Exterior Fire Alarms?

[aspanico]

We are adding an elevated exterior deck to a restaurant that will seat 46 people. This deck has three accessible exits from it back through the building and one exterior stair to grade. Will audible and visible alarms need to be added to the exterior of the building for the occupants of the deck?

 

[cda]

Yes if the existing building has a fire alarm system with A/V's through out already

More than likely one will cover it

 

[aspanico]

Thank you - stupid question, if the exiting building does not currently have strobes, would we be exempt?

 

[Builder Bob]

Depends - what requirements does the fire code require for an addition (the deck) - it has to meet current codes for the addition - while the existing building / conditions may not have required visual devices, the addition may require them due to be above the level of discharge and may require them to be installed in the existing building depending upon designer options (separated, non-separated, accessory, incidental) for the project.

It would be best to talk to the AHJ since we are:

not the AHJ
Do not have plans or specifications
we are not the AHJ

 

[aspanico]

All I've seen so far is that the addition cannot create a nonconformity in the existing building to which the addition is being made. Thank you very much - I will touch base with the AHJ.

 

[cda]

Yes if the existing building has a fire alarm system with A/V's through out already

Thank you - stupid question, if the exiting building does not currently have strobes, would we be exempt?

I would normally say yes.

 

[aspanico]

Excellent - thank you.

 

[cda]

Welcome!!!!

Excellent - thank you.