Document Date (05/2013)
Author: Ed Larsen
Document Number: 0600DB1302
www.schneider-electric.us/go/codes
Keywords: Circuit Breakers
Fire Alarms
Emergency Communications
Fire Alarm Circuit Breakers
Introduction
Many have asked if circuit breakers are available with a red handle
to feed fire alarm circuits. One circuit breaker manufacturer even
offers circuit breakers with a red handle. The quick answer is that a
red handled circuit breaker is not necessary to feed a fire alarm
circuit. This Electrical Shortz will explain why.
NFPA 72® Marking Requirements
NFPA 72®, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, “…covers the
application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and
maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems,
public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and
emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components.”
How a circuit breaker or other disconnecting means that feeds a fire alarm
system needs to be identified is defined in Section 10.6.5.2 Circuit
Identification and Accessibility. Here are the requirements in Section
10.6.5.2:
10.6.5.2.1 The location of the branch circuit disconnecting means shall
be permanently identified at the control unit.
10.6.5.2.2 System circuit disconnecting means shall be permanently
identified as to its purpose in accordance with the following:
(1) “FIRE ALARM” for fire alarm systems
(2) “EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS” for emergency
communications systems
(3) “FIRE ALARM/ECS” for combination fire alarm and emergency
communications systems
10.6.5.2.3 For fire alarm and/or signaling systems, the circuit
disconnecting means shall have a red marking.
10.6.5.2.4 The red marking shall not damage the overcurrent
protective devices or obscure the manufacturer’s markings.
NOTE: A red handle on the disconnecting means is not required! Most
installers meet this requirement by affixing a red label adjacent to the circuit
breaker.
Locking Requirement
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There is another fire alarm system, supervising station alarm
system, public emergency alarm reporting system and emergency
communication system branch circuit disconnecting means
requirement that should be noted. Section 10.6.5.4 requires that,
“Where a circuit breaker is the disconnecting means, a listed circuit
breaker locking device shall be installed.”
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ENGLISH
Electrical
Shortz
Fire Alarm Circuit Breakers
Electrical Shortz
0600DB1302
Document Date (04/2013)
Summary
In summary, circuit breakers or other disconnecting means feeding fire
alarm or emergency communications branch circuits do not need to have
red handles, but circuit breakers or other disconnecting means need to have
a red marking adjacent to the device indicating that it is the disconnecting
means for a fire alarm and/or emergency communications circuit. The
marking may not obscure the circuit breaker markings. Further, if a circuit
breaker, a listed handle locking device must be installed.
For more information:
NFPA 72-2013 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
For More Information
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
Visit the Schneider Electric North America Codes and Standards Electrical Shortz website at:
http://www.schneider-electric.us/support/codes-and-standards/codes-standards-technical-library1/product-documentation/
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“Electrical Shortz” are produced by the Schneider Electric North America Codes and
Standards Group. These documents provide general guidance on a specific issue.
Circumstances regarding particular installation issues may need further consideration.
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