Fire Alarm Requirements for Group E Occupancy

Group E: (Education)

Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) that activates an emergency voice/alarm communication system (speakers, mass notification) shall be installed.

• In Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less persons, a Manual Fire Alarm System is NOT required.
• In Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 100 or less persons, an Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System is NOT required provided the manual fire alarm system activates an approved occupant notification system per section 907.5.  

Exception: 

Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where ALL of the following apply.

1. The interior corridors of the Group E occupancy are protected by smoke detectors. 
2. Where heat detectors or other approved detection devices are installed in auditoriums, cafeterias gyms or other similar areas.
3. Shops and laboratories with dust and vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.  
4. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
5. The building is equipped throughout within approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.1.
6. The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler water flow.

2021 IFC section 907.2 - If the facility is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in which the Waterflow activates the occupant notification system a minimum of one (1) manual fire alarm box is required to be provided in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Exceptions:

#1: The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.

#2: The manual fire alarm box is not required for group R2 occupies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.

UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:

System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications:

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

Fire Alarm Notification Requirements:

Using a sound pressure meter or dB Meter, verify you comply with the following:

Public Mode Audibility: You must have 15 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater.

Private Mode Audibility: You must have 10 dB above average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level for at least 60 seconds whichever is greater. 

Group A Fire Alarm Requirements
Group B Fire Alarm Requirements
Group E Fire Alarm Requirements
Group F Fire Alarm Requirements
Group H Fire Alarm Requirements
Group I-1 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group I-2 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group I-2.1 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group I-3 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group I-4 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group Licensed R-2.1 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group M Fire Alarm Requirements
Group R-1 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group R-2 and R-2.1 Fire Alarm Requirements
Group R-4 Fire Alarm Requirements