Fire Marshals 04

Performance-based detection is now a prescriptive initiating device

The FLIR A70 EFD is a thermal image fire detector listed to ANSI/CAN/UL 2684 and recognized as a prescriptive initiating device under NFPA 72:2025, Section 17.12. It measures temperature at every pixel across the protected area and initiates alarm on abnormal heat, before smoke or flame is present.

It is installed and supervised like any other initiating device: dry-contact alarm, supervisory, and trouble outputs through a monitor module on the signaling line circuit, 24 V DC from a listed and supervised fire alarm power supply, and acceptance and periodic testing with a physical heat source under Chapter 14 and the UL-listed installation manual.

No performance-based design and no alternative means and methods request are required.

First to UL 2684

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First to UL 2684

The Compliance Framework

Two essential fire protection codes. One product standard. A clear pathway for thermal imaging fire detection.

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CODE

NFPA 72

Section 17.12

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Section 17.12 covers thermal image fire detectors as a prescriptive initiating device type: listing, location and spacing, connection to the fire alarm system, and supervision.

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CODE

NFPA 855

Energy Storage Systems

Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems. Its fire detection provisions address thermal image fire detection for energy storage installations, with applicable requirements determined by the adopted edition and installation.

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STANDARD

ANSI/CAN/UL 2684

Thermal Image Fire Detectors

The product standard for video and thermal image fire detectors, covering imaging-based detection of heat, smoke, or flame. Flir A-Series fire detection configurations listed to this standard can identify abnormal heat before visible flame develops.

From product listing to code-recognized installation, a defined framework for thermal imaging fire detection.

Is this a listed fire detector?

Yes. FLIR A40 and A70 EFD packages are listed to ANSI/CAN/UL 2684, the standard for thermal image fire detectors. NFPA 72:2025 Section 17.12 covers thermal image fire detectors as a prescriptive initiating device type.

What does the listing cover?

The listing covers the camera's dry-contact alarm, supervisory, and fault outputs. Network protocols such as Modbus TCP, MQTT, and ONVIF are supplementary monitoring paths for SCADA, building management, and video systems and are outside the listing.

How does this detector comply with NFPA 72, chapter 17.12 requirements?

17.12.1 Thermal image fire detection systems and all the components thereof, including hardware and software, shall be listed for the purpose of fire detection.

17.12.6 A thermal image fire detector shall produce a supervisory signal if the lens is blocked or dirty enough to impede proper operation.

17.12.7 A thermal image fire detector shall be capable of producing an alarm due to a temperature rate of rise within its field of view.

How does it connect to the fire alarm control panel?

Through an addressable monitor module on the signaling line circuit, the same way any dry-contact initiating device is connected. A dedicated normally-closed fault output annunciates camera or power loss as a supervised trouble condition.

How is it powered?

From a listed, supervised 24 V DC fire alarm power supply with battery backup sized per NFPA 72 Section 10.6. Power over Ethernet is available for video-only deployments and is not used for the listed configuration.

How is it tested at acceptance and annually?

With a physical heat source, following the test method in the FLIR UL-listed installation manual and NFPA 72 Chapter 14. Alarm thresholds are configured by the installing contractor at commissioning, documented in the acceptance record, and retested after any change.