Personal Commitment to Professional Service
Cal Building Systems Inc.                                  E-Newsletter . October 2015
 Fire Alarm         .         Fire Sprinkler         .         Access Control         .         Surveillance

 

In this issue we highlight the expanded power of the VM Panel by Edwards, remind everyone to see that their systems are maintained, and discuss the purpose of hydraulic nameplates in Code Corner. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as we move forward. On the right side of this email, please take the time to fill out our survey if it applies to you as this helps us serve you better. Keep it safe out there and may your people and property always be protected.

 

All the Best,
The Cal Building Systems Team
Monthly Product Highlight: 
Edwards Expanded VM Panel
__________________________________________
With significant upgrades, Edwards tripled the existing capacity of the VM Series fire alarm panel. With integrated voice capabilities, these added nodes, and added intelligent loops per panel, this system presents the opportunity to use it in virtually any conceivable application,   VM

Do the math... 24 nodes, four loops per node, 250 devices per loop - that's more devices than most fire alarm systems will ever need.

More Detection
Vigilant VM also includes full support for the powerful V-PCOS combination optical smoke and CO detector. Already supported by VS Series control panels, the V-PCOS houses two sensing elements in a single device that can independently report fire or CO events. This means that the one device can do the job of two detectors, eliminating the need for separate wall openings and separate wiring.

More Control
Chubb Edwards is offering color-matched EV series switch panels to complement the extra network capacity.
Driven by GCI/GCIX graphic annunciator drivers, these soon to be released switch panels provide plenty of expansion room, and easily handle increased network functionality.

More Results
We've packed the VM with big system features that extend your reach into larger jobs than ever before. It was
always a better life safety system. Now it's even 'more better'. 

To get full literature and information about these products and others, feel free to send an email to us by clicking here.  
Fire Alarm System Preventative Maintenance

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 has established code-required monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual inspections for fire alarm systems. Specific physical testing and 
frequency of these tests are spelled out in NFPA72 and most professionals, building owners and Authorities Having Jurisdiction all agree on their importance.

Device testing ensures the reliability of the system, paired with regular preventative maintenance and visual inspections, the reliability and performance of fire protection systems is greatly enhanced. While physical tests ensure reliability and functionality, visual inspections help the building owner catch issues before they become a problem. During these inspections, professionals can note building modifications and occupancy changes that alter the way a system protects, new physical obstructions, damage to equipment, cleaning needs, and improper installation and/or modifications done to the system between inspections.

Device testing is also important and good record-keeping is key. On large systems, testing might be arranged so that devices and equipment are tested in smaller portions so as not to create a burden on the facility and still ensure that all devices are tested to code frequency. Permanent records should be kept (we recommend using our online storage as well as backing I up electronically on your own as written reports could be lost or destroyed); the National Fire Alarm Code includes a sample inspection and testing form. Cal Building Systems uses a similar form in keeping with code requirements to make sure customers are compliant and confident their system is being tested regularly.

Want to ensure your testing is being done properly? Feel free to  reach out to us for a free survey. 

Code Corner:
What is the purpose of the hydraulic nameplate on my sprinkler riser?

 

Unless your sprinkler system was designed and installed prior to the 1968 edition of NFPA 13, it is required to have a hydraulic nameplate installed. The absence of this nameplate will be considered a deficiency during the Title 19 five-year service and will cause it to fail certification. It must also be inspected quarterly to verify that it is attached securely to the sprinkler riser and is legible (NFPA 25, 2006 Edition, 5.2.7).
hyd nameplate  
An example of the hydraulic nameplate. 

The nameplate provides an important record of the system design criteria and expected performance. This data is vital for an inspector to perform an accurate assessment of the system's characteristics and how it should operate. Without it, the inspector can not be certain, without some further detective work, that things are as they should be. Changes to the building, maintenance issues, and outside water-related or other issues, may have caused the system to no longer be within the design parameters. 

We have solved these issues for others before when faced with a system without the nameplate. It may take some investigative work, but it can be done and it is certainly preferred over having a failed system in place.

Click here to contact us for more information if you notice your nameplate missing or not legible.

CBS Introduction Message to Project Managers and Contractors

Our reputation for prompt response and service is growing! Thank you all for your support!

For those folks in the construction world who don't know Cal Building Systems yet:

We are specialists in: 

  • New Construction
  • Adding To Systems (Tenant Improvements)
  • Handling difficult 'takeovers' of proprietary equipment - just ask what we can do about Simplex, Siemens, Notifier, and more! We might surprise you!
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Schools
  • Campuses
  • High Rise Buildings
  • Hotels
  • Nursing Homes / Assisted Living
  • Design-Build
  • Healthcare
  • Industrial

 

Great references! Working now on projects  ACROSS ALL OF CALIFORNIA!

 

Contact our projects team by clicking here!
In This Issue
Product Highlight: Upgraded VM
FA Preventative Maintenance
Hydraulic Nameplates
Project Managers and Contractors!
Serving all of California...
...you're covered.


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Did You Know?
jack-o-lantern
Decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 1,000 reported home fires each year.
Older Panel Causing Fits?
 
Let one of our seasoned technicians take a look!   
We have fun working on older systems... Really!
NFPA72 and NFPA25

Cal Building Systems has you covered!

Simply send us an email and we will gladly set up a free survey and consultation to meet all of your regulatory fire alarm testing needs!
 

CBS is a CA Licensed contractor. Want to check a license? Go to the CSLB website and type in the license number! You can also search by name.

 

CA Licensed Contractor:
#521087

How are we doing?

If Cal Building Systems came to your site, or provided you with a service, please feel free to take our survey here!

Hearing from you is the best way for us to meet your needs.
Service Locations
General 877-255-2534

2903 Saturn St., Suite F
Brea, CA 92821
Direct (714)993-9650

28545 Felix Valdez Rd., Unit B
Temecula, CA 92590
Office (951)676- 3770 

1311 Pine Street, Suite C
Martinez, CA 94553
Office (925)372-3808