Fire Alarm Requirements for Group I-3 Occupancy

Group I-3 (Institutional)

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

A manual fire alarm system (Manual fire alarm boxes) along with an automatic smoke detection system that alerts the staff.

Activation of an automatic fire extinguishing system (ANSUL, FM-200, etc.), automatic sprinkler system, manual pull station or detector shall initiate an approved signal to notify the staff.

Manual Fire Alarm Box Requirements:

Manual fire alarm boxes can be eliminated in areas where staff is present and have direct supervision over said areas.

Manual fire alarm boxes can be locked in areas that contain detainees.  This is predicated on the staff with keys being present in these areas.

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

Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping units, contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces as well as other spaces normally accessible to residents.

Exceptions:

If approved and if it provides equivalent protection, you can use other methods to obtain detection to avoid tampering or damage to the detectors.  This includes but is not limited to placing detectors behind protective guards or in the exhaust duct from inmate cells.

Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the 2021 IBC International Building Code

When equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units that have four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments.

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