Fire Alarm Code for Offices

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d1450

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First off I'm just starting this job as an MEP design engineer so I know next to nothing, and my question is about where to find the relevant code/article/section.

I am trying to look up the guidelines for placing fire alarm AV devices in office areas (Type B occupancy). Spaces include Conference rooms, Common Hub areas, Break room, Shared offices, executive offices, Cafeterias, Vestibules, Stairways, Bathrooms, Electrical Room, Mechanical Room, Security, UPS, etc etc.

Im looking at Section 907 of the IFC : Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, but it's extremely simple. "A manual fire alarm system shall be installed where one of the following conditions..." etc etc.

Q:
(1) But where do you place AV devices? In every room? exclude private office? exclude storage? exclude X Y Z ?
How about stairwells? Do bathrooms only get a V device and not AV device?

Where can I Find specifics to such questions? I have IBC, IFC, and NEC, any code book I need is here.

(2) Also, what... what is a Manual Fire alarm system? So what is an automatic FA system?

Thank you so much in advance
 
NFPA 72 is the standard for designing and installing fire alarm systems. Codes like the IBC, IFC, and NFPA 101 will simply tell you if a system is required within a given occupancy

Most modern fire alarm systems are a combination of manual and automatic. A Fire alarm pull station is an example of a manual initiation device. Automatic initiation devices are smoke detectors, heat detectors, beam smoke detectors. Notification devices are strobes, horns, speakers.
 
So I am looking through the NFPA 72, and I'm having a hard time finding specifics. I'm looking at Chapter 17, Initiating Devices, and Chapter 18, Notification Appliances. Having a hard time finding specifics on bathrooms and stairwells and other examples like that. But I found a lot of information in the IFC and IBC, for example this page:
"
smoke detectors:
Above control panels and power supplies
For the purpose of elevator capture
On all HVAC units over 2,000 CFM (Duct Detector)
For releasing service
Fire Smoke Dampers
Delayed egress locks
"

Very helpful. Will keep looking.
Thanks !
 
In most jurisdictions, the place to start is in the adopted Building Code and/or Fire Code.
For example if the IBC is adopted, 907.4 indicated initiating devices and 907.5 described notification (audible and visible).
A manual fire alarm is pull stations only and automatic is smoke detection based.
Then NFPA 72 describes further.

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS - 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC)

ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
codes.iccsafe.org codes.iccsafe.org
 
The Code doesn't spend a lot of space describing these. I think there may be more info. in the annexes.

Since you are basically new (except for having an engineering degree), I'd suggest getting the NFPA 72 handbook. I believe it has more info and examples. A online class would also be good place to start.
 
You don't need A/V in every room. As a rule of thumb, audibles can go through one door. Check the accessibility code (ICC A117.1) for where you need visuals - typically public egress space, public rest rooms, meeting rooms and lunch/break rooms. Most systems don't require manual pull stations if the alarm is initiated by sprinkler water flow. If the building has duct smoke detectors or elevator recall detectors, they don't necessarily trigger the need for an entire fire alarm system. IBC 907 is the place to start.
 
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