Consulting-Specifying Engineer - August 2007 - (Page 20)

Fat free M/E Roundtable CASAMASSIMA: Technologically speaking, due to the regulatory enforcement nature of the business, the fire industry always has been one step behind the security industry when accepting the latest technology. Therefore, there will always be a need to have gateways and bridges designed to integrate the two. When AHJs begin allowing more advanced fire system innovations to be utilized, integration efforts will begin to get easier and more common. Manufacturers of fire and security also should investigate ways to better collaborate, for the sake of improved integration. GIANNINI: Systems integrators are constantly challenged to keep their staff current and up-to-date with evolving technologies. With the advent of more IP-based and network solutions, it’s essential that integrators make the necessary investments to train their provider. This may not be the optimal solution as one provider may not be able to supply equipment that meets all the users’ requirements. Integrating various systems requires staying current with product upgrades and being knowledgeable of various system capabilities. CSE : Should all future fire alarm systems be designed with voice evacuation regardless of building or occupancy type? GRILL: “All” is a very strong statement. Small buildings with a limited number of occupants may not justify voice notification. I do believe that the public in general do not react to alarms the way the standards expect them to. When incidents occur, the common complaint is that there wasn’t enough information. Voice systems allow for much better communications Multilingual alarm notification systems is a building-specific issue and should be considered during the design and specification phases. Some buildings draw occupants from specific countries. technical and/or engineering personnel so they can be certified by companies such as Microsoft and Cisco on networking and other critical integration technologies. Ultimately, the key to successful integration is having trained personnel who can meet the systems integration challenges of today—and beyond. CONVERY: There are numerous systems required for a building to function properly. Different building management systems control the internal temperature; monitor the building population through entryway card readers; control fuel consumption; provide vertical transportation; and alert occupants of impending danger. Each of these systems must interface in order to work in conjunction. When direct communication between building systems is not possible due to antiquated technology, primitive alternate methods are incorporated, which impact the function of the building systems. One solution would be to sole-source many of the building systems to a single and given the trend in NFPA 72 to allow a fire alarm system to be used for more than one purpose, added value may be gained by installing more voice systems. CONVERY: A few years ago I would have said no. Working in New York City, where high-rise office buildings with voice evacuation systems are prevalent, I have learned to appreciate the benefits. There may be instances where occupants are directed out of harm’s way via the fire alarm system. Alerting occupants of an imminent emergency and being able to provide information can allow for a calmer organized evacuation. CASAMASSIMA: Yes. There have been many examples during actual emergency situations where people ignored the blaring sounders and strobes, believing that the building was experiencing a false alarm. If a live voice message could be used, then the occupants could be told that they were experiencing a real alarm condition and be directed immediately out of the building. (Continued on page 23) ©2007 The Metraflex Company Metraloop® expansion joints for thermal expansion and seismic movement. No thrust loads. 360º movement. Complete design flexibility. Seismic movement Thermal movement Fire sprinkler systems www.metraflex.com Input #214 at csemag.com/quickResponse http://www.metraflex.com http://csemag.com/quickResponse

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - August 2007

Contents M/E Roundtable Giants 100 Pullout Poster Giants Stand Tall: CSE Giants 100 Report Electrical Design for Tall Buildings HVAC and Fire Safety for Elevator Systems How to Beat the Codes GAS Technology Supplement Recovering Waste Heat from Boilers New Applications for Tankless Water Heating Systmes Techniques Improve for Powder Coating MDF New Tools Available for Heat Treating Steel Direct Drive Engines

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - August 2007

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