While out visiting a customers site recently noticed that two new Variable Speed Drives ("VSD") for a mechanical ventilation system. At the time I thought this would not comply with the requirements for a fire control room, but I needed to research Volume One of the National Construction Code ("NCC") to be sure.
In researching my response to the customer I decided to document what I had learned about the requirements for a Fire Control Room. The article also covers the difference between a Fire Control Centre and a Fire Control Room, which I am being honest I didn't know there was a difference.
In relation to my customers specific issue, I found Clause 4 of Specification E1.8 which described "equipment not permitted within a fire control centre" as follows;
4. Equipment not permitted within a fire control centre
An internal combustion engine, pumps, sprinkler control valves, pipes and pipe fittings must not be located in a fire control centre, but may be located in rooms accessed through the fire control centre.
Summary
The installation of a Variable Speed Drive ("VSD") in a fire control room may be used as it is not specifically excluded in the "equipment not permitted" list in clause 4.