12/11/2014

Integrating fire systems with HVAC controls | Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Integrating fire systems with HVAC controls

With building sophistication comes the need for a BAS to allow for nearly seamless operation of various interrelated equipment.
By Craig Studer, PE, Arup, Chicago

07/13/2012

The bigger the building, the more sophisticated the building systems become. With the advent of smart building technology,
heating, cooling, electrical, lighting, security, and other systems need monitoring and intercommunication for optimized efficiency
and operation. With sophistication comes the need for a BAS to allow for nearly seamless operation of various interrelated
equipment. Each manufacturers BAS has its own protocol for monitoring conditions and communicating operational directives to
maintain the proper building environment and efficiency.
Like a BAS, fire protection and life safety systems have evolved into sophisticated computer-based systems, requiring the use of a
fire detection and alarm system control panel to allow monitoring, communication, and proper operation when an emergency
arises. Often fire protection and life safety systems must interact with other building systems to provide a proper level of protection.
While the fire alarm system is fully capable of performing the necessary actions to accomplish the building systems responses,
there can be some efficiencies accomplished by using the BAS, including minimizing additional equipment, expediting system
acceptance testing, reducing installation costs, sharing, and consolidating information at a central location where the mechanical
equipment can be precisely monitored during emergency incidents.
Smoke control systems are a good example of the marriage of building mechanical
systems with fire protection/life safety systems. Fans are starting or stopping;
dampers are opening or closing; doors are closing, opening, or unlocking; elevators
are being recalled. Both the BAS and fire alarm systems have jobs to do, but, like
dancing, someone has to lead. It seems that the BAS is the natural choice under
these circumstances, but there are issues that must be recognized and reconciled.
Systems integration
There are several things to consider
when determining whether a BAS
should be used to control the smoke
control system. One would be the
ability of the various systems that
normally have independent network
communications to have a common communications. It is advantageous to have the
fire alarm system, BAS, and other related systems share a common infrastructure
network to facilitate communication and redundancy. This also can have the benefit
of cost savings.
Another consideration is the acceptability of the BAS to control the smoke control
system operation. The International Building Code (IBC) has been adopted by a
large portion of the United States. IBC Section 909 covers smoke control systems,
including where they are required, the procedures for determining system parameters, the acceptable methods that may be used to
accomplish smoke control, and the requirements to document the systems actual performance. It recognizes that the smoke control
system is a life safety system and must maintain the same high level of reliability required for any type of fire protection or life safety
system.
IBC Section 909 requires smoke control systems to be initiated by sprinkler system or smoke detection system operation. It also
requires systems providing control input or output to the mechanical smoke control systems to comply with Section 907, Fire Alarm
and Detection Systems, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Most importantly, it states that such systems must
be equipped with a control unit that complies with UL 864 and has to be listed as smoke control equipment.
UL 864 requirements address control units and accessories used for many NFPA standards, including NFPA 72 and NFPA 92,
Standard for Smoke-Control Systems. (Note: 92A and 92B have been combined in the 2012 edition to a single standard: NFPA
92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems.) Each system is tested by UL, which then lists the complying equipment under the
UUKL designation in its product directory. The BAS must meet these requirements and be listed in order to control a smoke
control system.
In addition to listed components, the BAS must comply with NFPA 72 requirements such as circuit type, reliability, wiring
arrangements, and limitations and they must be used by the BAS for all portions related to the smoke control system.
The smoke control system may consist of equipment that will be used as part of the normal HVAC system. The equipment includes
supply fans, exhaust fans, their associated dampers and variable air volume (VAV) boxes, as well as ductwork. Where buildings
include parking levels, garage exhaust fans used for removing carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust may be used under fire
conditions. This system must be controlled to place all equipment into the proper configuration for smoke control sequences, such
as the operation of a sprinkler system.
In the case of garage exhaust fans, they normally are controlled to operate when a certain level of carbon monoxide is exceeded.
These fans could be shut off if ambient conditions are satisfied. Under fire conditions, the BAS will need to override the fans
normal conditions to accommodate emergency conditions.
http://www.csemag.com/single-article/integrating-fire-systems-with-hvac-controls/bcd770dce96eb4d0d6073074d1b7da04.html?print=1

1/4

12/11/2014

Integrating fire systems with HVAC controls | Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Similarly, building HVAC supply fans and exhaust fans will play different roles under smoke control
conditions. For example, one method of smoke control is to create a pressure sandwich so that
the fire floor is maintained in a negative condition compared to the adjacent floors. To accomplish
this, the buildings HVAC system must revert from providing supply and exhaust air to all floors and
reconfigure to smoke control conditions. To do this, the BAS must configure dampers and possibly
modify fan operation to keep the fire floor in a negative condition by providing positive
pressurization above and below the fire floor or by exhausting the fire floor.
The next consideration is the ability of the BAS and the fire alarm system to coordinate with each
other. A smoke control system is required to have a firefighters smoke control panel. The purpose
of this panel is to provide a visual display of the current status of the smoke control system. This
enables the responding firefighters to make effective decisions, including the option to manually
override automatic system operation at the panel through the use of the panels three-position (onauto-off or open-auto-closed) switches to change the smoke control sequence to accommodate
actual conditions.Whatever the operational conditions, it is necessary to prepare a sequence of
operation matrix for each floor condition to ensure that the BAS will respond properly to any fire
alarm system input.
Most firefighters smoke control panel configurations are simplified to minimize operator error
during manual operation such as duct cavitation or overpressurization. Each fan is provided with its
own three-position switch, but in lieu of providing individual control for each damper in the system, a
single three-position switch is provided for each smoke control zone to allow all dampers for that
smoke zone to move to their proper position. In addition, this single switch must also initiate any
other smoke zone related action. Similarly, fan control can be combined when multiple fans provide
a common smoke control function. However, some jurisdictions may require each piece of
equipment to have its own control. Consequently, it is necessary to coordinate the system
sequence matrix and proposed level of system control with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to
determine the acceptable system configuration and operation.
It is critical that the controls contractor and the fire
alarm contractor closely coordinate each system action
so that all functions that take place under automatic
mode are exactly duplicated under manual operation of
a panel switch on the firefighters smoke control panel.
Such functions include fan shutdown, fan operation,
damper operation, door closings, doors/windows
opening (for make-up air on smoke exhaust systems),
and door unlocking as examples. In many cases, other
contractors (such as the security system contractor in
the case of unlocking secure doors) must provide input
for proper smoke zone arrangement. The detailed
sequence of operation matrix previously discussed
must be implemented by all parties to ensure that a
manual initiation of a sequence at the firefighters
smoke control panel will duplicate the same sequence
as an automatic initiation of a smoke control sequence.
Start the process early
Whether the project is design-build, design-bid-build,
or another delivery method, it is important to determine
early in the design process what will be integrated with
the BAS and how. Proper detailed planning by all
parties is necessary to provide a successful design
and avoid confusion, hasty field modifications, lost
time, and additional costs during construction.
The very first task is to confirm that integration for the project is viable. The proposed schedule needs to be evaluated to verify that
complicated integrated systems can be properly installed and tested in time to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Integrated
systems require multiple vendors; close inter-trade coordination and troubleshooting can be difficult to manage under compressed
construction schedules. If part of the integrated system package is deficient at the end, the AHJ may determine that the life safety
component of the integrated system is compromised and deny occupancy. Often, projects will attempt to obtain a Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy to allow certain contractual, nonconstruction functions at the site to proceed while completing minor
construction work. But, again, the AHJ will still require properly operating life safety systems first.
A successful design process is difficult to achieve, partly due to the way most design is accomplished. Drawings and specifications
are isolated into specific disciplines. As with the systems themselves, it is natural to be zeroed in on what is critical to get your work
properly defined. Coordination is required by not only each engineering discipline, but also each related installing trade and even
equipment vendors to establish a design path and the integration architecture to make it work.
As part of the design process, it is critical to designate one individual to take the role of systems integrator. In the case of smoke
control systems, this person needs to have a well-rounded background in low-voltage signaling and control systems, as well as
electrical and mechanical systems. The job will entail supervising the design process and documentation to confirm that the
integration process is properly covered by each discipline and that the appropriate equipment is specified and installed.
The integrator will need to review the drawings to verify that references to other disciplines drawings or additional detail is included
to provide sufficient information regarding interoperability requirements. Similarly, the integrator can review the specification
sections to determine that the integration process is properly covered. Depending on the situation, it may be useful to prepare a
separate specification section that covers the integration requirements and refer to the other related sections to tie things together.
Similarly, each individual system specification section can refer to the integrated system specification, closing the design loop.
The design process also should establish the initial sequence of operation for all integrated systems. As discussed earlier, the final
matrix can be prepared by the contractors based on actual installed conditions. But an initial matrix will help clarify engineering
goals and provide a path for the construction team.

Inspection and testing

http://www.csemag.com/single-article/integrating-fire-systems-with-hvac-controls/bcd770dce96eb4d0d6073074d1b7da04.html?print=1

2/4

12/11/2014

Integrating fire systems with HVAC controls | Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Inspection and testing

Integrated systems require enough time to test to verify that the systems
interoperability is functioning properly. In the case of a smoke control system, the
HVAC systems have additional issues. The mechanical equipment involved with
smoke control must be modified to comply with smoke control code requirements in
addition to the BAS control requirements. It is important that the engineer, as well as
the installing contractor and the equipment vendor, understand the impact of these
requirements on providing an approved complete installation.
Normal HVAC fans used for smoke control functions must be equipped with 1.5
times the number of belts to provide redundancy. Their motors service factor is
increased. HVAC ducts that are used for smoke control and traverse smoke zones
must be tested at 1.5 times their design pressure with leakage of no more than 5%
of the design flow. Standard HVAC ducts are tested to less stringent requirements.
System smoke dampers that affect the performance of the smoke control system
also are monitored to confirm that they modulate to their proper position under
smoke control system initiation. They are inspected and tested to confirm that they
have been provided with end switches and that the BAS is providing correct status
of their positioning.
Other issues concerning control of smoke control systems include the operation of
the fans. It is necessary to verify that supervision of power downstream of the
disconnects is being accomplished. The system must provide status indication of
this condition at the firefighters smoke control panel and at the control unit. Also,
testing must confirm that the initiation of a smoke control sequence will allow the fans
to start and operate in its smoke control mode despite the status of the normal fan
controls or safeties. The smoke control circuiting must bypass any such obstructions
that could prevent proper performance.
As touched on previously, security systems often need to be integrated for proper operation of smoke control systems. Sometimes
a smoke control system, such as an atrium exhaust system, requires secured doors and/or windows to open on alarm initiation to
provide make-up air to allow the system to perform as intended. All such fenestrations must be tested for each scenario.
In the case of all these conditions, testing must confirm that these functions work correctly both under automatic and manual modes,
as well as with normal or emergency power.
The inspection and testing of integrated systems is usually exasperating and time-consuming, and often requires multiple rounds of
retesting before all the deficiencies are corrected. This is often due to all of these different systems being completed late in the
schedule and not enough time to get the kinks out prior to testing. Anything that can expedite the commissioning process is
appreciated by everyone.
One of the advantages of using the BAS to control the smoke control system is the systems ability to modify operating conditions
to accommodate actual ambient conditions through the use of variable frequency drive fans. The design of smoke control systems
is based on many variable conditions, including temperature, wind conditions and the quality or tightness of the construction.
These conditions tend to make adjusting and testing of the smoke control system difficult at best.
The typical building construction project is always under time constraints. Even under
the best conditions, final testing of the smoke control system is done under
tremendous pressure to get it done quickly so the building can obtain its certificate
of occupancy. More often than not, only preliminary adjustments have been
accomplished and additional adjustments must be done during testing.
When it comes to testing the smoke control system, there are at least two
components that are interrelated and each has its own issues. The individual zone
smoke control system performance may vary from one zone to another. The stair
pressurization systems may be (and often are) overpressurized, causing deficient
door opening forces. Many test sessions extend deep into the night in an
exasperated attempt to adjust the systems to meet smoke control system criteria.
A BAS can help minimize test stress by adjusting the fan speed of individual fans
that have variable frequency drives. In the situation of excessive stair pressurization,
the individual fan can be dialed back to limit its airflow to the stair, resulting in a
lower level of pressure affecting door opening forces. Similarly, for individual zone
smoke control system performance, the fan speed can be adjusted on a zone-byzone basis, based on the fire alarm signal received by the BAS.
The downside to this operation is that the BAS controls are typically located remotely to the fire alarm control panel and the
firefighters smoke control panel, both of which normally reside in a fire command room. BAS controls and system components are
usually located for the convenience of the buildings staff and HVAC equipment. Under test conditions, additional personnel may be
required to man the BAS controls to effect any required modifications during testing.
While modifying fan output for each smoke zone condition is a more expedient end to obtain approval, it also provides future
opportunities to inappropriately change the settings, possibly making the system ineffective. Care must be taken to limit access to
this programming and provide logging procedures to document when and why changes are made.
Documentation
After all the work done by the engineers, contractors, inspectors, and the AHJ, the integrated system operation is approved and the
owner receives its final certificate of occupancy. However, the project is not over. It is critical that the owner receives and carefully
stores all record documents related to the integrated system. As a building ages, things change. Systems are modified. When
these things happen, the contractors making the changes can use the documentation to maintain the interoperability of the
integrated system as well as revise the drawings to reflect changes made. In addition, the modified systems should be retested to
confirm their revised performance. Documentation of the testing is required to be incorporated with the existing record documents.
Even if buildings do not change, a BAS that is integrated with fire protection and life safety systems needs to be tested at least
http://www.csemag.com/single-article/integrating-fire-systems-with-hvac-controls/bcd770dce96eb4d0d6073074d1b7da04.html?print=1

3/4

12/11/2014

Integrating fire systems with HVAC controls | Consulting-Specifying Engineer

semiannually for dedicated systems or annually for nondedicated systems, as required by NFPA 92, to confirm the correct
operation is still being maintained. That retesting should include physical verification of system functions. Experience has shown
that elements of a smoke control system begin to show minor issues during the first year. Some systems that are three years old
could have more serious issues if they have not been regularly tested.
Many owners are unaware of the retesting requirements or defer testing due to cost or other issues. The longer these systems exist
without regularly scheduled retesting, the greater the probability that they will not function properly when an emergency arises and
may result in loss of life. If it was important enough to integrate these systems in the first place, it should be important enough to
confirm their continued proper operation.
Integrating fire protection and life safety systems with BAS can be cost-effective and provide a more efficient operation, but it is
imperative that the equipment is listed for the purpose, the design and installation is well planned and coordinated, and the system
is properly maintained over its lifetime.
Studer is an associate at Arup and heads the Fire Engineering Group in Arups Chicago office. For the past 15 years, he has been
involved in special inspection services for smoke control systems for projects throughout the U.S. and has previously served on
several NFPA technical committees, including for NFPA 3, now titled Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated
Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.

Related News:
Servomotor line with field-replacable encoders - 30.07.2013 01:50
Engineers should focus on integration - 24.01.2013 01:00
How to select an air handling unit - 27.12.2012 01:55
NFPA 20: Changes to the standard on fire pumps - 15.11.2012 01:04
Unraveling mysteries of BAS wireless controls - 23.08.2012 14:05
3-D modeling surges ahead - 17.08.2012 01:32
Boiler systems: Economics and efficiencies - 19.06.2012 02:02
Fire and life safety: Emergency lighting - 10.06.2012 12:35
Systems integration benefits - 16.05.2012 05:00
Commissioning clean agent fire extinguishing systems - 09.05.2012 05:00

Post a comment
Log in or create an account to submit your comment for this article.
No comments

http://www.csemag.com/single-article/integrating-fire-systems-with-hvac-controls/bcd770dce96eb4d0d6073074d1b7da04.html?print=1

4/4