Compliance News: What are Supervisory Signal Devices?

By Dean Samet, CHSP



The Joint Commission Standard EC.02.03.05, EP1, states that “At least quarterly, the hospital tests supervisory signal devices (except valve tamper switches). The completion date of the tests is documented.” What systems contain these supervisory signal devices and what is their function? Actually, it is the automatic sprinkler systems as explained in the NFPA Life Safety Code® and National Fire Alarm Code® and as defined below.

Ref. 2000 NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®
Section 9.7 Automatic Sprinklers and Other Extinguishing Equipment

9.7.2.1* Supervisory Signals. Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm Code®, and a distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system. System components and parameters that shall be monitored shall include, but shall not be limited to:    

• control valves
• fire pump power supplies and running conditions
• water tank levels and temperatures
• tank pressure
• air pressure on dry-pipe valves

Supervisory signals shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility.

9.7.2.2 Alarm Signal Transmission. Where supervision of automatic sprinkler systems is provided in accordance with another provision of this Code, waterflow alarms shall be transmitted to an approved, proprietary alarm-receiving facility, a remote station, a central station, or the fire department.

Ref. 1999 NFPA 72® National Fire Alarm Code®
Chapter 3 Definitions:
3.3.88.2 Automatic Extinguishing System Supervisory Device. A device that responds to abnormal conditions that could affect the proper operation of an automatic sprinkler system or other fire extinguishing system(s) or suppression system(s), including, but not limited to:

• control valves
• pressure levels
• liquid agent levels and temperatures
• pump power and running
• engine temperature and overspeed
• room temperature

3.3.88.5 Supervisory Signal-Initiating Device. An initiating device such as a:

• valve supervisory switch
• water level indicator
• low air pressure switch on a dry-pipe sprinkler system in which the change of state signals an off-normal condition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection or life safety system
• need for action in connection with guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment, or maintenance features of related systems.

3.3.67 Fire Alarm System. A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.

3.3.88 Initiating Device. A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, or supervisory switch.

3.3.171.4 Fire Alarm Signal. A signal initiated by a fire alarm-initiating device such as a manual fire alarm box, automatic fire detector, waterflow switch, or other device in which activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or fire signature.

Note: The above requirements are to be applied where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of the Life Safety Code®. As always, please review the entire applicable sections of the National Fire Protection Association Codes and The Joint Commission standards.