The purpose of this chapter is to specify the design and installation regulations of fire alarm systems providing that degree of public safety from fire which can reasonably be required without involving unreasonable hardship or interference with normal use and occupancy of a building.
A. 
The regulations contained in this chapter govern the installation, use and maintenance of approved fire alarm systems required by RMC § 20.05.020.
B. 
The regulations contained in this chapter govern the type of electrically supervised fire alarm signaling systems to be installed in the premises and the occupancies as specified.
C. 
In the event of any conflict between this chapter and the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association Standards, the International Fire Code, or the International Building Code, the most restrictive standards shall govern.
(Ord. 79-79 § 1.09; Ord. 39-80 § 1.23; Ord. 21-89; Ord. 26-92; Ord. 19-04; Ord. 01-11 § 1.03; Ord. 17-20 § 1)
All occupancies requiring an alarm system (see Table 20.05.020) shall have a fire detection and alarm system consisting of the following:
A. 
Fire Alarm Control Unit. A system component that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire alarm initiating devices and is capable of supplying power to detection devices and transponder(s) of off-premises transmitter(s). The control unit is capable of providing a transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays of devices.
B. 
Fire Alarm Signal Initiating Device. A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, or supervisory switch.
1. 
Automatic smoke detection shall be provided for the protection of all required rated corridors.
2. 
Heat detectors shall be installed throughout the building.
Exception: Where automatic sprinkler protection installed in accordance with the International Fire Code is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.
3. 
Manual alarm actuating devices in accordance with International Fire Code Chapter 9.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
C. 
Fire Alarm Notification Device. System components that alert occupants and fire department response personnel of a fire condition.
1. 
Audible and visible notification appliances shall be installed throughout the building. Device locations shall comply with NFPA 72 and manufacturer's product listing requirements.
2. 
Fire alarm control unit shall transmit an alarm to a constantly attended off-site UL certified or FM approved monitoring station.
3. 
Visual notification appliances shall be located on the external portion of buildings where riser rooms, fire alarm control units, remote annunciator panels and key boxes are located.
D. 
Fire Alarm Annunciator. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays, or other equivalent means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition or location. A fire alarm annunciator shall be provided at the primary entrance to the building.
E. 
Fire Detection and Alarm System Design. Approved automatic fire detection and alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the National Fire Protection Association National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72). Devices, combinations of devices, appliances, and equipment shall be approved for the intended application.
F. 
Sprinkler risers in commercial buildings shall be installed in a dedicated one-hour-rated riser room with direct access to the outside of the structure. The fire alarm control panel (FACP) will be located inside the riser room with a fire alarm annunciator located at the main entrance to the structure. A commercial Knoxbox 3200 Series key box shall be located at the riser room main entrance. Additional key boxes may be required to support emergency access and public safety as determined by the fire code official.
(Ord. 79-79; Ord. 39-80; Ord. 21-89; Ord. 26-92; Ord. 35-95; Ord. 39-98; Ord. 19-04; Ord. 01-11 § 1.03; Ord. 17-20 § 1)
When there is an option of more than one type of system in any particular occupancy, the actual system to be installed shall be determined by the fire code official.
(Ord. 79-79; Ord. 21-89; Ord. 35-95; Ord. 01-11 § 1.03; Ord. 17-20 § 1)