13-76-030 Fire command panel.

   A fire command panel shall be provided in a location approved by the Fire Department. It shall contain the following listed facilities:

   (a)   Fire detection system panel annunciated visually and audibly for each individual floor;

   (b)   Status indicators for air handling systems;

   (c)   Status indicator and controls for elevators, or where elevator control panel is provided containing required indicators and controls, that panel must be in close proximity to the fire command panel as approved by the fire commissioner;

   (d)   Sprinkler valves and sprinkler water flow detector indicators, annunciated for each individual zone;

   (e)   Emergency power status indicator;

   (f)   Exit stairwell door unlocking system;

   (g)   Voice communication system panels and equipment.

(Prior code § 62.1-3; Amend Coun. J. 11-9-16, p. 36266, § 16; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VII, § 4)

13-76-040 Smoke detection.

   (a)   Area smoke detection. Area smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to the fire detection system panel. In addition to smoke detectors required by other provisions of this Code, smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

      (1)   In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room that is not provided with sprinkler protection.

      (2)   In each elevator machine room, machinery space, control room, and control space, and in elevator lobbies.

(Prior code § 62.1-4; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 34; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VII, § 5)

13-76-050 Voice communication systems.

   There shall be two voice communication systems as follows:

   (a)   A two-way fire department communication system providing emergency two-way stations in each required stairwell and not less than every fifth floor and at the fire command panel;

   (b)   A selective one-way communication system between the fire command panel and the following areas:

      (1)   Elevators, elevator lobbies and in all required stairwells; one speaker each fifth floor in stairwells;

      (2)   Office areas exceeding 5,000 square feet;

      (3)   In corridors at intervals not to exceed 75 feet and at the exit stair doors.

   The two-way fire department communication system may be combined with the one-way system when approved by the fire commissioner.

(Prior code § 62.1-5; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 35)

13-76-060 Mechanical ventilation.

   (a)   The mechanical air handling equipment serving the fire zone shall be designed to provide maximum exhaust without recirculation and to be activated by the water flow device serving that fire zone. This requirement shall not apply to residential occupancies.

   (b)   Fire dampers shall not be required in mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings complying with this chapter.

(Prior code § 62.1-6; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 22; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VII, § 6)

13-76-070 Stairwell door locking devices.

   All stairwell doors which are to be locked from the stairwell side shall have electrically controlled locking devices which can be automatically unlocked upon a signal from the fire command panel. A stairwell door at the main exit level shall not be locked from the stairwell side. This section shall apply to all buildings 80 feet above grade whether built prior to or after the adoption of Chapter 13-76.

(Prior code § 62.1-7; Amend Coun. J. 11-5-03, p. 11465)