[Usittne] fire alarm question

[ctyndale@meganet.net]

Hello all,

At Falmouth Academy we are in the midst of renovating our Performing Arts
theater space.   It is a black box space.

I'm in the midst of a discussion with the Architects and engineers
regarding how to design a fire detection system such that it will not
prevent the use of fog and atmospheric effects.

We will have an HVAC system with both supply and return air ducts and the
return air intakes will be over the most commonly used location for a
stage, making it very likely that any FX will get sucked into the system.

They tell me that current codes require the use of smoke detectors located
in the supply side ducts and that in-duct heat only detectors are not
available.

The space will have a complete sprinkler system so no smoke detectors
other than the duct detector are required.

We are discussing various options for either eliminating the duct detector
or locking it out when we do atmospheric FX.  This will require approval
from our local FD and may also require us to hire a standby fireman each
time we lock it out.

How do you handle the problem of smoke detectors and atmospheric FX in
your facility?  I'd be particularly interested in hearing from those with
recently constructed facilities who have had to meet current codes.

Thanks for any information or advice you can give.

Clyde Tyndale
Falmouth Academy
Falmouth, MA