The problem with the industry`s lack of understanding started at least 15 years ago. Nonmandated systems should be required to meet the intent of national standards regardless of whether they are mandated by model code or not. It is not my intent to try to persuade your readers that “doing it wrong” is the word on the street. Therefore, I offer this background information. It is a story Art does not do justice to in the article. The fact that this occurs in the fire protection field, and especially in the fire alarm systems business, is a horror story. I have stopped counting the calls that I receive asking the question, “If it`s a voluntary system, does it have to meet code?” or “the minimum code?” or “What codes does it have to meet?” Art`s article didn`t contain anything offensive, but I did take exception to his comment that “No other trade would even consider a substandard system.” There are significant opportunities for contractors to suggest that “alternate methods and materials” meet the prescriptive code requirements, which makes the inspector`s posture all the more important.
Art`s philosophy regarding “doing it right” (“Fire Protection Systems,” Fire Commentary, October 1996) is something that, unfortunately, I can relate to on almost a weekly basis. Safety must be stressed at all times, but there are times when we have to do what has to be done, and I tip my helmet to Dan Santos for having the guts to do what he did.
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