| OCCUPANCY TYPE (new building) | CODE REF. | FIRE ALARM REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| AMBULATORY | (20.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. |
| ASSEMBLY | (12.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with an approved fire alarm system when the occupant load is more than 300 occupants. |
| BUSINESS | (38.3.4.1, 38.3.4.2, and 9.6) | Yes, required when one of the following conditions exists:
|
| EDUCATIONAL | (14.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. Not required if:
|
| HEALTHCARE | (18.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. |
| ONE & TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS | (24.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Smoke alarms shall be installed in:
|
| HOTELS AND DORMITORIES | (28.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. All guest rooms and other occupiable areas must accommodate hearing-impaired individuals with visible notification appliances. Annunciation shall be provided in buildings with more than 3 stories in height or having less than 50 guest rooms. |
| APARTMENTS | (30.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system if the apartment building has four or more stories in height or more than 11 dwelling units. Not required when each dwelling unit is separated by at least a 1-hour fire barrier. |
| MERCANTILE | (36.3.4.1, and 9.6) | ‘Class A’ mercantile occupancy is required to be provided with a fire alarm system. |
| INDUSTRIAL | (40.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. Not required if:
|
| STORAGE | (42.3.4.1, and 9.6) | Yes, required to be provided with a fire alarm system. Not required if any of the following conditions are met:
|
All Fire Alarm Systems essentially operate on the same principle. If a detector detects smoke or heat or someone operates a break glass unit (manual break point), then alarm sounders operate to warn others in the building that there may be a fire and to evacuate. It may also incorporate remote signaling equipment which would alert the fire brigade via a central station.
Fire Alarm Systems can be broken down into four categories, Conventional, Addressable, Analogue Addressable and Wireless systems.
NFPA Xchange:
Notes:
- Code Reference used is NFPA-101 2012 edition unless otherwise noted.
- Refer to __.3.4.2 for the ‘type of initiation’ required for each occupancy type.
- These information is not complete and intended to be used as quick references only, always refer to NFPA or your local codes for complete information.