Fire Alarm Systems Requirements

The Naperville Fire Department has established guidelines and requirements for the installation, maintenance and testing of fire alarm systems in the City of Naperville. These guidelines have been established to assist the alarm installer, maintenance and testing company as to what is required when installing/working on Fire Alarm Systems in the City of Naperville. Please note, that fire alarm installer shall be registered with the State of Illinois pursuant to the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm and Private Security Act of 1983.

Although building permits are issued by the Transportation, Engineering & Development Business Group, the Naperville Fire Department currently performs all plan review and final inspections and acceptance/performance testing for all fire alarm installations. Occupancy Permits will not be issued until the Fire Alarm System has been approved by the Naperville Fire Department.

Any questions regarding fire alarm systems should be directed to Building Permits at (630) 420-6100 (option #2).

Adopted Codes

The following Codes have been adopted by the City of Naperville:

  • International Fire Code - 2018 edition
  • City of Naperville Municipal Code as amended
  • National Fire Codes (NFPA) - current edition
  • Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) - 2006 edition

NOTE: The alarm installer/contractor will be required to comply with all other applicable NFPA standards, codes and local ordinances that apply to fire alarm systems.

Methods of Monitoring Fire Alarm Systems

  1. The status of all Fire Alarm Systems must be monitored continuously and the method must be approved by the Naperville Fire Department.
  2. The City of Naperville has an alarm board in the 911 Dispatch Center.

Fire Alarm Control Panel & System Devices

  1. The Fire Alarm Control Panel must be U.L. or F.M. approved.
  2. The Fire Alarm Control Panel must be separate from Burglar, Security, or any other type of system located on the premises.
  3. The location of the Fire alarm Control Panel must be approved by the Naperville Fire Department. In complexes, shopping centers, and the like, Fire Alarm Control Panels shall be installed according to sprinkler system configuration, approved by the ONFM.
  4. Separate Zones are required for Detection and Pull Boxes, Flow Switches, Tamper Switches, Duct Detectors, or any other devices used, and for each floor in multi-story buildings, and Hood and Duct Suppression Systems. The capability to disable each zone shall be provided.
  5. The Fire Alarm Control Panel must be accessible to the Naperville Fire Department 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via a Lockbox. Lockbox information is provided herein.
  6. Townhome, rowhouse or other similar complex, the Fire Alarm Control Panel shall not be located within a private garage or room controlled by unauthorized personnel. Power shall be a dedicated circuit separated from unauthorized personnel.
  7. When installing a Fire Alarm Control Panel outside a building, a U.L. or F.M. approved weatherproof box is required. The alarm installer shall prove that the panel will function in the weatherproof box and meet temperature requirements as outlined according to manufacturers recommendations.
  8. Status functions not related to Fire Protection Systems, shall not be monitored on the Fire Alarm Control Panel. (FACP)
  9. Provide documentation that all system devices are compatible.
  10. Provide documentation that all devices are U.L or F.M. approved, and approved for their use.

Annunciator Panel Requirements

  1. Location of the ANNUNCIATOR Panel must be approved by the Naperville Fire Department.
  2. A Red 4" Strobe Light shall be installed by the ANNUNCIATOR panel, or above the closest entrance to the FACP.
  3. The ANNUNCIATOR panel must indicate all functions of the Fire Alarm Control Panel and also have reset and disable capabilities the same as the FACP.
  4. The ANNUNCIATOR must be permanently marked properly to show zones.
  5. A zone map, encompassing a floor plan shall be provided near each Fire Alarm Control Panel and Fire Alarm ANNUNCIATOR Panel.

Audible and Visual Device Requirements

  1. Audible and visual horn strobes are required throughout the building. Audible Horns are required throughout the building for all occupants to hear in all areas. Visual notification is required throughout the building for all occupants to see from all areas.
  2. Horn/strobe(s) are required in each public, common and occupied areas of the building including, but not limited to hotel/motel rooms, dormitory rooms, apartments, multi-family units and the like. Horn minimum dbA should be 85/75 or 15 dbA above the average ambient noise, which ever is greater and the maximum dbA should not exceed IL ADA of 120 dbA.
  3. The letters F.A.C.P. (Min. size shall be 4" in height) shall be installed on the door (exterior and or interior) to show location of panel.
  4. The American with Disabilities Act shall be taken into consideration with regards to visual requirements in public areas of the building, however, ADA requirements are the building owners responsibility.

Detection Devices

  •  All Detection devices shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

Duct Smoke Detectors

  1. Duct Smoke Detectors as required, shall meet NFPA 72 requirements and be placed on separate zone(s) on the FACP, remote L.E.D. and test switch stations are required for all duct detectors, that are obstructed or located above the ceiling.
  2. The location of duct detectors shall be shown on the zone map/floor plan mounted next to each FACP or FAAP.
  3. Duct detectors shall be cleaned on an annual schedule according to NFPA 72.

Fire Alarm Service

To take a fire alarm out of service or to return an alarm to service after testing and repairs are complete, call the Naperville Fire Department at (630) 420-6147.

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Fire Alarm Systems

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Naperville Fire Department