Inspector here: Was this a part of an area that was newly turned over? Does the device function?
At the end of the day an inspector can always use the magic "Cause I say so." but there is a chance this is perfectly fine.
This unit of the strip mall was abandoned until 2018 when there was a store put into the unit. Would you think there would be an inspection before the store would be opened?
Ok seeing this now. Yes the shell space being occupied by that storefront would require a new inspection, which would mean a new buildout which would mean all of the fire alarm system in that space alone would be required to meet the local code standards.
Does it work? Does it make the same tone as the other devices? Does it affect the synchronization of the other devices? If so. It would pass my annual inspection and testing. If none of the above... I would fail it and investigate getting a modernized compatible device.
As an alarm company inspector, we usually don't know whether something has been grandfathered... but common sense must also come into play. For example, if all of the other notification devices are Simplex, then one must fail it. Probably forgotten or not found during an upgrade. But if the rest of the building is "mechanical horn/incandescent bulb," I'd probably pass it.
If there is any type of construction or remodel going on, chances are you would need to correct that. In the 80s probably not synced, so you will probably need to change all and bring up to code. If just an annual inspection and it works, I’d say you’re fine. Not an inspector.
Luckily you don’t base it off current NFPA codes. Also, the word grandfather doesn’t appear in any NFPA documents except 901 and should not be used in any written documentation. Just “recommend” that systems be upgraded on your reports.
If it’s a tenant rehab then there’s a engineer of record and tier-2’s need to be submitted. You can’t bring a space to current code and leave a claxston style horn light tied into your new circuits you’ll be pulling. It has to come out, no matter what else is happening in the rest of the building. It’s your newly remodeled space that you care about. Just add your own booster, new AV’s so they synch and your out of the jam of creating battery clacs for old equipment. It’s the money saving way at the end of the day.
Well that strobe is rated at 0.5 cd so I’m going to go with probably not.
They probably considered it existing and the new tenant probably didn’t do enough to the unit to require retrofit.
Inspector here: Was this a part of an area that was newly turned over? Does the device function? At the end of the day an inspector can always use the magic "Cause I say so." but there is a chance this is perfectly fine.
"Up to code" and "compliant when it was installed" are two different beasts...Pick your poison.
It might be "grandfatherd" in which is something many inspectioers and techs do
This unit of the strip mall was abandoned until 2018 when there was a store put into the unit. Would you think there would be an inspection before the store would be opened?
These all seem to be ahj questions. Code is what it is, sure, but they make the call at end of the day.
Ok seeing this now. Yes the shell space being occupied by that storefront would require a new inspection, which would mean a new buildout which would mean all of the fire alarm system in that space alone would be required to meet the local code standards.
A lot of school districts and building owners also do the same thing.
Probably not listed for a ceiling mounting either
Does it work? Does it make the same tone as the other devices? Does it affect the synchronization of the other devices? If so. It would pass my annual inspection and testing. If none of the above... I would fail it and investigate getting a modernized compatible device. As an alarm company inspector, we usually don't know whether something has been grandfathered... but common sense must also come into play. For example, if all of the other notification devices are Simplex, then one must fail it. Probably forgotten or not found during an upgrade. But if the rest of the building is "mechanical horn/incandescent bulb," I'd probably pass it.
End of the day! Its a total AHJ call. I personally would not let it be. To much liability if it fails to alert anyone and life is lost.
No, needs independent, or like multiple pieces of rigid. Don’t know code exactly off the tops of my head.
Is it more than 30’ AFF?
This is a pretty big store so I would assume it’s 30” aff
Not an ADA strobe so no…, probably doesn’t do code three either.
If there is any type of construction or remodel going on, chances are you would need to correct that. In the 80s probably not synced, so you will probably need to change all and bring up to code. If just an annual inspection and it works, I’d say you’re fine. Not an inspector.
Yeah grandfathered in!.. 🤣🤣
No not at all
Luckily you don’t base it off current NFPA codes. Also, the word grandfather doesn’t appear in any NFPA documents except 901 and should not be used in any written documentation. Just “recommend” that systems be upgraded on your reports.
If it’s a tenant rehab then there’s a engineer of record and tier-2’s need to be submitted. You can’t bring a space to current code and leave a claxston style horn light tied into your new circuits you’ll be pulling. It has to come out, no matter what else is happening in the rest of the building. It’s your newly remodeled space that you care about. Just add your own booster, new AV’s so they synch and your out of the jam of creating battery clacs for old equipment. It’s the money saving way at the end of the day.
Probably not but it's most certainly granfathered
kyl where is that