1

2012 Higher Education

Risk Management Conference
Waymon Jackson, P.E.
University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Fire Marshal
Fire Prevention Services
Campus Safety and Security
The University of Texas at Austin
304 East 24th Street, Suite 202AE
Austin, Texas 78712
waymon.jackson@austin.utexas.edu
Tel (512) 471-2197
Fax (512) 471-6918

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THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATION
CONTAINS CONTENT THAT MAY
BE INAPPROPIATE FOR SOME OF
THE PARTICIPANTS




VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
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Provide an overview of NFPA 72-2010 as it relates to
Emergency Communication System (ECS).
Review the key design features in NFPA 72 as they relate to
circuit pathways, ECS pathway survivability, ECS secondary
power supply and speech intelligibility requirements.
4
Name Change:
Previously 2007 National Fire Alarm Code
Currently - 2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling
Code
The word fire was removed from the code whenever
possible:
Chapter 10 Fundamentals of Fire Alarm Systems
Chapter 26 Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems

5
This title change recognizes that NFPA 72 addresses signaling
systems used for more than just fire hazards. Systems used for
weather alerts and warnings, terrorist attacks, chemical
releases and other threats are now directly incorporated in
NFPA 72.
In addition to the addition of signaling systems to NFPA 72,
NFPA now addresses many other types of systems.
6
Combination Systems
Video Imaging Detection
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Gas Detection
Supervisory Service of Sprinkler Control Valves
Water Level Supervisory
Water Temperature Supervisory
Room Temperature Supervisory
Fire Extinguisher Monitoring
7
Circuits and Pathways Chapter 12
Emergency Control Functions & Interfaces Chapter 21
Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) Chapter 24
8
2007 edition had 11 Chapters
2010 edition has 29 Chapters 15 Unused
The intent of the reorganization was to make the code easier to
maneuver and allows for future changes and expansion
without having to relocate existing text.
Administrative Chapters 1 - 9
Support Chapters 10 - 19
System Chapters 20 - 29
Usability Annexes A - I

9
Administrative
Chapters
1 - 9
1
Administrative

3
Definitions
2
Referenced
Publications
4-9
Reserved
12
Circuits and
Pathways
14
Inspection,
Testing &
Maintenance
17
Initiating Devices
19
Reserved
10
Fundamentals
Support Chapters
10 - 19
13
Reserved
15 - 16
Reserved
18
Notification
Appliances
11
Reserved
10
Annex C System
Performance &
Design Guide
Annex E
NEMA SB 30
Annex G
Wiring Diagrams
Annex A
Explanatory
Material
Annex D
Speech
Intelligibility
Annex F
Sample
Ordinance
Annex H
Informational
References
Annex B
Engineering
Guide
22
Reserved
24
Emergency
Communications
Systems (ECS)
26
Supervising
Station Alarm
Systems
28
Reserved
20
Reserved
System Chapters
20 - 29
23
Protected Prem.
Fire Alm. Sys.
25
Reserved
27
Public Emer. Alm.
Reporting Sys.
21
Emer. Control
Func. & Interfaces
29
Household Fire
Alarm System
Annex I
Cross-Reference Table
Usability Annexes
A - I
11
The requirements for the
application, installation, and
performance of emergency
communications systems
(ECS) and their components
for voice/alarm
communications systems
within buildings and
outdoor areas and other
communications systems.
12
ECS - 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. NFPA 72

MNS - A system that
provides real-time
information to all building
occupants or personnel in
the immediate vicinity of
the building during
emergency situations.
UFC 4-021-01

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Emergency Communications Systems
(ECS) Chapter 24
One-way ECS
In-Building
Fire EVACS
In-building
MNS
Wide-area
MNS
Distributed
Recipient
MNS
Two-way in-
building ECS
Two-Way Wired
Emergency
Services ECS
Two-Way Radio
Enhance System
Area of refuge
ECS
Elevator ECS
Info Command
and Control
Performance
based design
Combination Systems
Interfaces with MNS
PA Systems Used for
MNS
14
One-Way Emergency Communications Systems
In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications
Systems (EVACS)
In-Building Mass Notification Systems
Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems
Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems
(DRMNSs)
15
Two-Way, In-Building Emergency Communications Systems
Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services
Communications Systems
Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems
Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency
Communications Systems
Elevator Emergency Communications Systems
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Fundamentals-Chapter 10
Circuits and Pathways-Chapter 12
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance-Chapter 14
Initiating Devices-Chapter 17
Notification Appliances-Chapter 18
Emergency Control Functions and Interface-Chapter 21
Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems-Chapter 23
Supervising Station Alarm Systems-Chapter 26
Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System-Chapter 27
17
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.
In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications
System - 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.
18
In-Building Mass Notification System. 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.
Wide-Area Mass Notification System. 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.
19
Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System (DRMNS).
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.


20
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.
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Fire department two-way telephone communication a
dedicated two-way telephone communications service
provided for use by the fire service and collocated with the
in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications
equipment.
Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems -
is a system used for enhancing fire department radio
communications within a building by the usage of a
reception antenna, a signal amplifier and an internal
rebroadcast antenna.

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Area of Refuge Emergency
Communications Systems - a
communication system located in
areas that have direct access to an
exit. They are used by people who
are unable to use stairs and can
remain temporarily in safety to
await instructions or assistance
during emergency evacuation or
other emergency situation.
Elevator Emergency
Communications Systems an
emergency communications
systems installed in elevators in
accordance with the requirements
of ANSI/ASME A17.1a/ CSA
B44a, Safety Code for Elevators
and Escalators.
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In order for the ECS to communicate information properly it
must reproduce the desired messages so that the intended
listeners will both hear and understand the message.
The two issues discussed above are the evacuation tone
audibility of the ECS and intelligibility of the message
transmitted through the ECS.
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Audibility, which is generally measured in decibels (dBA), is
defined as the state or quality of being perceptible by the
human ear.
25
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Signal-to-noise ratio is a comparison of the sound level that
is being produced by the speaker to the ambient or
background noise in the room.
To ensure that audible public mode signals are clearly heard,
they shall have a sound level at least 15 dB above the
average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum
sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds,
whichever is greater, measured 5 ft above the floor in the
area required to be served by the system using the A-
weighted scale (dBA).
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Distance from Sound Source
Doubling the distance to a measuring point decreases the
SPL by 6dB.
Absorption
Soft surfaces can absorb reduce the SPL by as much as 40
dB.
Room Configuration
Rooms that contain shelving or other obstruction can absorb
and/or reflect sound waves.
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Section 24.3.1 Intelligible Voice Messages. Requires ECS
messages with voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter
18.
NFPA 72-2010 defines intelligibility as the quality or
condition of being intelligible.
It further states intelligible as capable of being understood;
comprehensible; clear.
Speech Transmission Index (STI) is a measure of speech
transmission quality. The STI measures some physical
characteristics of a transmission channel and expresses the
ability of the channel to carry across the characteristics of a
speech signal.
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Speech Transmission Index for Public Address Systems
(STIPA) is a simplified version of STI designed for practical
application in specific situations (amongst others measuring
PA Systems in airports and railway stations). It is a weighted
average of the response to fluctuating modulation frequencies.
The Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS) was created to map all
quantitative intelligibility measurement methods to the same
scale so that all different results can be compared.
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Intelligibility Test A test method used to predict how well
speech is understood by a listener.
Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure Level The period of time
when the building involved in the test is occupied and is
reasonably close to having maximum background noise.
Unoccupied Ambient Sound Pressure Level The period of
time when the primary occupants of the facility are not
present, or when ambient noise is not at its highest level.
30
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Signal-to-noise ratio is a comparison of the sound level that
is being produced by the speaker to the ambient or
background noise in the room or area.
In order to help achieve the needed intelligibility, it is
important to ensure the speaker sound output is 10 to 15 dB
over ambient noise.
Frequency Response
For voice evacuation, speakers ideally should have a
frequency range between 150 and 11,000 Hertz (Hz)
because this is the frequency range that an adult voice
produces.
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Harmonic Distortion
There are many factors that affect harmonic distortion, such
as tolerance of the message generator and amplifier, loading
of the audio amplifiers (load vs. available power), or
mechanical factors, including foreign objects touching the
cone of the speaker, excessive voltage drop in the speaker
circuit, vibration caused by poor installation, and damaged
speakers. In addition, all manufactured equipment has
distortion built into it. All of these different factors build on
each other and have a cumulative effect on intelligibility.
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Reverberation
Reverberation is the persistence of a sound through echoes
and reflections after the initial sound source is removed.
These echoes and reflections are the main reason why it is
often difficult and sometimes impossible to achieve a
required intelligibility score in certain environments, like
large, open areas with very reflective surfaces. If echoes are
spaced too closely together, the sound cannot be clearly
distinguished by the listener, so minimizing reverberation is
key to achieving the intelligibility score desired.
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Some of the main factors that affect reverberation include
room size, the reflective properties of the surfaces in the
space, the orientation of the speaker, and the sound output
of the speaker.
Talker and Listener Abilities
There is great variation in the human element relating to
intelligibility, specifically around the abilities of the talker
and listeners. Talker abilities that could affect intelligibility
would include accents, dialects, diction, frequency of voice,
etc.
34
Where intelligibility is required and required to be measured,
quantitative methods using an intelligibility meter are typically
used. Intelligibility meters, which measure either STI or CIS
scores, are the most accurate and practical means of
conducting intelligibility testing.
There are also subjective test methods that use a group of
people who listen to a passage that is spoken or played over
the speaker system. The group is then asked to recall how
much of the passage they understood to determine the
intelligibility score. The two main types of tests done in this
manner are the Modified Rhyme Test and Phonetically
Balanced word score.
35
When conducting intelligibility testing, especially for an ECS,
NFPA 72-2010 requires that 90 percent of all measurements
taken in an ADS meet the required intelligibility scores in
order to be considered acceptable:
Measured STI of not less than 0.45 (0.65 CIS)
Average STI of not less than 0.50 (0.70 CIS)
36
Speech Intelligibility may be expressed by a single number
value. Two scales are most commonly used: STI and CIS.
37
STI predicts the likelihood of syllables, words and sentences
being comprehended. As an example, for native speakers, this
likelihood is given by:
STI
Value
Quality
according to
IEC 60268-16
Intelligibility of
Syllables in %
Intelligibility of
Words in %
Intelligibility of
Sentences in %
0 - 0.3 bad 0 - 34 0 - 67 0 - 89
0.3 - 0.45 poor 34 - 48 67 - 78 89 - 92
0.45 - 0.6 fair 48 - 67 78 - 87 92 - 95
0.6 - 0.75 good 67 - 90 87 - 94 95 - 96
0.75 - 1 excellent 90 - 96 94 - 96 96 - 100
38
New to the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 is the term
pathway and pathway survivability.
Path (Pathways) - Any circuit, conductor, optic fiber,
radio carrier, or other means connecting two or more
locations.
Pathway Survivability. The ability of any conductor,
optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for
transmitting system information to remain operational
during fire conditions.
39
Class B A
Alm Trbl ARC Alm Trbl ARC
Abnormal Condition 1 2 3 4 5 6
Single open
Single ground
-
-
X
X
-
R
-
-
X
X
R
R
The circuit performance tables for SLCs, IDCs, and
NACs have been removed and the style and
designations have been eliminated.
Table 6.5 Performance of Initiating Device Circuits (IDCs)
Alm: Alarm. Trbl: Trouble. ARC: Alarm receipt capability during abnormal condition. R:
Required capacity.
X: Indication required at protected premises and as required by Chapter 8.
40
A pathway (interconnection) class designation shall be
dependent on the pathway (interconnection) capability to
continue to operate during abnormal conditions.
The designation of the pathways shall be permitted to also
include the performance of the pathway (interconnection) to
survivability from attack by fire.
41
Class A. A pathway shall be designated as Class A when it
performs as follows:
It includes a redundant path.
Operational capability continues past a single open.
Conditions that affect the intended operation of the path are
annunciated.


42
CLASS A
Class B. A pathway shall be designated as Class B when it
performs as follows:
It does not include a redundant path.
Operational capability stops at a single open.
Conditions that affect the intended operation of the path are
annunciated.

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CONVENTIONAL CLASS B PATHWAY
Class C. A pathway shall be designated as Class C when it
performs as follows:
It includes one or more pathways where operational
capability is verified via end-to-end communication, but the
integrity of individual paths is not monitored.
A loss of end-to-end communication is annunciated.
The Class C reference is new and is intended to describe
technologies that supervise the communication pathway by
polling or continuous communication handshaking.
44
Class D. A pathway shall be designated as Class D when it has
fail-safe operation, where no fault is annunciated, but the
intended operation is performed in the event of a pathway
failure.
Power to door holders where interruption of the power
results in the door closing
Power to locking hardware that release upon an open circuit
or fire alarm operation
Class E. A pathway shall be designated as Class E when it is
not monitored for integrity.

45
Class X. A pathway shall be designated as Class X when it
performs as follows:
It includes a redundant path.
Operational capability continues past a single open or short-
circuit.
Conditions that affect the intended operation of the path are
annunciated.
46
Class X
Level 0 pathways shall not be required to have any
provisions for pathway survivability.
Level 1 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully
protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems, with any interconnecting conductors, cables, or
other physical pathways installed in metal raceways.
47
Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:
2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) cable
2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective
system(s)]
2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
2-hour performance alternatives approved by the authority
having jurisdiction
48
Level 3 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully
protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,
and one or more of the following:
2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) cable
2-hour fire rated cable system (electrical circuit protective
system(s))
2-hour fire rated enclosure or protected area
2-hour performance alternatives approved by the authority
having jurisdiction
49
The requirement for ECS pathway survivability is addressed in
Section 24.3.5.
The level of survivability required is dependent on the type of
ECS being installed.
EVACS
For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, a
Level 2 or Level 3 pathway survivability shall be required.
For systems that do not employ relocation or partial
evacuation, a Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 pathway
survivability shall be required.

50
Mass Notification in Buildings
In-building mass notification systems shall be permitted to
have a Level 0 pathway survivability or greater if
determined by a risk analysis.
Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems
All circuits for wide-area mass notification systems shall be
permitted to have a pathway survivability of Level 0 or
greater if determined by a risk analysis.
Two-Way in-Building Wired
Two-way in-building wired emergency communications
systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or
Level 3.
51
Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems
Where a two-way radio communications enhancement
system, exclusive of the antennae, is used in lieu of a two-
way in-building wired emergency communications system,
it shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
Area of Refuge Communication
Area of refuge emergency communications systems shall
have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a
pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level
3.
52
Elevator Emergency Communications
Elevator emergency communications systems shall have a
pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level
3.
Central Command Station Communication Systems
Central command station emergency communications
systems shall have pathway survivability as determined by
the risk analysis.
All other emergency communications system circuits shall
have pathway survivability as determined by the risk analysis.
53
Battery calculations shall include a 20 percent safety margin to
the calculated amp-hour rating.
Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications service
secondary power supply shall be capable of operating the
system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm
condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be
capable of operating the system during a fire or other
emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum
connected load.
54
In-Building Mass Notification systems secondary power
supply shall be capable of operating the system under
quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be
capable of operating the system during emergency condition
for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.
Textual Visible Appliances for In-Building Mass
Notification secondary power supply shall be capable of
operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of
24 hours and then shall be capable of operating the system
during emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at
maximum connected load.
55
Textual Visible Appliances for Wide-Area Mass Notification
Systems shall have sufficient secondary power to operate for a
minimum of 2 hours of continuous display time during an
emergency event.
Textual Visible Appliances that are not on a dedicated
branch circuit, shall have a primary source of power and a
secondary source of power and be monitored for power
integrity.
High-Power Speaker Arrays used for Wide-Area Mass
Notification Systems secondary power supply shall have
sufficient capacity to operate the unit for a minimum of 7 days
in standby, followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load.
56
Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems personal
devices have no secondary power requirements.
Firefighter and warden telephones shall have sufficient
capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a
minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of operating
the system during a fire or other emergency condition for a
period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.
57
Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems shall
have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent
load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of
operating the system during a fire or other emergency
condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connected
load.
Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency
Communications Systems shall have sufficient capacity to
operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24
hours and then shall be capable of operating the system during
a fire or other emergency condition for a period of 5 minutes
at maximum connected load.


58
Elevator Emergency Communications Systems shall have
sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load
for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of
operating the system during a fire or other emergency
condition for a period of 5 minutes at maximum connected
load.
Central Control Station, the emergency communications
control unit secondary power supply capacity shall be capable
of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.
59
Ancillary functions, including the use of a fire alarm
system or mass notification system for general paging,
background music, or other non-emergency functions
are permitted and shall not interfere with the
performance requirements of the fire alarm system or
the mass notification system.
60
Section 24.4.1 in the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 addresses In-
Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications
Systems.
EVACS systems are primarily used for total are partial
evacuation resulting from the initiation of fire alarm signals.
Permits a mass notification control unit to take control of and
override fire alarm notification appliances including
amplifiers, speakers, and strobes.
61
NFPA 72 2010 edition introduced the term acoustically
distinguishable space, an important new term associated with
the intelligibility of ECS. ADS applies to EVACS type ECSs
only.
Chapter 18 is responsible for determining the requirements
and methods for determining areas required to audible.
Definition - An acoustically distinguishable space is 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.
62
Each ADS is determined by the system designer during the
planning and design phase of any system.
Each ADS shall be identified as requiring or not requiring
voice intelligibility.
Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, ADS
assignments shall be submitted for review and approval.
63
64
65
Building Element
Sound
Transmission
Loss (dB)
Walls and Partitions
1. 4.00 in. - dense concrete with or without plaster 45
2. 6.00 in. no fines concrete with .05 in. plaster on both laces 45
3. 4.50 in. brickwork with .05 in. plaster on both laces 45
4. 4.50 in. brickwork unplastered 42
5. 12.00 in. lightweight concrete precast blocks with well-grouted joints 42
6. 3.00 in. clinker blockwork with .05 in. plaster on both laces 40
7. 2.00 in. dense concrete 40
8. 2-1.00 in. plasterboard separated by 3.00 in. studs & mineral fiber blanket 40
9. 8.00 in. lightweight concrete precast blocks with well-grouted joints 40
10. 6.00 in. lightweight concrete precast blocks with well-grouted joints 37
11. 2.00 in. clinker blocks with .05 in. plaster on both faces 35
12. 2.50 in. hollow clay blocks with 12-mm plaster on both laces 35
13. .25 in. plasterboard (2 layers) separated by 3.00 in. studs with .05 in.
plaster on both faces
35
14. Plywood/hardboard (2 layers) separated by 2.00 in. studs and 2.00 in.
mineral fiber blanket
30
66
67
Building Element Cont.
Sound
Transmission
Loss (dB)
Walls and Partitions Cont.
15. 7.50 in. chipboard on a supporting frame 25
16. 22 Gauge sheet steel 25
17. 1.00 in. tongued and grooved softwood boards tightly clamped on a
support frame
20
18. .125 (1/8) in. hardboard (2 layers) separated by 44-mm polystyrene core 20
Doors
19. Flush panel, hollow core, hung with one large air gap 14
20. Flush panel, hollow core, hung with edge sealing 20
21. Solid hardwood, hung with edge sealing 26
Windows
22. Single glass in heavy frame 24
23. Double-glazed 9-mm panes in separate frames 50-mm cavity 34
24. Double-glazed 6-mm panes In separate frames 100-mm cavity 38
25. Double-glazed 6-mm and 9-mm panes in separate frames 200-mm cavity,
absorbent blanket in reveals
58
Occupant
Notification
Required
Tone Occupant
Notification
Measurement
Required?
Subject-Based
Measurement
Voice Occupant
Notification
Intelligibility
Required Not
Required?
Assign ADS
Visual Occupant
Notification
Intelligibility
Required?
Objective
Measurement
No
STOP!
Seek Professional Help!!
68
In an ADS that is a non-acoustically challenging area,
designing for audibility will typically result in an intelligible
system provided minimum speaker guidelines are followed.
Areas typically considered to be non-acoustically challenging
include, traditional office environments, hotel guestrooms,
dwelling units, and spaces with carpeting and furnishings.
69
Distance listener to speaker less than 30 ft in the room
(assuming proper audibility and low reverberation)
Ambient sound level is less than 50 dBA and the average SPL
of the voice message is 1015 dBA fast greater
No appreciable hard surfaces (e.g., glass, marble, tile, metal,
etc.)
No appreciable high ceilings (i.e., ceiling height equals
speaker spacing at a ratio of 1:1 optimal or 1:2 max)
70
Space has been acoustically designed by individuals having
skills sufficient to properly design a voice/alarm system for the
occupancy to be protected (e.g., space has been designed using
commercially available computer modeling software
acceptable to AHJ)
71
Special attention must be given to acoustically challenging
ADSs. Such areas might incorporate appreciable hard surfaces
(e.g. glass, marble, tile, metal, etc) or appreciably high ceilings
(e.g. atriums, multiple ceiling heights).
These conditions will require more stringent design guidelines
to ensure intelligibility (e.g. a closer than normal speaker
spacing with lower taps).
In an ADS where the ambient noise level exceeds 85dB it is
acknowledged that intelligibility might not be attainable and
an alternate means of notification is required.
Spaces because of different acoustical, environmental, or use
characteristics, such as reverberation time and ambient sound
pressure level.
72
Appreciable hard surfaces (e.g., glass, marble, tile, metal, etc.)
Appreciable high ceilings (e.g., atriums, multiple ceiling
heights)
73
The preferred procedure is to conduct the STI/STIPA test in
the presence of the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure Level.
74
Where the test method is measuring the STI using the STIPA
test signal, the STIPA test signal is played through the system
and the STI is measured.
Testing should be done during a period of time when the area
is occupied and is reasonably close to having maximum
background noise.
Measurements should be taken at an elevation of 5 ft or at any
other elevation deemed appropriate if the area is subject to
normal occupant access (e.g., elevated walkways).
75
The number and location of measurement points in each ADS
should be planned and based on the area and volume of the
space and the speaker appliance location within the space. The
location of noise sources, egress paths, and the locations of
personnel in the space should also be considered.
If multiple measurement points are required within an ADS,
they should be separated by about 40 ft.
No more than one third of the measurement points within an
ADS should be on the axis of a speaker.
Average the results at different measurement points within an
ADS.
76
Perform STI or
STIPA Test At
Maximum
Background Noise
Determine Number
and Location of
Measurement Points
Average the Results
at Different
Measurement Points
77
Where the test method is measuring the STI using the STIPA
test signal, the STIPA test signal is played through the system
and the STI can be measured and the data saved when the area
is either not occupied or when the background ambient
conditions are not the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure
Level. It is also necessary to measure and save the unoccupied
ambient sound level at each measurement location. Then,
during occupied times or when the background ambient
conditions are not the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure
Level, take and save ambient sound level measurements. The
three data sets are combined by software to calculate the
corrected STI for the area.
78
Perform STI or
STIPA Test in
Unoccupied ADS at
each Measurement
Location
Determine Number and Location of
Measurement Points
Calculate the Corrected STI Value at
Different Measurement Points
Measure
Unoccupied
Ambient Sound
Level at each
Measurement
Location
Measure Occupied
Ambient Sound
Level at each
Measurement
Location
Average the Results at Different
Measurement Points
79
For a standard building configuration with normal ceiling
height (8 ft to 12 ft, normal ceiling construction (i.e. drop
acoustical ceiling tiles), standard wall configurations and
finishes and carpeted floors the following should apply:
Ceiling-mounted speakers should be installed in all normally
occupiable spaces and in corridors spaced at a maximum of
twice the ceiling height.
Or as determined by a computer acoustical/speaker
modeling program.
In general low ceilings require more ceiling mounted
speakers per square foot of area than high ceiling.
80
The 2010 edition of NFPA 72, Section 24.4.1.2.2.4 gives
guidelines for determining where intelligibility is required.
Section 24.4.1.2.2.4 states, Unless specifically required by the
authority having jurisdiction, intelligibility shall not be required
in the following locations:
(1) Private bathrooms, shower rooms, saunas and similar
rooms/areas
(2) Mechanical/electrical/elevator equipment rooms
(3) Elevator cars
(4) Individual offices
(5) Kitchens
(6) Storage rooms
(7) Closets
(8) Rooms/areas where intelligibility cannot reasonably be
predicted
81
Section 24.4.2 in the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 addresses In-
Building Mass Notification Systems.
In-Building Mass Notification System. 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.
82
An in-building mass notification system shall include one or
more of the following components:
Autonomous control unit (ACU)
Local operating console (LOC)
Fire alarm control interface
Notification appliance network
Initiating devices
Interface to other systems and alerting sources
83









Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia - June 25, 1996
20 Deaths / 372 Injured

84
In 2002, the DOD issued the
Minimum Antiterrorism Standard
for Buildings UFC 4-010-01 (July,
2002) and the Design and O&M:
Mass Notification Systems to
improve Force Protection UFC 4-
021-01 (December, 2002)
Purpose: To provide all inhabited
buildings with terror resistant
construction, maximize stand-off
distance, prevent building collapse,
minimize flying debris, limit
airborne contamination.



.
85
Purpose: To provide real-time
information to all building
occupants or personnel in the
immediate vicinity of a building
during emergency situations.
86

The Air Force Civil Engineering petitioned NFPA in June
2003 to established guidelines for Mass Notification Systems.
There were conflicts with fire alarm.
NFPA Standards Council assigns MNS to NFPA 72.
National Fire Alarm Code Technical Correlating Committee
was charged with the task of reviewing this request.
TCC Task Group was formed February 2004.
First Task Group meeting held March 2004.
Standalone document or part of NFPA 72?
87
NFPA 72-2007 Edition MNS was added to Annex E.
July 2007 the Technical Committee on Emergency
Communications was formed.
August 26, 2009, NFPA 72-2010 Edition containing Chapter
24 - Emergency Communications Systems was by the
Standards Council.
88









World Trade Center, New York City September 11, 2001
2753 Deaths / 9349 Injured
89
Goal is to give incident-specific guidance to those in danger
as to the best course of action on an area-by-area basis.
Fire
Natural Disasters, Weather
Armed Intruder
Terrorist Events
NBC
Nuclear, biological, chemical
90
Incendiary and explosive
CBRNE
All of the above
91
Note: At this time mass notification systems are not required
by any building code or by the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
It may be required by specific local, county, state, or federal
codes, laws, regulations or statutes or organizational mandates.
92
Local Operators Console (LOC) is a mass notification
secondary control console.
Allow authorized building occupants to initiate messages.
Perform live paging to meet the specific emergencies.
Consoles are required to have the necessary number of
switches for activating messages and a microphone.
Allow emergency responders to perform a live page or
initiate a digital message without having to travel long
distances in the facility.
93
Controls for the in-building fire emergency voice/
evacuation alarm communications system shall be at a
location approved by the AHJ.
Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) is the primary control unit
for an in-building mass notification system.
Able to function independently upon failure of a central
control system.
Independent of fire alarm system.
Ability to deliver messages quickly.

94
Secure local operator console for initiating recorded
messages, strobes, and displays; and for delivering live
voice messages.
Secure microphone for delivering live voice messages.
Conductor integrity monitoring for strobe, display,
temporary deactivation of fire alarm audible notification
appliances, and speaker wiring.
Local diagnostic information display.
Local diagnostic information and system event log file.
95
Notification Can Be Achieved By:
Audible Alert Tones
Visible Signals
Visible Text
Visible Graphics
Tactile Notification
Other Method Approved by the AHJ
96
97
(Source: NFPA 72 Annex)
Level 1 Immediate and Intrusive
Level 2 Personal Alerting
Level 3Public Alerting
Level 4 Local Alerting
Ideally an ECS will include at least one Level 1
component with augmentation from additional level
components to provide a redundant means of
communication.
98
Sirens, Indoor, and Outdoor Loudspeakers
Fire alarm voice evacuation systems
Electronic signage
Code compliant system
Independent of devices carried or activities performed
99
Short Message Service (SMS) text messages to cell phones
Computer screen pop-up notifications
Bed Shaker
Tone alert radios
Broadcast electronic mail
Automated voice dialing and text messaging
10
0
Satellite/AM/FM radio broadcasts
TV broadcasts
Location-specific text messages
10
1
SEVERE WEATHER ALERT!
TORNADO APPROACHING
FROM THE NORTH!
SHELTER IN PLACE!
Handheld bullhorns
Radio cell phones
Two-way radios
10
2
Intrusive MNS - Independent of the devices carried by an
individual or activities performed.
Intrusive MNS is the primary means to inform the
population.
Personal Alerting MNS - Require that an individual is
carrying a device or is engaged in a specific action
Personal alerting solutions provide an extra layer of
notification.
The overall MNS Solution is likely to exploit a number of
intrusive and personal systems that combine to produce a
reliable and robust solution to the risk analysis.
10
3
Emergency communications systems shall be capable of the
reproduction of prerecorded, synthesized, or live (e.g.,
microphone, telephone handset, and radio) messages with
voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter 18.
Where audible notification is provided, mass notification
systems shall also provide visible notification information to
serve the hearing impaired and for high-noise areas.
The visible notification required by In-Building Mass
Notification Systems shall be accomplished using strobes.
10
4
In addition to the strobes required by In-Building Mass
Notification Systems, textual, graphic or video displays are
permitted.
Textual, graphic or video displays are an important MNS
feature when attempting to communicate emergency
messages to the hearing impaired.
The only viable way to provide content rich information and
instructions to the hearing impaired is via visual textual
messages on scrolling signboards, television and computer
screens and personal devices like cell phones and pagers.
10
5
Only viable way to provide content rich information and
instructions to the hearing impaired is via visual textual
messages on scrolling signboards, television and computer
screens and personal devices like cell phones and pagers.
Cost
Installing scrolling sign boards at every location where there
are speakers is not practical.
The intent of MNS is not met by just notifying the hearing
impaired to move to a location where there is a sign board or
other textual display.
10
6
In situations where existing notification appliances previously
used exclusively for fire alarm applications, and are marked
with the word FIRE, and are to be used for other emergency
notification purposes, field modification to the marking shall
be permitted, provided that it is accomplished by one of the
following methods:
10
7
Replacement of the manufacturers approved escutcheon or
trim plate.
Covering of, or removal of, the word FIRE using a
manufacturers approved method.
Installation of a permanent sign directly adjacent or below
the notification appliance indicating that it is multipurpose
and will operate for fire and other emergency conditions.
10
8
Replace escutcheon
Wide-Area Mass Notification System
109
High powered speaker arrays (HPSA) for large outdoor areas
Mounted at heights to prevent hearing damage to nearby
persons
Are not permitted to provide mass notification to occupants
inside structures or buildings
110
Communication to a wide range of targeted individuals or
groups
Systems include mass dialing systems, reverse 911, email,
SMS (mobile phone text messages), and other directed
communication methods
Distributed Recipient Mass
Notification
Systems (DRMNS)
111
Communication to a wide range of targeted individuals or
groups.
Systems include mass dialing systems, reverse 911, email,
SMS (mobile phone text messages), and other directed
communication methods.
112
Firefighter and warden telephones.
Two-way telephone systems shall be common talk (i.e., a
conference or party line circuit).
If the two-way telephone system is intended to be used by fire
wardens in addition to the fire service, the minimum
requirement shall be a selective talk system, where phones are
selected from the control location.
Selective Talk Mode - 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 may include the ability to
initiate calls to emergency phone locations.
113
Two-way telephone communications equipment shall be listed
for two-way telephone communications service.
Two-way telephone communications service, if provided, shall
be for use by the fire service and collocated with the in-
building fire emergency voice/alarm communications
equipment.
Monitoring of the integrity of two-way telephone
communications circuits shall be in accordance with 10.17.2.
114
In buildings provided with a two-way telephone
communications system, at least one telephone station or jack
shall be provided at the following locations:
Each floor level
Each notification zone
Each elevator cab
Elevator lobbies
Elevator machine room(s)
115
Emergency and standby power room(s)
Fire pump room(s)
Area(s) of refuge
Each floor level inside an enclosed exit stair(s)
Other room(s) or area(s) as required by the authority having
jurisdiction
116
Components utilized in the installation of the public safety
radio enhancement system, such as repeaters, transmitters,
receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed
antenna systems, shall be approved and shall be compatible
with the public safety radio system.
Non-Interference
Signal Strength -95dBm
Inbound and Outbound
117
Radio coverage requirements:
Critical areas (i.e.,FDC, exit stairs, fire pump room, etc.)
99% coverage
General building areas 90% coverage
Components utilized in the installation of the public safety
radio enhancement system, such as repeaters, transmitters,
receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed
antenna systems, shall be approved and shall be compatible
with the public safety radio system.
118
The area of refuge (rescue assistance) emergency
communications system shall be comprised of remotely
located area of refuge stations and a central control point.
The area of refuge station shall provide for hands free, two-
way communication provide an audible and visible signal to
indicate communication has occurred and indicate to the
receiver the location sending the signal.
119
If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall
have a timed automatic communications capability to connect
with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction where responsible personnel
can initiate the appropriate response.
Instructions for the use of the two-way communications
system instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way
communications system and written identification, including
in Braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-
way communications system.
120
Elevator two-way emergency communications systems
shall be installed in accordance with the requirements
of ANSI/ASME A17.1a/ CSA B44a, Safety Code for
Elevators and Escalators.
121
A central control station is considered to be a mass notification
system facility(s), with communications and control
equipment serving more than one building, 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 a
building, multiple buildings, outside campus areas,
municipalities, or a combination of these in accordance with
the emergency response plan established for the premises. A
mass notification system could include at least one central
control station with optional secondary/alternate central
control stations.
122
The primary central control station should be located at the
command post, emergency operations center, or some such
similar location. A redundant central control station, if
required, should be located at a physically separate location,
such as a police station, fire station, or similar facility.
Generally, the primary central control station should be housed
in a building or portion of a building separated from the rest of
the facility and having a 2-hour fire-resistive-rated separation.
123
The performance-based design shall meet the following goals
and objectives:
The risk analysis, design criteria, design brief, system
performance, and testing criteria are developed in the spirit
of this chapter.
The system disseminates information to the target audience
in an accurate and timely manner.
The design and performance criteria are specific to the
nature and anticipated risks of each location.
The system is capable of withstanding various scenarios and
survives even if some damage has already occurred.
Message initiation can be effected by all responding entities
responsible for the safety and security of occupants.
124
Qualifications - The performance-based design and risk
analysis shall be prepared by a design professional certified or
approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
Independent Review - The authority having jurisdiction shall
be permitted to require an approved, independent third party to
review the proposed design brief and provide an evaluation of
the design to the authority having jurisdiction.
Performance Criterion - The performance criterion shall
include timely and accurate notification of all persons within
the boundaries of the mass notification system in a medium to
which they can respond when given directions by responding
entities.
125
Risk Analysis - The design of the mass notification system shall
be specific to the nature and anticipated risks of each facility for
which it is designed.
The risk analysis shall consider the number of persons, type of
occupancy, anticipated threat to occupants, and extent of the notification.
A risk analysis shall be completed before beginning the design
of a mass notification system. This process is used to identify
and characterize the probability, and potential severity, of
incidents associated with natural or man-made disasters or
other events requiring emergency response.
The designer shall consider both fire and non-fire emergencies
when determining risk tolerances for survivability for the mass
notification system.

126
Below are the types of questions the designer should consider
when designing a system:
What type of emergency event can occur?
What is the level of urgency for each potential event?
What is the anticipated or expected severity?
What is the level of certainty?
Where is it located or from what direction is it approaching?
What is its validity?
What zone or areas should receive emergency message(s)?
What instructions should we send to our personnel?
What special procedures or tasks should we send to remind
our personnel?
127
Emergency Response Plan. A documented set of actions to
address response to natural, technological, and manmade
disasters and other emergencies prepared by the stakeholders
from information obtained during the risk analysis.
The emergency response plan should include, but not be
limited to, the following elements:
Emergency response team structure
Emergency response procedures, as follows:
Building system related emergencies
Human-related emergencies
Terrorism-related emergencies
Weather-related emergencies
Emergency response equipment and operations

128
Emergency response notification, as follows:
Emergency message content
Emergency notification approval process
Emergency notification initiation process
Emergency response training and drills, as follows:
Classroom training
Table-top training
Live drills
129
Any additional Questions?