Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
The International Code Council
The purpose of commercial property is for business or retail use, and the International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures.
The fire codes vary depending on the type of business you run. For example, your codes will be very different if you have a building where more than 300 people can gather, such as an event rental space vs. a building that is used for manufacturing products.
2021 International Building Code
The International Building Code, developed by the ICC, breaks down its rules and regulations based on the type of group using the property, as well as by the parts of the fire system.
Occupancy Use Groups
- Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5
- Business: Group B
- Educational: Group E
- Factory and industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2
- High hazard: Groups H-1, H2, H3, H4, and H5
- Institutional: Group I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4
- Mercantile: Group M
- Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4
- Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2
- Utility and miscellaneous: Group U
The parts of the fire system covered include:
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems
- Standpipe systems
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Fire alarm and detection systems
- Emergency alarm systems
- Smoke control systems
- Smoke and heat removal
- Explosion control
- Fire department connections
- Fire pumps
- Fire protection based on special detailed requirements of use and occupancy
- Carbon monoxide detection
- Gas detection systems
- Mass notification systems
The International Building Code, Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, section 903 talks about what is required for Automatic Sprinkler Systems in a commercial building. Groups A-1 through A-5 have slightly different requirements for how their automatic sprinkler system must be set up versus Group E or Group F1. The same goes for section 907, which talks about fire alarm and detection systems.
It’s essential to read these codes thoroughly as there are many nuances and exceptions.
Why are there so many codes?
These codes represent the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment. Generally, the requirements are determined based on the number of people inside the building and the vicinity of the building as they affect firefighting capabilities the most.
Testing criteria for the fire protection systems also are contained in this chapter related explicitly to Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.
If you do not have experience working with and understanding these codes, the information may seem overwhelming. The complexity is driven by the authorities’ desire to protect the health and safety of building occupants. Many times, fire alarm systems may require the approval of multiple jurisdictions (local, state, and joint commission) before installation.
Working with a company that understands the requirements of these codes is critical in getting a fire alarm system installed in a commercial property.
At FSS Technologies, all our designers and installers are NICET certified, and we understand the subtle differences of installing security systems in most jurisdictions. For more information on designing the right solution for your business, contact us today.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
What Is a Central Station Alarm?
A central station alarm system is one that feeds directly into a central monitoring station. If a sensor on the central station alarm system is triggered, such as fire, smoke, C02, or burglar, the system does much more than just set off a loud siren or send an email alert telling you to log into…
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
Can I Install a Security System with Monitoring in my Apartment?
The most recent FBI data estimates that there are over 1.2 million burglaries a year, resulting in around $3.4 billion in property loss. Although property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rise in popularity of video doorbells and more comprehensive and integrated home security systems shows that Americans are no less…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Wired or Wireless? When we talk about wired versus wireless in-home security, it has little to do with whether a piece of equipment has physical wires attached to it. The terms wired and wireless refer to the communication signal that is transmitted from one piece of security equipment to another. For a security system to…
5 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System
A home security system protects your home and the ones you love. While there are many reasons you may need to invest in a home security system, we have highlighted some key ones: 1. Peace of Mind Have you heard a noise in the night and ever wondered what made the noise? A home security…
Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training
In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
What Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…