Smoke Control System design and code adoption is still relatively new in the broad scope of code creation and adoption for the United States of America. If you recall from Part 1 “History and Basic Terms” of this smoke control series it was in 1988 that NFPA 92A was the first recommended practice for smoke control systems. In 1991, NFPA…
UNIQUE PROJECTS AND SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS The Louisville Mega Caverns, over 4 million sq. ft. of earth mined for its limestone for over 40 years, eventually being acquired and transformed into a one-of-a-kind environment of usable commercial and entertainment space. Ryan Fire Protection, a partner to Space Age Electronics was tasked with providing fire protection systems throughout the newly developed areas…
Ensuring the integrity and reliability of a smoke control system is paramount for life safety. Codes and standards governing these systems outline rigorous requirements to uphold their ongoing dependability. The International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems both detail what is required to be done and how the performance should operate. For instance, to guarantee…
When discussing the decision to solely use the TCC Clawed Ceiling Bracket with numerous partners who have made the switch from traditional drop ceiling grid bars, it has become evident that the benefits of the TCC bracket far outweigh the competition. Blake Duerler, from Advanced Systems Alarm Services-Tyler Branch, mentions; “we made the switch to TCC Clawed Ceiling Brackets over…
Written by Michael Ventola Smoke Control systems, or more appropriately referred to as “Smoke Containment” or “Smoke Management” systems are relatively new design concepts for life safety in large structures. Compared to automatic detection and alarm systems that date back almost a century, smoke control codes and standards only began in the mid 1980’s and were codified in the late…
Building a brand new 15 story building off the side of an existing 19 story high rise comes with challenges in many facets of the project. When speaking specifically to Stephen Wright, Project Manager for Pye-Barker Advanced Engineered Systems in Florida, coordinating the Fire Alarm and Life Safety system upgrade and installation on such a project came with its own…
Written by Michael Ventola Smoke control systems are one of the most complicated and often misunderstood life safety systems within a facility, and rightfully so. It’s important to point out that a “Smoke Control System” is divided into two classifications per NFPA 92. Chapter 3.3.14 is Smoke Containment and 3.3.19 is Smoke Management. Additionally, post fire smoke removal systems are…
Two-way emergency communication systems connect occupants with responders in stairways, elevators, and areas of refuge during emergencies.
The technology a systems integrator chooses for achieving critical life safety functions in buildings is one facet of what sets them apart from the competition. For JM Electronic Engineering the brands they represent are about quality and with that create consistency for their customers. Combining the technology with in-house design, installation, commissioning, and annual service capabilities strategically rounds out the…
West Fire Systems, a Division of Sciens Building Solutions, has utilized Space Age Electronics onmany complex projects over the past 20+ years of partnership. Many of those projects for aprominent end-user university campus in upstate New York spanning a large geographic area.These kinds of projects pose unique challenges which require specific code compliant andfunctionally sophisticated solutions that result in the…
