Now I've seen a lot of "field modifications" and as far as this one goes, it's pretty slick:

In case you missed it in the previous photograph, I'm referring to the small item at the left labeled "Stairwell Pressurization Fans" (right next to the verification label). It's a three position toggle switch. This is a "White Eagle" label that's been slightly modified by the present servicing company to excise the provider's name and contact information. They've been informed that covering up a verification label is a "no-no" (but this isn't what's wrong with this installation).

White Eagle is restricted to MIRCOM fire alarm systems (according to the Vancouver Bulletin), yet they've verified this panel three (3) times in the past. The last VI was performed in January, 2000 and is labeled "Verified Stairwell Pressurization Fan & Control". The switch has been drilled into the panel's dead-front in violation of the ULC Listing. That's not all, though. Since this switch is "controlling" a key element of the building's smoke control measures, I would naturally assume that an "off normal" condition (in this case either "off" or "on") should result in a local "trouble" signal at the fire alarm control. Alas, this is NOT the case. When you move the switch from the "AUTO" position, nothing happens. I mean literally NOTHING HAPPENS. Moving the switch to "ON" does NOT turn on the fan. An alarm condition does NOT turn on the fan. Now, to be fair to White Eagle, the proper fan function was probably initiated when this verification took place back in 2000, so the current state of the pressurization fan can't be linked to that inspection. This does not, however, excuse this installation.

Yep, I figure White Eagle has earned this "Brickee", but let's not stop there! I did, after all, title this as a Burning Brick DOUBLE NOMINATION.

On the back side of the wall on which the Edwards fire alarm control is mounted, which also happens to be the building tenant's freely accessible mail room, we found the fire alarm communicator (installed, serviced and monitored by General Alarms Ltd.).

What's wrong with this picture???

I'll give you all some hints:

- Back-up means of communication?
- Keypad connection? How is someone to determine the communicator's status (i.e. "off normal" or "trouble" conditions)? Homer Simpson would be smacking his head right about now and saying: "DOOHH!"
- The DSC POWER 832 came in two versions. The ULC one had an "AC On" LED that you were required to mount into one of the knock-outs on the can so that it was visible. It also came with a battery harness to connect two 12 volt 7 AH batteries in parallel (to provide 14 AH). Clearly this isn't that version.

What you don't also see in these pictures is the power transformer for the communicator. It's a "wall wart" plugged into an electrical outlet conveniently located right under the panel.

Did I mention this unit is freely accessible? Is General Alarms Ltd. on Vancouver's list of Approved Monitoring Agencies?

More Burning Brick Nominations!