Working on a commercial job. Meeting room downstairs, two offices, and common room upstairs. I've never done smokes in a commercial application and am unsure of the code requirements. I know you guys have all the answers, so thank you in advance........
This question is not as easy as it might seem. I can only tell you how it might go here in New Jersey.
First place to look is the International Building Code (IBC) or your jurisdiction's equivalent. The will tell you, based on occupancy, whether you need a manual or automatic system, and what areas need to be covered.
Next, see if the contract drawings and specifications match the code minimums. See NFPA-72 for general requirements for placement of heat detectors, smoke detectors and manual pull stations.
If yes, install to the contract drawings, pass Go and collect your money.
If no, submit a request for information (RFI) to the GC/Architect/Engineer pointing out the deficiency and ask for direction. Submit your change order, do your installation, pass Go and collect your money.
Yeah, I know it's not really that easy, but I can dream.
Real quick:
Smokes in the meeting room, offices, and common room. Use one per 900 sq feet as a rule of thumb. Smoke detector wherever the fire alarm control panel is located. Pull station at all exits from the common room up stairs and all exits from the downstairs area that lead directly outside. Heat detectors in the bathrooms and mechanical rooms.
Horn/strobes in the common and meeting rooms and any hallways. Hallway spacing 15' from each end and max 100' between. In the rooms, look in NFPA-72 for spacing requirements. Strobe only devices in the bathrooms. One alarm zone per floor, one notification zone per floor. Throw a horn/strobe on the outside of the building.
More zones for sprinkler water flow (max 5 devices per zone) and supervision (max 20 devices per zone). Another horn/strobe tied to waterflow, non-silenceable.
An annuciator at the entrance likely to be used by the firefighters.
Other things not addressed; elevator recall, range hood suppression system, and probably a couple that others will point out.
This should pass almost anywhere and may be more than you need. Get a copy of NTC's "Brown Book" for a good guide on fire alarm design.
