Various circuits on the existing fire alarm system were observed to be wired on the emergency generator. As this building is not a high-rise, the fire alarm system is not required to be connected to an emergency power generator. Upon loss of power, activation should be provided by dedicated fire alarm system battery backup systems.
Building Code Analysis
Based on the 2012 edition of the IBC, the building continues to be classified as a Type V-B building. The occupancy classification is mixed use between F-1, S-1, and B with limited accessory spaces. The building also meets the requirements for an “Unlimited Area” building per Section 507 of the 2012 IBC.
Corridor Requirements
Based on Section 1005.7 of the 1994 UBC, 1-hour rated corridors are required for F and B occupancies. As a result, 1-hour rated corridors have been provided throughout the Acme Company Anytown facility. The current 2012 IBC, however, does not require rated corridors for sprinklered B or F occupancies.
The Acme Company Anytown facility has been provided with 1-hour fire resistive rated corridors throughout, as was required by the 1994 UBC.
Fire Alarm System Requirements
Because the total occupant load of the Acme Company Anytown building is greater than 500, a manual fire alarm system is required to be provided per Section 907.2.2 of the 2012 IBC. A manual fire alarm system is also required for the F portion of the building since it contains two or more stories. An automatic fire alarm system (area smoke detection) is not required for this building.
Activation of visible and audible notification appliances shall be means of waterflow switches and area smoke detectors, where provided. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be provided throughout the Acme Company, Anytown facility per Section 907.2 of the 2013. However, a single fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location by the AHJ.