When it comes to specifying fire alarm and life safety systems, a few missteps in the design phase can lead to costly rework, delayed approvals, and long-term liability. For consulting engineers, the ability to specify accurately — and in alignment with evolving code requirements — is critical not only for occupant safety but also for project success.
Below, we outline eight of the most common fire system specification mistakes and how you can avoid them. Whether you’re designing a system for a healthcare facility, campus, or commercial high-rise, this guide will help you build smarter, safer, and more compliant systems from the start.
How Mircom Supports Consulting Engineers
1. Specifying Generic or Non-Compliant Equipment
Generic language like “addressable FACP” creates confusion, bid inconsistencies, and potential compliance issues with UL, ULC, NFPA 72, and IBC standards. Without clearly identifying approved models, performance criteria, or listing certifications, there’s a higher risk of unqualified substitutions and failed inspections. Additionally, engineering specifications can vary by region, making it even more important to align with locally accepted standards and authority requirements.
What to do instead:
Be specific. Reference code-compliant models such as “Mircom FX-4000N or equivalent, UL 864 10th Edition and ULC-S527 listed, meeting local code (NFPA or ULC or Canadian provincial codes) requirements.” Clearly outline device compatibility, network capability, and environmental suitability in your specifications to minimize ambiguity, reduce RFIs, and ensure compliance.
Depending on the region, UL and NFPA 72 may apply (such as in the U.S.), while in Canada, ULC listings, the Ontario Building Code (OBC), or other provincial codes must be followed. Tailoring your specifications to the applicable regional standards is essential for code compliance and successful project execution.
2. Overlooking System Scalability & Future Expansion
Many projects fail to account for future expansion, like new tenants, added square footage, or occupancy changes. Retrofitting rigid systems can cost far more than designing for flexibility upfront.
What to do instead:
Specify platforms that allow modular growth and support for additional nodes or devices. Mircom’s FleX-Net and OpenGN platforms, for example, enable scalable architecture, multi-panel networking, and remote site monitoring.
3. Not Differentiating Between Single-Stage and Two-Stage Systems
Failing to define whether the project needs a single- or two-stage system can delay approvals and lead to non-compliance. This is particularly critical for hospitals, high-rise residential buildings, and educational institutions.
What to do instead:
Reference NFPA 72 Chapter 23 or the applicable Canadian standards, such as ULC-S524 and provincial building/fire codes (e.g., the OBC in Ontario), and consult the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). If the facility type requires staged evacuation, clearly specify two-stage functionality and define the logic between the alert and evacuation stages to ensure code compliance and prevent misinterpretation.
4. Ignoring Power Supply & NAC Loading Calculations
Under-specifying power requirements can lead to voltage drop issues, underpowered devices, or the need for costly change orders to add booster panels after installation, especially in cases where a significant number of NAC devices or low-frequency sounders are used (low-frequency sounders consume a substantial amount of power).
What to do instead:
Include calculations for all Notification Appliance Circuits (NACs), standby load, and alarm load. Specify booster panels like Mircom INX-10A, define power headroom, and call out compliance with UL or ULC based on region.
5. Missing Integration Requirements (Voice Evacuation, BAS, Smoke Control)
Fire and life safety systems often need to talk to HVAC shutdowns, voice evacuation, or smoke management, but these connections are frequently omitted from specs.
What to do instead:
List all required interlocks and automation touchpoints. For example: “Where applicable, system shall be able to integrate with HVAC system or smoke control system for fan and damper controls.” Mircom systems offer both integration via relay outputs and high-level, seamless integration via BACnet or Modbus.
6. Not Specifying Security System Requirements Clearly
Specs like “include access control” are too vague. This creates an opportunity for misinterpretation and inconsistent pricing or capabilities between bidders.
What to do instead:
Include detailed scope: types of devices (card readers, REX, maglocks), location schedule, panel specs, credential formats, and integration protocols. Mircom’s Unified Building Platform supports integrated access control and fire systems.
7. Leaving Out Remote Monitoring and Connectivity Needs
Remote diagnostics and cloud monitoring are no longer luxuries — they’re expectations. But many engineers omit central station connectivity or forget remote troubleshooting requirements.
What to do instead:
Where applicable, specify remote access via secure portals and define central station monitoring requirements. Mircom’s OpenGN management tool and Remote Access Portal support diagnostics, alerts, and software updates with enhanced security.
8. Misalignment with Division 28 Formatting
Fire and security systems sometimes end up buried in Division 26 (Electrical), which can confuse responsibilities and delay procurement.
What to do instead:
Ensure all life safety and security systems are properly categorized under Division 28 (Electronic Safety and Security) in line with CSI MasterFormat. Mircom provides ready-to-spec Division 28 documentation for engineering teams.
9. Providing Conflicting or Outdated Drawings/Schematics
Outdated device layouts or risers that don’t reflect the latest AHJ feedback are a top cause of coordination problems on-site.
What to do instead:
Coordinate final spec documents with architectural, mechanical, and AHJ-reviewed drawings. Use BIM models when available, and ask your manufacturer’s rep for the latest device layout templates.
10. Not Engaging Manufacturers Early in the Design Phase
Waiting until bid documents are finalized to engage manufacturers often leads to system mismatches, code rejections, and missed value-engineering opportunities.
What to do instead:
Bring manufacturers like Mircom into the conversation early. Early engagement ensures code-compliant specs, accurate device selection, cost control, and integration support. Mircom offers engineering consultations, sample spec language, and AHJ alignment tools to streamline your design process.
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Ready to Specify With Confidence?
Every project is unique, but these eight pitfalls appear time and again in fire alarm and life safety system designs. By proactively addressing these issues during specification, you’ll improve your project’s accuracy, efficiency, and success rate.
Mircom offers end-to-end support for specifying engineers — from product selection to code compliance and project documentation.
to ensure your design is accurate, future-ready, and fully code-compliant.
| ✔ | What to Avoid | What To Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Specifying Generic or Non-Compliant Equipment | Reference compliant models like “Mircom FX-4000N”, list UL/ULC listings, and align with local code requirements. | |
| Overlooking System Scalability & Future Expansion | Specify scalable platforms like Mircom FleX-Net or OpenGN with support for modular expansion and remote monitoring. | |
| Not Differentiating Between Single-Stage and Two-Stage Systems | Clarify system stage based on occupancy type and reference NFPA 72, ULC-S524, and applicable building codes. | |
| Ignoring Power Supply & NAC Loading Calculations | Include alarm/standby load calculations and specify booster panels like Mircom INX-10A as needed. | |
| Missing Integration Requirements | Specify integration with HVAC, smoke control, and BAS systems via relay outputs or BACnet/Modbus. | |
| Not Specifying Security System Requirements Clearly | Define scope, devices (e.g., card readers, maglocks), locations, and protocols to avoid ambiguity. | |
| Leaving Out Remote Monitoring and Connectivity Needs | Specify remote diagnostics, secure portals, and central station monitoring capabilities like Mircom’s Remote Access Portal. | |
| Misalignment with Division 28 Formatting | Ensure fire/life safety systems are specified under Division 28 with correct CSI MasterFormat alignment. | |
| Providing Conflicting or Outdated Drawings/Schematics |
Coordinate final specs with updated drawings and use BIM where available; validate with AHJ feedback.
Ensure all specifications are based on the most current formats and documentation to avoid using legacy or outdated templates. |
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| Not Engaging Manufacturers Early in the Design Phase | Consult manufacturers like Mircom early for compliant design, sample specs, and AHJ coordination support. |