Fire and life safety: Integration: Building automation systems and fire/life safety

Like a BAS, fire protection and alarm systems have also evolved into sophisticated computer-based systems, which offers more opportunities to integrate these systems to develop a more complete building response as part of overall building operations during an emergency event.

By CFE Media September 10, 2014

Integrating fire protection and fire alarm systems with building automation systems (BAS) can offer efficient and cost-effective operation. The design and installation of an integrated system must also be well-planned and coordinated, and the system must be properly maintained over its lifetime. The need for multidisciplinary coordination between the fire protection engineer and the mechanical and electrical engineers during design and construction are of key importance. Design engineers also must involve the building owner and/or operator in establishing (or at least influencing) the design criteria of the building. The owner/operator must understand that the efficiencies gained by integration will pay dividends long into the lifecycle of the building.Like a BAS, fire protection and alarm systems have also evolved into sophisticated computer-based systems, which offers more opportunities to integrate these systems to develop a more complete building response as part of overall building operations during an emergency event.

Learning objectives:

  • The audience will understand the provisions of NFPA codes/standards, International Building Code, and International Fire Code applicable to BAS integration.
  • Viewers will learn the criteria for ensuring interoperability of an integrated system.
  • The audience will understand the advantages and disadvantages of integrating fire protection and fire alarm systems with BASs.
  • Viewers will understand the applicable communication protocols, such as BACnet and LonWorks.

Presenters:

Erik Anderson, PE, Manager, Koffel Associates, Columbia, Md.

Wayne D. Moore, PE, CFPS, SET, FSFPE, F.NSPE, Principal and Vice President, Hughes Associates | RJA Group, Warwick, R.I.

Moderator: Jack Smith, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Pure Power, and CFE Media, LLC


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.