FIRE ALARM SYSTEM INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Installation of Fire Alarm System Devices

  1. Prior to installations, Identify area classification and verify hazardous areas to be considered during installation activities considering precautionary measures in using tools, equipment and materials to be installed, making sure that all these items are suitable and appropriate as per the area requirements. classifications such as;
    • Substation battery room fixtures and devices shall be enclosed, sealed, vapour tight, corrosion resistant.
    • In hazardous areas enclosure shall met the required classification as per NEC Article 501 or 505 and SAES-P-100.
  2. Ensure that approved installation details, Vendor manuals, project specifications for the specific Fire Alarm system to be installed are fully studied and understood prior to commencing installation.
  3. Check the actual locations and mounting elevation of the devices prior to commencing the installation work.
  4. Installation of fire alarm devices is as per approved detail installation drawing.

Conduit & Fitting Installations for Fire Alarm System

  1. Conduit fittings for outdoor rigid steel conduit shall be cast or forged steel, cast iron or malleable iron, either hot-dip galvanized (preferably), or Zinc electroplated as supplied by approved manufacturer. Refer to SAES-P-104, sec 8.9 para 8.9.1.
  2. Severe corrosive environment are locations and installations listed in sec 9.1 of SAES-P-100. Within three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea vide – SAES-P-100 sec 9.1.3.
  3. As per SAES-P-104 sec 8.9.2. – Conduit fittings for rigid steel conduit and liquid-tight flexible metal conduit used above ground in severe corrosive environments shall be as specified in para 8.9.1 and in addition, shall be protected by one of the following methods:
    1. Factory-coating with PVC (minimum thickness of PVC: 40 mils) per NEMA RN 1. Internal surfaces of PVC sleeves (boots) and other mating PVC surfaces shall be coated with PVC patching compound (1000421977). Uncoated plugs and other bare metal shall be coated with PVC patching compound, or with SAES-H-101 APCS-22 (offshore), or APCS-26 (onshore).
    2. Field-coating prior to installation in accordance with SAES-H-101 APCS-22 (offshore), or APCS-26 (onshore). Light (sweep) sandblasting is required prior to coating so that the zinc is not removed. After installation, any bare metal must be touched up using either of the above coatings, without sandblasting.
    3. By heat-shrinkable tubes or wrap-arounds, where the geometric configuration permits it.
      1. Exception: Red leaded brass or silicon bronze conduit fittings may be used as an alternative to the above in severe corrosive environments (only above ground).
    4. Threads of plugs, coupling, junction boxes and other fittings shall be lightly lubricated with a rust preventive grease such as Crouse Hinds thread lubricant (SAMS No. 14-839-050) or Hi Purity Goop (SAMS No. 26-011-078) before assembly. Refer to SAES-P-104, sec. 8.9 para. 8.9.4.
    5. Fittings for NEMA TC 6 & 8 Type PVC conduit shall be in accordance with NEMA TC 3, TC 9, and TC 3 fittings are generally not interchangeable. Refer to SAES-P-104, sec 8.9 para. 8.9.6.
    6. Survey the conduit routes for possible obstruction and re-routing. Anticipate the possibility of clashing against lighting fixtures, valves, field instruments and related sensitive equipment in the area studying a safe and neat installation.
    7. Install conduit per size indicated on drawing details, conduit layout. The conduit shall be cut square, with ends reamed and where applicable, with sharp and clean cut threads. Apply appropriate thread lubricant for conduit joints connections and put rubber or metallic bushing on conduit ends. Field cut threads and threads cleaned at site on galvanized conduit shall be touched up with cold galvanizing compound, approved by Saudi Aramco.
    8. Verify that conduit threads are properly cut. Conduit shall be cut using cut off wheels, hack saw or roll cutter (pipe cutter). Care should be taken to ensure straight cut.
    9. Conduit shall be securely fastened within 900 mm (3ft) of each outlet box, junction box, device box, cabinet, conduit body, or other conduit termination. Fastening shall be permitted to be increased to distance of 1.5 m (5ft) where structural members do not readily permit fastening within 900 mm (3ft). Where approved conduit shall not be required to be securely fastened within 900mm (3ft) of the service head above the roof termination of a mast. Refer to NFPA 70, NEC Art 344.30 (A).
    10. Conduit shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 3m (10 ft). Refer to NEC Art. 342.30(B) (1).
    11. Provide appropriate plug or cap to conduit system for temporary openings to prevent foreign objects or moisture from entering. All empty conduits shall be left with initial pull wire or a nylon pull cord.
    12. Check the actual routing of the conduits against approved construction drawings.

 

Cabling Works Of Fire alarm system

  1. All permanent and consumable materials shall be prepared prior to installation.
  2. All cable, upon receipt shall be inspected against the packing list for completeness and physical damage, and on reel inspection shall be required for all cables.
  3. Insure the cable tray or conduit is inspected prior to cable pulling.
  4. Where cables are pulled in conduits or cable trays, cables should be free from foreign debris, cuts or damage.
  5. Ensure that all pertinent drawings and documents like one Line/Schematic Diagrams that will be used for construction and cross referencing in the cable pulling activity are of approved for construction and latest revisions.
  6. Ensure that the conduit fill shall not exceed the maximum fill specified in NEC Chapter 9.
  7. Ensure that work permit is prepared and secured. Safety concern and precautions are being complied and discuss with the crew.

Reference Standard

NFPA 70                    National Electrical Code (NEC) 2011 Edition

NFPA 72                    National Fire Protection Association, 2010 Edition

NEC                           National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

Tools and equipment needed should be in good condition and must be checked by Supervisor / Safety Engineer prior to use in the construction area.  These includes but not limited to:

  • Man lift
  • Boom Truck
  • Welding Machine
  • Multi-meter
  • Ladders
  • Insulation Tester
  • Electric Power Tools (i.e. drill with bits, grinder)
  • Termination Tools
  • Knock out Punch Machine (Hydraulic)
  • Hydraulic Pipe Bender
  • Cut off wheels (speed cutter)
  • Tripod vise
  • Threading machine
  • Torque Wrench
  • Drill Press Machine (Magnetic Mounted)
  • Claw bar
  • Measuring Tape

All tools utilized in a classified area should be intrinsically safe and suitable for hazardous areas.

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