I like to start each year with an update on changes in codes and standards going into effect during that year. For this article, I review changes to the 2015 International Building Code (IBC). Of course, these will not apply in your area until your local or state jurisdiction adopts this newest edition of the code. For this cycle, there were quite a few changes for clarification and some new requirements. Remember that fire alarm requirements are developed in the International Fire Code (IFC) and copied into the IBC. 


The following changes will be in both codes: “907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings. Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation, and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following where applicable to the system being installed.”


The underlined language was added to help reduce misinterpretations of required documentation for modifications made to existing systems. It is intended to clarify that not everything in the list is required for every system.


In addition, a new bullet point was added to the list of requirements for shop drawing. Bullet 4 requires “Design minimum audibility level for occupant notification.” One problem that contractors experience is determining how loud a fire alarm is supposed to be, and this often depends on the fire inspector’s interpretation. This new point will require the designer to state the design audibility level up front. It is highly ­recommended that the designer discuss this with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).


In the 2012 IBC and IFC, a new requirement was added for an Emergency Voice Alarm Communication System in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of more than 30. This cycle, the occupant load threshold was increased to 100.


In Group I occupancies, private-mode notification systems are allowed when approved by the fire code official and “staff evacuation responsibilities are included in the fire safety and evacuation plan.” This was added to better ensure staff is trained to properly respond when notified of an alarm condition.


Another significant change is the method by which Group I occupancies are identified. The code now uses the terms “Condition 1” and “Condition 2” to describe the occupancies. More information can be found in Section 308.


For Group R-2 college and university buildings, a minor change was made to clarify that these requirements only apply to occupancies “operated by a college or university,” instead of any R-2 housing students. This requirement is not intended to apply to off-campus housing not under the control of the college or university.


Another change in 2012 has been somewhat confusing: “Required smoke alarms in dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 occupancies operated by a college or university for student or staff housing shall be interconnected with the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.” This change was made to allow building fire alarm systems to connect to smoke alarms as a notification appliance so fire alarm systems will be heard. It is not intended for smoke alarms to set off the building fire alarm system.


In the smoke alarm section, 907.2.11, a new section was added to clarify the location and type of smoke alarm to be installed. This language is from NFPA 72: “[F] 907.2.11.3 Installation near cooking appliances. Smoke alarms shall not be installed in the following locations unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm in a location required by Section 907.2.11.1 or 907.2.11.2:


1. “Ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.


2. “Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm-­silencing switch shall not be installed less than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.


3. “Photoelectric smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 6 feet (1829 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.


“[F] 907.2.11.4 Installation near bathrooms. Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by Section 907.2.11.1 or 907.2.11.2.”


Section 907.2.11.7 was added to clearly show that system smoke detectors connected to the building fire alarm system are now an acceptable alternative to single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. This is an excellent change since there has been much controversy about allowing system smoke detectors to take the place of smoke alarms.


The last change for this month’s column is a clarification of where smoke detectors are required in airport traffic control towers in 907.2.22.1. It expands on the locations smoke detectors are required.


In my next article, I will continue providing the changes in the 2015 I-codes, including the numerous changes in the International Residential Code concerning carbon monoxide detectors.


Staying up to date on code changes will help you effectively plan for future installations.