(a) Where a pneumatic fire detection system is installed, the provisions of this subpart, with the exception of § 76.30-90, must apply to all installations contracted for on or after November 19, 1952, and prior to July 22, 2021. Installations contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, must meet the requirements of § 76.30-90.

(b) [Reserved]

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48258, July 22, 2016]

(a) The fire detection system must be divided into separate zones to restrict the area covered by any particular alarm signal.

(b) All spaces in a fire detection zone must be accessible from one to another without leaving the deck involved. All doors in watertight subdivision bulkheads and main vertical zone bulkheads must be assumed closed for the purpose of this requirement.

(c) The fire detection zone must not include spaces on more than one deck, except:

(1) Adjacent and communicating spaces on different decks in the ends of the vessel, having a combined deck area of not more than 3,000 feet.

(2) Isolated rooms or lockers in such spaces as mast houses, wheelhouse top, etc., which are easily communicable with the area of the fire-detection circuit to which they are connected.

(d) The fire detection zone must not include more than 50 protected rooms or spaces.

(e) Individual tubing circuits must not contain more than 1,000 feet of pneumatic tubing or its equivalent. However, more than one tubing circuit may be included in the same fire detection zone.

[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16940, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48258, July 22, 2016]

(a) The tubing must be located on the overhead or within 12 inches of the overhead on the bulkheads. Where liable to physical damage, the tubing must be suitably protected.

(b) In each enclosed space or separate room there must be exposed at least 5 percent of the total length of tubing in that circuit, but in no case may the amount be less than 25 feet.

(c) No spot on the overhead of a protected space may be more than 12 feet from the nearest point of tubing. Where beams or girders extend below the ceiling, or where the ceiling is installed at more than one level, the tubing must be located so as to be most effective.

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48258, July 22, 2016]

(a) The system must be so arranged and installed that the presence of a fire in any of the protected spaces will automatically be registered visibly and audibly in the pilothouse or fire control station. The visible notice must automatically indicate the zone in which the alarm originated. On vessels greater than 150 feet in length, there must also be an audible alarm in the engine room.

(b) The tubing or detecting devices, pneumatic-electric converting units, detecting cabinets, and alarms must be of an approved type.

(c) In general, the system must be adjusted to operate at a temperature rise of approximately 40 °F . per minute at the center of the circuit.

(d) The fire detection system must be used for no other purpose except that it may be incorporated with the manual alarm system.

(e) All wiring and electrical circuits and equipment must meet the applicable requirements of subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(f) A framed chart or diagram must be installed in the wheelhouse or control station adjacent to the detecting cabinet indicating the location of the various detecting zones and giving instructions for the operation, maintenance, and testing of the system. This chart, or a separate card or booklet to be kept near the chart, must have tabulated spaces for the date and signature of the licensed officer of the vessel who must witness or conduct the periodic tests.

(g) The audible alarms must be identified as required by § 78.47-13 of this subchapter.

[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16940, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48258, July 22, 2016]

(a) Installations contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, must meet the following requirements:

(1) Existing arrangements, materials, and equipment previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they meet the minimum requirements of this paragraph and they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original installation.

(2) The details of the systems must be in general agreement with §§ 76.27-5 through 76.27-35 insofar as is reasonable and practicable.

(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16940, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48259, July 22, 2016]