Welcome to the PAAFAA

HONEYWELL ISSUES WARNING REGARDING OLDER MANUAL PULL STATIONS

In a letter dated April, 2013, Honeywell International is stating that some of their older manual pull stations may not function properly due to material deterioration:

"Honeywell Fire Systems has identified an issue that could affect the normal operation of BG-10 series pull stations manufactured from 1992 through 2010 and distributed under multiple brands including ADT, Fire-Lite Alarms, Johnson Control Inc. and NOTIFIER. The majority of the pull stations were manufactured from 1992 through 2000. For a list of potentially affected pull station model numbers and the recommended BG-12 series replacement model numbers, please review the table on page 2. You can find pictures of BG-10 series pull stations examples on page 3.

The issue is related to the seal installed around the alarm switch, which can deteriorate over time preventing the switch from signaling an alarm when the pull station is activated. "

To see the full content of the letter click the link below.

http://www.pullstationsafety.com/en-US/Documents/HFS%20BG-10%20Series%20Letter%20April%202013.pdf

CODE ALERT- PHILADELPHIA!

Effective 1/31/13 All new buildings in the City of Philadelphia, that are required to have emergency communication systems (Fire Fighters Telephones System FFTS), are now required to provide an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS) in lieu of the FFTS. The Code change also applies to existing buildings where the FFTS is non-repairable. The Code requires the building owner to contract with a company that can provide an evaluation of the ERRCS signal strength within the building. To view and print a PDF of the new Code change go to the download page and click on Phila Fire Code Update - ERRCS

CODE ALERT- DELAWARE!

Effective 12/31/12 All new fire alarm systems in the State of Delaware must obtain a rough-in inspections by a "Licensed, third party Inspection Agency". This will apply to all ongoing projects that have NOT been inspected by the Fire Marshal prior to 12/31/12. The price impact, for inspection, is signifigant ( $40.00 for the first 5 devices and $15.00 for each additional 5 devices). As an example: A new fire alarm project with 150 devices will now cost an additional $475.00 for an Agency rough in inspection.

Volunteers for Board Positions and Committees

We are in need of volunteers! A local trade association, like the PAAFAA, is made up of folks from area industry that volunteer their time in an effort to give back to that industry. Everyone is busy putting out fires (or in our case detecting them!). However, if everybody chips in and does a little then the time commitment is minimal-less than a couple hours a month. The only successful volunteer organization is one that has the volunteers! Step up and help- after all, it does benefit YOU!

Download the Notice and the Fee Schedule on the Downloads and Links page

What is the Automatic Fire Alarm Association?

The Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) is the only national trade organization dedicated to the automatic fire alarm industry. The AFAA has chapters located throughout the United States. Its members include fire alarm installation companies, contractors, central station companies, fire alarm manufactures, engineers, municipal fire officials and any organization involved in the automatic fire alarm industry.

Our Purpose:

Education of those involved in the fire alarm industry. Education in all aspects of fire detection systems including design, codes and code issues, application, installation techniques, testing and maintenance, new technology and issues relating the business side of the fire alarm company- there's something for everyone! The every changing Codes, technology and circumstances makes the AFAA a valuable asset to anyone involved in the fire alarm industry.

Code of Ethics:

As individuals, associations, public entities and companies engaged in the fire alarm and detection industry, we recognize our responsibility to maintain high standards of reliability in the application of life safety and property protection systems we are involved with.

We therefore, pledge and ascribe to the following:

To be honest and fair in all matters with our employees, customers, contractors, distributors, competitors and suppliers.
To follow Nationally recognized Codes and Standards, federal, state and local laws and regulations that apply, when designing, supplying, certifying, approving or installing fire alarm and detection systems.
To encourage and support well founded legislation affecting our industry and the people we serve.
To support and participate in the education of those in and regulating our industry.
When representing the Association, we will conduct ourselves professionally and with decorum.
Individually, we will strive for high standards of performance and professional competence.
We will judge all of our actions based on the question " Is it right?" and "Is it fair"
We accept this code freely and pledge to support our Association in its endeavors to improve the life safety and property protection in the United States of America.