New standards cut back system failure risks.
In May 2004, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) revised UL 1971, regulating how operating currents are to be measured and how voltage ranges are to be listed and published.
Historically, fire-alarm system designers used 24-volt current draw for computing voltage drops on audible and visible (AV) circuits. However, voltage drops based on 24-volt current draw only provide an illusion of lower current draw, placing the reliability of the circuit in question.
UL recognized confusion within the industry because AV appliance circuit calculations were being performed with the wrong current draw. They saw the potential for circuit failures.
UL Max to Denote Current Ratings
Seldom is the voltage at AV devices exactly 24 volts. This is due to the natural voltage drop in the circuit. Depending where the device is located on the circuit, the voltage could drop to its lowest operating voltage.
This means that because device currents vary with applied voltage, the only way to assure the power supply will provide enough current to the entire circuit is to measure current for each device at its highest value.
Based on this logic, UL now requires that current- rating published in installation manuals are to symbolize the maximum current draw (UL Max) over the listed voltage range. These true current ratings will:
1. Reflect device power usage more accurately.
2. Ensure compatibility between devices and outputs on the control panel, regardless of manufacturer.
3. Present comparable current draw data amongst manufacturers.
Incorrect Data is Still Printed Today
Despite UL’s efforts, some manufacturers are still printing 24-volt current draws on their data sheets. Current draws based on 24 volts can confuse industry professionals who don’t realize that these specifications shouldn’t be used for circuit calculations.
To eliminate confusion throughout the industry, System Sensor is offering a white paper that gives details and examples of the UL 1971 revision. You can download a free copy of the white paper by visiting System Sensor’s website at http: //systemsensor.com/pdf/ul1971.pdf.

Suzanne Boisvert, Public Education Specialist, PINELLAS PARK, FL - Parents across the country took their kids out of school on April 27 and put them to work. No, the Child Labor Laws hadn’t been revoked - it was the annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” event where parents take their kids to work to show them what their jobs are like.
Several parents (and grandparents) with Pinellas Park Fire Department brought their kids to Station 33 for a day of “intense firefighter training”.
Twenty kids ranging in age from 7 to 14 were placed in five separate companies; truck, engine, rescue, squad, and pumper. The day began with teams competing in a “medic box race” to be the first to find all the medical equipment in each box. The companies then took turns rotating through several drills that gave them a real life view of what their parents do each day. Under extremely close supervision, the kids donned bunker gear and used actual fire and rescue equipment in each scenario. They practiced fire suppression, search and rescue, rapid intervention, auto extrication, and some emergency medical procedures. Probably the most fun they had was using a life-net to catch “victims” (stuffed animals) as they “fell” (okay, they were thrown) from the roof of Station 33.
After drills, all the companies cleaned the station and washed the apparatus.
Finally, it was time for lunch. The kids were served hamburgers and hotdogs followed by Klondike bars for dessert. After lunch everybody relaxed and watched a slide show presentation of the day’s activities.

After September 11, 2001, Peggy Sammons has provided Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue C shift with meals. The support and friendship of Peggy and her husband, Gary, has been an inspiration to the C shift crew.
Although it is not clear who adopted who both considers the other an extension their family.
Recently Gary's 17 year old son, Heath, was diagnosed with a form of cancer. As a result of his treatment he lost his hair.
After hearing of the situation, Captain Alex Lobeto came up with the idea of the shift shaving their heads in support of Heath. Support among friends is a source of great strength and C shift showed their support of Heath's courage by shaving their heads.
After some convincing all of the members of C shift decided to join in the support. Peggy was more than ready to assist in the shearing.
With clippers in hand all of C shift was soon sporting the Mr. Clean look.
Obviously some people look better with hair!

I would just like to take a moment to introduce myself to all of you as the recently appointed regional director of the Southeast Region of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association. My name is Joe Gagliano, and I am a Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Division, currently serving as the Fire Prevention Training Officer.
Admittedly, I am to date not fully aware of all my responsibilities as regional director, but I do know that part of my responsibilities is to arrange for training in our region. To that end, I will do my best to provide the same quality training that our association has been known to deliver and to which we have become accustomed.
If you have any training contacts, suggestions or requests for training please contact me and we will see if we can make it a reality. My direct office phone number is 786-331-4815 and my cell number is 305-898-8660.
The goodbye that I offered is because I will be retiring on June 29th after 30 years of service with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. I have really enjoyed serving the community of Miami-Dade and I have many fond memories of my adventures with my brother and sister fire fighters and inspectors. I will continue to serve as regional director even after retirement until the end of the term and even after if I am still needed.
The next training program that we have scheduled for June 26th and 27th and repeated on June 28th and 29th, is a two-day sprinkler review program. It is being hosted by the Hialeah Fire Rescue Department through the efforts of Captain Ed Hernandez. I will get the particulars posted on the web site and distributed across the State as soon as we complete the planning.
I look forward to serving those members of the Southeast Region and all of the State. If I can be of any assistance, please call. Just remember that the work number is only good for a few more weeks.
I wish you all the best.

Fire Marshal James Large was promoted to Fire Chief of St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue. He takes over for Chief Jim Callahan ( a former Fire Marshal) who took a position with Monroe County Fire. Chief Large has been with the department for 32 years, serving at all levels within the organization, the last 10 years as Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal. Chief Large is a Florida State certified firefighter, EMT, instructor, and inspector. He holds Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation. He is certified by the National Fire Protection Association as a Fire Protection Specialist. He holds a Bachelors Degree and is scheduled to graduate this month with an MBA.
Assistant Chief William Jolley was named the new Fire Marshal for St. Petersburg. Chief Jolley has over 31 years of service, most recently as the Operations Chief. Chief Jolley holds a Bachelors Degree and is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy. He is a state certified firefighter, EMT, and inspector.

email: noreply@ffmia.org

web: http://www.ffmia.org