Like other major metropolitan areas, the city of Chicago requires emergency voice and communication systems in its high rise buildings (over eighty feet in height). Rather than sound a general alarm when a detection device activates, the fire department is notified without any audible warning provided to the high rise occupants until the fire department [Read More]
Are Smoke Detectors Required in Elevator Shafts?
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Top of Shaft Per ASME A17.1 Section 2.27.3.2.1(c), smoke detectors are only allowed in elevator shafts if there are sprinklers installed in the shaft. In Chicago, sprinklers are prohibited at the top of the shaft in non-CMS regulated facilities, so consequently no detection is allowed. If the elevator controller is located in the shaft in [Read More]
When Are Low Frequency Sounders Required?
As mentioned in our last post, per NFPA 72 Chap. 18.4.6, the sound level of in-unit alarm notification in sleeping areas has to be either 15 dB over ambient, 5 dB over the highest measured sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds or 75 dB at the pillow, whichever is greater. 75 [Read More]
Can I Save Money With Wireless Smoke Detectors?
One of the newer methods of installing fire alarm devices involve the use of wireless detectors and audio/visual devices. Before considering whether to utilize these devices, a designer of record should verify the local jurisdiction allows these devices to be used. For example, Section 907.6.1 of the 2020 Chicago Building Code allows these devices to [Read More]
New Chicago Fire Alarm Requirements, Part 2
In a previous post, we went over the changes in fire alarm requirements in Chicago educational occupancies. Today we’ll discuss the changes for Group B and M occupancies in Chicago. To start, the Chicago Building Code (CBC) business occupancy designation has changed from Class E to Group B and mercantile occupancies have changed from Class [Read More]
Are Fire Alarm Strobes Required in the City of Chicago?
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Update 8/1/20: With the adoption of the new Chicago Building Code effective August 1, 2020, as well as an update of the Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC) in October 2018, strobes are now required in fire alarm installations in Chicago. There are no longer Class I or Class II type fire alarm systems in Chicago. The [Read More]
When Do Locked Doors in High Rises Have to Unlock?
High rise suites can take up a large portion of a floor & many times take up the entire floor. These large suites are usually divided in sections that may have electronically secured doors that partition them. Examples would be data server rooms and file rooms, as well as stairwells and suite entrances from the [Read More]
New Chicago Building Code Fire Alarm Equipment Requirements
In our recent blogs, we discussed some of the the new Chicago Building Code (CBC) requirements that will take effect on August 1, 2020. Let’s now take a look at the effect the new code will have on fire alarm equipment requirements in Chicago. We’ll begin today with E-1 Educational occupancies, which are primarily K-12 [Read More]
New Chicago Building Code Educational Occupancy Fire Alarm Requirements
The fire alarm requirements in Chicago have always been somewhat unique from other large cities and definitely different than the suburban requirements. That’s expected, but the accumulation of requirements via policies, memorandums and rules rather than by municipal code made keeping track of specific requirements difficult. The implementation of the new Title 14B of the [Read More]
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