Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

What is a Two-Way Communication System?

A two-way communication system is a means of communication between a constantly attended support staff and building occupants unable to exit the building via the stairs due to injury or disability.  In short, two-way communication systems have two key components; a master station (typically installed in the fire command center or other approved location) and Call Boxes required to be provided at the landing of each elevator on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  These areas provided with two-way communication systems are known as Areas of Refuge.  An area of refuge is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Occupants can wait there until rescued or relieved by firefighters or first responders.

Just like it sounds, a two-way communication system allows stranded occupants to talk back and forth with trained personnel at said attended location.

Note:  When you come across the term one-way voice communication system, this is reference to a PA (public address) or fire alarm emergency voice/alarm communication system.  The term one-way means exactly that, the operator of the microphone can only communicate out.  There is no means for the intended listeners to communication back.

SPACE AGE ELECTRONICS SHIELD 30 TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

What Codes and Standards are Two-Way Communication Systems Noted in?

Did you know the 2021 International Fire Code now requires 120 VAC single and multiple station smoke alarms to produce a 520 Hz low frequency audible tone? 

Two-Way Communication Systems are covered in a few different documents as broken down below:

• NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 7.2.12 - 7.2.12.3.6
• NFPA 72 2022 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) 
• Sections 24.10.5, 24.10.14, 24.10.2.1, 24.10.2.2
• Section 10.6.9 for "Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies" 
• Sections 24.3.14.10, 24.3.14.4.3, 24.3.14.4.4, 24.3.14.11, 24.3.14.12, 24.10.4 for cable and survivability requirements.  
• Table 14.3.1 #25 for testing requirements.  
• Important Note, NFPA 72 is NOT actually a code.  Find out why or how here
• International Building Code 2021 Sections 1009.6.5, 1009.8, 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2, 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11, and 403.5.3.1
• International Building Code 2021 Section 3008 under "Occupant Evacuation Elevators"
• ICC A 117.1 This applies to the visual characters for Directions and Signage

The International Building Code (IBC) now requires a two-way communication system in all new construction regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.  Also, significant remodels or change of use of a building may require Areas of Refuge.  See the code adoption map below to see if your State is up to date!

Where to Start when Designing a Two-Way Communication System for Areas of Refuge.

Remember, CODES tell you when you have to install two-way communication systems and STANDARDS tell you how to install them.  This is important as it makes it easy to navigate to the appropriate document when you need information on either.  Example, if you need to know what height the call boxes are required to be mounted at, you are going to turn to the Standard (NFPA 72).  If you want to know what levels of a building require call boxes, you are going to turn to the Code (NFPA 101 or IBC).    

Two-Way Communication and the International Building Code 2021

Areas of Refuge are required to be provided with an approved two-way communication system complying with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.  These two sections cover "system requirements" and "Directions".

As noted above in the introduction, two way communication system call boxes are required to be provided at each elevator landing on each accessible floor that is more than one stories above or below the level of exit discharge.

Of course there are exclusions to this code.  See below:

1. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5
2. two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.
3. two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.
4. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving only freight elevators.
5. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.

Two-Way Requirements

This is a big one that always come up.  Two-way communication systems are required to communicate between the required call boxes and master station installed in the fire command center or approved location.  If the master panel location is NOT constantly attended, the two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability.  The master station shall dial out to a monitoring location or 9-1-1,  Also note the two-way communication system shall have BOTH audible and visual signals.

Directions and Signage for Two-Way Communication

It is a requirement to provide directions on how to operate the two-way communication system.   These directions shall be placed adjacent to the two-way communication system and the signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 requirements for visual characters.  

Signage is obviously important for Areas of Refuge locations and shall be provided as follows:

1. Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sin stating:  AREA OF REFUGE.
2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:  EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.
3. Signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility.  Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated.  All doors used for Areas of Refuge and Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue shall have signage with visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A 117.1.

Directional Signage

In addition to the signage noted above, directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1. Exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress
2. Elevator landings
3. at Areas of Refuge

Instructions

In Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue and Areas of Refuge, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.  Again all signage shall comply with ICC A 117.1 and shall include the following:  

1. "Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others."
2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
3. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system where provided.  This goes along with the "Directions" noted above.

International Building Code "Stairway Communication System"

If the stairway doors are locked, not less than every fifth floor shall be equipped with a telephone or two-way communication system connected to an approved constantly attended station.

What does NFPA 101 Have to Say About Two-Way Communication?

NFPA 101 (The Life Safety Code) basically covers the same requirements as found in the 2021 International Building Code and noted above.  In an effort to shorten this article, the key sections to review or note out of the NFPA 101 are as follows:

• 7.2.12 
• 7.2.12.1.1
• 7.2.12.2.5
• 7.2.12.2.6
• 7.2.12.3.5
• 7.2.12.3.5.1
• 7.2.12.3.5.2
• 7.2.12.3.6

Each of these sections cover the same requirements of Section 1009 in the 2021 International Building Code.

Mounting Heights for Two-Way Communication System and Area of Refuge Equipment.

Master Station = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Call Box = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Instruction Signage = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Tactile Signage = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Illuminated Sign = Between 60" - 80" Above Finished Floor

Let's Consult NFPA 72 to See How We Install Two-Way Communication Systems.  

Sections 24.10.1 through 24.10.8 briefly mention the same requirements found in the 2021 IFC and NFPA 101.

Supervision Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

As with anything related to life safety, all pathways between the remote Area of Refuge call boxes and master station shall be monitored for integrity.

Power Supply - Monitoring for Integrity

Unless otherwise permitted by or required by Section 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6 all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage.  Loss of primary or secondary power shall initiate a trouble signal in accordance with Section 10.14.

Battery Backup for Two-Way Communication Systems

The secondary power supply (a.k.a. battery backup) shall have the capacity to operate the two-way communication system in a non-active condition for a minimum of 24 hours.  At the end of this period, the system shall be capable of operating in active status for 5 minutes.

Cable Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Section 24.3.13.9.1 stated "Area of Refuge emergency communication systems shall have a pathway survivability of level 2 or level 3."  Level 1 is permitted when the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction. 

Use the 2021 IBC table 601 to verify the building's fire rated construction

Below are the Requirements for Survivability  Level 2 and Level 3

Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

1. 2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable
2. 2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)
3. 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
4. Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in the building that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following:

1. 2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable
2. 2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)
3. 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
4. Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Testing Frequency for Two-Way Communication for Areas of Refuge

NFPA 72 2021 Table 14.3.1 #25

Shall be tested at Initial Acceptance and annually thereafter.  Method of testing:  "Verify location and condition"

In closing we now know that two-way communication systems are required for areas of refuge and elevator landings on floors that are accessible.  These two-way communication systems are required to be installed with a pathway survivability level 2 or level 3 and the master station shall be installed in an area that is constantly attended.  Areas of refuge with two-way communication systems have been hot for some time now so make sure to read up and become familiar with the codes and standards for them.