Sandy Help

Our numbers for Long Island for
Security, Fire Alarm, and CCTV installation, sales, repairs, inspections, due to the storm: 631-745-0447 and 631-331-9082
or nyfiremaster@gmail.com
MES SECURITY SYSTEMS
For Northern NJ : 201-444-3219
SOKOLY ELECTRIC AND ALARMS
(Also for Generator install, repair, and service as well as Electrical install, repair and service)

UL Guide for Floodwater/Electrical Equipment

http://www.ul.com/global/documents/offerings/perspectives/regulators/electrical/flooding/UL_Floodwater_Brochure_2009.pdf

Storm Related Info for Water Damaged Electrical Equipment

Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment is available for download at no charge at no charge at www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm. It provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water and outlines items that require complete replacement or that can be reconditioned by a trained professional.

A New Approval

Nassau County New York office of the Fire Marshal has approved and accepted the Arlington FL-430/FLS-430 support Box for Commercial Fire Alarm Installation in Suspended Ceiling Tile Locations where Smoke Detectors are installed. UL listed for luminaires up to 50 lbs and smoke detectors up to 25 lbs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK1SjspN5bI

Is Derating the same as Safety Factor?

No - derating factor is different from the safety factor. The derating factor is used as the basis of calculation to determine worst-case performance for EOL voltages: when the batteries are at the end of their life expectancy (5 years) and the battery output voltage has decreased (15%) the result is the panel's output voltage will similarly be reduced (unless it is documented by UL to have compensation circuitry). Accordingly, circuits that used to be calculated using 24VDC are now calculated using 20.4VDC as the base voltage. Then the circuit load calculations are done using the UL max current draws - which are measured at the lowest listed operating voltage (typically 16VDC).

The safety factor is to provide additional power beyond what the minimum calculations show will be required to operate the system, to compensate for minor system additions or changes. (2010 at 10.5.6.3.1)
The de-rating factor is applied to the voltage, the safety factor is applied to the amperage.
The Safety factor is upping the battery capacity after calculating the proper standby and alarm capacity needed to operate a system

Message from God

The difference between GOD and the FIRE MARSHALL is that GOD does not think that he is the FIRE MARSHALL

Nice Collection!

My buddy Nick Markowitz collected these beauties

NEW TECHNOLOGIES: Z-WAVE, ZIGBEE, LOWES, AND VERIZON WHO GETS CAUGHT “HOLDING THE BAG”

Here we go again! As newer technologies reach into our Business and our pockets, it’s time to discuss some recent issues. Our Product Manufacturers have graciously afforded us with cutting edge technologies that make our customers believe they can control everything in their home from their remote locations, get instant access to their alarm status and control, control their thermostats and lighting and feed the dog, too. Of particular interest is GE, DSC, ADEMCO, HONEYWELL, NAPCO, etc examination and use of Z-Wave Technology for control of Devices such as Lighting Switches, Outlets, and Thermostats, to name just a few. Without going into how it works, advantages/disadvantages, or cost (I’m no expert in those areas) I’d Like to address an issue with these devices I am familiar with. That is, are you properly licensed to install certain hardware associated with these technologies? We all should realize that our 6D license allows us to install, program and interface with the Security, Home Automation, AV and Lighting Control aspects of these technologies. We are allowed to wire, install, maintain and service Security and Fire Alarm Systems in NYS. These Systems particularly pertain to Voltages of 90V or less ( read Suffolk’s Restricted Electrical License Law- 90V for that….bet you didn’t know that Suffolk Restricts HVAC contractors to 60V!) The Suffolk License applies to non-security/fire/access/CCTV that is NOT Monitored by any entity (use your discretion or better yet, call them as to what the term “ non-monitored” applies to. I can tell you that it DOES apply to: Door Bells, Central Vac wiring, Audio, Video, Network Cabling, LAN and WAN  wiring, Door Camera’s, Baby Cams)The Restricted License is basically treated just like an Electrical License. You need 7 years of Documented (pay stubs, W-2’s, etc) to prove work experience before you can apply for it. Yes, a written and Practical exam is required! Insurance requirements are there as well. At issue is the installation of devices such as switches, outlets, thermostat controls and appliance modules. Our Distributors offer us Z-Wave replacement Switches, Outlets,Thermostats and the like right on the shelf next to our alarm products and devices. We are in no way restricted in PURCHASING these devices from them, just like any consumer buys from Home Depot or Lowes. The problem lies in installing these devices. We are NOT Master Electricians ( Unless, of course we ARE) and I’m sure Ken Kirschenbaum will agree, that We or one of our Company principles (Pres., VP, Secretary, or Treasurer)who has intimate knowledge of day to day business operations must be a Licensed Master Electrician in the jurisdictions we are installing these device in. Otherwise, we should be retaining the Services of a Properly Licensed Master Electrician in those jurisdictions. Of course, some dealers complain that when you explain to the customer that the fancy schmanzy home automation system you just sold him needs the services of someone more qualified than you…the deal goes south. “Do you have an Electrician you use that you can call to install these devices” was a question a prominent alarm dealer just posed in a recent discussion with myself and a distributor. As soon as the words left his mouth the customer’s response was: “why AND is it going to cost me more money?” DEAL DONE! “Sorry, I’m not interested anymore.” He has 10 salesmen trying to foist this scenario! So here’s what you need to know. According to Sal Ferrara, Owner of The Electrical Training Center LI and an NFPA 70 Code expert and Master Electrician Instructor on Long Island, “it’s perfectly ok for a Master Electrician to assist an Alarm Dealer or his Technicians in proper Line Voltage wiring techniques. You don’t need to be licensed to receive proper information and or instruction. The issue is liability.” Those technicians and their work are the responsibility of their employer-The Alarm Company- they are not employees doing work under a Licensed Electrician. IF they are allowed to install Z-Wave switches, outlets, etc under the supervision of a Licensed Master Electrician they are STILL employees of the Alarm Company and Liability rest with THEM. One way to properly be in compliance is to subcontract the Line Voltage Work to the Electrician and HIS employees. Of course, we all know that there will be added cost to this. Typically hourly rates can be $125.00 per hour! Plan accordingly! Another issue that was discussed was that you need to make sure that your Electrical Contractor is properly licensed in ALL the jurisdictions you are doing this work in. Suffolk’s ME does not cover Nassau County, Town of Hempstead does not cover The Village of Freeport, Oyster Bay does not cover Suffolk County…..you get the picture! If your company is installing those Z-wave thermostats, control modules that are not plug-in  or are hardwired that control hot tubs, and appliances BE AWARE! Your 6D Alarm License does NOT cover you for installing them. You need to be a Licensed Master Electrician in the jurisdiction you are installing in OR in Suffolk County, you need to be either an ME or have the Suffolk County Restricted Electrical License (remember: “non-monitored”). To quote Ron Petrarca, Past NYBFAA and LIAA President “these jokers don’t realize that liability is an ugly issue. Most Alarm installers don’t have a clue that the lawyers will be looking to pick them clean if some disaster, loss of property or life occurs due to faulty, negligent installation practices” In my 6D License Classes I tell my students the following: “just because you or a homeowner can go into Lowe’s Home Depot , ADI or Alarmax, go to the shelf, purchase a switch or receptacle (be it Line Voltage or Z-Wave), Buy the “Time-Life” Book of Home Electrical Wiring, read it from cover to cover, go home or to a job, install the device, and IT WORKS, DOES NOT MEAN YOU INSTALLED IT TO CODE OR SAFELY! Who inspects that work? A Master Electrician is subject to local inspection requirements followed by the jurisdictions he’s licensed in to assure a safe installation. It is an unfortunate fact that homeowners can do their own wiring and electrical work in their own homes.The issue is; have you or your technician been properly trained and whose liability is it? You, by contract, held yourself out to be qualified ,for hire, to properly do the work. Most will agree, “If you accept money for payment, you are responsible for any and all damages you cause.” If you’re a homeowner, hope you have your insurance policy paid up to date. If you’re not properly licensed or trained or qualified to do the work on a CUSTOMERS job-----guess who’s coming after you? A whole bunch of vultures looking to pin the blame on YOU! Do yourself and your business a favor. Get the proper Restricted Electrical License to do the work or partner with a Licensed Master Electrician. For a list of recommended Licensed Master Electricians you can call Electrical Training Center at 631-226-8021.

Mike Sokoly

MES Security Systems/Electrical Training Center

Secretary: Long Island Alarm Association

LICENSING, CONTRACTORS, AND TRUNK SLAMMERS

I recently had the “pleasure” of consulting for a Licensed Master Electrician who also holds his own 6D License. The job was for a very big corporate “fat cat” in the Hamptons. I was retained to assist in the Installation of a $30K plus Security System. As most of us do our own specification and design, I was somewhat taken back when the contractor presented me with an incomplete design specification that was the result of the electrician playing “match the Quote”, which he of course, won. My Job was to then “consult” with the GC on the locations of devices. You can well understand my distaste for Unqualified Designing when I was instructed by the GC, via the owner’s “handler” that the design was NOT to be deviated from! Ok,so I’m to located a $300 Bosch Smoke Detector IN the clients Master Bathroom, AND directly over the Kitchen Cooking Appliances! Can’t Change it! On advice to the GC, (unheeded, mind you) they were installed in  incorrect locations. The Electrical/Alarm Contractor was advised as well. Seeing as I was HIS employee (no subcontracting agreement existed) I was on his payroll for the duration of the job, HE now assumes the liability and responsibility for any alarm, trouble and install issues that may result.

The Electrical/Alarm Contractor was also contracted to install wiring ONLY(materials provided by The “AV Contractor”: ( you’ll like the rest of this story!) for Lighting Control, Home Automation Control, Home AV, and Alarm Control via the Home Control System, all non-line voltage wiring. Well, the Electrician seems covered for the Installation of the wiring for the above systems via his Master Electrician License in Suffolk County. He also is covered by his 6D License to install the Security System and associated wiring. He’s properly licensed as a Master Electrician to install all the Lighting Control Equipment and wiring. A properly Licensed Master Plumber was contracted to install all the HVAC automation Control wiring and systems as well, which the AV Contractor also interfaced with and controlled.

 As Shakespeare once inferred: “Ah, now here’s the rub!” Upon my astute investigation, here’s what I found: The AV Contractor was hired and contracted by the owner for the “Installation” of the AV System exclusive of the wiring installed by the ME. Because this Company “did such excellent work”, was a contractor to “the Stars” before, got glowing accolades in CEPRO Magazine and did the owner’s Manhattan Townhouse, he MUST know what he’s doing and would be properly licensed and certified to perform this work, right?

NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

I found out that:

 1.) He and his Company( and his Partner, for that matter) have NO Master Electrician License in Suffolk County ( Funny, I personally observed his Technicians and Partner making Line Voltage connections in a Lutron Lighting Control System Panel!)

2.) He and His Company have NO Suffolk County Restricted Electrical License for Voltages under 90V and wiring associated with non-security/non-monitored Electrical Systems. (Again, How does he legally make all the wiring terminations, connector installations and install, test and program all the equipment for the AV System without an ME License or Suffolk Restricted Electrical License?)

3.) The BEST One: His SAVANT Home Automation System directly interfaces with the Ademco Security System to Control and Observe it via Wi Fi and iPad via an RS232 connection directly to the alarm control panel. Ron Petrarca, past President of LIAA offered this, “where does this guy get off doing this? ANY interfacing to a Security System, be it hard wired or wireless requires a 6D License!” I’ll bet you can guess what comes next……..yep, NO 6d License for Him, his partner or his Company.

I brought this all to the attention of the Electrical/Alarm contractor, whose comment to me was, “Don’t say anything. I don’t want to lose the job or get throw off, and not get paid!” Well, you all know me……as soon as I’m compensated for my labor in full; Phone Calls, Complaint Forms, Fines, Rewards, you all get the picture! Bottom Line: We all need to be our own “Judge, Jury and Hangman” when we see unlicensed activity. Report it, make your Contractors, GC’s and Customers aware that you WILL not tolerate this and WILL report it to the proper authorities. Suffolk County has an online Complaint Form as well as a reward system. LIAA and NYESA also have complaint forms available. USE THEM! We are all in a downsided business, being hacked at from unscrupulous Individuals, Verizon, Lowe’s and the rest. We owe it to ourselves and our Industry to promote Legitimate and Licensed Companies; Alarm, Electrical, AV, Automation, Home Audio, or whomever has jurisdiction over the installation.

Mike Sokoly:

 MES Security/Electrical Training Center

Secretary: Long Island Alarm Association

NEC? Who reads that code book!

New Product from SK

 From: my friend Nick Markowitz
 To: All my Silent Knight Buddies


Nick's Fire - Electrical- Safety & Security Blog: Silent Knight releases new 2 input 2 relay out mo...: The good folks at Silent Knight have come out with a unique module that fits the bill for remotely controlling Doors, Fans and other ancill...

OSHA : NOT FOR EVERYONE

I came across this hedge trimming crew last week working in the Hamptons!
Creative construction of a lift or cherry picker beats purchasing a REAL one!

System Sensor Residential Smoke Seminar Available

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/960981946

Double Action/Triple Action

Are double action manual pull stations with stopper covers allowed?

 I seem to recall at one point in time that I read somewhere that there could be no more than 2 actions to initiate a manual fire alarm. I actually had a project years ago where we were required to remove the double action and replace them with single action because the stopper cover was treated as an additional action. I have looked in ADA, NFPA, IFC, and spoken to STI and to AHJs in my area and I cannot find anything addressing this issue. Does anyone know of any code addressing this issue?

Answer:

You will no longer find a reference to Manual Station operation other than following the requirements that Covers be listed, and that Cover w/Audible be approved by the AHJ. NFPA 1, 72 & 101 have removed the "No more than 2 actions" phrase from the prescriptive requirements... most likely to allow for reducing nuisance alarms in certain situations. The AHJ is the ultimate approving authority here. Professional engineering judgement, common sense and working with the AHJ are what defines acceptability in this instance, in most jurisdictions.

National Fire Academy Begins Eighth Year of Coffee Break Training

The U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA) recently began its eighth year of providing timely and useful instructional tips for first responders through its popular online Coffee Break Training series.

Launched on November 29, 2005, Coffee Break Training consists of one-topic weekly training vignettes delivered to USFA website visitors and more than 43,000 email subscribers in the U.S. and around the world. Each training item is designed to be consumed in just a few minutes over a "cup of coffee." The NFA has delivered more than 350 of these training segments since the program began.

The initial Coffee Break series focused on fire protection topics such as automatic sprinkler systems, building and fire codes, fire protection water supplies, and safe storage practices. From time to time there are special lessons developed called "Hot Coffee" (significant emerging issues) and "Special Blend" (reminders of historically significant events / lessons learned). In the last few years, the Coffee Break series has expanded to include fire investigation, fire prevention management, public education, emergency medical services, and research techniques at the NETC Learning Resource Center. Recently, other parts of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency began adopting the NFA’s Coffee Break model.

U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell said, "The Coffee Break Training series is one of our most popular media for sharing up-to-the minute training. Busy first responders can get a quick and easy-to-read training tip that they can apply the same day it appears."

Deputy Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines added, "The purpose of the Coffee Break Training program is to deliver provocative topics with measurable learning objectives. They are modeled on Gordon Graham’s insightful ‘five minutes of short, verifiable training’ that over time accumulates into real performance improvements."

Students who receive the Coffee Break Training series can earn free continuing education units through quarterly exams posted on NFA Online.

For more information, or to sign up for the free Coffee Break Training series, visit the USFA's website.

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Check my Buddy's Excellent Blog!

Nick's Fire - Electrical- Safety & Security Blog

Dealing with Non Payers

 Subscribers who pay for their alarm systems but stop paying for telephone or other communication pathways present an issue.  You advise that you are using a Contract, presumably for monitoring.  That Monitoring Contract or any Contract with the provision, clearly requires the subscriber to provide a communication pathway so that the system can communicate a signal.  The contract is equally clear that your recurring charges need to be paid even if no communication is maintained by the subscriber or if the police or fire department decide not the respond.  Your liability is another matter.
    If you put the AHJ on notice that you have installed and are monitoring a fire alarm system then you should notify the AHJ that monitoring is not possible.  Let your subscriber know that you are obligated, if not legally then morally, to notify the AHJ.
    Although you are not contractually obligated to provide notice to the subscriber that it is in breach of the contract by not providing communication it's a good idea.  A letter once in a while would be a good idea.  If the subscriber stops paying you, sue.
Thanks to Ken Kirschenbaum for this valuable information.
Visit www.alarmcontracts.com for more information.

New CO Regs

The new requirements in the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC)
and the International Building Code (IBC) are the result of the International Code
Council (ICC) membership approving a proposal during the May 2010 Final Action
Hearing to require the installation of CO detection in new and existing Group-R and
Group-I occupancies, such as hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, hospitals and
nursing homes.
Section 908.7 of the 2012 IFC and IBC requires CO detection to be installed
in “newly” constructed Group-R and Group-I occupancies if the building contains a
fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Also CO alarms shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and
Warning Equipment, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Section 1103.9 of the IFC covers the requirements for existing Group-R and
Group-I occupancies, these requirements are the same as those in 908.7 for newly
constructed occupancies.
As with most codes and standards, there are exceptions to the mandatory
requirements. If sleeping units or dwelling units do not contain a fuel-burning
appliance or have an attached garage, but are located in a building with a fuel burning
appliance or an attached garage, CO detection is not required if:
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below any
story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to
an attached garage or any room containing a fuel-burning appliance
• The building is provided with a common area1 CO alarm system.
Also, Section 908.7.1 of the 2012 IBC and IFC clearly permits system connected
CO detectors to be installed as a primary form of protection if they are
installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and listed as complying
with ANSI/UL 2075. It’s worth mentioning that NFPA 720 permits either CO alarms
ANSI/UL 2034, Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms,
or CO detectors complying with ANSI/UL 2075, Gas and Vapor Detectors and
Sensors, to be installed.

Record of Completion is Neccessary

A local alarm New York City company  didn’t have any use for the Record of Completion (ROC) form in their NYC office since their building code states they don’t accept the ROC the NFPA 72 2010 edition illustrates in Chapter 10.
It seems the local company found he could get by with as little effort as possible. While  correct in noting that the city doesn’t want the official NFPA Record of Completion submitted to the Department of Buildings, that doesn’t leave them off the hook for the other AHJs involved. By claiming that it isn’t used in his NYC alarm company branch because NYC doesn’t want it is a bit simplistic. The fact remains—he is responsible for complying with NFPA 72, Section 10.18.2.1.2.3. “A preliminary copy of the record of completion shall be given to the system owner and, if requested, to other authorities having jurisdiction after completion of the installation wiring tests.” Simply because it is not “requested” by NYC doesn’t excuse him from compliance. I’m surprised he has not run into a hotel chain or insurance company requiring this document. It should be completed because it is a signed/witnessed affidavit which states that your code-compliant fire alarm system was turned over to the building owner in perfect working order.
Thanks To Greg Kessinger for this GREAT info!

HIRING

Although it would be a great teaching opportunity for educating
prospective alarm license candidates:
NY DOS License Law 6D requires all persons who have knowledge of Alarm install and programming info for a customer to have either a valid license or be properly documented and fingerprinted as an employee. It is a license violation to "help", or allow a non- licensed, non- employee to work on your installation!

Radio

Here we go again!
FCC has announced that GSM is history in 2016!
G3 will be our next best option for alarm reporting over
Radio