Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Duct Smoke Detectors and Sprinkler Monitoring Systems

Duct Smoke Detectors and Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Systems


Definitions: Building Fire Alarm Systems VS. Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Systems


Building Fire Alarm System: NFPA 72 2022 3.3.118.4.1 = “A protected premises fire alarm system that includes any of the features identified in 23.3.3.1 and that serves the general fire alarm needs of a building or buildings and that provided fire department or occupant notification or both.”


Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System: NFPA 72 2022  3.3.118.4.2 = “A protected premises fire alarm system installed specifically to perform emergency control function(s) where a building fire alarm system is not required.”  NFPA 72 2022 ANNEX A 3.3.118.4.2 = “Examples of a dedicated function fire alarm control unit include an automatic sprinkler alarm and supervisory control unit or an elevator recall and supervisory control unit.”

Building Fire Alarm System: NFPA 72 2022 23.3.3.1 =” Protected Premises fire alarm systems that serve the general fire alarm needs of a building or buildings shall have one or more of the following systems or functions:”

Manual fire alarm signal initiation
Automatic fire alarm and supervisory signal initiation
Monitoring of abnormal conditions in fire suppression systems
Activation of fire suppression systems
Activation of emergency control functions
Activation of fire alarm notification appliances
In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications
Guard’s tour supervisory service
Process monitoring supervisory systems
Activation of off premises signals
Combination systems

Potter Signal PFC-6006 Sprinkler Monitoring PanelAn example of an application where you shall use a dedicated function fire alarm system is as follows:
An office building with a “B” type occupancy with less than 500 persons throughout or ≤ 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.  Based on these factors, a building fire alarm system is not required per the 2021 International Fire Code IFC section 907.  However, per the 2021 International Building Code IBC 903.4 Exception #2, you need to provide monitoring of the sprinkler system if it has ≥ 6 sprinkler heads.  In this case you could install a dedicated function fire alarm system for the monitoring of the onsite sprinkler valves and Waterflow switches.  This dedicated function fire alarm system shall be noted as a “Sprinkler Waterflow and Supervisory System” per NFPA 72 2022 23.8.5.5.1 and 23.8.5.6.1)

NFPA 72 2022 section 23.3.3.2.1 - Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Systems
“In facilities without a building fire alarm system, a dedicated function fire alarm system shall be permitted and shall not be required to include other functions or features of a building fire alarm system.”

NFPA 72 2022 section 23.8.5.4.6.1 Signal Initiation – Duct Smoke Detectors
“Where duct smoke detectors are required to be monitored and a building fire alarm system is installed, a duct detector activation signal shall meet the requirements of 21.7.4”

NFPA 72 2022 section 23.8.5.6.1 Supervisory Signal Initiation – Sprinkler Systems
“Where required by other governing laws, codes or standards to be electronically monitored, supervisory signal initiating devices shall be connected to a dedicated function fire alarm control unit designated as “Sprinkler Waterflow and Supervisory System” and permanently identified on the control unit and on the record drawings.”

“Exception:  Where supervisory signal initiating devices are connected to a building fire alarm system, a dedicated function fire alarm control unit shall not be required.”

What can we take away from this information?


We know that Duct Smoke Detectors (DSDs) when required to be monitored are to be tied into a building fire alarm system per NFPA 72 2022 section 23.8.5.4.6.1.  We also know that a dedicated function fire alarm system is in place to perform a specific function and shall not be required to include additional features of a building fire alarm system. Bottom line is if a building fire alarm system is not installed, duct smoke detectors shall be stand alone and are not required to be connected/monitored by a dedicated function fire alarm system.

IFC Fire Alarm Design Requirements for Different Occupancy Types

Seek the IFC and AHJ


If we take a look at the International Fire Code (better known as the IFC) section 907 we can find the different requirements for fire alarm design within each occupancy group.  Now keep in mind this information is only based on the International Fire Code and does not necessarily meet the requirements of your State and or City.  It is very important to check with your State's Fire Code such as the California Fire Code or CFC as well as your local authority having jurisdiction or AHJ.

Fire Alarm Codes and Standards


All of the above mentioned references are codes.  Codes will tell us when something is required.  A standard such the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code or NFPA 72 tells us how to install particular equipment.  A lot of people get confused since the name of the document has the word code in it.  Just remember the following:

International Fire Code and the International Building Code = "A When To Manual"
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code = "A How To Manual"

Fire Alarm Requirements in Different Occupancy Groups


Fire alarm requirements for Group A occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group B occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group E occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group F occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group H occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group I-1 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group I-2 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group I-2.1 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group I-3 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group I-4 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group M occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group R-1 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group R-2 and R-2.1 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group Licensed R-2.1 occupancies
Fire alarm requirements for Group R-4 occupancies

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group R-4 Occupancy

Group R-4: (Residential)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (pull stations) and automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:


Manual fire alarm boxes at all exits.

Travel distance to any manual fire alarm box cannot exceed 200 feet.

Exceptions:

Manual fire alarm boxes are not required if the facility is two stories or less in height and all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to the sleeping units are separated from one another and public/common spaces by a minimum of 1-hour partitions.  Each sleeping unit must also have a direct exit to a public way, egress court or yard.

Manual fire alarm boxes at exits in sleeping units shall not be required if manual pull boxes are located at all care providers’ stations or other approved staff locations.  Note: the pull stations must be visible/accessible and the travel distance to any pull box shall not exceed 200 feet.

manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be installed when ALL of the following conditions exist:

The Group R-2 facility is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.

The occupant notification systems will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be installed in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


Smoke detection shall be provided for corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than sleeping units and kitchens.

“Exceptions”

If the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detection is not required in habitable spaces.

Smoke detection is not required in buildings without interior corridors serving the sleeping units.  This is predicated on the sleeping units having a means of egress door opening that leads directly to an exit.

UL 217 Smoke Alarm Requirements:


Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in all of the following areas:

On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

In every room used for sleeping purposes.

On every level of the dwelling unit including the basement.  This does not include crawl spaces or uninhabitable attics.  If the dwelling unit has split levels without a separation door then a smoke alarm shall be installed on the upper level predicated on the distance between the split levels being less than one full story.

Notification Requirements:


520 Hz low frequency sounders shall be installed in all sleeping areas.  Horns can be provided in common areas including but not limited to corridors, public restrooms, elevator lobbies, etc.  Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided for high rise applications.  High rise buildings are classified by the International Building Code as a structure that has occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.


Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Licensed R-2.1 Occupancy

Group R-2.1 “Licensed”: (Residential)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

If the “Licensed” R-2.1 facility houses more than six non-ambulatory, elderly clients shall be equipped with a manual and automatic fire alarm system.

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:


Manual fire alarm boxes at all exits.

Travel distance to any manual fire alarm box cannot exceed 200 feet.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


Smoke and/or heat detectors installed throughout

If ALL of the following conditions exist then the facility can be provided with the same requirements of a Group R-2 facility.

The facility is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system that activates the occupant notification system.

A manual fire alarm system.

Single or multiple station smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping unit as well as outside each sleeping unit within immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


520 Hz low frequency sounders shall be installed in all sleeping areas.  Horns can be provided in common areas including but not limited to corridors, public restrooms, elevator lobbies, etc.  Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided for high rise applications.  High rise buildings are classified by the International Building Code as a structure that has occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Note:  “Licensed” R-2.1 occupancies are required to be pre-wired for future adaptability.  This means you need to install either a conduit raceway or the necessary cable for the possibility that any room may convert to an accessible unit in the future.

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group R-2 and R-2.1 Occupancy

Group R-2 and R-2.1: (Residential)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

Group R-2 and R-2.1 Fire Alarm Requirements

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:


Manual fire alarm boxes are required if the facility has:
  • Dwelling or sleeping units located three or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge 
  • Dwelling or sleeping units more than one story below the highest level of exist discharge
  • The building contains more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.

Exceptions: 
  • A fire alarm system is not required where the Group R-2 facility is not more than two stories in height where all dwelling or sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
  • Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that activates the occupant notification appliances.
  • A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units or sleeping units and are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.  This is provided that the dwelling units or sleeping units open directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits or a re served by open-ended corridors designed in accordance with section 1027.6 Exception #3.

2021 IFC section 907.2 - If the facility is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in which the Waterflow activates the occupant notification system a minimum of one (1) manual fire alarm box is required to be provided in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Exceptions:
#1: The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
#2: The manual fire alarm box is not required for group R2 occupies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

UL 217 Smoke Alarm Requirements:


Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in all of the following areas per section 907.2.11:

On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

In every room used for sleeping purposes.

On every level of the dwelling unit including the basement.  This does not include crawl spaces or uninhabitable attics.  If the dwelling unit has split levels without a separation door then a smoke alarm shall be installed on the upper level predicated on the distance between the split levels being less than one full story.

Important update to this edition of the model code: The UL 217 single and multiple station smoke alarms are now required to produce a 520Hz low frequency audible tone. Please note these units are not currently manufactured and or listed for this use. It is very important to get ahead of the project and discuss with the general contractor and electrical contractor the requirements for this change. If you would like more information on how this can be achieved as well as the code references, please visit this link. 520Hz audible tone for 120 VAC Smoke Alarms.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


520 Hz low frequency sounders shall be installed in all sleeping areas.  Horns can be provided in common areas including but not limited to corridors, public restrooms, elevator lobbies, etc.  Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided for high rise applications.  High rise buildings are classified by the International Building Code as a structure that has occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Note:  R-2 occupancies are required to be pre-wired for future adaptability.  This means you need to install either a conduit raceway or the necessary cable for the possibility that any room may convert to an accessible unit in the future.  This is noted in Section 907.5.2.3.3

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Sleeping Area Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds or a minimum of 75 dB whichever is greater.

Group R-2: (College and University Buildings)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:


2021 IFC section 907.2 - If the facility is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in which the Waterflow activates the occupant notification system a minimum of one (1) manual fire alarm box is required to be provided in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).
Exceptions:
#1: The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
#2: The manual fire alarm box is not required for group R2 occupies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.

UL 217 Smoke Alarm Requirements:


Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in all of the following areas:

Sleeping areas.

Each room in the path of the means of egress from sleeping area to the door leading to the sleeping unit.

On each level within the sleeping unit.  This includes basements.  If the sleeping unit has split levels without a door separation, one smoke alarm on the upper level will suffice.  Note this is only for slip level where the distance between levels is less than one full story.

All smoke alarms in dwelling units and sleeping units shall be interconnected with the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72. 

Important update to this edition of the model code: The UL 217 single and multiple station smoke alarms are now required to produce a 520Hz low frequency audible tone. Please note these units are not currently manufactured and or listed for this use. It is very important to get ahead of the project and discuss with the general contractor and electrical contractor the requirements for this change. If you would like more information on how this can be achieved as well as the code references, please visit this link. 520Hz audible tone for 120 VAC Smoke Alarms.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in the following areas:

Common spaces outside of the dwelling/sleeping units.

Laundry rooms, mechanical equipment rooms and storage rooms.

Interior corridors serving dwelling/sleeping units
  
Exception

Smoke detection is not required in buildings without interior corridors serving the sleeping units.  This is predicated on the sleeping units having a means of egress door opening that leads directly to an exit.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


520 Hz low frequency sounders shall be installed in all sleeping areas.  Horns can be provided in common areas including but not limited to corridors, public restrooms, elevator lobbies, etc.  Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided for high rise applications.  High rise buildings are classified by the International Building Code as a structure that has occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Note:  R-2 occupancies are required to be pre-wired for future adaptability.  This means you need to install either a conduit raceway or the necessary cable for the possibility that any room may convert to an accessible unit in the future.  This is noted in Section 907.5.2.3.3

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group M Occupancy

Group M: (Mercantile)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (pull stations) that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.) shall be installed where ONE of the following conditions exist.

The combined occupant load of the entire Group M facility is 500 or more persons.

The occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exceptions:

#1: Manual pull stations are not required to be provided in open mall buildings complying with Section 402 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
#2: Manual fire line boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

2021 IFC section 907.2 - If the facility is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in which the Waterflow activates the occupant notification system a minimum of one (1) manual pull station is required to be provided in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).
Exceptions:
#1: The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
#2: The manual fire alarm box is not required for group R2 occupies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.

Note: Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided for high rise applications.  High rise buildings are classified by the International Building Code as a structure that has occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:  (Group M if 500 + persons or there are 100 + persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-4 Occupancy

Group I-4 (Institutional)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

UL 216 Smoke Alarm Requirements:


Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in all I-4 occupancies used for Large Family Day Care.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Audible (horns, sounders, speakers, etc.) shall be located in non-patient areas.  Visible appliances (strobes) are allowed to be used in place of audible appliances in patient occupied areas.  Keep in mind that if you choose to use audible appliances in patient occupied areas they must be chimes or similar sounding appliances to alert the staff. 

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-3 Occupancy

Group I-3 (Institutional)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) along with an automatic smoke detection system that alerts the staff.

Activation of an automatic fire extinguishing system (ANSUL, FM-200, etc.), automatic sprinkler system, manual pull station or detector shall initiate an approved signal to notify the staff.

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:


Manual fire alarm boxes can be eliminated in areas where staff is present and have direct supervision over said areas.

Manual fire alarm boxes can be locked in areas that contain detainees.  This is predicated on the staff with keys being present in these areas.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping units, contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces as well as other spaces normally accessible to residents.

Exceptions:

If approved and if it provides equivalent protection, you can use other methods to obtain detection to avoid tampering or damage to the detectors.  This includes but is not limited to placing detectors behind protective guards or in the exhaust duct from inmate cells.

Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the 2021 IBC International Building Code

When equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units that have four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-2.1 Occupancy

Group I-2.1 (Institutional) - This occupancy is no longer referenced in the 2021 IFC or 2021 IBC


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) along with an automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

Automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors of nursing homes, long term care facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors.  Hospitals shall have smoke detection.

Exceptions:

Manual fire alarm boxes at exits in sleeping units shall not be required if manual pull boxes are located at all care providers’ stations or other approved staff locations.  Note: the pull stations must be visible/accessible and the travel distance to any pull box shall not exceed 200 feet.

Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments containing sleeping units pending the sleeping units having smoke detectors that comply with UL 268.  These detectors shall also have a visual display (LED Indicator plate) on the corridor side of each sleeping unit as well as activation of a visual/audible signal at the nurse's station.

If the sleeping unit doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors than corridor smoke detection shall not be required.  This is predicated on the integral smoke detectors within the door closing hardware being able to send the required visual/audible indication to the nurse's station.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping units, contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces as well as other spaces normally accessible to residents.

“Exceptions”

If approved and if it provides equivalent protection, you can use other methods to obtain detection to avoid tampering or damage to the detectors.  This includes but is not limited to placing detectors behind protective guards or in the exhaust duct from inmate cells.

Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the IBC International Building Code

When equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units that have four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Audible (horns, sounders, speakers, etc.) shall be located in non-patient areas.  Visible appliances (strobes) are allowed to be used in place of audible appliances in patient occupied areas.  Keep in mind that if you choose to use audible appliances in patient occupied areas they must be chimes or similar sounding appliances to alert the staff. 

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-2 Occupancy

Group I-2 (Institutional)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

An Automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors of nursing homes, long term care facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors.  Hospitals shall have smoke detection.

Exceptions:

Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments containing sleeping units pending the sleeping units having smoke detectors that comply with UL 268.  These detectors shall also have a visual display (LED Indicator plate) on the corridor side of each sleeping unit as well as activation of a visual/audible signal at the nurse's station.

If the sleeping unit doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors than corridor smoke detection shall not be required.  This is predicated on the integral smoke detectors within the door closing hardware being able to send the required visual/audible indication to the nurse's station.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping units, contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces as well as other spaces normally accessible to residents.

Exceptions:

If approved and if it provides equivalent protection, you can use other methods to obtain detection to avoid tampering or damage to the detectors.  This includes but is not limited to placing detectors behind protective guards or in the exhaust duct from inmate cells.

Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the IBC International Building Code

When equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units that have four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments.

Fire Alarm for I-2 Occupancies

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Audible (horns, sounders, speakers, etc.) shall be located in non-patient areas.  Visible appliances (strobes) are allowed to be used in place of audible appliances in patient occupied areas.  Keep in mind that if you choose to use audible appliances in patient occupied areas they must be chimes or similar sounding appliances to alert the staff. 

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater. 

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-1 Occupancy

Group I-1 (Institutional)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) along with an automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.)

Automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than kitchens and sleeping units.

Exceptions:

 Manual fire alarm boxes in sleeping units shall not be required at the exits if manual fire alarm boxes are located at all care providers’ stations or other approved staff locations.  Note: the manual fire alarm boxes must be visible/accessible and the travel distance to any Manual fire alarm box shall not exceed 200 feet.

If the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) allows, the occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling is used in accordance with NFPA 72.

Smoke detection in habitable areas is not required where the Group I-1 facility is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

Smoke detection is not required for exterior balconies.


Smoke Alarms


Single Station Smoke Alarms shall be installed in accordance with section 907.2.11

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping units, contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces as well as other spaces normally accessible to residents.

Exceptions:

If approved and if it provides equivalent protection, you can use other methods to obtain detection to avoid tampering or damage to the detectors.  This includes but is not limited to placing detectors behind protective guards or in the exhaust duct from inmate cells.

Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the IBC International Building Code

When equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units that have four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments.

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group H Occupancy

Group H: (Hazardous)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.) shall be installed in occupancies with a classification of H-5 or areas used to manufacture organic coatings.

An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in areas with highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Fire Alarm Requirements for Group F Occupancy

Group F: (factory)


Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

Group F Fire Alarm RequirementsA manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) that activates the occupant notification system (horns, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.) in Group F occupancies when both of the following conditions exist:     

 The facility is two or more stories in height .
       
 The facility has a combined occupant load of 500 or more persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.





UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:


System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:  Group F if the above conditions are met)

Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:


Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.