appliance circuits, which would permit a single open or ground on the installation wiring of these circuits from causing loss of the systems intended function.

Class B Circuit: Class B refers to an arrangement of monitored initiating device, signaling line, or notification appliance circuits, which would permit a single open or ground on the installation wiring of these circuits to cause loss of the systems intended function.

Combination Detector: A device that either responds to more than one fire phenomenon or employees more than one operating principle to sense one of these phenomenon. Typical examples are combination smoke/heat detectors or a combination rate of rise and fixed temperature heat detector.

Compatibility Listed: A specific listing process that applies only to two wire devices [such as smoke detectors] designed to operate with certain control equipment.

Digital Alarm Communicator Receiver [DACR]: A system component that will accept and display signals from digital alarm communicator transmitters [DACT] sent over public switched telephone network.

Digital Alarm Communicator System [DACS]: 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 DACR.

Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter [DACT]: A system component at the protected premises to which initiating devices are connected. The DACT will seize the connected telephone line, dial a pre-selected telephone number to connect to a DACR, and transmit signals indicating a status change of the initiating device.

Display: The visual representation of output data other than printed copy.

Evacuation: The withdrawal of occupants from a building.

Note: Evacuation does not include relocation of occupants within a building.

End Of Line Device: A device such as a resistor or diode placed at the end of a class B circuit to maintain supervision.

End Of Line Relay: A device used to supervise power [usually for 4-wire smoke detectors] and installed within or near the last device on an initiating circuit.

Evacuation Signal: Distinctive signal intended to be recognized by the occupants as requiring evacuation of the building.

Exit Plan: Plan for the emergency evacuation of the premises.

Fire Alarm Control Unit [Panel]: A system component that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may supply power to detection devices and transponders or

off-premises transmitters. The control unit may also provide transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer condition of relays or devices connected to the control unit. The fire alarm control unit can be a local unit or a master control unit.

Fire Rating: The classifications indicating in time [hours] the ability of a structure or component to withstand fire conditions.

Fire Safety Functions: Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire.

Flame Detector: A device that detects the infrared, ultraviolet, or visible radiation caused by fire.

Four Wire Smoke Detector: a smoke detector that has two distinct circuits used in its operation. The first circuit provides resettable power for the detector and the second circuit monitors the contact on the device. These types of devices are not listed for compatibility.

Heat Detector: A device that detects abnormally high temperature or rate of temperature rise.

Initiating Device: A system component that originates transmission of a change of state condition, such as a smoke detector, water flow switch, etc.

Initiating Device Circuit: A circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected.

Ionization Smoke Detector: A smoke detector that has a small amount of radioactive material which ionizes the air in the sensing chamber, thus rendering it conductive and permitting a current to flow between two charged electrodes. This gives the sensing chamber an effective electrical conductance. When smoke particles enter the sensing chamber they decrease the conductance of the air by attaching themselves to the ions, causing a reduction in mobility. When conductance is reduced to less than a predetermined level, the detector responds.

Level Ceilings: Those ceilings that are actually level or have a slope of less than 1 1/2 in. per foot.

Light Scattering: The action of light being reflected and/or refracted off particles of combustion for detection by a photoelectric smoke detector.

Line Type Detector: A device in which detection is continuous along a path. Examples include projected beam smoke detectors and heat sensitive cable.

Listed: Equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the “authority having jurisdiction” and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specific manner.

Note: The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation, some of which do not recognize as listed unless it is also labeled. The “authority having jurisdiction” should utilize the system employed by the listing organization to identify a listed product.

Local Fire Alarm System: A local system sounding an alarm at the protected premises as the result of the operation of automatic or manual initiating devices.

Manual Station [pull station]: A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal.

National Fire Protection Association [NFPA]: Administers the development of and publishes codes, standards, and other materials concerning all phases of fire safety.

Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) – a laboratory that is recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as meeting the necessary qualifications specified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Common NRTL in the United States that deal with fire alarm products are FM Approvals, Intertek Testing Services (ETL) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (ULI)

Non restorable Initiating Device: A device whose sensing element is designed to be destroyed in the process of operation.

Notification Appliance: A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, strobe, etc. that provides an audible or visible output or both.

Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC): A circuit directly connected to a notification appliance.

Obscuration: A reduction in the atmospheric transparency caused by smoke. Usually expressed in percent per foot.

Particles of Combustion: Substances resulting from the chemical process of a fire.

Photoelectric Smoke Detector: A smoke detector utilizing a light source and a photosensitive sensor so arranged that the rays from the light do not normally shine on the photosensitive sensor. When smoke enters the light path, some of the light reflects off the smoke onto the sensor, causing the detector to respond.

Proprietary Fire Alarm System: An installation of fire alarm systems that serve contiguous and noncontiguous properties under one ownership from a proprietary supervising station located at the protected property.

Rate Of Rise Heat Detector: A device which will respond when the temperature rises at a rate exceeding a predetermined amount [usually about 15 degrees per minute].

Remote Station Fire Alarm System: A system installed in accordance with NFPA 72 to transmit alarm, trouble and supervisory from one or more protected premises to a remote location at which appropriate action is taken.

Restorable Initiating Device: A device whose sensing element is not ordinarily destroyed in the process of operation. Restoration may be manual or automatic.

Shall: In NFPA literature indicates a mandatory requirement.

Should: In NFPA literature indicates a recommendation or that which is requested but not required.

Signaling Line Circuit: A circuit or path between any combination of circuit interfaces, control units, or transmitters over which multiple system input signals or output signals, or both are carried.

Sloping Ceiling: Ceilings having a slope of more than 1 1/2 in. per foot.

A: Sloping - Peaked Type, Ceilings in which the slope is in two directions from the highest point. Curved or domed ceilings may be considered peaked.

B: Sloping - Shed Type, Ceilings in which the high point is at one side with the slope extending toward the opposite side.

Smooth Ceiling: A surface uninterrupted by continuous projections such as solid joists, beams or ducts, extending more than 4 in. below the ceiling surface.

Solid Joist Construction: Ceilings having solid structural or nonstructural members projecting down from the ceiling surface a distance of more than 4 in. and spaced at intervals 3 ft. or less, center to center.

Spot Type Detector: A device whose detecting element is concentrated at a particular location. Examples include certain smoke and heat detectors.

Stratification: An effect that occurs when air containing smoke particles or products of combustion is heated by burning material, rises until it reaches a level where there is no longer a temperature difference between it and the surrounding air.

Story: the portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of a floor or roof next above.

Supervision: The ability to detect a fault condition in the installation wiring which would prevent normal operation of the fire alarm system.

Supervisory Signal: A signal indicating an “off normal” condition on the fire suppression system. Examples include, tamper indication, low air pressure and low building temperature.

Thermal Lag: The difference between the operating temperature of a thermal detector and the actual air temperature.

Two-Wire Smoke Detector: A smoke detector that initiates an alarm condition on the same pair of wires that supply power to the detector

Duct Smoke Detectors and LED Test Plates

Duct smoke detectors are a common device found in most fire alarm systems from the past and present. Whether the duct smoke detector is addressable or conventional, they both work the same way. A sample tube is inserted into the duct work and samples the air for smoke. If smoke is detected then the photoelectric smoke detector head within the duct smoke detectors sends an alarm signal to the fire alarm panel and shuts down the air conditioning unit.

With that said, most of these duct smoke detectors are located in areas that are not very easily accessed. These areas could include areas such as above t-bar or hard lid ceilings, attic spaces or roof tops. If the actual duct detector is located above a ceiling then access hatches or panels must be provided for obvious reasons. Also if the duct smoke detector is located in an area out of sight then you must provide a detailed description of the device location within the fire alarm control panel program as well as a remote LED plate on the ceiling below the device. This will assist the fire department, end user and technician locate the device. In fact, some jurisdictions such as L.A. County are requiring the remote LED plate to be installed any time you have a duct smoke detector above a ceiling and out of plain view.

With all of this information it is hard for me to understand how some of these local fire alarm installation companies are getting away with installing the remote LED plates on the wall directly above the thermostat controls for the particular HVAC unit. This picture was taken at a local restaurant in the Valencia, CA area. Now with these remote LED plates installed on the wall it makes it easy for fire alarm testing but it totally eliminates their true purpose. If there is a fire reported at the building with a signal coming from a duct smoke detector then the fire department is going to want to know exactly where it's location is the minute they enter. The LED on the wall does not exactly help.

Elevator Recall Programming | Fire Alarm Sequence of Operations

Fire Alarms Online • Elevator Recall Programming Guide
Elevator recall programming becomes much easier when you stop thinking about individual devices and start thinking in terms of inputs, outputs and the required sequence of operations. This guide explains designated-level recall, alternate-level recall, the flashing fire hat signal, shunt trip and the fire alarm interfaces used for elevator emergency operation.

How Does Elevator Recall Programming Work?

Elevator recall is one of those fire alarm functions that can look complicated on a sequence-of-operations matrix but becomes surprisingly logical once the system is broken into individual inputs and outputs.

The basic concept is simple:

• A fire alarm initiating device detects a condition associated with the elevator.
• The fire alarm control unit processes that input.
• The fire alarm system activates the appropriate elevator interface output.
• The elevator controller performs the required elevator operation.

Important: The fire alarm system normally does not directly "drive" the elevator car to a floor. It provides the required interface signal to the elevator control system. The elevator controller then performs Phase I Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with the applicable elevator code and approved sequence.

What Codes Govern Elevator Recall?

Elevator recall is not governed by a single code section.

A properly designed system requires coordination between several codes and standards, including:

• IBC Chapter 30 for building requirements affecting elevators and emergency operation
• ASME A17.1/CSA B44 for elevator safety and Firefighters' Emergency Operation
• NFPA 72 Chapter 21 for fire alarm emergency-control interfaces involving elevators
• NFPA 13 where automatic sprinkler protection affects the elevator hoistway or associated elevator equipment spaces
• The locally adopted building, fire and elevator codes

The current International Building Code requires elevators subject to these provisions to have Phase I Emergency Recall Operation and Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

For the fire alarm designer, NFPA 72 provides the requirements for the fire alarm initiating devices, emergency-control interfaces and related functions used to initiate the required elevator operation.

Phase I vs Phase II Elevator Operation

Phase I Emergency Recall Operation

Phase I is the automatic or manually initiated operation that removes elevators from normal passenger service and returns them to the appropriate recall level.

This is the portion of elevator emergency operation most directly associated with fire alarm system programming.

Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation

Phase II is the firefighter-controlled operating mode available from inside the elevator car after the elevator has entered the required emergency operation.

The fire alarm system is heavily involved in initiating Phase I and providing required signals, but it is important not to describe Phase II as simply another fire alarm output. Phase II is an elevator-system function governed by the applicable elevator safety requirements.

Designated Level vs Alternate Level Recall

Most elevator recall programming revolves around two fundamental destinations:

• Designated Level
• Alternate Level

The exact floors are established by the approved elevator design and are not automatically "Floor 1" and "Floor 2."

Programming Tip: Never hard-code the assumption that the designated recall level is always the first floor. Verify the approved elevator drawings and sequence of operations. Site configuration can produce a different designated or alternate landing.

What Is Designated-Level Elevator Recall?

The designated level is the normal landing selected for Phase I Emergency Recall Operation.

In a typical installation, activation of an applicable elevator recall initiating device on a floor other than the designated recall level causes the elevator system to receive the designated-level recall signal.

The elevator controller then performs the required Phase I operation and recalls the affected elevator or elevator group to the designated level.

What Is Alternate-Level Elevator Recall?

The alternate recall level provides another landing when the designated level itself could be affected by the fire condition.

A classic example is smoke detection at the elevator lobby on the designated recall floor.

Instead of bringing the elevator directly toward the detected condition, the fire alarm system provides the appropriate alternate-level recall interface signal so the elevator controller can perform the required operation.

Simple Elevator Recall Example

Imagine a four-story building where the approved elevator design establishes:

• Designated recall level: Floor 1
• Alternate recall level: Floor 2

For a simplified programming example:

Input	Typical Elevator Interface Function
Floor 1 elevator lobby smoke detector	Alternate-level recall
Floor 2 elevator lobby smoke detector	Designated-level recall
Floor 3 elevator lobby smoke detector	Designated-level recall
Floor 4 elevator lobby smoke detector	Designated-level recall

This is a simplified teaching example. The actual project must follow the approved elevator/fire alarm sequence and applicable code.

Where Are Elevator Recall Smoke Detectors Located?

Where automatic fire detection is required to initiate elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation, the applicable NFPA 72 and ASME A17.1/CSA B44 provisions determine the required initiating-device locations.

Depending on the elevator arrangement, applicable initiating devices can be associated with locations such as:

• Elevator lobbies
• Elevator machine rooms
• Control rooms
• Control spaces
• Machinery spaces
• Hoistways where detection is specifically required

Do not automatically place smoke detectors throughout an elevator hoistway simply because the building has elevator recall.

The 21-Foot Elevator Lobby Detector Rule

One of the most recognized NFPA 72 elevator-recall rules involves the location of lobby smoke detectors used to initiate Phase I Emergency Recall Operation.

Where the applicable prescriptive arrangement is used, the detector is located within 21 feet of the centerline of each elevator door within the elevator bank under control of that detector.

The important words are each elevator door in the bank.

Do not turn "21 feet" into a generic smoke-detector spacing rule. It is an elevator-recall detector-location requirement for the applicable configuration.

Does Every Elevator Hoistway Need a Smoke Detector?

No.

This is an important correction to many older elevator-recall explanations.

Smoke detection is not automatically installed in every elevator hoistway. Whether detection is required depends on the hoistway configuration, sprinkler arrangement, elevator equipment located within the hoistway, smoke-relief functions and the applicable elevator/building/fire alarm requirements.

NFPA 72 specifically addresses situations involving hoistway sprinklers and situations where elevator machinery or control equipment is located within the hoistway.

The correct approach is to determine why detection is required before placing a detector in the shaft.

Elevator Machine Room and Control Space Detection

Elevator technology has changed considerably. Many modern elevators do not have the traditional large machine room that older fire alarm drawings show.

You may encounter:

• Machine rooms
• Control rooms
• Machinery spaces
• Control spaces
• Machine-room-less elevator arrangements

That is why modern elevator/fire alarm coordination should not simply use "EMR smoke detector" as a universal design note.

Identify the actual elevator equipment configuration and coordinate the required detection and interfaces accordingly.

What Is the Flashing Fire Hat Signal?

One of the most recognizable elevator emergency indicators is the illuminated or flashing firefighter helmet symbol, commonly called the fireman's hat or firefighter hat light.

Its purpose is to warn firefighters of specified fire conditions associated with the elevator equipment or hoistway so they have additional information before using the elevator under Firefighters' Emergency Operation.

Elevator firefighter warning indicator commonly called the flashing fire hat.

Important: Do not program the firefighter warning indicator from an old generic sequence simply because an initiating device is located somewhere near the elevator. Use the current approved elevator sequence and applicable ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and NFPA 72 requirements.

Elevator Recall Is Not the Same as Elevator Shunt Trip

This distinction causes a tremendous amount of confusion.

Elevator recall and elevator power shutdown are separate functions.

Recall initiates the appropriate elevator emergency operation so the elevator controller can move the car to the required recall landing and remove it from normal passenger operation.

Shunt trip, where required, disconnects the affected elevator's main line power before water from specified automatic sprinklers can be applied to elevator electrical equipment.

The current IBC requires automatic elevator power shutdown where qualifying elevator hoistways, machine rooms, control rooms or control spaces containing elevator control equipment are sprinkler protected. The shutdown means is coordinated with NFPA 72 and must operate before application of water.

For a detailed explanation, see our complete guide: Elevator Shunt Trip Requirements & Codes.

Do Elevator Shunt-Trip Heat Detectors Recall the Elevator?

Do not automatically treat a shunt-trip heat detector as an ordinary elevator recall detector.

The detector used to initiate elevator power shutdown has a specific emergency-control function. Its required outputs must follow the approved sequence and current elevator/fire alarm requirements.

This distinction is important when programming addressable fire alarm systems because one physical initiating device can have multiple required consequences, but those consequences should come from the approved sequence rather than assumptions carried over from another project.

Heat Detector vs Sprinkler Temperature for Shunt Trip

Where heat detection is used to initiate elevator power shutdown before sprinkler operation, the detector selection and installation must be coordinated so the required power shutdown occurs before the application of water.

Do not reduce this requirement to the oversimplified rule:

"Just use a lower-temperature heat detector."

Temperature ratings, response characteristics, spacing, sprinkler characteristics, ceiling conditions and the applicable code/listing all need to be coordinated.

We explain that subject separately in: Elevator Shunt Trip Requirements & Codes.

Typical Fire Alarm Inputs for Elevator Recall

The exact devices depend on the project, but a fire alarm programmer might encounter inputs associated with:

• Designated-level elevator lobby detection
• Other elevator lobby detection
• Machine-room detection
• Control-room detection
• Machinery-space detection
• Control-space detection
• Required hoistway detection
• Heat detection associated with elevator power shutdown
• Sprinkler-system supervisory or waterflow functions where required

Typical Fire Alarm Outputs Associated With Elevators

Depending on the approved design, outputs may include:

• Designated-level recall
• Alternate-level recall
• Firefighter warning / flashing hat signal
• Elevator power shutdown interface
• Standby or emergency-power-related interface functions where required
• Other elevator-controller interfaces required by the approved sequence

How I Break Down Elevator Recall Programming

When programming an addressable fire alarm system, I recommend starting with the approved sequence of operations instead of starting at the fire alarm panel.

Make a list of every elevator-related input.

Then make a separate list of every required output.

Finally, create an input/output matrix showing exactly which output each input must activate.

Example Programming Matrix

Example Input	Recall Function	Other Required Function
Designated-floor lobby smoke	Alternate recall	Per approved sequence
Other-floor lobby smoke	Designated recall	Per approved sequence
Elevator equipment-space smoke	Per approved recall sequence	Firefighter warning where required
Shunt-trip initiating device	Do not assume ordinary recall logic	Power shutdown and other required interfaces per approved sequence

Programmer's Tip: Give the elevator functions meaningful software labels such as ELEV DESIGNATED RECALL, ELEV ALTERNATE RECALL, ELEV FIRE HAT and ELEV POWER SHUTDOWN instead of vague labels such as RELAY 1, RELAY 2 and RELAY 3. The technician troubleshooting the system five years later will thank you.

Don't Program Elevator Recall From Memory

Even if you have programmed hundreds of elevators, do not assume the next project uses exactly the same sequence.

Before programming, review:

• Approved fire alarm drawings
• Elevator shop drawings
• Fire alarm sequence of operations
• Elevator interface requirements
• Sprinkler drawings
• Applicable building and elevator code requirements
• Emergency/standby power arrangement
• AHJ requirements

The fire alarm drawings and elevator drawings should agree on the required interfaces.

Fire Alarm Relay Modules and Elevator Controllers

In an addressable fire alarm system, elevator interfaces are commonly provided through listed addressable control/relay modules.

The fire alarm relay provides the required contact operation to the elevator control interface. The exact contact state, supervision, fail-safe arrangement and interface requirements must match the approved elevator controller requirements and project documentation.

Never assume that every elevator manufacturer wants the same normally-open or normally-closed interface arrangement.

For additional interface information, see: How to Wire an Elevator Shunt Trip | ECID & Relay Supervision.

Elevator Recall Testing

Elevator recall should be functionally tested as an integrated system rather than stopping when the fire alarm relay changes state.

Depending on the project and test scope, verification can include:

• Correct initiating device activation
• Correct FACU annunciation
• Correct designated or alternate recall output
• Receipt of the signal by the elevator controller
• Correct elevator response
• Correct firefighter warning indication where required
• Correct power-shutdown sequence where applicable
• Required emergency or standby power interaction
• Proper restoration after testing

A relay LED turning on is not proof that the complete elevator recall sequence works.

Special Case: Fire Service Access and Occupant Evacuation Elevators

Do not automatically apply an ordinary passenger-elevator shunt-trip detail to every elevator.

Modern building codes contain special provisions for Fire Service Access Elevators and Occupant Evacuation Elevators.

For example, current IBC provisions prohibit the ordinary Section 3005.5 shunt-trip means on elevator systems used as Fire Service Access Elevators and Occupant Evacuation Elevators.

These systems require careful coordination with the building, elevator, sprinkler and fire alarm designs.

Common Elevator Recall Programming Mistakes

• Assuming Floor 1 is always the designated recall floor.
• Sending designated-floor lobby smoke to designated recall instead of the required alternate operation.
• Treating elevator recall and shunt trip as the same function.
• Installing hoistway smoke detection automatically without determining why it is required.
• Using outdated "machine room only" terminology on machine-room-less elevators.
• Programming the flashing firefighter hat from memory instead of the approved sequence.
• Assuming every elevator controller uses identical relay contact logic.
• Testing only the fire alarm relay instead of verifying the elevator actually performs the required operation.
• Copying an old project sequence into a new project without reviewing the current elevator shop drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is elevator recall?

Elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation removes affected elevators from normal passenger service and sends them to the appropriate recall landing in response to specified emergency conditions.

What is designated-level recall?

Designated-level recall causes the elevator controller to perform Phase I operation to the designated recall landing established by the approved elevator design.

What is alternate-level recall?

Alternate-level recall sends the elevator to the approved alternate landing when the designated landing is associated with the detected fire condition or when otherwise required by the approved sequence.

Is the designated recall level always the first floor?

No. Although the main level of exit discharge is commonly used, the actual designated and alternate recall levels must be verified from the approved elevator design.

How far can an elevator lobby smoke detector be from the elevator?

Where the applicable NFPA 72 prescriptive lobby-detection arrangement is used, the detector must be positioned so the required elevator doors in the controlled bank are within the specified 21-foot criterion. Always verify the adopted NFPA 72 edition and project configuration.

Does every elevator shaft require a smoke detector?

No. Hoistway detection depends on the elevator, sprinkler, machinery/control-space and smoke-control configuration and the applicable codes and standards.

Does elevator recall shut off elevator power?

No. Recall and elevator power shutdown are separate functions. Shunt trip is used only where required by the applicable code and sprinkler/elevator arrangement.

Does a shunt-trip heat detector automatically recall the elevator?

Do not make that assumption. The initiating device's required functions must come from the approved sequence of operations and applicable current codes.

What is the flashing fire hat?

It is the firefighter warning indicator associated with specified elevator emergency conditions. Its operation must follow the applicable elevator code and approved sequence.

Related Fire Alarms Online Elevator Guides

Elevator recall is only one part of the complete fire alarm/elevator interface. Continue with these related Fire Alarms Online guides:

• Elevator Recall and Shunt Trip Basics
• Elevator Shunt Trip Requirements & Codes
• How to Wire an Elevator Shunt Trip | ECID & Relay Supervision
• Elevator Shunt Trip Wiring Diagram | Fire Alarm Power Shutdown
• Elevator Recall & Shunt Trip Explained | Current Code Guide

Author's Field Note: Elevator recall programming is straightforward once the approved sequence is converted into an input/output matrix. The dangerous part is assuming the sequence before you verify it. Elevator type, sprinkler protection, equipment location, emergency power and adopted code edition can all change the required interfaces.

Bottom Line

Think of elevator recall programming as a sequence rather than a collection of relays:

Detection → Fire Alarm Logic → Elevator Interface → Elevator Controller → Required Emergency Operation.

Determine the designated and alternate recall levels, identify every required initiating device, establish the correct elevator interface outputs, separate recall from power shutdown, and verify the entire sequence through functional testing.

When the input/output matrix is correct, programming the fire alarm panel is usually the easy part.