Fire Alarm Shop Drawings & Engineered Fire Alarm Plans
A well-designed fire alarm system provides proper coverage for your building while meeting all code requirements. As a trusted design build fire alarm contractor, our engineering team works closely with architects, electrical engineers, and general contractors to create fire alarm shop drawings and engineered fire alarm plans that integrate seamlessly with your project.
NFPA 72 System Design Services
- System Layouts: Device placement plans showing detector, pull station, and notification appliance locations per NFPA 72 system design requirements
- Fire Alarm Shop Drawings: CAD drawings suitable for permit submission and construction
- Equipment Specifications: Detailed specifications for all fire alarm components
- Fire Alarm Riser Diagram: System architecture showing panel, module, and zone configurations
- Voltage Drop Calculations: Engineering calculations ensuring proper device operation
- Battery Calculations: Backup power sizing for required standby durations
AHJ Plan Review Coordination Process
- Project Review: We review architectural plans and understand your building's requirements
- Code Analysis: Determining applicable NFPA codes and standards for code compliant fire alarm design
- System Design: Creating device layouts, fire alarm riser diagram documentation, and system architecture
- Coordination: Working with other trades and the design team to resolve conflicts
- AHJ Plan Review Coordination: Preparing and submitting plans for authority having jurisdiction approval
- Revisions: Addressing any comments or requirements from plan review
Design Build Fire Alarm Contractor Services
As your design build fire alarm contractor, we offer comprehensive services where we handle both design and installation. This streamlined approach provides:
- Single point of responsibility for complete fire alarm design and engineering DFW projects
- Better coordination between design and installation
- Potential cost savings through value engineering
- Faster project completion with integrated fire alarm engineering services Dallas Fort Worth
Programming & Panel Upgrades
Our engineering capabilities extend to existing systems:
- Panel software updates and zone reconfiguration
- Legacy system upgrade planning
- Integration with building automation systems
- Addressable system conversions
Learn more about our fire alarm programming and panel upgrade services.
System Integration Services
Modern commercial buildings require fire alarm systems that communicate with other building systems. Our engineering team designs these integrations to meet code requirements and enhance building safety.
Elevator Recall Integration
Elevator recall is a critical life safety feature required in buildings with elevators. When smoke detectors in elevator lobbies, hoistways, or machine rooms activate, the fire alarm system signals elevator controllers to:
- Return elevator cars to the designated recall floor (typically ground level)
- Open doors and remove cars from service
- Prevent elevators from responding to hall calls on fire-affected floors
- Provide firefighter service operation through Phase I and Phase II controls
We design elevator recall interfaces per ASME A17.1 and NFPA 72 requirements, coordinating with elevator contractors to ensure proper integration.
Building Automation System (BAS) Integration
Fire alarm systems interface with building automation systems to control HVAC, lighting, and access control during fire events. Our integration designs include:
- HVAC Shutdown: Automatic shutdown of air handling units to prevent smoke spread through ductwork
- Smoke Damper Control: Activation of smoke and fire dampers in HVAC systems
- Door Holder Release: Magnetic door holders release to close fire-rated doors
- Stairwell Pressurization: Fan activation to maintain positive pressure in stair towers
- Emergency Lighting: Interface with emergency lighting systems for evacuation
We work with mechanical engineers and BAS contractors to design relay interfaces and communication protocols that meet building and fire code requirements.
Fire Alarm System Design for Architects
We provide comprehensive fire alarm design services for architects and design professionals working on commercial projects in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our architect support services include:
- Schematic Design: Preliminary device counts and system concepts for budgeting
- Design Development: Device layouts coordinated with architectural plans
- Construction Documents: Complete fire alarm drawings ready for permit submission
- Specification Writing: Fire alarm specifications for project manuals
- Bid Support: Clarifications and addenda during bidding phase
We can join your project at any phase and adapt our deliverables to your documentation requirements.
Engineering Services Overview
Our fire alarm engineering services support projects from initial concept through construction completion:
- Code Analysis: NFPA 72, IBC, and Texas fire code requirements for your occupancy type
- System Design: Device layouts, riser diagrams, and equipment specifications
- Engineering Calculations: Voltage drop, battery sizing, and circuit loading
- AHJ Coordination: Plan review submittals and response to comments
- Construction Support: Field coordination, submittal review, and installation inspections
- Commissioning: System testing and acceptance documentation