Conditionals
Fire Alarm Systems



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Radio Bi-Directional Amplifier "BDA" systems are permitted through Manatee County Radio Division and NOT through the Fire Marshal's Office.
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Do not connect the BDA system to the fire alarm panel (lightning issue), use separate monitoring source.
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NO DUCT smoke detectors. Use HVAC relay shunt trips on general alarms only in order to reset with fire alarm system.
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NO PHONE lines to fire alarm panel (lightning issue), use cell dialer or radio for monitoring.
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NO TAMPER to fire backflow as copper underground poses a lightning issue.
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Pulls must be double-action with protective covers. Add covers with sounders if risk of children tampering is present.
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Document box required
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Add KNOX BOX to the location identified by Fire Marshal or staff.
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Waterproof EXTERIOR STROBE above OR near Knox Box with NO HORN.
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Breakrooms require HEAT detectors, NO SMOKES.
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Minimal smoke detectors in air-conditioned spaces.
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Fire Alarm Annunciator at firefighter entrance, which will be entry door nearest Knox Box & Waterproof Strobe.
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SPRINKLER BELL not required for monitored fire alarm system.
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FLOW / TAMPER on sprinkler riser.
Fire Sprinkler System
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ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) ceiling mounted sprinklers can be used in warehouses in place of in-rack fire sprinkler systems contingent on the use of wire rack shelving (storage bin shelving is not permitted)
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Multi-family apartments buildings will require lanai/balcony sidewall sprinkler protection (Hotels are not required to have this requirement due to NO SMOKING/COOKING policies)
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200 PSI for 2 HOURs acceptance test required (existing systems - 50 PSI over static pressure for 2 HOURS)
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NFPA 13, 13 R, 13 D sprinkler system for new construction and renovations require a permit
Fire Pump System
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Shop drawings must match installation
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Manufacturer's specifications or cut sheets for all equipment to be installed
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Hydraulic calculations and pump curve
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Include address and legal description of project, with owner's details and contractor info
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Plan of use, square footage and area involved listed
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2 Hour 200 PSI pressure test on all piping prior to final pump test
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Work must be performed by the contractor indicated on the permit
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Final acceptance test by a representative of the pump manufacturer, controller, and transfer switch with the fire department
Fire Underground




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Protect restraints, bolts, and stainless steel riser with plastic sheeting prior to all cement work
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Use blue fluorocarbon (PTFE) coated bolts & nuts = NO TARRING is required with non-corroding hardware
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Remote FDC: Add minimum of 500 pounds cement for thrust blocking
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90° stainless steel in building riser: Add minimum 300 pounds of cement for thrust blocking
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90° bends: Add minimum 300 pounds of cement for thrust blocking
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Tracer wire: THROUGHOUT
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200# 2 hour pressure test and full bore flush at final
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Burial tape required
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Remote FDC at final grade will require 18" x 18" cement pad (8" thick) WITH hole for U-channel signpost and tracer wire cap
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Pre-cast concrete thrust blocks allowed


Fire Standpipe System

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Add pressure reducer valves if fire pump is providing PSI
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Add ONLY class I 2.5" hose valves with brass reducer caps (2.5" - 1.5")
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Label exterior stairwell doors with the word "STANDPIPE" in red lettering
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Hose valves are on separate riser from sprinkler system unless approved by fire department
Fire Access Electronic Gates (Road and Pool)
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Plans must include emergency access remote control system (gate opener receiver & handheld gate openers / clickers) per Manatee County Ordinance AND Knox gate switch for fire apparatus as a back-up system
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No solar powered gates allowed
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Add KNOX GATE SWITCH #3502 to allow for fire department operation of gate
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Provide county / city permit application number if new gate
For Pedestrian Gate (Community Pools, Parks, Nature Preserves or other public areas)
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Add KNOX GATE SWITCH #3502
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Verify location in person with Fire Marshal or staff prior to install
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For POOL areas please add signage similar to photo provided
To order from Knox Select Florida then NORTH RIVER FIRE DISTRICT
Fire Hydrants

Hydrant
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Blue Reflective Tape on Collar
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Solid Yellow
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Annual Inspection Tag

Blue Pavement Marker for Hydrant Red Pavement Marker for FDC
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Follow the latest edition of the FFPC, NFPA 14
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Add pressure reducer valves if fire pump is providing PSI
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Add ONLY class I 2.5" hose valves with brass reducer caps (2.5" - 1.5")
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Label exterior stairwell doors with the word "STANDPIPE" in red lettering
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Hose valves are on separate riser from sprinkler system unless approved by fire department

FDC
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Sign with Address
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Painted Red
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No Rust
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Cap in Place
Radio BDA Rough-In
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Follow the City of Palmetto or Manatee County Building permit requirements and inspections
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An independent grid testing contractor must follow a "failed" grid test by the radio BDA seller/installer to protect the building owner from fraudulent tests
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A permit from NRFD is for ROUGH-IN SYSTEM ONLY: chase pipe 2" grey conduit or 2" blue smurf flex pipe, 12" x 12" NEMA 4 rated boxes, and the wall boxes for annunciators
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No connection between the radio BDA panel and the FACP (lightning hazard for FACP)
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Monitor radio BDA separately from FACP
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Elevator shafts and stairwells are NOT approved paths for radio BDA chase
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Final approval GIVEN by Manatee County Radio Manager Ed Cittadino ed.cittadino@mymanatee.org or 848-992-6220
Addressing and Building Labels






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Contrasting Colors
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Facility address
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10" minimum for major highways, prefer reflective material
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Identify buildings for emergency personnel to easily locate and train employees to give building identification when calling for assistance.
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Discuss specifics with Plans Reviewer as there are many options.