SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM
AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
[F] 907.1 General.
This section covers the application, installation, performance
and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components.
[F] 907.1.1 Construction
documents. Construction documents for fire alarm
systems shall be submitted for review and approval
prior to system installation. Construction documents
shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
1. A floor plan which
indicates the use of all rooms.
2. Locations of alarm
initiating and notification appliances.
3. Alarm control and
trouble signaling equipment.
4. Annunciation.
5. Power connection.
6. Battery calculations.
7. Conductor type and
sizes.
8. Voltage drop calculations.
9. Manufacturers, model
numbers and listing information for equipment, devices
and materials.
10. Details of ceiling
height and construction.
11. The interface of
fire safety control functions.
[F] 907.1.2 Equipment.
Systems and their components shall be listed and approved
for the purpose for which they are installed.
[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 buildings 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.
[F] 907.3 Manual fire
alarm boxes. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed
in accordance with Sections 907.3.1 through 907.3.5.
[F] 907.3.1 Location.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more
than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit.
Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located
so that travel distance to the nearest box does not
exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).
[F] 907.3.2 Height.
The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be
a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of
48 inches (1219 mm), measured vertically, from the
floor level to the activating handle or lever of the
box.
[F] 907.3.3 Color.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.
[F] 907.3.4 Signs.
Where fire alarm systems are not monitored by a supervising
station, an approved permanent sign shall be installed
adjacent to each manual fire alarm box that reads:
WHEN ALARM SOUNDSCALL FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Exception: Where
the manufacturer has permanently provided this information
on the manual fire alarm box.
[F] 907.3.5 Protective
covers. The fire code official is authorized to
require the installation of listed manual fire alarm
box protective covers to prevent malicious false alarms
or to provide the manual fire alarm box with protection
from physical damage. The protective cover shall be
transparent or red in color with a transparent face
to permit visibility of the manual fire alarm box.
Each cover shall include proper operating instructions.
A protective cover that emits a local alarm
signal shall not be installed unless approved.
[F] 907.4 Power supply.
The primary and secondary power supplies for the fire
alarm system shall be provided in accordance with NFPA
72.
[F] 907.5Wiring.Wiring
shall comply with the requirements of the ICC Electrical
Code and NFPA 72. Wireless protection systems utilizing
radio-frequency transmitting devices shall comply with
the special requirements for supervision of low-power
wireless systems in NFPA 72.
[F] 907.6 Activation.
Where an alarm notification system is required by
another section of this code, it shall be activated
by:
1. A required automatic
fire alarm system.
2. Sprinkler water-flow
devices.
3. Required manual fire
alarm boxes.
[F] 907.7 Presignal
system. Presignal systems shall not be installed
unless approved by the fire code official and the fire
department. Where a presignal system is installed, 24-hour
personnel supervision shall be provided at a location
approved by the fire department, in order that the alarm
signal can be actuated in the event of fire or other
emergency.
[F] 907.8 Zones.
Each floor shall be zoned separately and a zone shall
not exceed 22,500 square feet (2090 m2). The length
of any zone shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in
any direction.
Exception: Automatic
sprinkler system zones shall not exceed the area permitted
by NFPA 13.
[F] 907.8.1 Zoning
indicator panel. A zoning indicator panel and
the associated controls shall be provided in an approved
location. The visual zone indication shall lock in
until the system is reset and shall not be canceled
by the operation of an audible alarm-silencing switch.
[F] 907.8.2 High-rise
buildings. In buildings with a floor used for
human occupancy that is located more than 75 feet
(22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access, a separate zone by floor shall be
provided for all of the following types of alarm-initiating
devices where provided:
1. Smoke detectors.
2. Sprinkler water-flow
devices.
3. Manual fire alarm
boxes.
4. Other approved types
of automatic fire detection devices or suppression
systems.
[F] 907.9 Alarm notification
appliances. Alarm notification appliances shall
be provided and shall be listed for their purpose.
[F] 907.9.1 Visible
alarms. Visible alarm notification appliances
shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.9.1.1
through 907.9.1.4.
Exceptions:
1. Visible alarm notification
appliances are not required in alterations, except
where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or
replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed.
2. Visible alarm notification
appliances shall not be required in exits as defined
in Section 1002.1.
[F] 907.9.1.1 Public
and common areas. Visible alarm notification
appliances shall be provided in public areas and
common areas.
[F] 907.9.1.2 Employee
work areas. Where employee work areas have audible
alarm coverage, the notification appliance circuits
serving the employee work areas shall be initially
designed with a minimum of 20 percent spare capacity
to account for the potential of adding visible notification
appliances in the future to accommodate hearing
impaired employees.
[F] 907.9.1.3 Groups
I-1 and R-1. Group I-1 and R-1 sleeping units
in accordance with Table
907.9.1.3 shall be provided with a visible alarm
notification appliance, activated by both the in-room
smoke alarm and the building fire alarm system.
[F] 907.9.1.4 Group
R-2. In Group R-2 occupancies required by Section
907 to have a fire alarm system, all dwelling units
and sleeping units shall be provided with the capability
to support visible alarm notification appliances
in accordance with ICC A117.1.
[F] 907.9.2 Audible
alarms. Audible alarm notification appliances
shall be provided and shall sound a distinctive sound
that is not to be used for any purpose other than
that of a fire alarm. The audible alarm notification
appliances shall provide a sound pressure level of
15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound
level or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level having
a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater,
in every occupied space within the building. The minimum
sound pressure levels shall be: 70 dBA in occupancies
in Groups R and I-1; 90 dBA in mechanical equipment
rooms and 60 dBA in other occupancies. The maximum
sound pressure level for audible alarm notification
appliances shall be 120 dBA at the minimum hearing
distance from the audible appliance. Where the
average ambient noise is greater than 105 dBA, visible
alarm notification appliances shall be provided in
accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification
appliances shall not be required.
Exception: Visible
alarm notification appliances shall be allowed in lieu
of audible alarm notification appliances in critical-care
areas of Group I-2 occupancies.
[F] 907.10 Fire safety
functions. Automatic fire detectors utilized for
the purpose of performing fire safety functions shall
be connected to the buildings fire alarm control
panel where a fire alarm system is required by Section
907.2. Detectors shall, upon actuation, perform the
intended function and activate the alarm notification
appliances or a visible and audible supervisory signal
at a constantly attended location. In buildings not
required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the
automatic fire detector shall be powered by normal electrical
service and, upon actuation, perform the intended function.
The detectors shall be located in accordance with NFPA
72.
[F] 907.11 Duct smoke
detectors. Duct smoke detectors shall be connected
to the buildings fire alarm control panel when
a fire alarm system is provided. Activation of a duct
smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible
supervisory signal at a constantly attended location.
Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute
for required open-area detection.
Exceptions:
1. The supervisory signal
at a constantly attended location is not required
where duct smoke detectors activate the buildings
alarm notification appliances.
2. In occupancies not
required to be equipped with a fire alarm system,
actuation of a smoke detector shall activate a visible
and audible signal in an approved location. Smoke
detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible
or audible signal in an approved location and shall
be identified as air duct detector trouble.
[F] 907.12 Access.
Access shall be provided to each detector for periodic
inspection, maintenance and testing.
[F] 907.13 Fire-extinguishing
systems. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall
be connected to the building fire alarm system where
a fire alarm system is required by another section of
this code or is otherwise installed.
[F] 907.14 Monitoring.
Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or the International
Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising
station in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception: Supervisory
service is not required for:
1. Single- and multiple-station
smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10.
2. Smoke detectors in
Group I-3 occupancies.
3. Automatic sprinkler
systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
[F] 907.15 Automatic
telephone-dialing devices. Automatic telephone-dialing
devices used to transmit an emergency alarm shall not
be connected to any fire department telephone number
unless approved by the fire chief.
[F] 907.16 Acceptance
tests. Upon completion of the installation of the
fire alarm system, alarm notification appliances and
circuits, alarm-initiating devices and circuits, supervisory-signal
initiating devices and circuits, signaling line circuits,
and primary and secondary power supplies shall be tested
in accordance with NFPA 72.
[F] 907.17 Record of
completion. A record of completion in accordance
with NFPA 72 verifying that the system has been installed
in accordance with the approved plans and specifications
shall be provided.
[F] 907.18 Instructions.
Operating, testing and maintenance instructions, and
record drawings (as builts) and equipment
specifications shall be provided at an approved location.
[F] 907.19 Inspection,
testing and maintenance. The maintenance and testing
schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection
systems shall be in accordance with the International
Fire Code.
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