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The Titan Fire Design Process

Joseph Montuori, SET — NICET IV Fire Alarm Systems designer

Joseph Montuori, SET — NICET IV: Fire Alarm Systems

About Your Designer

I have been deeply engaged in the fire alarm contracting industry, where I have cultivated trusted relationships with fire marshals, contractors, and key stakeholders across the industry. I bring expertise in fire alarm design, compliance, and project execution — with a focus on safety, reliability, and professionalism in every project.

I’m passionate about building genuine connections with clients — listening closely during the initial consultation and guiding them seamlessly through to project completion. For me, it’s not just about design, it’s about creating lasting trust and delivering results that truly matter.

— J.M.

Our Design Process

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  1. Step 1: Occupancy & Code Analysis

    Every project begins with a thorough review of the submitted documents. We identify the occupancy classification, use group, and occupant load — the factors that determine what type of fire alarm system is required under IBC/IFC Section 907. This analysis drives every decision that follows.

  2. Step 2: System Configuration

    With the occupancy requirements established, we determine how the system will be arranged. Drawing on our firsthand knowledge of each panel platform we support, we define the circuit structure, zone layout, and supervision requirements before a single device is placed.

  3. Step 3: Circuit Layout & Field Logic

    Circuits are arranged the way a field technician would install them — starting at the base level, working clockwise around the building, and moving upward with consistent riser locations. This approach reduces installation time, minimizes confusion in the field, and reflects real-world installation experience. Electrical contractors who work with our drawings regularly tell us this is what sets us apart.

  4. Step 4: Preliminary Calculations

    Before device layout begins, we run preliminary calculations. Identifying potential loading issues early prevents rework later and keeps the drawing process efficient.

  5. Step 5: Device Layout

    With the system structure and calculations validated, we place all fire alarm devices. Coverage, spacing, and placement follow NFPA 72 requirements and are coordinated against architectural, mechanical, and electrical documents.

  6. Step 6: Final Calculations

    Once layout is complete, full system calculations are performed — battery standby, voltage drop, and notification appliance circuit loading — and documented on the calculations sheet.

  7. Step 7: Details & Riser Diagram

    Installation details, mounting requirements, and a comprehensive riser diagram are produced showing all circuits, zones, and system interconnections.

  8. Step 8: Panel Wiring

    Panel wiring is documented as required for the specific panel platform, providing the installing contractor with clear termination guidance.

  9. Step 9: Keynotes & Drawing Review

    Every drawing set includes comprehensive keynotes written to be descriptive and unambiguous — clarifying design intent and field installation requirements. We have been told by contractors that our keynotes alone set our drawings apart from others they have received. The completed set is reviewed by Joseph Montuori, NICET Level IV, and delivered submittal-ready.

Drawing Set

Professional Fire Alarm Drawings

A representative ten-page drawing set: clear layouts, code-compliant symbols, calculations, and circuit pathing — everything an installer or AHJ needs in one package. Click any thumbnail to view full-size.

Shop Drawing FAQ

Why are fire alarm shop drawings required?

NFPA 72 has required fire alarm system documentation as a condition of installation since its earliest editions. The documentation requirements have evolved and moved through the code as follows:

  • 1999 Edition: Chapter 1, Section 1-6.1
  • 2007 Edition: Chapter 4, Section 4.5.1
  • 2010 Edition: Chapter 10
  • 2013 Edition through current: Chapter 7

Since the 2013 edition, Chapter 7 has been the controlling documentation chapter and has remained so through the 2016, 2019, and 2022 editions. Chapter 7 requires that fire alarm system drawings be prepared prior to installation and submitted for AHJ review and approval before a permit is issued. Most AHJs will not issue a fire alarm permit without an approved drawing set. The current edition enforced varies by jurisdiction — contractors should confirm the adopted edition with the local AHJ.

What is the difference between fire alarm shop drawings and engineer of record drawings?

Engineer of record drawings establish the performance specification and life safety design intent. Fire alarm shop drawings are the contractor's coordination document — they translate the engineer's intent into a system-specific, device-level layout showing exact placement, wiring, circuit pathing, riser diagrams, and panel programming requirements. Both are required in some jurisdictions.

What NICET certification level is required?

NFPA 72 does not specify a required NICET certification level — it recognizes NICET, and so do most AHJs. It is becoming increasingly common, however, for architectural and MEP firms to require a minimum of NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems to prepare shop drawings. Titan's drawings are produced and reviewed by Joseph Montuori, NICET Level IV — the highest certification available in the discipline.

What documents are needed to produce a drawing set?

Architectural Drawings

  • Floor plans showing all spaces, occupancy classifications, and ceiling heights
  • Reflected ceiling plans for device placement coordination

Mechanical / HVAC Drawings

  • CFM schedules for engineered duct detection requirements
  • Ceiling coordination for ceiling-mounted fire alarm devices
  • Conflict avoidance with diffusers, beams, and mechanical equipment

Electrical Drawings

  • Reflected ceiling plan for device layout
  • Power plan for NAC and circuit routing coordination
  • Design aesthetic coordination — centering devices above switches, aligning with exits, blending seamlessly into finished spaces

Elevator Drawings

  • Determine elevator system type and shaft combustibility
  • Where suppression heads are present in the shaft — heat detectors required within two feet of each head per NFPA 72
  • Shunt trip coordination with elevator controller
What is included in a complete Titan drawing set?

Cover Sheet

  • Project data, vicinity map, and drawing index

Requirements Sheet

  • Applicable codes and general notes
  • Jurisdiction-specific amendments where identified

System Calculations

  • Battery standby and alarm load calculations
  • Voltage drop calculations
  • Notification appliance circuit loading

Details Sheet

  • Device mounting requirements
  • Installation details and clearance requirements

Panel Details & Input/Output Matrix

  • Control panel wiring details
  • Complete input/output matrix for all initiating and notification circuits

Riser Diagram

  • All circuits and zones
  • System interconnections and supervision wiring
How long does it take to complete a drawing set?

Turnaround depends on project complexity and completeness of submitted documents. Simple projects with complete MEP documents can be completed in 5 to 10 business days. Complex or phased projects require a project-specific schedule established at time of quote.

Do you work with all fire alarm panel manufacturers?

Drawing sets are produced for the following fire alarm panel manufacturers:

  • Potter
  • Fire-Lite
  • Silent Knight
  • Edwards
  • Silent Knight Farenhyt
  • Notifier

Panel selection can be made by the contractor or recommended by Titan based on project requirements and jurisdiction. If your panel manufacturer is not listed, contact us to confirm compatibility before submitting.

What codes do your drawings comply with?
  • NFPA 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • IFC — International Fire Code
  • IBC — International Building Code
  • NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code (where applicable)
  • NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code (where applicable)
  • State and local amendments incorporated when jurisdiction is identified
  • ASME A17.1 — Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (elevator recall, shunt trip, and shaft detection coordination)
  • ADA / ICC A117.1 — Accessibility Standards (audible and visible notification appliance placement and coverage)
  • IMC — International Mechanical Code (duct detection coordination and HVAC shutdown requirements)
  • NFPA 90A — Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems (duct detector placement and CFM thresholds)

Additional standards may apply depending on occupancy type, building use, and specific system configurations. All applicable codes and standards are identified at time of drawing production.

Are your drawings signed?

Yes. All drawing sets are reviewed and prepared by Joseph Montuori, NICET Level IV. We do not stamp — stamping is reserved for licensed professional engineers (see FAQ 10). Our drawings are submittal-ready for AHJ review.

I received fire alarm drawings with a NICET logo or rubber stamp next to the designer's name — is this allowed?

No. NICET certification is a personal credential and cannot be represented by a rubber seal, logo stamp, or any facsimile device placed on drawings. It has come to NICET's attention that some firms are intentionally creating rubber stamps or seals using the NICET logo or certification mark to apply to drawings — this practice is strictly prohibited by NICET policy.

A NICET certified technician may include their name, certification level, and certification number on drawings as a personal signature. They may not use a stamp, seal, or logo mark that implies organizational or institutional endorsement.

If you have received drawings bearing a NICET rubber stamp or logo seal, you should verify the designer's certification status directly at nicet.org and bring the practice to NICET's attention.

For the full policy see NICET Policy 28 — Use of NICET Certification Credentials.

Can you produce drawings for projects outside Connecticut?

Yes. Titan provides fire alarm drawing services nationwide.

Important note regarding PE stamp requirements: Some jurisdictions require fire alarm shop drawings to be stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer before AHJ submission. Known jurisdictions include:

  • New York State — New York Education Law Article 145 requires plans filed with public officials to be stamped and signed by a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, which applies to fire alarm shop drawings submitted for permit in most NY jurisdictions
  • New York City — stricter than NYS, requires licensed PE or RA filing through the NYC Department of Buildings
  • Denver, CO — Denver Fire Code requires fire alarm shop drawings to be stamped and signed by a Colorado licensed Professional Engineer
  • Missouri — where no design engineer of record exists for the fire suppression system, shop drawings must be prepared under the immediate personal supervision of a PE and sealed by that engineer

Other jurisdictions may have similar requirements. Titan's drawings are signed by our NICET Level IV designer — we do not provide PE stamping services. For projects in jurisdictions requiring a PE stamp, the contractor or engineer of record will need to arrange PE review and stamp separately. We strongly recommend confirming stamp requirements with the local AHJ before submitting. Titan will identify any known jurisdictional requirements at time of quote.