Glossary & Common Terms - Defined
NFPA 25
This is a standard defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the testing, inspection, and maintenance of water-based systems.
This is used for inspection fire sprinkler systems such as: dry systems, wet systems, and antifreeze systems.
NFPA 72
This is a standard defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the application, location, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire-alarm systems and mass notification systems (MNS).
This is used for inspecting devices such as smoke detectors, the fire alarm control panel, AES radios, horns/strobes, pull-stations, and much more.
NFPA 96
This is a standard defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations
This is used for inspection of paint-spray booths and commercial kitchen hoods.
Inspectors also reference NFPA 13A
NFPA 10
This is a standard defined by the National Fire PRotection Associatio (NFPA) for Portable Fire Extinguishers
This is used for inspecting a site’s location for fire extinguishers, to make sure the correct type, style, and size are correct for where a portable extinguisher is installed.
AHJ - Authorities Having Jurisdiction
References authorities have had legal jurisdiction over the location in reference. Examples include: the City and County of Denver, South Metro Fire Authority, and West Metro Fire Authority, to name a few out of many.
Backflow Preventer Device:
A backflow preventer device is a mechanical plumbing device designed to prevent the reversal of the flow of water or other liquids in a plumbing system. Backflow can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure within the system, causing contaminated or polluted water from external sources to be drawn back into the potable water supply. This can pose a serious health risk by introducing harmful substances, bacteria, or contaminants into the drinking water supply.
The primary function of a backflow preventer device is to ensure that water flows in one direction only, preventing the backward flow of water from the plumbing system into the public water supply or other connected systems. Backflow preventers are typically required by plumbing codes and regulations to protect public health and safety.
There are several types of backflow preventer devices, each designed for specific applications and levels of protection:
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): A pressure vacuum breaker is a type of backflow preventer commonly used in irrigation systems and outdoor plumbing connections. It consists of a spring-loaded check valve and an air inlet valve that opens to release vacuum pressure, preventing backflow when there is a drop in water pressure.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): A double check valve assembly is a backflow preventer commonly used in commercial and industrial settings. It consists of two independently operating check valves that prevent backflow by creating a barrier between the potable water supply and potential contaminants.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly: An RPZ assembly is a high-level backflow preventer designed for use in high-hazard applications where there is a significant risk of contamination. It consists of two check valves and a pressure differential relief valve that opens to discharge water to the atmosphere if backflow occurs, providing additional protection against contamination.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): An atmospheric vacuum breaker is a simple, cost-effective backflow preventer commonly used in residential plumbing systems. It consists of a spring-loaded check valve and an air inlet valve that opens to break the vacuum and prevent backflow.
Backflow preventer devices are typically installed at critical points in plumbing systems where there is a risk of backflow, such as irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, boiler systems, and commercial kitchen equipment. Regular maintenance and testing of backflow preventers are essential to ensure their proper operation and effectiveness in protecting the potable water supply from contamination.
Note: To work on fire-line backflows in the state of Colorado, you must hold a Fire Suppression Contractor - Backflow license and be certified to work on fire suppression systems as a licensed Sprinkler Fitter and be certified to test backflows with an ASSE or ABPA certification.
Central Monitoring Station
A central monitoring station, often referred to simply as a monitoring station, is a centralized facility equipped with specialized hardware and software systems designed to monitor and respond to various types of alarms and signals from security and safety systems. These systems may include intrusion detection systems, fire alarm systems, video surveillance systems, access control systems, and environmental monitoring systems.
FACP
This stands for “Fire Alarm Control Panel”
Fire Extinguisher:
A fire extinguisher is a portable device designed to extinguish or control small fires, typically in emergency situations. It contains a pressurized substance that is expelled onto a fire to suppress or extinguish it. Fire extinguishers are an essential part of fire safety equipment in buildings, vehicles, and various other settings where fires may occur.
Key components of a fire extinguisher include:
Cylinder: The outer casing of the extinguisher, typically made of metal, which contains the extinguishing agent and the propellant.
Extinguishing Agent: The substance stored within the cylinder that is discharged onto the fire to suppress or extinguish it. The type of extinguishing agent varies depending on the type of fire the extinguisher is designed to combat (e.g., water, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide).
Propellant: A compressed gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, stored within the cylinder, which pressurizes the extinguishing agent and expels it when the extinguisher is activated.
Nozzle or Discharge Hose: The opening through which the extinguishing agent is expelled onto the fire. Some extinguishers have a discharge hose for greater control and precision in directing the agent.
Handle or Trigger: The mechanism used to activate the extinguisher and discharge the extinguishing agent onto the fire. When the handle or trigger is squeezed, it releases the propellant, causing the extinguishing agent to be expelled from the nozzle.
Fire extinguishers are typically classified based on the types of fires they are designed to combat, such as Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical fires), Class D (combustible metals), and Class K (kitchen fires). It's important to select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher for the specific hazards present in a given environment and to ensure that extinguishers are properly maintained, inspected, and readily accessible for immediate use in case of fire emergencies.
Fire Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler Heads: These are the devices attached to the piping network that release water or other extinguishing agents when they detect sufficient heat from a fire. Sprinkler heads typically consist of a heat-sensitive element, such as a fusible link or a glass bulb filled with a heat-sensitive liquid, which activates when exposed to high temperatures.
needs and environments. The main types of fire sprinkler heads include:
Standard Spray Sprinkler Heads: These are the most common type of sprinkler heads and are typically used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Standard spray heads discharge water in a circular pattern, distributing it evenly over a wide area to suppress fires effectively. They are available in various temperature ratings and are suitable for use in a wide range of fire hazards.
Fast Response Sprinkler Heads: Fast response sprinkler heads are similar to standard spray heads but are designed to respond more quickly to rising temperatures. They have a smaller thermal element, allowing them to activate faster and release water sooner in the event of a fire. Fast response sprinklers are often used in areas where rapid fire detection and suppression are critical, such as storage areas with high ceilings or areas with high-value assets.
Concealed Sprinkler Heads: Concealed sprinkler heads are designed to be recessed into the ceiling, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to standard exposed sprinkler heads. They are often used in areas where architectural considerations or design preferences require a more discreet sprinkler system. Concealed heads typically have a cover plate that drops away when the sprinkler activates, allowing water to discharge.
Extended Coverage Sprinkler Heads: Extended coverage sprinkler heads are designed to provide coverage over larger areas with fewer sprinkler heads. They have a wider spray pattern and a higher flow rate compared to standard sprinkler heads, allowing them to protect larger areas with fewer obstructions. Extended coverage sprinklers are commonly used in warehouses, open office spaces, and other areas with high ceilings or large footprints.
Specialty Sprinkler Heads: Specialty sprinkler heads are designed for specific fire protection applications, such as protecting hazardous materials, suppressing high-challenge fires, or providing enhanced corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Examples include foam-water sprinklers, deluge sprinklers, dry sprinklers, and corrosion-resistant sprinklers.
The selection of fire sprinkler heads depends on factors such as the type of fire hazard present, the occupancy classification of the building, ceiling height, water supply characteristics, and regulatory requirements. Proper design and installation of sprinkler heads are essential for ensuring effective fire protection and compliance with building and fire codes.
Fire Sprinkler System:
There are several types of fire sprinkler systems, each designed to provide fire protection in different types of buildings and environments. The main types of fire sprinkler systems include:
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems: This is the most common type of fire sprinkler system. In a wet pipe system, the piping network is filled with water under pressure at all times. When a fire is detected, a heat-activated sprinkler head opens, releasing water onto the fire. Wet pipe systems are suitable for use in heated buildings where freezing temperatures are not a concern.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems: In a dry pipe system, the piping network is filled with compressed air or nitrogen instead of water. When a sprinkler head opens due to heat from a fire, the pressure in the system drops, allowing water to flow into the piping and discharge through the open sprinkler head. Dry pipe systems are typically used in areas where freezing temperatures are a concern, such as unheated warehouses, attics, or parking garages.
Preaction Sprinkler Systems: Preaction systems are similar to dry pipe systems but include an additional layer of protection to prevent accidental discharge of water. These systems require two independent actions to activate the sprinklers: detection of a fire by a heat or smoke detector and manual activation of the preaction valve. Once both conditions are met, water is released into the piping network and discharged through the open sprinkler heads.
Deluge Sprinkler Systems: Deluge systems are designed to provide rapid and high-volume water discharge over a large area in response to a fire. Unlike other sprinkler systems, all sprinkler heads in a deluge system are open, and water is released simultaneously upon detection of a fire. Deluge systems are often used in high-hazard areas such as chemical storage facilities, aircraft hangars, or industrial manufacturing plants.
Foam Sprinkler Systems: Foam sprinkler systems are designed to discharge a mixture of water and foam concentrate onto a fire to suppress flammable liquid fires more effectively. These systems are commonly used in areas where flammable liquids are stored or processed, such as refineries, chemical plants, or fuel storage facilities.
Each type of fire sprinkler system has its own advantages and is selected based on factors such as the specific fire hazards present, environmental conditions, building occupancy, and regulatory requirements. Proper design, installation, and maintenance are essential for ensuring the effectiveness of a fire sprinkler system in protecting life and property from fire hazards.
Fire Watch
When a fire system, whether it is on the alarm side or sprinkler side, is heavily impaired or inoperable, a site is placed on fire-watch. Different AHJ’s have different regulations requiring this, however “fire watch" involves assigning individuals to monitor areas that are at risk of fire. It's crucial when fire systems are temporarily out. Fire watchers prevent and respond to fire hazards, enhancing overall safety.
Please contact your AHJ for fire-watch reporting for your site address
Provided is the City & County of Denver | Fire Department’s page and information regarding fire-watch within Denver’s jurisdiction - please click here
It is the responsibility of the tenant, owner, or management company to provide and pay for fire-watch. Here are a few companies DFP recommends for fire-watch.
For an in-depth explanation of what entails fire-watch, please read our blog about it here
Initiating Device
Refers to any component or device that detects the presence of a fire or other emergency condition and initiates the alarm sequence
Examples include:
Smoke Detectors: These devices detect the presence of smoke particles in the air, indicating a potential fire. There are various types of smoke detectors, including ionization smoke detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, and combination detectors
Heat Detectors: Heat detectors are designed to sense increases in temperature indicative of a fire. They typically activate when temperatures reach a predetermined threshold, signaling the presence of a fire even in the absence of smoke.
Flame Detectors: Flame detectors are specialized devices that detect the presence of flames using various sensing technologies, such as infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) detection. They are particularly useful in environments where smoke or heat detectors may be prone to false alarms.
Manual Pull Stations: Manual pull stations, also known as manual fire alarm boxes, allow occupants to manually activate the fire alarm system by pulling a handle or breaking a glass panel. These devices are typically installed at various locations throughout a building to provide a quick and easily accessible means of initiating an alarm in case of emergency.
Gas Detectors: Gas detectors are used to detect the presence of hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO) or natural gas, which may indicate a potential fire or other dangerous situation.
Means of Communication
In the context of a fire alarm system, a "means of communication" typically refers to the method by which the fire alarm system notifies relevant parties about a fire or emergency situation.
Type “means of communication” from a fire-alarm control panel include:
RF or Radio Frequency - (Which is now the preferred means of communication for the City & County of Denver)
An AES radio, in the context of a fire alarm system, refers to a type of communication device manufactured by AES Corporation, a company specializing in wireless mesh networking technology. AES radios are commonly used as a means of communication for fire alarm systems, providing a reliable and secure method for transmitting alarm signals to a monitoring station or emergency responders.
AES radios are designed to transmit alarm signals wirelessly using radio frequency (RF) communication. When a fire alarm is triggered, the alarm panel sends a signal to the AES radio device, which then broadcasts the signal to nearby AES radio units within its network.
AES radios operate using a mesh networking topology, which means that each radio unit acts as both a transmitter and a receiver. This allows for robust and redundant communication, as the signal can hop from one radio unit to another until it reaches its destination, even in environments with obstacles or interference.
AES radios are known for their reliability and resilience. They are designed to operate in challenging environments and are less susceptible to interference or signal degradation compared to other communication methods such as cellular or phone lines.
AES radios utilize encryption and authentication protocols to ensure the security and integrity of transmitted alarm signals. This helps prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the alarm system
Cell Dialer
A cell dialer, also known as a cellular communicator or cellular alarm communicator, is a device used in security and alarm systems to transmit signals wirelessly using cellular networks.
Cellular networks are generally more reliable than landlines and less susceptible to outages caused by weather or infrastructure problems.
A cell dialer typically consists of a small device that connects to the alarm panel and contains a SIM card, similar to those used in mobile phones. When an alarm event occurs, the cell dialer uses the cellular network to transmit signals to a monitoring center, which can then take appropriate action, such as contacting emergency services or central monitoring stations.
Phone Lines
When a fire alarm is triggered, either manually by someone activating a pull station or automatically by smoke detectors or heat detectors, the alarm panel sends a signal through the phone line to a monitoring station. This signal alerts the monitoring station to the emergency.
It's worth noting that while phone lines have historically been a common method of communication for fire alarm systems, advancements in technology have introduced alternative communication methods such as cellular communicators, IP (internet protocol) communication, and radio frequency (RF) communication. These alternatives offer benefits such as increased reliability, faster transmission speeds, and greater flexibility, particularly in areas where landline infrastructure may be unreliable or unavailable.
Notification Device
Refers to any component or device that alerts occupants of a building to the presence of a fire or other emergency.
Examples include:
Audible Alarms: These devices produce loud sounds, such as sirens, bells, horns, or voice messages, to alert occupants to the presence of a fire or other emergency. Audible alarms are designed to be heard throughout the building, even in noisy environments, and are often accompanied by flashing lights for added visibility.
Visual Alarms: Visual alarm devices, such as strobe lights, provide visual indicators to alert occupants who may be deaf or hard of hearing or those who may not be able to hear the audible alarms due to environmental noise. Visual alarms are typically installed in conjunction with audible alarms to ensure that all occupants receive timely notifications.
Voice Evacuation Systems: Voice evacuation systems use pre-recorded or live voice messages to provide clear and concise instructions to occupants during an emergency. These systems may include speakers strategically placed throughout the building to ensure that instructions are heard in all areas.
Water Authority
While AHJ’s have a say over the fire systems at side addresses, water authorities have a say and control over the backflow portion of the systems at locations. Depending on the site address, there are different water authorities. Examples in Colorado include Denver Water - Cross Connections Program, Parker Water & Sanitation, and more.