what code sections specify public address systems?

[syarn]

what code sections stipulate when a public address system is required?

e.g. does a museum need a public address system as defined by the code?

 

[syarn]

well this may be it...

“New Assembly” section of the 2012 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, Paragraph 12.3.4.1.1 requires that assembly occupancies with occupant loads of more than 300 and all theaters with more than one audience viewing room have an approved fire alarm system. The code also requires that occupants be notified from a constantly attended receiving station via a voice communication or a public address (PA) system, as long as it meets the following conditions: “(1) Occupant notification, either live or recorded, shall be initiated at a constantly attended receiving station by personnel trained to respond to an emergency. (2) An approved secondary power supply shall be provided for other than existing, previously approved systems. (3) The system shall be audible above the expected ambient noise level. (4) Emergency announcements shall take precedence over any other use...

 

[syarn]

however IBC 2009 does not really reference nfpa 101 (except for section 1028) so how would it be "tied" into the approved code e.g in pennsylvania?

 

[syarn]

[F] 907.2.1.1 System initiation in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more. Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

 

[cda]

however IBC 2009 does not really reference nfpa 101 (except for section 1028) so how would it be "tied" into the approved code e.g in pennsylvania?

try 907.2.1

907.2.1.1 but it is over 1000 when voice evac system is required, and I think that is what you are asking about.

 

[Paul Sweet]

Do you mean a public address system for general announcements, or a voice annunciation system for fires? A voice annunciation system for fire evacuation can't be used for other purposes unless you jump through a lot of hoops.

 

[steveray]

And if you do have it, watch out for this.....

1108.2.7 Assistive listening systems.

Each building, room or space used for assembly purposes where audible communications are integral to the use of the space shall have an assistive listening system.

Exception: Other than in courtrooms, an assistive listening system is not required where there is no audio amplification system.