SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND
DETECTION SYSTEMS
[F]907.2 Where required.
An approved manual, automatic or manual and automatic fire
alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions
of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings
and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through
907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance
with Section 907.9, unless other requirements are provided
by another section of this code. Where automatic sprinkler
protection installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 is
provided and connected to the building fire alarm system,
automatic heat detection required by this section shall
not be required. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke
detectors. Where ambient conditions prohibit installation
of automatic smoke detection, other automatic fire detection
shall be allowed.
[F]907.2.1 Group A.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more.
Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly
purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as
required for the Group E occupancy.
Exception: Manual fire
alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm
notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water
flow.
[F] 907.2.1.1 System
initiation in Group A occupancies with an occupant load
of 1,000 or more. Activation of the fire alarm in
Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or
more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm
communications system in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception: Where approved,
the prerecorded announcement is allowed to be manually deactivated
for a period of time, not to exceed 3 minutes, for the sole
purpose of allowing a live voice announcement from an approved,
constantly attended location.
[F] 907.2.1.2 Emergency
power. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems
shall be provided with an approved emergency power
source.
[F] 907.2.2 Group B.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
B occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or more persons
or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level
of exit discharge.
Exception: Manual fire
alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm
notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water
flow.
[F] 907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke
detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall
be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1. Group E occupancies
with an occupant load of less than 50.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes
are not required in Group E occupancies where all the
following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors
are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.
2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias,
gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors
or other approved detection devices.
2.3. Shops and laboratories
involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors
or other approved detection devices.
2.4. Off-premises monitoring
is provided.
2.5. The capability to
activate the evacuation signal from a central point
is provided.
2.6. In buildings where
normally occupied spaces are provided with a two-way
communication system between such spaces and a constantly
attended receiving station from where a general evacuation
alarm can be sounded, except in locations specifically
designated by the fire code official.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes
shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the
building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate
on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided
from a normally occupied location.
[F] 907.2.4 Group F.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
F occupancies that are two or more stories in height and
have an occupant load of 500 or more above or below the
lowest level of exit discharge.
Exception: Manual fire
alarm boxes are not required when the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the notification
appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
[F] 907.2.5 Group H.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture
of organic coatings. An automatic smoke detection system
shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides
and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 37, 39 and 40,
respectively, of the International Fire Code.
[F] 907.2.6 Group I. A
manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group I
occupancies. An electrically supervised, automatic smoke
detection system shall be provided in accordance with
Sections 907.2.6.1 and 907.2.6.2.
Exception: Manual fire
alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas of Group
I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if
located at all nurses’ control stations or other constantly
attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible
and continuously accessible and that travel distances required
in Section 907.3.1 are not exceeded.
[F] 907.2.6.1 Group
I-1. Corridors, habitable spaces other than sleeping
units and kitchens and waiting areas that are open to
corridors shall be equipped with an automatic smoke
detection system.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke detection in habitable
spaces is not required where the facility is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
2. Smoke detection is not
required for exterior balconies.
[F] 907.2.6.2Group I-2.
Corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate care and
skilled nursing facilities), detoxification facilities
and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by
Section 407.2 shall be equipped
with an automatic fire detection system. Hospitals shall
be equipped with smoke detection as required in Section
407.2.
Exceptions:
1. Corridor smoke detection
is not required in smoke compartments that contain patient
sleeping units where patient sleeping units are provided
with smoke detectors that comply with UL 268. Such detectors
shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of
each patient sleeping unit and an audible and visual alarm
at the nursing station attending each unit.
2. Corridor smoke detection
is not required in smoke compartments that contain patient
sleeping units where patient sleeping unit doors are equipped
with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke
detectors on the unit sides installed in accordance with
their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform
the required alerting function.
[F] 907.2.6.3 Group
I-3. Group I-3 occupancies shall be equipped with
a manual and automatic fire alarm system installed for
alerting staff.
[F] 907.2.6.3.1 System
initiation. Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing
system, a manual fire alarm box or a fire detector
shall initiate an approved fire alarm signal which
automatically notifies staff. Presignal systems shall
not be used.
[F] 907.2.6.3.2 Manual
fire alarm boxes. Manual fire alarm boxes are
not required to be located in accordance with Section
907.3 where the fire alarm boxes are provided at staff-attended
locations having direct supervision over areas where
manual fire alarm boxes have been omitted. Manual
fire alarm boxes shall be permitted to be locked in
areas occupied by detainees, provided that staff members
are present within the subject area and have keys
readily available to operate the manual fire alarm
boxes.
[F] 907.2.6.3.3 Smoke
detectors. An approved automatic smoke detection
system shall be installed throughout resident housing
areas, including sleeping units and contiguous day
rooms, group activity spaces and other common spaces
normally accessible to residents.
Exceptions:
1. Other approved smoke
detection arrangements providing equivalent protection
including, but not limited to, placing detectors in
exhaust ducts from cells or behind protective guards
listed for the purpose are allowed when necessary to
prevent damage or tampering.
2. Sleeping units in Use
Conditions 2 and 3.
3. Smoke detectors are
not required in sleeping units with four or fewer occupants
in smoke compartments that are equipped throughout with
an approved automatic sprinkler system.
[F] 907.2.7 Group M.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group
M occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or more persons
or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level
of exit discharge. The initiation of a signal from a manual
fire alarm box shall initiate alarm notification appliances
as required by Section 907.9.
Exceptions:
1. Covered mall buildings
complying with Section 402.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes
are not required where the building is equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification
appliances will automatically activate upon sprinkler
water flow.
[F] 907.2.7.1 Occupant
notification. During times that the building is
occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire
alarm box or from a water flow switch shall not be required
to activate the alarm notification appliances when an
alarm signal is activated at a constantly attended location
from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated
over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed
in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2. The emergency
voice/alarm communication system shall be allowed to
be used for other announcements provided the manual
fire alarm use takes precedence over any other use.
[F] 907.2.8 Group R-1.
Fire alarm systems shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies
as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.3.
[F] 907.2.8.1 Manual
fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system shall
be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. A manual fire alarm system
is not required in buildings not more than two stories
in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous
attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and
public or common areas by at least 1-hour fire partitions
and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly
to a public way, exit court or yard.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes
are not required throughout the building when the following
conditions are met:
2.1. The building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2;
2.2. The notification
appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow;
and
2.3. At least one manual
fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.
[F] 907.2.8.2 Automatic
fire alarm system. An automatic fire alarm system
shall be installed throughout all interior corridors
serving sleeping units.
Exception: An automatic
fire detection system is not required in buildings that
do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units and
where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening
directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly
to an exit.
[F] 907.2.8.3 Smoke
alarms. Smoke alarms shall be installed as required
by Section 907.2.10. In buildings that are not equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1
or 903.3.1.2, the smoke
alarms in sleeping units shall be connected to an emergency
electrical system and shall be annunciated by sleeping
unit at a constantly attended location from which the
fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated.
[F] 907.2.9 Group R-2.Amanual
fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies
where:
1. Any dwelling unit or
sleeping unit is located three or more stories above
the lowest level of exit discharge;
2. Any dwelling unit or
sleeping unit is located more than one story below the
highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the
dwelling unit or sleeping unit; or
3. The building contains
more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units.
Exceptions:
1. A fire alarm system
is not required in buildings not more than two stories
in height where all dwelling units or sleeping units
and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated
from each other and public or common areas by at least
1-hour fire partitions and each dwelling unit or sleeping
unit has an exit directly to a public way, exit court
or yard.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes
are not required throughout the building when the following
conditions are met:
2.1. The building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or Section 903.3.1.2;
and
2.2. The notification
appliances will activate upon sprinkler flow.
3. A fire alarm system
is not required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving dwelling units and are protected by
an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1
or 903.3.1.2, provided that
dwelling units either have a means of egress door opening
directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly
to the exits or are served by open-ended corridors designed
in accordance with Section 1023.6,
Exception 4.
[F] 907.2.10 Single- and
multiple-station smoke alarms. Listed single- and
multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall
be installed in accordance with the provisions of this
code and the household fire-warning equipment provisions
of NFPA 72.
[F] 907.2.10.1 Where
required. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms
shall be installed in the locations described in Sections
907.2.10.1.1 through 907.2.10.1.3.
[F] 907.2.10.1.1 Group
R-1. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms
shall be installed in all of the following locations
in Group R-1:
1. In sleeping areas.
2. In every room in
the path of the means of egress from the sleeping
area to the door leading from the sleeping unit.
3. In each story within
the sleeping unit, including basements. For sleeping
units with split levels and without an intervening
door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm
installed on the upper level shall suffice for the
adjacent lower level provided that the lower level
is less than one full story below the upper level.
[F] 907.2.10.1.2 Groups
R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1. Single- or multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups
R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1, regardless of occupant load at
all of the following locations:
1. On the ceiling or
wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
2. In each room used
for sleeping purposes.
3. In each story within
a dwelling unit, including basements but not including
crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings
or dwelling units with split levels and without an
intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke
alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for
the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level
is less than one full story below the upper level.
[F] 907.2.10.1.3 Group
I-1. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall
be installed and maintained in sleeping areas in Group
I-1 occupancies.
Exception: Single- or
multiple-station smoke alarms shall not be required where
the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire
detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.6.
[F] 907.2.10.2 Power source.
In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive
their primary power from the building wiring where such
wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be
equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit
a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent
and without a disconnecting switch other than as required
for over current protection.
Exception: Smoke alarms
are not required to be equipped with battery backup in Group
R-1 where they are connected to an emergency electrical
system.
[F] 907.2.10.3 Interconnection.
Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed
within an individual dwelling unit in Group R-2, R-3 or
R-4, or within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping
unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected
in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will
activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The
alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background
noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
[F] 907.2.10.4 Acceptance
testing. When the installation of the alarm devices
is complete, each detector and interconnecting wiring
for multiple-station alarm devices shall be tested in
accordance with the household fire warning equipment provisions
of NFPA 72.
[F] 907.2.11 Special amusement
buildings. An approved automatic smoke detection system
shall be provided in special amusement buildings in accordance
with this section.
Exception: In areas
where ambient conditions will cause a smoke detection
system to alarm, an approved alternative type of automatic
detector shall be installed.
[F] 907.2.11.1 Alarm.
Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic
sprinkler system or any other automatic fire detection
device shall immediately sound an alarm at the building
at a constantly attended location from which emergency
action can be initiated, including the capability of
manual initiation of requirements in Section 907.2.11.2.
[F] 907.2.11.2 System
response. The activation of two or more smoke detectors,
a single smoke detector with alarm verification, the
automatic sprinkler system or other approved fire detection
device shall automatically:
1. Cause illumination
of the means of egress with light of not less than
1 foot-candle (11 lux) at the walking surface level;
2. Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visual
distractions; and
3. Activate an approved
directional exit marking that will become apparent
in an emergency. Such system response shall also include
activation of a prerecorded message, clearly audible
throughout the special amusement building, instructing
patrons to proceed to the nearest exit. Alarm signals
used in conjunction with the prerecorded message shall
produce a sound which is distinctive from other sounds
used during normal operation. The wiring to the auxiliary
devices and equipment used to accomplish the above
fire safety functions shall be monitored for integrity
in accordance with NFPA 72.
[F] 907.2.11.3 Emergency
voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm
communication system, which is also allowed to serve
as a public address system, shall be installed in accordance
with NFPA 72, and shall be audible throughout the entire
special amusement building.
[F] 907.2.12 High-rise
buildings. Buildings with a floor used for human occupancy
located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest
level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided
with an automatic fire alarm system and an emergency voice/alarm
communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
Exceptions:
1. Airport traffic control
towers in accordance with Sections
412 and 907.2.22.
2. Open parking garages
in accordance with Section 406.3.
3. Buildings with an
occupancy in Group A-5.
4. Low-hazard special
occupancies in accordance with Section
503.1.1.
5. Buildings with an
occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with
Section 415.
[F] 907.2.12.1 Automatic
fire detection. Smoke detectors shall be provided
in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall
be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The
activation of any detector required by this section
shall operate the emergency voice/alarm communication
system. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
1. In each mechanical
equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment
or similar room which is not provided with sprinkler
protection, elevator machine rooms and in elevator
lobbies.
2. In the main return
air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning
system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic
feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s). Such
detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream
of the last duct inlet.
3. At each connection
to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories
from a return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning
system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies a listed
smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return
air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4m3/s)
and serving not more than 10 air inlet openings.
[F] 907.2.12.2 Emergency
voice/alarm communication system. The operation
of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler water-flow
device or manual fire alarm box shall automatically
sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving
approved information and directions for a general or
staged evacuation on a minimum of the alarming floor,
the floor above and the floor below in accordance with
the building’s fire safety and evacuation plans
required by Section 404 of the
International Fire Code. Speakers shall be provided
throughout the building by paging zones. As a minimum,
paging zones shall be provided as follows:
1. Elevator groups.
2. Exit stairways.
3. Each floor.
4. Areas of refuge as
defined in Section 1002.1.
Exception: In Group
I-1 and I-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound in a constantly
attended area and a general occupant notification shall
be broadcast over the overhead page.
[F] 907.2.12.2.1 Manual
override. A manual override for emergency voice
communication shall be provided on a selective and
all-call basis for all paging zones.
[F] 907.2.12.2.2 Live
voice messages. The emergency voice/alarm communication
system shall also have the capability to broadcast
live voice messages through paging zones on a selective
and all-call basis.
[F] 907.2.12.2.3 Standard.
The emergency voice/ alarm communication system shall
be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA
72.
[F] 907.2.12.3 Fire
department communication system. An approved two-way,
fire department communication system designed and installed
in accordance with NFPA 72 shall be provided for fire
department use. It shall operate between a fire command
center complying with Section 911
and elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency and standby
power rooms, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge and inside
enclosed exit stairways. The fire department communication
device shall be provided at each floor level within
the enclosed stairway.
Exception: Fire department
radio systems where approved by the fire department.
[F] 907.2.13 Atriums connecting
more than two stories. Afire alarm system shall be
installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects
more than two stories. The system shall be activated in
accordance with Section 907.6. Such occupancies in Group
A, E orMshall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm
communication system complying with the requirements of
Section 907.2.12.2.
[F] 907.2.14 High-piled
combustible storage areas. An automatic fire detection
system shall be installed throughout high-piled combustible
storage areas where required by the International Fire
Code.
[F] 907.2.15 Delayed egress
locks. Where delayed egress locks are installed on
means of egress doors in accordance with Section
1008.1.8.6, an automatic smoke or heat detection system
shall be installed as required by that section.
[F] 907.2.16 Aerosol storage
uses. Aerosol storage rooms and general-purpose warehouses
containing aerosols shall be provided with an approved
manual fire alarm system where required by the International
Fire Code.
[F] 907.2.17 Lumber, wood
structural panel and veneer mills. Lumber, wood structural
panel and veneer mills shall be provided with a manual
fire alarm system.
[F] 907.2.18 Underground
buildings with smoke exhaust system. Where a smoke
exhaust system is installed in an underground building
in accordance with this code, automatic fire detectors
shall be provided in accordance with this section.
[F] 907.2.18.1 Smoke
detectors. A minimum of one smoke detector listed
for the intended purpose shall be installed in the following
areas:
1. Mechanical equipment,
electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator
machine or similar rooms.
2. Elevator lobbies.
3. The main return and
exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system
serving more than one story and located in a serviceable
area downstream of the last duct inlet.
4. Each connection to
a vertical duct or riser serving two or more floors
from return air ducts or plenums of heating, ventilating
and air-conditioning systems, except that in Group
R occupancies, a listed smoke detector is allowed
to be used in each return air riser carrying not more
than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not
more than 10 air inlet openings.
[F] 907.2.18.2 Alarm
required. Activation of the smoke exhaust system
shall activate an audible alarm at a constantly attended
location.
[F] 907.2.19 Underground
buildings. Where the lowest level of a structure is
more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the lowest level of
exit discharge, the structure shall be equipped throughout
with a manual fire alarm system, including an emergency
voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance
with Section 907.2.12.2.
[F] 907.2.19.1 Public
address system. Where a fire alarm system is not
required by Section 907.2, a public address system shall
be provided that shall be capable of transmitting voice
communications to the highest level of exit discharge
serving the underground portions of the structure and
all levels below.
[F] 907.2.20 Covered mall
buildings. Covered mall buildings exceeding 50,000
square feet (4645 m2) in total floor area shall
be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication
system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system
serving a mall, required or otherwise, shall be accessible
to the fire department. The system shall be provided in
accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
[F] 907.2.21 Residential
aircraft hangars. A minimum of one listed smoke alarm
shall be installed within a residential aircraft hangar
as defined in Section 412.3.1
and shall be interconnected into the residential smoke
alarm or other sounding device to provide an alarm that
will be audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling.
[F] 907.2.22 Airport traffic
control towers. An automatic fire detection system
shall be provided in airport traffic control towers.
[F] 907.2.23 Battery rooms.
An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be
installed in areas containing stationary storage battery
systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons
(189.3 L). The detection system shall be supervised by
an approved central, proprietary or remote station service
or a local alarm that will sound an audible signal at
a constantly attended location.
