Fire-Lite Alarms Earn Seismic Certification from IBC

  • Mar 25, 2011

Honeywell’s Fire-Lite Alarms’ most popular most popular addressable and conventional fire alarm systems have earned the International Building Code’s (IBC) seismic certification. To do so, the company created a seismic kit that can be installed inside the alarm’s control panels to meet IBC seismic requirements.

To achieve certification per IBC requirements, fire alarm systems must remain "online and functional" immediately after a lengthy series of shake tests performed under the witness of a certified seismic qualification agency. The IBC specifically addresses the design and installation of critical building systems with an emphasis on their performance. The IBC code also dictates the requirements for attachment of fire alarm components to the building.

Systems of high importance in “essential facilities” now require seismic certification depending on their geographic region. An essential facility is defined as a building that is intended to remain operational after extreme environmental load from an event such as an earthquake. At a minimum, IBC-certified fire protection systems are required in specific U.S. regions for the following essential facilities:

  • Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
  • Fire, rescue and police stations
  • Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters
  • 911, communication, data, switching, operation centers
  • Most power-generating stations and other public utility facilities
  • Structures containing highly-toxic materials
  • Buildings and structures having critical national defense functions
  • Most water treatment facilities
  • Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, emergency aircraft hangers and some terminal buildings

"We're pleased to be able to offer this important industry approval. Fire systems operation after an earthquake is critical to life safety," said Gene Pecora, marketing director for Fire-Lite Alarms.

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