72156

NATIONAL FIRE ALARM CODE

noisy window air conditioner or room humidifier generating an ambient noise level of 55 dBA or higher. The detection device alarms need to penetrate through the closed doors and be heard over the bedrooms noise levels with sufficient intensity to awaken sleeping occupants therein. Test data indicate that detection devices that have sound pressure ratings of 85 dBA of 10 ft (3 m) and that are installed outside the bedrooms can produce about 15 dBA over ambient noise levels of 55 dBA in the bedrooms. This is likely to be sufficient to awaken the average sleeping person. Detectors located remote from the bedroom area might not be loud enough to awaken the average person. In such cases, it is recommended that detectors be interconnected in such a way that the operation of the remote detector causes an alarm of sufficient intensity to penetrate the bedrooms. The interconnection can be accomplished by the installation of a fire detection system, by the wiring together of multiple station alarm devices, or by the use of line carrier or radio frequency transmitters/receivers. A-8-1.2.3 The use of the distinctive three-pulse temporal pattern fire alarm evacuation signal required by 3-8.4.1.2 had been previously recommended by this code since 1979. It has since been adopted as both an American National Standard (ANSI S3.41, Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal) and an International Standard (ISO 8201, Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal). Copies of both of these standards are available from the Standards Secretariat, Acoustical Society of America, 335 East 45th Street, New York, NY 10017-3483. The standard fire alarm evacuation signal is a three-pulse temporal pattern using any appropriate sound. The pattern consists of the following in this order: (1) An on phase lasting 0.5 second 10 percent. (2) An off phase lasting 0.5 second 10 percent for three successive on periods. (3) An off phase lasting 1.5 seconds 10 percent [refer to Figures A-8-1.2.3(a) and (b)]. The signal should be repeated for a period appropriate for the purposes of evacuation of the building, but for not less than 180 seconds. A single-stroke bell or chime sounded at on intervals lasting 1 second 10 percent, with a 2-second 10 percent off interval after each third on stroke, may be permitted [refer to Figure A-8-1.2.3(c)]. The minimum repetition time may be permitted to be manually interrupted.
Figure A-8-1.2.3(a) Temporal pattern parameters.
On

Figure A-8-1.2.3(b) Temporal pattern imposed on signaling appliances that emit a continuous signal while energized.
On

Off 0 2 4 6 8 10 Time (sec)

Figure A-8-1.2.3(c) Temporal pattern imposed on a single-stroke bell or chime.

On

Off 0 2 4 6 8 10 Time (sec)

A-8-1.2.4 Location and Type of Devices. (a) Smoke Detector Mounting Dead Air Space. The smoke from a fire generally rises to the ceiling, spreads out across the ceiling surface, and begins to bank down from the ceiling. The corner where the ceiling and wall meet is an air space into which the smoke could have difficulty penetrating. In most fires, this dead air space measures about 4 in. (0.1 m) along the ceiling from the corner and about 4 in. (0.1 m) down the wall, as shown in Figure A-8-1.2.4(a). Detectors should not be placed in this dead air space.
Figure A-8-1.2.4(a) Example of proper mounting of detectors.
4 in. (0.1 m)

Ceiling

Acceptable here Never here Top of detector acceptable here

4-in. (0.1-m) minimum

12-in. (0.3-m) maximum

Note: Measurements shown are to the closest edge of the detector Sidewall

Off (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) Cycle (c) (a) Time (sec)

Key: Phase (a) signal is on for 0.5 sec 10% Phase (b) signal is off for 0.5 sec 10% Phase (c) signal is off for 1.5 sec 10% [(c) = (a) + 2(b)] Total cycle lasts for 4 sec 10%

Smoke and heat detectors should be installed in those locations recommended by the manufacturer, except in those cases where the space above the ceiling is open to the outside and little or no insulation is present over the ceiling. Such cases result in the ceiling being excessively cold in the winter or excessively hot in the summer. Where the ceiling is significantly different in temperature from the air space below, smoke and heat have difficulty reaching the ceiling and a

1999 Edition