ISSUANCE #635

Date:

December 3, 2003

Subject:

Effective:

Immediately

Purpose:

§27-974 of the New York City Building Code require a telephone and signaling system in every "J-2" building more than three-hundred feet high. This system, as described in the Building Code:

1. Is based on the old, high-voltage technology. Components of such system are no longer readily available and in case of failure, the entire system needs to be replaced.
2. Not supervised therefore one never knows whether the system is operational unless a complete test is performed.
3. Includes manual stations at the stair entrances on each floor, which gives the residents a false impression that this is a fire alarm system for their use, and not for Fire Department use.
4. Includes bells in elevator shafts and corridors, which also gives the residents a false impression that this is a fire alarm system for their use and not for Fire Department use.
5. Includes telephone handsets inside the stair near the main fire standpipe riser, pump room, etc. Such handsets are never used by the Fire Department.
6. Include "strap-key" boxes on every floor operable via paracentric Fire Department key lock. The strap key boxes are never used by the Fire Department, since they are no longer accessible. The "Alternate" Standpipe Fireline Telephone and Signaling System, which may be employed in lieu of the required S.F.T.S.S., shall be provided for Fire Department use, consisting of the following:
   1. An MEA approved voice communication system shall be located in the main lobby of each J-2 building over 300 ft. available for fire fighters use. The permanently identified voice communication panel shall contain an audio and visual signal to designate "phone in use" with capability to call the telephone in the fire pump room and audibly signal the fire pump operator of such call. The power supply for the voice communication system shall comply with Reference Standard RS17-3 of the New York City Building Code.
   2. Fire Fighters telephones shall be located at each standpipe outlet along the main standpipe riser and at the roof manifold and the pump room. The system shall be selective ringing and allow for common talking. The telephone in the fire pump room shall be equipped with the following:
      1. Minimum 15 foot retractable cord
      2. MEA approved horn or bell, and strobe to indicate there is a call from the voice communication panel
      3. The telephone shall be located such that the operator may communicate via handset and operate starter of fire pump.
   3. All wiring shall be installed in accordance with Reference Standard RS17-3 of the New York City Building Code. Exposed wiring of any kind is not permitted.
   4. All wiring shall be supervised against shorts, opens and/or grounds.
   5. The system shall be designed so that a minimum of five phones may be used simultaneously.
   6. This alternate system does not require the following:
      1. Floor coded pull stations
      2. Strap key boxes on each floor.
      3. 8-inch strap key bells in the elevator shaft, corridors, etc.