Fire Alarms

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Building Code
2024 International Fire Code
2023 National Electrical Code
Wheaton Ordinances

Please submit the following information:

1. Product Information Sheets - Provide one (1) copy of the manufacturer’s product information for all devices, including smoke detectors, heat and duct detectors, alarm panel, and similar.
2. Scaled Plans - (Not required when replacing only the panel) Provide two (2) copies of the scaled plans that indicate use of rooms, room numbers (if applicable), location, legend of devices, and battery calculations. Plans shall also indicate ceiling heights and any changes in height, such as offsets, beams, girders, and all hourly ratings of wall and ceiling assemblies that are penetrated.
3. Fire Stopping - Provide UL fire stop classifications and fire stop product technical datasheet.
4. Battery Calculations - Provide battery calculations.

Significant Codes

Remodeling: City amendment to the International Fire Code 2018 Editions: 907.2 Where required, shall be amended by deleting the paragraph and inserting the following text: An approved manual or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in all new buildings and structures. An approved manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in all existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 when the cost of proposed remodeling or reconstruction in any given year is 50% or 25% or greater than the value of the building. Value of the building or structure (excluding land) shall be established by the Milton Township Assessor's assessment records for the year prior to the initial remodeling or reconstruction.

Alarm Connection to City Panel: Starting in August of 2010, new alarm systems installed within the City of Wheaton will no longer be required to be connected to the City’s panel via a dedicated phone line; rather, signals will be required to be transmitted via radio transmitter. Radio transmitters will be supplied and installed by Chicago Metropolitan Fire Prevention for all emergency fire alarm systems within Wheaton (and Winfield). A Fire Alarm Monitoring System Application can be submitted electronically or mailed to the City of Wheaton Finance Department. Account list - database is Wheaton 540/Winfield 65. Please note that the radio alarm transmitter has the capability to transmit alarm, trouble, and supervisory signals.

Test Annually
Fire detection/alarm systems are required to be tested annually, including but not limited to: fire alarm panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire alarm boxes (pull stations near exits), as well as audio/visual notification devices. Periodic inspections and tests required under this article shall be performed by firms normally engaged in the sales and service of such fire protection systems.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all Residential Remodeling projects. Adjustments to the required inspections may be needed based upon the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.