If you’ve ever submitted fire alarm plans to the FDNY, you know how nerve-racking that waiting period can be. You’ve done the drawings, the specs, the coordination, and then boom “Plans Rejected.” It happens more often than you’d think, even to seasoned professionals. But most rejections come down to a few predictable (and totally avoidable) issues.
Common Reasons why FDNY Rejects Fire Alarm Plans
1. Missing or incomplete documentation:
FDNY reviewers expect your submittal package to be airtight – equipment data sheets, riser diagrams, sequence of operations, and the full set of electrical drawings. If even one document is missing or mislabeled, your plan might not even make it to the review table.
2. Code compliance mismatch:
It’s not enough to design to “general fire code.” The FDNY follows its own interpretations of NFPA 72 and NYC Building Code. Even small oversights, like incorrect horn strobe candela ratings or missing duct detectors, can trigger a rejection.
3. Unclear as-builts or design drawings:
The reviewers don’t have time to guess what your intent is. Over-crowded or messy CAD layouts, unlabeled devices, or missing zone references make it nearly impossible to review quickly—and that delay costs you approval time and money.
4. Coordination issues:
If your fire alarm system conflicts with sprinkler or HVAC layouts, FDNY will flag it. Plan reviewers often cross-reference multiple disciplines, so your drawings need to align across the board.
5. Outdated product listings:
These can be the silent deal-breaker. If your fire alarm components aren’t UL-listed or approved for NYC use, FDNY can (and will) reject your plan immediately. Always verify current manufacturer listings before submitting.
The good news? Avoiding these pitfalls isn’t rocket science, it just takes experience and attention to detail. At County Fire, we handle the entire FDNY approval process from design to submission, ensuring every submittal is compliant, clear, and ready for a first-pass approval.
Need Help Getting Your Fire Alarm Plans Approved?
County Fire specializes in end-to-end fire alarm services, including design, submission, installation, and final FDNY inspection. We handle all the details so you can move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us today: (718) 710-4854
📧 Email: info@countyfireny.com
🌐 Visit: www.countyfireny.com
Serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, County Fire provides trusted, FDNY-compliant fire alarm and life safety solutions trusted by top developers, contractors, and facility managers across the Tri-State area.