CODE REQUIREMENT FOR SMOKES IN OFFICES

[protechatlanta@gmail.com]

Gentlemen;

We are doing a Fire alarm system up grade replacing/removing the old SIMPLEX system.
Question:
1. What does the code require for smoke detector in offices i.e. each office to have one
2. " " strobes " "

It is our position that each office gets a smoke and horn/strobe within 18' from offices.

Thanks

 

[mgookin]

That should have been on your licensing test.

You need NFPA72.

FYI you are way off. Read up!

 

[protechatlanta@gmail.com]

I know what the code says BUT I'm arguing with a Govt. safety officer who wants to do away with smokes and replace with strobes and as per NFPA they are the authority having jurisdiction. I'm just looking for thoughts to butress my argument.

 

[mgookin]

We don't put smokes in offices. They are for residential occupancies. In commercial we use heat detectors but not in offices. They would be at elevator lobbies and some other locations.

 

[ron]

Lots of thing to consider, but the AHJ typically will defer to nationally adopted codes.

The location for smokes (initiating device) and notification devices are dictated generally by the building code Chapter 9 SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

Here is a link to the 2012 IBC http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012/icod_ibc_2012_9_sec007.htm

Because they are offices, they are likely a B occupancy, but all bets are off if it is special like a high rise or windowless story.

 

[gadfly56]

Lots of thing to consider, but the AHJ typically will defer to nationally adopted codes.

The location for smokes (initiating device) and notification devices are dictated generally by the building code Chapter 9 SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

Here is a link to the 2012 IBC http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012/icod_ibc_2012_9_sec007.htm

Because they are offices, they are likely a B occupancy, but all bets are off if it is special like a high rise or windowless story.

Further to what you said, and mindful of the qualifications you made, smoke detectors are very unlikely to be required in this occupancy. Even if it's an EVAC occupancy like a high rise. If the building is fully sprinklered, that will pretty much nail it shut. The only smokes you would need then would be in the vicinity of the fire alarm control panel, remote annuciators, and remote panels, such as NAC boosters.

As far as notification, private offices don't necessarily need anything, but open areas (cube farms), conference rooms, bathrooms, etc would need a horn/strobe or strobe. As a rule of thumb, if the public has free access to an area it will need notification.

 

[DM2-Inc]

I'm arguing with a Govt. safety officer

Is this a government project?

I would agree with gadfly56 and his comment that smoke detectors aren't likely required if the building is fully sprinkled. Many small buildings, which are a "B" occupancy don't require "Automatic" fire alarm systems. If this is a government project, they may be playing by their own rules as well.

Assuming smoke detectors are required, you'll generally space them 15' from a wall and 30' on center. This assumes the airflow in the space doesn't require a reduction of smoke detector spacing, or a reduction due to ceiling heights.