Fire Alarm System Design for Memory Care Facilities

 

Delayed Egress, Full Area Smoke Detection, and HVAC Shutdown Explained

Designing a fire alarm system for a memory care facility requires a higher level of coordination, redundancy, and code knowledge than most other occupancies. Because residents may experience cognitive impairment, the system must balance life safety, controlled egress, and automatic emergency response while remaining fully compliant with NFPA 72, NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), IBC, CBC, and local AHJ amendments.

This article provides a professional, design-level overview of the most critical elements involved in a memory care fire alarm system, including delayed egress unlocking, full area smoke detection, HVAC detection and shutdown, and integration with access control and life safety systems.

Memory care fire alarm system showing full area smoke detection and delayed egress unlocking

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Occupancy Classification for Memory Care Facilities

Most memory care facilities are classified as one of the following:

• Group I-1, Condition 2 (Assisted Living / Memory Care)

• Group R-2 (Residential with supervision)

• Group I-2 (If medical care is provided)

These classifications trigger enhanced detection, notification, and egress requirements, especially when delayed egress doors or controlled locking systems are used.

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Full Area Smoke Detection Requirements

Why Full Area Detection Is Critical in Memory Care

Memory care facilities almost always require full area smoke detection rather than corridor-only detection. This ensures:

• Faster detection in sleeping rooms

• Automatic release of delayed egress doors

• Immediate HVAC shutdown to prevent smoke migration

• Enhanced survivability for residents unable to self-evacuate

Typical Areas Requiring Smoke Detectors

• Resident sleeping rooms (unless exempted by local amendment)

• Corridors and common areas

• Activity rooms and dining areas

• Staff workrooms

• Memory care living spaces

• Mechanical rooms tied to HVAC shutdown

• Elevator lobbies (where required)

Design Note: Heat detectors are typically allowed in bathrooms, showers, and kitchens where steam or cooking vapors would cause nuisance alarms.

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Delayed Egress Doors and Automatic Unlocking

Fire Alarm Interface with Delayed Egress

Delayed egress doors are common in memory care units to prevent resident wandering. However, fire alarm activation must override all delayed locking features.

When any of the following occurs, doors must unlock immediately:

• Smoke detector activation

• Manual pull station activation

• Sprinkler waterflow activation

• Fire alarm system trouble or loss of power

Code-Required Unlock Conditions

• Automatic unlocking upon any fire alarm signal

• Free egress upon power failure

• Manual unlocking at the fire command center (if provided)

• Audible and visual indicators at the door

AHJ Focus Area: Inspectors frequently verify that full area smoke detection exists upstream of delayed egress doors, not just corridor coverage.

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HVAC Detection and Automatic Shutdown

Smoke Detection for Air Handling Units

NFPA 90A and NFPA 72 require duct smoke detectors or area smoke detection to automatically shut down HVAC systems that could transport smoke.

Design Considerations

• Duct detectors required on units above code-specified CFM thresholds

• Shutdown must be supervised and annunciated

• Integration with the fire alarm control panel (FACP)

• Smoke control sequences must be documented on plans

Why HVAC Shutdown Matters in Memory Care

Smoke spread is one of the greatest risks in memory care environments. Automatic HVAC shutdown:

• Prevents smoke migration between compartments

• Supports defend-in-place strategies

• Improves tenability for non-ambulatory residents

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Manual Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

Manual pull stations are still required but are often:

• Staff-only or protected

• Located at required exits

• Installed with protective covers to prevent accidental activation

Pull stations must still trigger:

• Full evacuation signals

• Delayed egress unlocking

• HVAC shutdown

• Alarm transmission to supervising station

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Notification Appliance Design

Audible and Visual Requirements

Memory care facilities must comply with:

• NFPA 72 sound pressure levels in sleeping areas

• Visible notification in common areas and public spaces

• Synchronization where required

Voice evacuation systems may be required depending on:

• Occupancy size

• AHJ preference

• Building height and layout

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Fire Alarm System Integration

A properly designed memory care fire alarm system often integrates with:

• Access control systems

• Nurse call systems

• Elevator recall

• Fire sprinkler monitoring

• Emergency power systems

All interfaces must be fail-safe, supervised, and clearly documented on drawings.

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Common Plan Review Comments (Avoid These Issues)

• Corridor-only detection shown in memory care units

• Missing smoke detection at delayed egress doors

• HVAC shutdown not clearly detailed

• Locking sequence of operations not provided

• Incorrect occupancy classification

• Lack of power failure unlock documentation

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Best Practices for Fire Alarm Design in Memory Care

• Use full area smoke detection as the default design approach

• Clearly show sequence of operations on plans

• Coordinate early with the AHJ

• Separate nuisance areas with heat detection where allowed

• Document every interface and unlock condition