Overriding NFPA 170 Ceiling Mount Block Definitions

Overview

In the Cadgen default database, device symbols follow the latest NFPA 170 standard shapes. For ceiling mount speakers, speaker strobes, horns, and horn strobes, the standard symbol uses a square base with a "C" subscript.

Some users prefer the older round base symbol for ceiling mount devices. This article explains how to override the default NFPA 170 square block definitions in your project with round base alternatives.

Prerequisites

• A FireCAD project must be open
• Download the ROUND_BASE_CEILING_BLOCKS.dwg template file

Step 1: Import the Round Base Block Definitions

1. Open the attached ROUND_BASE_CEILING_BLOCKS.dwg file and make sure it is the active drawing
2. Go to FireCAD > Edit > Project Block Definitions (ATEDIT_PROJECT_BLOCK_DEFINITIONS)

3. In the Block Definition Editor, select the updated block definitions in the top list
4. Click Add or Update Selected Block(s) to import them into the current project

5. After applying the changes, the device palette, riser, and legend will show the updated round base block definitions

Step 2: Update Existing Placed Devices

If you have already placed devices on the floorplan with the square symbols, you need to update them:

1. Select the device to edit
2. Use the Block Edit command

3. Replace the rectangle with a circle for the base, then close and save the block definition

4. After saving, all existing devices using that block definition will update on the floorplan

Tips

• This change applies only to the current project -- it does not modify the master database
• New projects will continue to use the default NFPA 170 square symbols unless you repeat this process
• The round base symbols are non-compliant with current NFPA 170 standards but may be preferred for consistency with existing documentation or customer requirements

Related Articles

• Editing Project Block Definitions
• Refreshing Block Definitions

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