Silencing fire alarm

[Ira]

Is there a way to set up a M1G keypad function key that will silence a fire alarm without having to enter an access code? Alternatively, is there a way to set up a user (access code) that can only silence a fire alarm?
 
Thanks,
Ira

 

[Del91574]

No and no.
 
The code requirement is there for positive acknowledgement of a fire alarm.
 
You might be able to try restricting the code further by trying the radio buttons for the code attributes.

 

[Digger]

Actually yes it can be done but it would violate the NFPA and possibly local requirements depending how you do it.  You can use a function key to turn off output 1 and output 2 with a rule but you need to verify with your local code authority that it is acceptable.  Personally I would not do this.
 
The NFPA states a code or a key is required to silence a Fire alarm so that only a person of authority can do it.  They dont want a child or a person not familiar with what to do in an emergency silencing an alarm and stopping the evacuation.  In some jurisdictions only the Fire Department can silence a Fire Alarm or CO Alarm such as Rhode island (at least in Commercial not sure on Residential).  They are very conservative and you never know they may be saving lives. 
 
Again I would not do this just set your time out timer for the siren for at least 4 minutes (more if local requirements are greater) and train members of your family how to silence an alarm if its a known false alarm.  They can always step outside for the 4 minutes for the sirens to stop if your using screamers.
 
Edit:
 
There is also the ability to put all of your fire devices in a separate area and assign a user code to just that area.  Then that user code can silence the Fire Alarm.  That is probably your best option as to the best of my knowledge that would meet the NFPA and you can just check with your local code authority.

 

[Del91574]

The annunciation on a system keypad with a FA assigned to another area is going to be the sticking issue for remaining compliant.
 
IMHO, anything that is modifying a default action of a FA system is a really bad idea (fire reset would be the only item that I might consider, but in actuality it's not a difficult affair on the M1).
 
Fire bell should not timeout.

 

[Digger]

The annunciation on a system keypad with a FA assigned to another area is going to be the sticking issue for remaining compliant.
 
IMHO, anything that is modifying a default action of a FA system is a really bad idea (fire reset would be the only item that I might consider, but in actuality it's not a difficult affair on the M1).
 
Fire bell should not timeout.

 
It is actually a default in some Commercial/Residential Combination Systems to have Fire zones in a separate area.  The code and UL Standards permit it. 
 
The NFPA and UL985 both clearly state a Residential Fire Alarm Siren/Bell shall sound a min of 4 minutes.  The Canadian Code and ULC S545 state a min of 5 minutes.  That is why they require a min 24 hours of standby power plus 4 or 5 minutes of alarm power respectively.  Local codes may vary.
 
I no longer remember what the international residency code specifies as it seems fewer and fewer localities are following it for some reason so dont use it much anymore. 

 

[Del91574]

I realize all of that, however with a system such as an M1 vs. a combination system, the issue arises that the sounders and additional outputs can be assigned to a completely different area and actually never drive the specific outputs needed. Also, many of the systems that have multiple areas do not have a single key "silence"....they usually have dedicated annunciator keypads or similar. You're also going to get into systems that have specific NAC's and other circuits involved that are never considered or generally installed in 99% of the residential out there.
 
The minimums of a fire alarm bell can always be subjective....but would you want a fire alarm bell to time out for whatever reason or to sound until silenced/reset?

 

[Digger]

I realize all of that, however with a system such as an M1 vs. a combination system, the issue arises that the sounders and additional outputs can be assigned to a completely different area and actually never drive the specific outputs needed. Also, many of the systems that have multiple areas do not have a single key "silence"....they usually have dedicated annunciator keypads or similar. You're also going to get into systems that have specific NAC's and other circuits involved that are never considered or generally installed in 99% of the residential out there.
 
The minimums of a fire alarm bell can always be subjective....but would you want a fire alarm bell to time out for whatever reason or to sound until silenced/reset?

 

I realize all of that, however with a system such as an M1 vs. a combination system, the issue arises that the sounders and additional outputs can be assigned to a completely different area and actually never drive the specific outputs needed. Also, many of the systems that have multiple areas do not have a single key "silence"....they usually have dedicated annunciator keypads or similar. You're also going to get into systems that have specific NAC's and other circuits involved that are never considered or generally installed in 99% of the residential out there.
 
The minimums of a fire alarm bell can always be subjective....but would you want a fire alarm bell to time out for whatever reason or to sound until silenced/reset?

Del,
 
You state things like "Fire Alarm Bell Should not Time Out" like it is a requirement when it is an opinion.  When you state opinions you should say they are opinions not facts or requirements as people see you as a Pro Installer and think you are stating facts/requirements. 
 
So you know the M1 (a Combo System per the NFPA) is perfectly capable of having a keypad for every area.  Also the siren will sound for all areas alarms.  So I see no reason the system can not be installed fully compliant with the NFPA if the user/installer follows the instructions, the NFPA and the local requirements/approval of the AHJ.  By implying it cant when you are just stating opinions hurts the perception of the system and the user winds up not using the system to its full potential.   
 
Opinions are fine, welcome, and many times I have the same opinions but you need to separate them from the facts. 

 

[Del91574]

Not arguing, but the issue is when a DIY attempts modify the system to be more "convenient" and easy that moves it towards non-compliance.
 
If someone starts negating the system alarm output on the M1 for the screamers that are touted, then that opens the door for a non-compliance installation quite easily.
 
The installation instructions are not a design guide for a compliant install, nor would or could they be used as such.
 
I would have to dig back through, but I know for sure that Ademco, Napco, Moose, and a few others had the UL default for fire bell to never expire, so it's unclear if there had been a change in the years since I last looked. I swear that the M1 also had the same default.
 
As far as the OP's questions, they were answered with valid statements.

 

[Digger]

Not arguing, but the issue is when a DIY attempts modify the system to be more "convenient" and easy that moves it towards non-compliance.
 
If someone starts negating the system alarm output on the M1 for the screamers that are touted, then that opens the door for a non-compliance installation quite easily.
 
The installation instructions are not a design guide for a compliant install, nor would or could they be used as such.
 
I would have to dig back through, but I know for sure that Ademco, Napco, Moose, and a few others had the UL default for fire bell to never expire, so it's unclear if there had been a change in the years since I last looked. I swear that the M1 also had the same default.
 
As far as the OP's questions, they were answered with valid statements.

 
While some mfg's have their defaults to never expire that is not required by UL985 or the NFPA.  UL985 actually states the temporal signal should be repeated for a minimum of 4 minutes or until manually reset.  ULC S545 is 5 minutes. 
 
Again you are stating opinions not facts based on your interpretation of a mfg's installation and programming instructions not the actual Standards or codes.  The UL default would have to be greater than 5 minutes to comply with any panel that is UL/cUL or UL/ULC Listed or just 4 mins for a UL only Listing.  Manufacturers can set it to anything they want that exceeds those requirements and bear the appropiate agency Listing mark.
 
FYI....... I have Listed many panels from ELK, Ademco, Napco and other mfg's over the years working for UL or private industry.  While I am sure the systems you install exceed the NFPA or UL Standards (that is great)  that is not required (unless required by a local AHJ).  You may think the NFPA and UL Standards are not enough (and not necessarily disagreeing) but the facts are the facts and they should be kept separate from opinions so as not to mislead people.
 
As I say in every post like this the user should verify the installation with their local AHJ.