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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

In fire protection, few updates have made as significant a difference as the introduction of low-frequency sounders. These devices, engineered to emit a 520 Hz square wave tone, are now a mandatory requirement in the Ontario Building Code (OBC) for sleeping areas—and for good reason. Traditional high-pitched alarms often fail to wake some of the most vulnerable individuals when it matters most. How It All Started: A Wake-Up Call from Research The movement toward low-frequency alarms began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when sleep studies in the U.S., U.K., and Australia started revealing troubling results: children, older adults, and people under the influence of alcohol or sedatives often slept through standard 3,100 Hz fire alarm tones. One of the most influential figures in this space, Dr. Dorothy Bruck of Australia, found that lower-frequency tones (520 Hz square waves) were far more effective at waking people—even those in deep sleep. Her research, along with findings from the NFPA Research Foundation and U.S. Fire Administration, helped shape the case for a new type of alarm. Why Frequency Matters Low-frequency tones have proven advantages: Better penetration through barriers like doors and bedding. Higher brain response during deep sleep stages. Improved wake-up