Algonquin College
ELE8946
Fire Alarm Systems
Course Outline
2023-2024
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- Lorraine Hodds
- Approved by
- Lorraine Hodds, Academic Chair
- Approval date
- Wednesday, July 19, 2023
- Normative hours
- 42.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| 0317X01FWO - Electrical Engineering Technician | 4 | Elective |
| 0317X03FWO - Electrical Engineering Technician | 4 | Elective |
| 0318X01FWO - Electrical Engineering Technology | 4 | Elective |
| 0318X03FWO - Electrical Engineering Technology | 4 | Elective |
Course Description
Fire alarm systems are an essential element ensuring protection and life safety of people, homes and buildings. The knowledge and skill in the fire alarm industry regulations and design is of vital importance in the overall engineering design of our living spaces. Students are introduced to the fire alarm industry, the applicable codes and standards, the nature of fire and extinguishment processes, different types of systems, verification and inspections. An overview of fire alarm systems emphasizes requirements for initiating devices, signal appliances, and control panels together with the different types of field wiring and microprocessor-based systems. Through in-class activities and group discussions, students acquire the knowledge and skills to interpret, investigate and determine various important elements in the design of fire alarm systems, according to the rules and regulations as set in the Canadian Electrical Code, National Building Code and the National Fire Code of Canada, and the respective dedicated standards for the Fire Alarm Systems.
Vocational Learning Outcomes
This course provides the opportunity for you to achieve the following outcomes:
0317X01FWO - Electrical Engineering Technician
| VLO 1 | Interpret and produce electrical and electronics drawings including other related documents and graphics. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| VLO 13 | Perform tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles. (A) |
0317X03FWO - Electrical Engineering Technician
| VLO 1 | Interpret and produce electrical and electronics drawings including other related documents and graphics. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| VLO 13 | Perform tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles. (A) |
0318X01FWO - Electrical Engineering Technology
| VLO 1 | Analyze, interpret, and produce electrical and electronics drawings, technical reports including other related documents and graphics. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| VLO 13 | Perform and monitor tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles. (A) |
0318X03FWO - Electrical Engineering Technology
| VLO 1 | Analyze, interpret, and produce electrical and electronics drawings, technical reports including other related documents and graphics. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| VLO 13 | Perform and monitor tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles. (A) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 1 | Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| EES 3 | Execute mathematical operations accurately. (T, A) |
| EES 4 | Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 5 | Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 6 | Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A) |
| EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A) |
| EES 10 | Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (T, A) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Communicate effectively in the terminology of the fire alarm industry.
1.1
understand and use terminology of the related codes and standards.
2. Recognize the different stages of a fire and how best to detect each stage and initiate an evacuation alarm
2.1
describe the four stages of fire, three fire characteristics and two flammability limits. heat detector types and selection. smoke detector types and selection. other detection methods.
3. Interpret fire alarm diagrams, equipment layout, and riser diagrams.
3.1
assess the use and occupancy of the building to identify what type of fire alarm system would be most useful. investigate and gather information from appropriate sources using various data collection techniques about manufacturers' drawings, architectural drawings and equipment layout and riser diagrams. examine information and determine what is relevant, important and useful for the design of a fire alarm system.
4. Understand the standardized procedures for the verification of a new fire alarm system prior to building occupancy, the annual inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems, and the connection of the fire alarm system to a fire signal receiving centre.
4.1
understand the minimum requirements of the National Building Code of Canada and the National Fire Code of Canada respecting fire alarm systems. interpret and apply CAN/ULC-S524: Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm Systems. interpret and apply CAN/ULC-S536: Standard for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. interpret and apply CAN/ULC-S537: Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm Systems. interpret and apply CAN/ULC-S561: Standard for the Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres.
5. Interpret applicable rules of the Canadian Electrical Code governing wiring for fire alarm systems and fire pumps.
5.1
Section 12 of the Canadian Electrical Code respecting wiring methods. Section 32 of the Canadian Electrical Code respecting fire alarm systems, fire pumps and carbon monoxide alarms. Section 60 of the Canadian Electrical Code respecting electrical communication systems.
6. Draw schematic wiring circuits of fire alarm systems in accordance with the requirements of codes, standards and specifications.
6.1
apply CAN/ULC-S524 and the National Building Code of Canada to layout fire alarm devices and equipment. apply the Canadian Electrical Code and good design practices to layout fire alarm and related electrical equipment. develop creative and innovative solutions concerning the layout of initiation devices and notification appliances. use calculators or computers to perform mathematical operations accurately to determine sound attentuation, circuit line losses, battery capacity and occupancy loads. analyze and interpret numerical data and graphs to determine if design of fire alarm system conforms to the minimum requirements of codes and standards.
Learning Resources
Required Text:
1. The Canadian Fire Alarm System A Reference Manual, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, 2020 Second Edition, ISBN: 978-0-9948438-5-2
Referenced Texts:
2. Introduction to the Fire Detection & Alarm Industry, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, Revised Edition 03.2011, ISBN: 978-09734001-1-3
3. Fire Alarm Systems-A Reference Manual, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, 2010 Edition, ISBN 978-0-9734001-3-7
4. CAN/ULC-S524 Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarms
5. CAN/ULC-S536 Standard for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
6. CAN/ULC-S537 Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm Systems
7. CAN/ULC-S561 Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems
8. Canadian Electrical Code
9. National Building Code of Canada
10. National Fire Code of Canada
1. The Canadian Fire Alarm System A Reference Manual, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, 2020 Second Edition, ISBN: 978-0-9948438-5-2
Referenced Texts:
2. Introduction to the Fire Detection & Alarm Industry, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, Revised Edition 03.2011, ISBN: 978-09734001-1-3
3. Fire Alarm Systems-A Reference Manual, Canadian Fire Alarm Association, 2010 Edition, ISBN 978-0-9734001-3-7
4. CAN/ULC-S524 Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarms
5. CAN/ULC-S536 Standard for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
6. CAN/ULC-S537 Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm Systems
7. CAN/ULC-S561 Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems
8. Canadian Electrical Code
9. National Building Code of Canada
10. National Fire Code of Canada
Learning Activities
- 60% of the time will be devoted to lectures, discussions, and other classroom learning activities
- 30% will be devoted to online activities such as theoretical research, readings, and quizzes
- 10% will be devoted to evaluation
Samples of learning activities include: inspecting the operation of fire protection equipment, surveying existing fire protection equipment, drawing fire alarm circuits, and conducting online research.
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Assignment(s) (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 7
Assignment(s) (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 7
Assignment(s) (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 7
Final Exam (40%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 1, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5, EES 6, EES 7, EES 10
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Challenge Exam
- Performance Test
Other Information
Grade Scheme
| Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
| A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
| A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
| B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
| C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
| D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
| F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor. Any circumstances that fall outside the following parameters have to be discussed with the Academic Chair of the department for special consideration. The professor will apply the rules as describe in the following paragraphs:
Missed Labs
Missed Labs
- Students are responsible for advising the professor before the start of a scheduled lab that he/she may not be able to attend. If the situation is judged acceptable by the professor and it has merit, such as but not limited to medical or compassionate reasons, alternative arrangements may then be made to compensate for the missed lab before the start of the next lab. Otherwise a zero grade will be recorded for the missed lab.
- Students missing three (3) labs will be required to meet with the Academic Chair of the department to explain the situation before being allowed to attend any further labs.
- Students who are more than ten (10) minutes late for a lab, at the discretion of the professor, may be prohibited from entering the lab and forthwith considered absent with a zero grade recorded for the lab.
- Students are responsible for advising the professor before the start of a scheduled test/exam that he/she may not be able to attend. If the situation is judged acceptable by the professor and it has merit, such as but not limited to medical or compassionate reasons, alternative arrangements may be allowed to compensate for the missed test/exam but not more than one week later. This alternative arrangement has to be requested in writing within one week prior to the start of the proposed missed test/exam, otherwise the test/exam will be considered not done and a zero grade will be recorded.
- Any special arrangement proposed by the professor may have to be validated with the Academic Chair of the department.
- Online quizzes will not be re-opened after the deadline under any circumstances.
- Student are responsible for advising the professor at least one full working day before the deadline if there are any technical difficulties with opening, running or completing online quizzes.
- The student is responsible for maintaining back-up copies of all submitted assignments and keeping proof of demonstrated labs.
- Use of electronic devices, according to College Policy AA32, must be used for learning purposes only subject to the discretion of the professor.
- Audio and video recordings of classroom lectures or activities for learning purposes must be approved by the professor prior to the beginning of the scheduled class.
Program Information
Department Information
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty
Your teachers are evaluating your work on the basis that it is yours and that it demonstrates your learning of the concepts. Any time a professor suspects plagiarism or academic dishonesty, she/he will discuss the situation with the Chair of the department. If the professor has enough evidence to convince the Chair, all the students involved will be contacted and invited to comment. If you are accused of plagiarism or academic dishonesty, be prepared to defend yourself as if you were a victim in this situation. Your comments to this allege situation are very important since any omission to respond within two school days will be considered as an agreement with the situation reported.
If you are in doubt of what is considered plagiarism or academic dishonesty, you can always validate it in advance with your professors. They will explain what they consider acceptable and not acceptable. Please note that each student is responsible to protect their own work and to make sure it is not used by other students as their own.
Resolution process
Each time there is a situation that requires an action or a clarification, the first step is to communicate with the professor involved or to reach an academic advisor and ask her/him about it. If there is no resolution, you should be discussing this with the coordinator. If the situation persists, you need to bring this up with the Department Chair. The sooner a situation is identified the better the chance to get a resolution. Not reporting an issue during the term is not an acceptable reason for requesting a grade review at the end of the term.
Your teachers are evaluating your work on the basis that it is yours and that it demonstrates your learning of the concepts. Any time a professor suspects plagiarism or academic dishonesty, she/he will discuss the situation with the Chair of the department. If the professor has enough evidence to convince the Chair, all the students involved will be contacted and invited to comment. If you are accused of plagiarism or academic dishonesty, be prepared to defend yourself as if you were a victim in this situation. Your comments to this allege situation are very important since any omission to respond within two school days will be considered as an agreement with the situation reported.
If you are in doubt of what is considered plagiarism or academic dishonesty, you can always validate it in advance with your professors. They will explain what they consider acceptable and not acceptable. Please note that each student is responsible to protect their own work and to make sure it is not used by other students as their own.
Resolution process
Each time there is a situation that requires an action or a clarification, the first step is to communicate with the professor involved or to reach an academic advisor and ask her/him about it. If there is no resolution, you should be discussing this with the coordinator. If the situation persists, you need to bring this up with the Department Chair. The sooner a situation is identified the better the chance to get a resolution. Not reporting an issue during the term is not an acceptable reason for requesting a grade review at the end of the term.
College Related Information
Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer. Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity which outlines student’s roles and responsibilities and what represents academic misconduct. In some courses, online proctoring may be used to prevent academic dishonesty. Additional information can be found at Academic Integrity - Student Survival Guide - Subject Guides at Algonquin College (libguides.com) and via Academic Integrity Student Resources. Students with any questions about the course expectations regarding academic integrity are encouraged to speak to their professor and the College’s academic integrity team at acaio@algonquincollege.com
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices unless authorized by your professor can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices is generally prohibited unless authorized by your professor. Otherwise use is considered academic dishonesty in the form of cheating. For further details consult Algonquin CollegePolicy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Safe Harbour
In the event of an unexpected major event (pandemic, etc.), your course may have changes that are not reflected in the Course Outline. Should this happen, the Course Section Information document will have updated information about your course.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity which outlines student’s roles and responsibilities and what represents academic misconduct. In some courses, online proctoring may be used to prevent academic dishonesty. Additional information can be found at Academic Integrity - Student Survival Guide - Subject Guides at Algonquin College (libguides.com) and via Academic Integrity Student Resources. Students with any questions about the course expectations regarding academic integrity are encouraged to speak to their professor and the College’s academic integrity team at acaio@algonquincollege.com
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices unless authorized by your professor can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices is generally prohibited unless authorized by your professor. Otherwise use is considered academic dishonesty in the form of cheating. For further details consult Algonquin CollegePolicy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Safe Harbour
In the event of an unexpected major event (pandemic, etc.), your course may have changes that are not reflected in the Course Outline. Should this happen, the Course Section Information document will have updated information about your course.