Professional Certification of Fire Alarm Systems
The Professional Certification of Fire Alarm Systems is a way to certify fire alarm installations without needing an inspection by the Fire Alarm Inspection Unit of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).
Before you ask for a Professional Certification, the fire alarm plans must be reviewed and approved by the Fire Alarm Plan Examination unit. This certification can only be used for fire alarm devices or equipment that are not part of the building's main fire alarm system.
To get a Professional Certification of Fire Alarm Systems, you need to submit a signed verification from a registered design professional along with your application and design documents. The verification confirms that the application and documents are true and follow all laws, rules and regulations. You must follow the steps outlined in Technology Management Bulletin #3-2/2010, Fire Code section FC 104.2.1 and 3RCNY §104-02 when filing for Professional Certifications.
Attach the following documents as separate PDF files:
- Completed Professional Certification application TM-3, including supplement #1
- Approved TM-1
- Approved fire alarm plans (including a riser diagram, floor plans and operating matrix)
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As-built plans (riser only, marked “As Built,” signed and sealed by the engineer of record) that include:
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An I/O matrix showing the function of the devices
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A statement from PE, RA, master electrician or licensed installer that says: “I, (name, title, license/reg. #) certify that the fire alarm system filed under PW1# ___________ has been installed as per approved plans. A functional test has been conducted on the added/modified devices, and the system operates as designed and is in compliance with the base building fire alarm system sequence of operations.”
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Sign, date and seal:
- A copy of the PW1 application (if applicable)
- A core/base building Letter of Approval
Here are the minimum documents you need to submit:
- Completed TM-3 application
- Copy of the approved TM-1 application
- Copy of the PW-1 application (if applicable)
- Copy of the Certificate of Occupancy/Approved Schedule A
- Letter of Approval for the fire alarm system being modified
- Asbestos Abatement Compliance forms (ACP5) (if applicable, based on building construction before April 1, 1987, as verified by the Certificate of Occupancy/Approved Schedule A)
- Landmark Building/Flood Hazard Area compliances (if applicable; may be a part of FA plans)
- Approved fire alarm plans (riser diagram, floor plans, I/O matrix) sealed and signed by the registered design professional
- As-built fire alarm plans, signed and sealed by the registered design professional or applicant of record
All information provided on the TM-3, FDNY Business Application information and Building Information sections for area of work, and scope of work description must be consistent.
Scanned PDF files must be clear and at least 600dpi (high resolution).
Additional documentation (such as FD/DOB variance letters and Technology Management Mechanical Approvals) may be requested by plan examiners. All documents must be submitted as unlocked PDF file. If you submit documents in other formats, you may receive a Letter of Deficiency and will need to refile.
Forms, plans and supporting documents for applications filed prior to May 22, 2020 can be scanned and submitted by email in PDF format only to plan.intake@fdny.nyc.gov.
Applications (or resubmissions that exceed the six-month period) must be submitted online.
After review, you will receive one of the following:
- Letter of Acceptance — Your application has been approved. You will get a Letter of Acceptance, a stamped TM-1 and a set of fire alarm plans.
- Letter of Deficiency (revision required) — Your application has not been approved. You will receive a Letter of Deficiency with instructions on how to fix the issues.
- Additional information request — More documents or clarification is needed before we can process your application.
- Application not required — Your application was filed incorrectly or is not required. Follow the instructions in the email response for further guidance.
Application Fees:
- New application fees: $210
- Resubmission fees: No fee if submitted within six months of the Letter of Deficiency. After six months, the application will be considered abandoned and may require a new filing fee.
- Withdrawal fee: $585
You must pay on the FDNY Business website to submit your application. For additional invoiced fees after submission, use one of the following methods:
Online (preferred):
Payment can be made online at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted).
US mail (check must include FDNY Business Record ID):
NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
Bureau of Fire Prevention
9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier’s Unit (1st Floor)
Brooklyn, NY 11201