You can read more about both of those subjects on our previous blogs:
Part 1: Strobe coverage
Part 2: Definition of a public and common use space

If you have additional questions about how this new ADA standard may affect the design of your fire alarm system, please feel free to contact us.

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Contact our fire code consultant for questions specific to complying with NFPA 72.

Learn more about our fire safety consulting services here.

Meridian’s research has revealed that not all manufacturers are recommending the same minimum clean agent suppression concentrations even for the same chemical agents so it’s important to check with the specific manufacturer’s guidelines to insure you are estimating your projects at the proper minimum design concentration.

Let’s take a moment to look at the two leading chemical agents, FM-200 (FE-227), and Novec-1230 Fire Protection Fluid. The FM-200 (FE-227) minimum concentration for class A fires has increased for most manufacturers to 6.7%. (Where you could use a multiplier of .0325 times your room volume to get minimum agent weight in lbs. for 70◦ F.) The Novec-1230 Fire Protection Fluid minimum design concentration has increased, again for most manufacturer’s to 4.5% (Where you could use a multiplier of .0407 times your room volume to get the minimum agent weight in lbs. for 70◦ F.). However, if we are to consider a class C hazard, at least one where the voltages on the equipment would remain under 480V, then we would see minimums increase to 7% to 7.2% depending on the manufacturer of hardware for the FM-200 (FE-227) clean agent. Finally, we see Novec-1230 increasing to 4.7% for Class C for most manufacturers.

The Inert Gas systems did not remain immune either to the new rules. While our research has shown that most Class A concentrations do remain unaffected, we are seeing an increase for both Inergen and Argonite agents for the Class C fires.

It’s also important to note that with the introduction of any new standard, it takes time, depending on the jurisdiction in which you work, for the standard to become adopted. While Meridian Integrations always recommends looking ahead and designing to the latest standards, a competitor may not necessarily be “wrong” to design to the old standard until such a time that the new standard takes effect. Take some time to make sure your customers understand the difference.

We realize all of these new concentrations can be a bit overwhelming, but Meridian Integrations would like to remind all of you that we are at your disposal. If you’d like to double check what the proper clean agent suppression concentration is that you should be using for your specific application feel free to contact our fire code consultant.

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As always, if you have a specific fire code question please fill out our ask the fire code expert form.

Learn more about our fire safety consulting services here.

This is a fair question, because up until the last few updates of NFPA 2001, you could leave it running. The position had been if the air is recirculating with no exhaust and no means to bring in fresh air, than leaving the unit run, in theory, should have no net impact on the concentration of agent so long as any volume of associated ductwork outside the protected space was accounted for.

However, the school of thought on this has changed over the years. Testing has shown that when the air is continuing to recirculate that many volumes can see an increase in leakage rates of clean agents. One example of this is it’s not just potential leakage along the floor level that can have an impact, but everywhere within the space (and associated HVAC equipment) when the units continue to circulate air. There are other considerations as well, but in 2008 and continuing in 2012, the NFPA 2001 requires that unless the equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of personnel, all forced air ventilating systems, including self-contained air recirculation systems, shall be shut down or closed automatically, unless it can be shown that their continued operation will not adversely affect the performance of the extinguishing system or result in the propagation of fire. (NFPA 2001, 2012 edition, 5.3.6 – 5.3.6.2.)

Over the coming weeks we are going to look at some additional “new” rules of the 2012 edition of NFPA 2001 and impact they will have on clean agent systems. So be sure to check back for that.

Contact Us

As always, if you have a specific fire code question please fill out our ask the fire code expert form.

Learn more about our fire safety consulting services here.

Recently I attended a conference for a fire alarm control panel manufacturer and the biggest item that I picked up on was the changing environment in the way fire system drawings and design will be done.  Everyone was talking about 3D fire protection design, also known as Business Information Modeling (BIM), and how it is causing a rapid “change” in the way companies work together to design, build and operate projects.  It’s funny how when someone mentions change that everyone starts looking at the negative side of the change.  To be afraid of change is to hold back one’s capabilities.  Change is not easy, it’s very difficult at times, but in order to stay ahead of the game in this down economy everyone should be looking on how to “Change”.

One of the men that I consider a mentor years ago told me fighting change is to not advance oneself.  Here at Meridian we look forward to tackling change and advancing our services.  Business Information Modeling (BIM) is going to change the way fire system designs are done, and it will change the roles of  fire system designers.  However, that also gives us  the capacity to create and expand our business portfolio.  Don’t be afraid to embrace change and let it create new opportunities for you.  Meridian has to change from 2D to 3D fire protection design so partner with us and let’s change together.  In the end if we don’t, we will become irrelevant and to us that’s just not acceptable. Learn more about our fire system design services here.

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Learn more about 3D Fire Protection Design by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

Meridian is looking forward to attending next year as well.  If things go as planned, we also hope to see some of you at next year’s NAFED shows.  We will have more information about those upcoming events as we get close to those dates.

For those who missed the show or didn’t get a chance to stop by, we wanted to remind everyone that Meridian is committed to helping all of our customers with their design and consulting needs. Learn more about our fire system design services here.

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Learn more about Fire System Design by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

As most of you are aware, Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, which can be released by a variety of sources not the least of which is malfunctioning gas burning appliances and heating equipment.  At high enough levels, exposure can be fatal if not detected.

The bill was prompted by a number of children who became ill at an elementary school after being exposed to high levels of CO from a malfunctioning piece of equipment.  The bill will require the office of the State Fire Marshal and codes and standard committee to develop rules governing the installation and testing of the equipment.  This marks the first mandate for schools and sets a good example for the implementation of rules and requirements to be included in upcoming model building codes for schools and other public buildings.

It is also an excellent idea to have a stand-alone unit installed in your home.  Remember, these units do have an operational lifetime of generally about 5-years.  Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specifics regarding any unit.

NFPA 720 and UL 2034 and 2075 are the applicable standards that are already available.  However, if you are interested in learning more about CO detection equipment as part of life safety and alarm systems, please let us know and we would be happy to discuss the technology with you.  Learn more about our fire safety consulting services here.

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Learn more about fire safety sourcing by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

“To stay competitive in today’s marketplace, a company must understand its customers’ wants and needs and design processes to meet their expectations and requirements.”

It’s amazing how many times you hear someone tell you that.  Here at Meridian, we completely understand processes, designing needs, and customer expectations.  That’s what we are all about; The “Re-Think Everything” approach has been very successful for both us and our customers.  In fact, we look at every customer that we come in contact with and ask ourselves what Meridian can do to help improve their process, to help them cut away the “fat” or the waste that slows their processes down, to help them become “lean”.

“Eliminating Waste to become lean” – Waste is any activity that consumes time, resources, or space but does not add any value to the product or service.  One of the biggest “time wasting areas” is compiling information needed to develop a drawing or design.  That is why Meridian has developed data gathering sheets.  The sheets allow gathering the necessary information at one time, reducing the time that is used to gather the information. Reducing the time it takes to finish an activity from start to finish is one of the most effective ways to eliminate waste and excessive costs and become “lean.”

Because of Meridian’s flexibility, we are able to look at each customer differently.  Not only can we provide detail drawings in a cost effective and timely manner.  We have the resources to provide detailed system flow from the beginning of the data gathering through the testing of the installation.

Not only does a company want to stay competitive they also want to stay profitable.  The tighter the margins the tighter the profit is.  Give Meridian a call and see the options that we can develop to streamline your process and start you on track to be a “lean” company. Learn more about our fire protection system design services here.

Contact Us

Learn more about our fire protection system design services by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

With all of the talk in the electronics world about cloud technology or the ability to access your files and information from anywhere, Meridian would like to place a spotlight on its Sharefile service.  Meridian’s Sharefile is our own extranet that allows its clients access to all our designs and general information sheets from any computer or smart-device which has access to the internet.  From now on, all the designs that Meridian completes for restaurant or engineered systems will be stored on Sharefile.  Many of our clients have already staring using Sharefile and so far the feedback has been very positive.  If are not using Sharefile, but we have done designs for you and you feel you need access to these designs please let us know.  Also, if you need assistance with setting up or using your existing account, please contact Meridian and we would be glad to show you how to use this powerful new service.

To get into Sharefile, simply click on “Client Log-In” in the upper right hand corner of our web page.  You can go directly to the Sharefile server by entering meridianintegrations.sharefile.com in the URL field of your web browser.  Learn more about our fire protection system design services here.

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Learn more about our fire protection system design services by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

There are three short videos presently on our brand new page, one of which provides a first-hand look at what happens when you attempt to extinguish a grease fire with the use of water. We won’t spoil the “flare” of the video but will simply comment that once you see what can happen when you use water on this particular type of a fire, you will definitely think twice if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.  The best thing to do in that circumstance, by the way, is to call the Fire Department, turn off the stove, cover the pan with a lid if possible and throw baking soda on the fire as a last resort if no extinguisher is available. As an additional note NEVER use flour on a fire as it can explode, believe it or not.

This is the type of video and “snap-shot” education we hope to provide to our clients as well as the public through this new online venue and Meridian is capable of creating detailed and fully customized training programs on any of the topics you see within our library and welcome any inquiries.

Thank you and we hope you will “stay tuned” to our channel!  Don’t forget to view our fire training videos here.

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Learn more about our fire training services by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.

So what is the biggest “con?”  Well, if you thought the areas that needed visual indication of alarms was stringent before, you might want to make sure you are seated before reading further.  Section 215 requires alarms in public use and common use areas will comply with 702, which directly references NFPA 72.  While public use is defined by the standard as interior or exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are made available to the public in either a public or privately owned facility; common use is defined as an exterior or interior circulation paths, rooms, spaces, or elements that are not for public use and are made available for the shared use for two or more people.  Did you catch the last part?  Two or more people?  So it could be easily interpreted that an office designed for one person would not need a strobe light, but if two people would share that office at the same time then it would need one.  That’s significant!  This should clear up the ongoing debate about exam rooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, etc.  Basically, if the space is required to have an alarm system AND the space is designed for two or more people, then it needs at least a strobe device and the audible levels of the indicating devices better meet the minimum requirements as well.

We may look at some of the additional requirements in the coming months as the ADA standards do impact the fire protection industry.  If there is a specific ADA question on your mind or if you have a question or need some assistance in interpreting any code or standard that impacts the fire protection industry, feel free to contact us at Info@Meridian.com.  We may feature your question in a future blog entry. Learn more from our fire code consultants here.

Contact Us

Learn more about our fire code consultants by calling us at 330-247-1018 or using our contact form.