Tiêu chuẩn NFPA 4 về Thử nghiệm hệ thống phòng cháy chữa cháy và an toàn tính mạng tích hợp Phiên bản 2021This edition of NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety SystemTesting, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Commissioning and Integrated Testingand acted on by the NFPA membership during the 2020 NFPA Technical Meeting held June8–29. It was issued by the Standards Council on August 11, 2020, with an effective date ofAugust 31, 2020, and supersedes all previous editions.This edition of NFPA 4 was approved as an American National Standard on August 31, 2020.Origin and Development of NFPA 4The basis for NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety SystemTesting, was Chapter 7 of the 2012 edition of NFPA 3, Recommended Practice forCommissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems. This chapter addressedintegrated system testing as part of the overall fire protection and life safety systemcommissioning concept. Both the 2012 and 2015 editions of NFPA 3 were released asrecommended practices as opposed to standards, which meant that the concept of integratedsystem testing was not required, but was only described as a best practice.The Technical Committee on Commissioning and Integrated Testing determined that whilecommissioning fire protection systems was not ready for standardization, there was animminent need to create a standard for testing integrated fire protection and life safetysystems. The technical committee requested to separate the concepts of commissioning andintegrated system testing into two documents: the first, a recommended practice oncommissioning; and the second, a new standard, NFPA 4, addressing the integrated systemtesting portion. This restructuring and request for a new project was approved by the StandardsCouncil in October 2011 and resulted in Chapter 7 of the 2012 edition of NFPA 3 beingremoved for the 2015 edition and being used as the basis for NFPA 4.NFPA 4 is intended to address the testing of the performance of the interconnection betweenmultiple fire protection and life safety systems. Chapter 1 establishes the applicability of thestandard and identifies that the standard is applied similar to a design or installation standard,from the perspective that the users should be directed to this standard by scoping provisionsin a code, law, regulation, or contract document.NFPA 4 addresses the development of the integrated testing team and the coordinationbetween the integrated testing agents (ITa) and test team. The standard spells out the roles andresponsibilities of the owner, the ITa, and the test team in general, as well as qualificationsfor the ITa.This standard also provides protocols for both the initial integrated system test that wouldoccur during the construction phase of a project prior to issuance of the Certificate ofOccupancy, as well as the integrated system testing for existing buildings. Integrated systemPage 3testing in existing buildings can be in the form of periodic integrated system testing or triggerbased testing. NFPA 4 provides the triggers for conducting these postoccupancy integratedsystem tests, as well as the development of a frequency of periodic tests where they aredeemed necessary.Finally, the standard addresses the development of the test plan and the test scenarios, as wellas the documentation of the test.Chapter 1 was reorganized to eliminate redundancy, place paragraphs in the appropriatesection, and comply with the NFPA Manual of Style. Many of the other changes were madeto bring the standard into compliance with the NFPA Manual of Style.In the 2021 edition of NFPA 4, annex language was modified to clarify that the scope of thestandard applies to active, not passive, fire protection and life safety systems. In addition,annex language was added to specify the purpose of an endtoend integrated system test.
Administration
Testing of integrated fire protection and life safety systems, which are defined in NFPA
3, Standard for Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, was introduced in the first edition (2012) of NFPA 3, Recommended Practice for
Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
The commissioning process is defined by discussions among technical committee members, who emphasize its role in ensuring that installed systems operate as intended in the built environment This perspective suggests that pre-occupancy testing verifies the functionality of individual systems both independently and in integration with other systems, confirming successful commissioning.
The technical committee believes that the concept of commissioning primarily encompasses acceptance testing and integrated system testing; however, these activities represent only a fraction of the overall commissioning process, which includes various other components.
The technical committee recognized that commissioning is not merely a final test after construction, but a comprehensive administrative process that documents all facets of a building's design, construction, and occupancy This raised the question of whether commissioning should be required for every building There was consensus among the committee that buildings with integrated fire protection and life safety systems necessitate an integrated system test The debate then shifted to whether commissioning should be mandated or left to the owner's discretion on a project-by-project basis.
The technical committee determined that while integrated system testing should be mandatory, commissioning is not required for all projects, as it could unnecessarily increase design and construction costs This led to the release of the first edition of NFPA 3 as a recommended practice, which could not mandate integrated system testing To clarify the distinction between commissioning and integrated system testing, the committee requested the NFPA Standards Council to create two separate documents: one as a recommended practice for commissioning and the other as NFPA 4, a standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety.
System Testing, to address integrated system testing This split document resulted in Chapter
7 of the 2012 edition of NFPA 3 being removed for the 2015 edition to be used as the basis for NFPA 4
The construction and fire protection industries are increasingly recognizing the critical need for integrated system testing in most projects, as nearly all buildings feature some level of fire protection system interconnection Consequently, the demand for effective commissioning is essential for many structures.
The necessity for integrated system testing is crucial, as highlighted by the establishment of NFPA 4 This standard mandates that integrated systems undergo testing both during installation and at regular intervals to guarantee their reliable performance.
In the 2018 edition, NFPA 3 was modified from a recommended practice to a standard to be easily referenced by other NFPA standards as well as by other commissioning standards 1.1* Scope
The standard shall provide the minimum requirements for testing of integrated fire protection and life safety systems
NFPA 4 is a “how-to” document Owners, other codes or standards, and authorities having jurisdiction will mandate the circumstances for which integrated system testing would be required
NFPA 4 is currently referenced by several other codes and standards such as NFPA 101, Life
The Safety Code in 9.11.4.2, NFPA 1, Fire Code in 13.1.3.2, and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code in 55.1.4.2.2 mandate integrated testing in compliance with NFPA 4 for high-rise buildings and those equipped with smoke control systems This testing must be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and at intervals not exceeding 10 years, unless specified otherwise by the integrated system test plan as per NFPA 4.
In this sense, NFPA 4 functions similarly to design and installation standards such as NFPA
The NFPA 72, also known as the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, outlines standards for sprinkler system installation While the existence of NFPA 4 emphasizes the importance of integrated system testing, it does not mandate that all buildings must undergo this testing immediately Users of this standard should refer to relevant scoping documents, such as NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000, for guidance.
NFPA 4 may be required by project documents, including specifications or contracts, or mandated by an authority having jurisdiction, such as a municipal fire marshal or insurance representative.
The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a testing protocol that verifies integrated fire protection and life safety systems perform as intended
This standard aims to serve as a reference document for integrated system testing, rather than requiring such testing for specific types of buildings or all buildings.
The integrated systems test shall verify and document the operation and function of fire protection and life safety systems, including the following:
Performance in accordance with applicable codes and standards
Performance in accordance with manufacturers’ published instructions
This standard does not mandate that integrated system testing assess the performance characteristics of individual systems; rather, it aims to verify the interconnection performance between systems For instance, in a building undergoing an integrated system test, if a scenario involves a water flow switch triggering an exhaust fan, the focus of the test should be on confirming that the fan activates as specified in the input/output matrix.
The design report for the project outlines essential performance requirements, including the fan's ability to reach full speed in under 30 seconds and generate an extract velocity of 5 m/sec These specifications pertain specifically to the HVAC system and will be validated during its acceptance testing Incorporating the performance testing of individual system characteristics into the integrated system testing is recognized as an end-to-end test.
End-to-end testing, outlined in NFPA 4 section 3.3.13.1.2, represents the most thorough form of integrated system testing, as required by subsection 5.1.3 While the test scenarios for integrated system testing may involve verifying the performance of individual systems, this aspect is managed on a case-by-case basis by the integrated testing agent.
End-to-end testing is essential for conducting acceptance testing of individual systems alongside the testing of system interconnections This approach remains the favored method for many regulatory authorities, whether municipal or insurance-related, as it enables them to observe the performance of the integrated system in action during a fire event.
This standard shall apply to integrated passive and active fire protection and life safety equipment and systems
FAQ How can passive systems be part of an integrated system?
The following examples explain how passive systems become part of integrated systems:
To ensure effective total flooding with gaseous agents, maintaining room integrity is essential for retaining the agent for the designated extinguishing duration Passive fire protection systems play a crucial role in achieving this integrity by sealing openings within the protected area.
Definitions
The fire protection and life safety industry is in the early stages of standardizing commissioning and integrated system testing Although these testing concepts have been around for some time, they lacked structure as individuals typically conducted them independently Consequently, achieving consensus among a technical committee of over 50 members on these concepts proved challenging, particularly in defining terms within the newly established NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 standards.
Reviewing definitions in any document is crucial, particularly when dealing with new materials Users should not assume they understand the meaning of terms To effectively apply codes and standards, it is vital to grasp how the technical committee that created the language intends for specific words to be interpreted.
This edition of NFPA 4 shares many terms with NFPA 3, making them familiar to those in the commissioning field Notably, several definitions in Chapter 3 of NFPA 4 are derived from NFPA 3, indicated by citations in brackets [ ].
The NFPA Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents and the NFPA
Glossary of Terms provide guidance for the use of definitions in NFPA documents The following issues should be noted:
Defined terms in NFPA documents should not contain requirements To the extent possible, defined terms provide only the meaning of a term within the context of the document requirements
Official NFPA definitions in Section 3.2 are the same in all NFPA documents, and only the Standards Council can change them
Section 3.3 lists general terms used in the document where usage of the term differs from everyday usage
Section 3.3 includes definitions sourced from various NFPA standards, with each definition accompanied by the standard number and edition date in brackets These extracted definitions are subject to the rules of the referenced standard and are not subject to modification The technical committee has made efforts to utilize established terms and definitions whenever their usage aligns.
This chapter provides definitions for the terms used in this standard If a term is not defined here or in another chapter, it should be understood according to its commonly accepted meaning in the relevant context.
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning
Section 3.2 outlines the official NFPA definitions for terms that remain unchanged by the technical committee overseeing this standard These definitions clarify commonly used terms in NFPA codes and standards, preventing confusion from multiple interpretations For terms specifically defined for NFPA 4 provisions, refer to Section 3.3, General Definitions.
Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
FAQ What is the difference between the terms approved and listed?
Approved components are not always listed, while critical components essential for system operation are typically both listed and approved Noncritical components, on the other hand, do not usually need to be listed but must be approved For further details on the term "listed," refer to the commentary following A.3.2.3.
An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure
The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is the individual or office tasked with enforcing the codes and standards outlined in this standard Typically, this role is filled by a fire marshal or building official when legal enforcement of these codes is required It is not uncommon for several authorities to review the same project and share enforcement responsibilities, particularly in cases related to NFPA 4.
The insuring agency, owner, or registered design professional (RDP) for the facility may impose requirements that surpass those outlined in the referenced codes and standards Effective communication with all relevant authorities having jurisdiction is essential for meeting the objectives of this document.
An organization publishes a list of equipment, materials, or services that are approved by the relevant authority, which evaluates these products or services This organization conducts regular inspections of the production of listed items and periodically assesses the services provided The listing confirms that the equipment, material, or service complies with established standards or has been tested for a specific purpose.
While it is essential to list most components critical to system performance, certain exceptions exist Specifically, materials like conduit, pipe, and fittings that adhere to established industry standards do not need to be listed, as they have a proven history of reliable performance.
FAQ Does the term listed mean the same as the term classified?
A listing agency designates products as "classified" to signify compliance with testing and evaluation standards This classification ensures that the materials fulfill the intended purpose, as outlined in Subsection A.3.2.3, which emphasizes the importance of reliable operation for the product's intended function.
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required
The term "shall" signifies a mandatory requirement within this standard, specifically indicating that compliance with a particular provision of NFPA 4 is essential and non-negotiable.
However, any allowance to modify a base requirement is stated specifically in paragraphs subsequent to that requirement Requirements using the word shall are in the main body of
Page 19 the standard and not in the annexes, which contain recommendations and informational material
An NFPA Standard consists solely of mandatory provisions indicated by the word “shall,” making it suitable for mandatory reference in other standards or legal adoption Nonmandatory provisions are not part of the standard's requirements and are found in appendices, annexes, footnotes, or informational notes as outlined in the NFPA Manuals of Style In a broader context, the term “standards” encompasses all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.
Test performed on an individual system to verify compliance with approved design documents and to verify installation in accordance with governing laws, regulations, codes, and standards [3, 2021]
A document that describes the concepts and decisions used to meet the owner’s project requirements and governing laws, codes, and standards [3, 2021]
After hiring a design team, typically an architectural or engineering firm, the building owner provides the fire and life safety systems commissioning team with essential information to develop the owner's project requirements These requirements guide the design team in creating a document called the basis of design, which ensures the effective operation of fire protection and life safety systems in line with the overall design The basis of design is a detailed narrative outlining the design theory and operational concepts, submitted alongside the plans and specifications Registered design professionals (RDPs) are tasked with drafting their respective sections of this document, which culminates in a comprehensive basis of design report This report includes individual system narratives and addresses system integration, often with input from the fire commissioning agent or integrated testing agent.
The basis of design is the design team’s declaration of exactly how it intends to meet the owner’s project requirements (see 3.3.21) and the requirements of the applicable codes and
General Requirements
Chapter 4 introduces key concepts related to integrated system testing, laying the groundwork for subsequent chapters that detail the execution of tests and the creation of test plans It is essential for the integrated testing agent, project owner, and stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the foundational information presented in this chapter before initiating an integrated system testing project, ensuring that all project requirements are adequately addressed.
This chapter shall apply to the testing of both new and existing integrated systems provided for fire protection and life safety
The NFPA 4 standard does not mandate immediate testing for all new and existing systems upon its adoption It functions similarly to a design or installation standard, requiring users to reference it through another code, standard, or project document Concerns arose during its development regarding the potential misinterpretation that all buildings would need retroactive integrated system testing However, the inclusion of language in Chapter 1 clarifying that users must be directed to NFPA 4 by another authoritative source alleviated these worries.
The document must clearly specify that all existing buildings with a specific occupancy type, such as health care facilities, are required to undergo integrated system testing, directing users to NFPA 4 for guidance.
Individual systems that are components of integrated systems shall be tested as required by the applicable standard
Where the applicable standard has no test requirements or where there is no applicable standard, the individual system shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer's published instructions
Integrated testing of fire protection and life safety systems is essential and must be conducted as specified in the design documents, commissioning plan, or applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
Testing shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5
NFPA 4 emphasizes the necessity of individual system testing, comprehensive end-to-end testing of integrated system functions, and regular periodic testing to ensure the continued functionality of the system, as outlined in Chapter 6.
Regular integrated system testing is essential to ensure the reliable operation of integrated systems The frequency of these tests will depend on factors such as the type and complexity of the integration, as well as the level of supervision involved.
An integrated system test team shall be established in accordance with this section
The owner shall be responsible for selecting the members of the integrated system test team
The owner typically selects an integrated testing agent from their technical support, engineering, facilities management, or construction management teams, or may opt for a third-party agent While Section 4.3 outlines the qualifications for those involved in integrated system testing, no specific licenses or certifications are mandated for team members To save costs, the owner can utilize their own staff to develop test plans, scenarios, and methodologies, ensuring that these individuals are knowledgeable about the individual systems involved.
Assigning an integrated testing agent with limited knowledge of system integration and testing can result in inadequate test plans that overlook essential scenarios This oversight may lead to test reports falsely indicating full functionality, despite the actual performance and interconnectivity of the systems remaining unverified.
At a minimum, the integrated test team shall consist of the integrated testing agent (ITa) and the installation, testing, or maintenance personnel for each integrated system
Where permitted by the approved test plan, the owner shall assume the responsibilities of the ITa
An integrated system testing team can be effectively managed by a single owner, provided they possess the necessary experience and training for the role of an integrated testing agent This approach is most suitable for simpler integrated systems However, as the complexity of these systems grows, the requirement for additional team members or a third-party integrated testing agent becomes more critical.
The integrated system test team shall be identified and documented in the test plan
Personnel responsible for integrated system testing shall meet the qualifications listed in Section 4.3
Personnel involved in integrated system testing shall meet the requirements of this section 4.3.2
Team members shall provide evidence of their qualifications when requested by the authority having jurisdiction
To ensure a smooth integrated system testing process, it is crucial for project stakeholders, including the owner, owner's representative, and fire commissioning agent, to identify the need for an integrated testing team early in the project Evidence of qualifications, such as résumés, licenses, and relevant certifications, must be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction before testing can commence Delays often occur when qualification documentation is not provided in a timely manner, leading to potential rescheduling fees and holdups in obtaining the certificate of occupancy Therefore, proactive communication with the authority is essential to avoid last-minute crises and ensure that integrated system testing is completed efficiently.
The integrated system test team shall have a working knowledge of the integration between systems for which testing is being performed
The standard does not specify a maximum size for the integrated system testing team, emphasizing the importance of having team members with a working knowledge of the systems being tested For straightforward integrations, such as a fire alarm and sprinkler system, a single team member may suffice However, for more complex systems that include specialized components like gaseous suppression, industrial detection, and security systems, a larger team may be necessary to ensure thorough testing and integration.
The integrated testing agent must collaborate with the owner to ensure the team is both adequately sized and qualified to handle any questions or concerns that may arise during the development and execution of the test plan and scenarios Even minor deficiencies identified during an integrated system test can lead the authority having jurisdiction to delay the issuance of a certificate of occupancy In some cases, the issue may not be a deficiency but rather the team's inability to provide an answer to a specific question.
Page 36 about a system or system interconnections This could lead to delays in opening a facility, which could cost the owner tens of thousands of dollars a day, perhaps more
The qualification of team members shall be as required by laws, regulations, codes, and standards relevant to the specific individual system
In many jurisdictions, the qualifications for team members involved in common fire protection systems, like sprinkler and fire alarm systems, are clearly defined However, for less commonly installed systems, there may be no specific laws or codes governing the qualifications of associated individuals In such cases, the authority having jurisdiction must rely on industry practices and standards from similar system types to evaluate and approve these team members.
In the absence of applicable codes or standards for a system or its components, team members must possess knowledge that aligns with industry practices specific to that system or its parts.
In cases where systems or their components lack applicable codes and standards, collaborating with manufacturers' technical representatives may be essential to enhance the integrated system testing team.