Section 907.1/Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
IFC 907 establishes when fire alarm systems are required based on occupancy, building size, and specific conditions.
Fire alarm systems are required based on occupancy group and building conditions. Group A (assembly) occupancies with an occupant load over 300 require a fire alarm system. Group B (business) occupancies with an occupant load over 500 or more than 100 occupants above or below the level of exit discharge require fire alarm. Group E (educational) occupancies with more than 50 occupants require fire alarm. Group I (institutional) and Group R (residential) have specific detection and notification requirements. Manual fire alarm boxes and automatic detection must be provided as specified.
Why this section exists
Fire alarm systems provide early warning to building occupants and notification to the fire department. The triggers for when a fire alarm system is required are based on the risk profile of the occupancy: more occupants, sleeping occupants, or occupants above or below grade increase the consequence of a fire and the need for early detection and notification. The IFC extends these requirements to existing buildings and tenant improvements.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers determine whether a fire alarm system is required based on the occupancy and occupant load. They check the fire alarm drawings for the required components: fire alarm control panel (FACP), manual pull stations at exits, automatic detection (smoke or heat) where required, notification appliances (horns and strobes), and monitoring connection. They verify that the system meets NFPA 72 requirements.
Common violations
Related IFC requirements
Section 901 covers the general fire protection scope. NFPA 72 covers the detailed design and installation requirements for fire alarm systems. Section 907.2 covers where manual fire alarm boxes are required. Section 907.5 covers where automatic detection is required.