When constructing multi-family apartments zoned as either
R1, R2, R3 or R4, contractors must be aware of the required fire and safety
code requirements. Fire alarms must meet NFPA72 regulations, in addition
to NFPA101, IBC and ICC requirements for residential ADA structures. An addressable fire alarm
system is ideal in these buildings, with visual strobe alerts, smoke
detectors, smoke alarms and CO detectors required in specific locations.
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires
that new construction have smoke detectors in all bedrooms and any common area
that is within 15 feet of bedroom doors. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
are also required within 15 feet of bedrooms and should be connected to sound
in tandem with other devices. Any hardwired smoke or CO detectors must be
equipped with dry contact relays for monitoring at the base building system.
Smoke and CO sensors in apartment buildings must be
monitored by the fire control panel. If local ordinances require
“supervised” smoke detectors, the fire alarm panel must use a 24V DC power
source that communicates fully with all sensors.
Strobe Requirements in ADA Apartments
The fire alarm control panel also controls the commands to
turn strobe alerts on or off. Strobes in ADA apartments cannot be wired
to the same notification devices in corridors as the sequence in operation
differs. Strobes require a dedicated 24V DC circuit from the control
panel with its own source of power. This
allows the strobes to function in various conditions such as activation of a
manual pull station, smoke detection in corridors, water flow alerts, smoke or
carbon monoxide detection, elevator recall and other programmable situations.
In any event, when a building owner has been notified of
occupants with hearing or visual disabilities, the proper notification alarms
must be installed immediately.
High Rise Security Systems is a full-service fire and
safety company assisting building owners and contractors with code compliant
fire systems in a multitude of commercial properties. We are experienced
in high-rise, low-rise, campuses and mass complexes. Contact us today to speak with a fire safety
specialist and learn more about compliance to ADA apartments.
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