Fire and Life Safety

Figure 4: Where smoke partitions are required, extending the smoke partition walls to the underside of the deck can allow removal of ceilings to create a more open area with a more industrial aesthetic. Courtesy: CDM Smith
Fire and Life Safety March 29, 2024

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, March 22-28, 2024

Top articles this week covered topics including passive fire safety techniques, HVAC analysis and heat pump technology

By Anna Steingruber
A fire alarm control unit for a voice fire alarm system, which is often used in systems utilizing partial notification. Courtesy: Chris Campbell.
Fire and Life Safety March 21, 2024

An overview of fire alarm notification strategies

A review of several fire alarm notification strategies that are permitted by the IBC, NFPA 101 and NFPA 72

By Chris Campbell, PE
Cellular communication allows for reliable connectivity, even in difficult locations, providing convenient solutions to challenging conditions. Courtesy: CDM Smith
Fire and Life Safety March 14, 2024

How new fire alarm system technologies are advancing safety

With a focus on improving safety, efficiency and adaptability, innovations in fire alarm systems are a remarkable leap forward in safeguarding lives and property

By Jarron Gass and Cristina Aragon-Vandenbent
This older style panel has limited inputs, relays and programming capabilities, which require more space allocation. Courtesy: CDM Smith
Fire and Life Safety March 14, 2024

Case study: Fire alarm devices for historic or heritage buildings

Wireless fire alarm devices can solve many of the unique problems that come with retrofitting historical and heritage buildings.

By Jarron Gass and Cristina Aragon-Vandenbent
Suites within a hospital facility are used to comply with NFPA 101 requirements while keeping patient comfort and care as a top priority. Courtesy: Jacia Phillips, Henderson Engineers
Fire and Life Safety March 8, 2024

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, March 1-7, 2024

Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer content this week covered topics including: designing hospital suites, retrofit pump kits and the product of the year award

By Anna Steingruber
Designers utilized adjacent suites in this health care facility to increase flexibility and guarantee code compliance. Courtesy: Henderson Engineers
Fire and Life Safety February 27, 2024

Case study: How to use NFPA 101 suite requirements for health care applications

A hospital utilized suites for cesarean section operations to increase operability and flexibility

By Mark Chrisman
Figure 4: Where smoke partitions are required, extending the smoke partition walls to the underside of the deck can allow removal of ceilings to create a more open area with a more industrial aesthetic. Courtesy: CDM Smith
Fire and Life Safety February 14, 2024

Understanding compartmentation as a passive fire safety technique

NFPA 101 outlines compartmentation requirements that are important to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. It is necessary to understand the correct terminology and intent of the requirements to identify when inspections should be completed.

By Maddy Doyle and April Musser
Fire and Life Safety February 13, 2024

Special Q&A on NFPA 72, fire alarms and more

This Q&A covers fire rating, strobe placement and designated work areas

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer