Group A: (Assembly)
Systems required to be monitored per the 2021 IFC section 907.6.6.
299 occupants or less: A dedicated function system for sprinkler monitoring system shall be provided in accordance with 2016 NFPA 72.
300 occupants or more: A manual fire alarm system (pull stations) that activates the occupant notification system (horn, strobes, sounders, speakers, chimes, mass notification, etc.) in accordance with section 907.5.
1,000 occupants or more: A manual fire alarm system (pull stations) that activates the occupant notification system (emergency voice/alarm communication system).
10,000 occupants or more: Facilities used for public assembly with 10,000 or more persons shall be equipped with a Public Address (PA) system with emergency backup power.
If the facility is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in which the Waterflow activates the occupant notification system a minimum of one manual pull station is required to be provided in an area approved by the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
UL 268 Automatic Smoke Detection Requirements:
System smoke detectors shall be provided for all of the following applications: (Group A with 300 + persons)
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:
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 occupancy refers to a building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of 50 or more persons. In such facilities, where there is a risk of panic, the doors must swing out in the direction of egress. The International Building Code (IBC) has ten major types of occupancy, each relating to a specific type of concern. For instance, Group B occupancy is for professional and service facilities as well as drinking and dining facilities for less than 50 people.
- Group A (Assembly) - A-1, A-2, A-3, A4, A-5
- Group B (Business)
- Group E (Educational)
- Group F (Factory) - F-1, F-2
- Group H (High Hazard) - H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5
- Group I (Institutional) - I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4
- Group M (Mercantile)
- Group R (Residential) - R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
- Group S (Storage) - S-1, S-2
- Group U (Utility & Miscellaneous)