Designing to NFPA 731-2015, Electronic Security Systems

Thomas Mason, PE

Course Outline

This course exactly follows the outline of NFPA 731-2015, Administration, Referenced Publications, Definitions, Fundamentals, Intrusion Detection Systems, Electronic Access Control, Video Surveillance, Holdup, Duress and Ambush.  Not included are monitoring stations, testing and inspections and asset protection systems.

The course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will have section references for each of the following:

• How NFPA 731, Electronic Security Systems, coordinates with NFPA 70, the National Electric Code;
• A range of relevant standards from ANSI, UL and SIA (Security Industry Association, SIAonline.com);
• Selection of components, compliant with NFPA and good engineering judgment;
• The significance of UL listing;
• How enforcement is effected;
• The purpose of the security system you are designing;
• The exclusion of one and two-family dwellilngs;
• The tradeoffs of stand-alone vs integrated fire alarm / security system;
• How to comply with emergency egress requirements and maintain security;
• What is an annunciator?
• Electronic article surveillance;
• Intrusion detection;
• Sound detection;
• Redundancy and verification;
• Initiating devices;
• Alarm devices;
• Central monitoring; and
• Cctv.

Intended Audience

This course is directed toward electrical design engineers responsible for plans and specifications for electronic security systems.  It is very meaningful for Contractors and Project Managers and Architects supervising facility design.

Benefit to Attendees

The application of electronic security systems is very similar to that of fire alarms.  But not identical.  There are special considerations for reliable security systems that are discussed in detail.

Course Introduction

The author has designed intrusion detection, access control and cctv systems for over a decade.  There are a few high-end integrated suppliers who provide excellent systems.  There are many, many quick-buck contractors who install a cheap system that work for the warranty period.  NFPA has attempted to address quality and reliability needs with NFPA-731.  The 2015 edition is the first issue that deserves the rating, “Excellent”.  It is extremely sparse, assuming the reader understands the vocabulary and implications.  This course attempts to translate the exact code words into design action items and discuss the meaning.

Course Content

A summary of NFPA 720-2015 is indicated below for download, study and reference.  It does not list all of the content of the 91 page Standard. The full Standard is recommended for design decisions regarding Life-Safety, but the Summary should get you started and help you find the part to study.  If you feel that extended narrative and graphics are needed, please indicate so in the evaluation form which follows the Quiz.

Designing to NFPA 731-2015, Electronic Security Systems - Summary

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Course Summary

This course followed the credo, “The Code, Discuss the Code and Apply the Code.”  Previous courses by this author invested more of your time in discussions of dealing with enforcement authorities, Contractors and Architects.  Please comment when you complete the quiz on your reaction to this format.

Related Links and References

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

National Fire Protection Association, NFPA.com
Security Industry Association, SIAonline.com
Underwriters Laboratories, UL.com
US supplier of listed high-resolution IP POE cctv cameras, http://www.gw-security-camera-system.com/
US supplier of listed high-resolution panoramic fixed IP POE cctv cameras, http://www.arecontvision.com/
Mainstream US supplier of high-end security systems, http://www.security.honeywell.com/
Mainstream US supplier of high-end security systems, http://www.tycosecurityproducts.com/ (Simplex)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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