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Voice communication systems must be installed in existing high-rise buildings in accordance with Sections 14X-5-504.7.1 through 14X-5-504.7.2. The two-way communication system may be combined with the one-way system where approved by the fire code official.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings of Group R-2 occupancy equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
2. Buildings of Group E or I occupancy equipped with a fire alarm system as required by Section 504.6.
A selective one-way voice communication system must allow communication from the fire command center to the following areas:
1. Elevators.
2. Elevator lobbies.
3. Exit stairways, with at least one speaker on every fifth floor.
4. Office areas exceeding 5,000 square feet (465 m2).
5. In corridors at intervals not to exceed 75 feet (22.9 m).
6. At doors to exit stairway enclosures.
Exception: Buildings of Group R-2 occupancy with an occupant notification system installed prior to January 1, 2005 that was accepted by the fire code official.
A two-way voice communication system must allow two-way voice communication between the fire command center and stations located in every exit stairway at least every fifth floor.
Exception: A building of Group R-2 occupancy, other than a dormitory, that does not exceed 15 stories above grade plane and contains 60 or fewer dwelling units.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. V, § 25)
Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms must be provided in existing Group I-1 and R occupancies in accordance with Sections 14X-5-504.8.1 through 14X-5-504.8.4.
Existing Group I-1 and R occupancies must be provided with smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907 of the Chicago Building Code. Interconnection and power sources must be in accordance with Sections 14X-5-504.8.2 and 14X-5-504.8.3, respectively.
Exceptions:
1. Where the code that was in effect at the time of construction required smoke alarms and smoke alarms complying with those requirements are already provided.
2. Where smoke alarms have been installed in occupancies that were not required to have them at the time of construction, additional smoke alarms are not required provided that the existing smoke alarms comply with requirements that were in effect at the time of installation.
3. Where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system have been installed as a substitute for smoke alarms and the system provides required occupant notification.
Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms must be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms is not required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm must be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs, or construction of any kind.
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. V, § 26)
Smoke alarms must receive their primary power from the building wiring and must be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup must be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms must emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring must be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are allowed to be solely battery powered in areas of buildings erected for or converted to residential use before June 1, 1984, where interior work requiring a permit has not taken place since June 1, 2020.
2. Smoke alarms are allowed to be solely battery powered in areas of buildings erected for or converted to residential use before June 1, 1984, undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available that could provide access for installing wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
On and after January 1, 2022, where smoke alarms that are solely battery powered are allowed by the exceptions to Section 14X-5-504.8.1 or 14X-5-504.8.3, such smoke alarms must be powered by self-contained, non-removable, long term batteries
Exceptions:
1. In owner-occupied dwelling units, fully functioning smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2023 and marked with a date of manufacture no more than 10 years before the date of use.
2. In all occupancies other than owner-occupied dwelling units, fully functioning smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2022 and marked with a date of manufacture no more than 10 years before the date of use.
3. A smoke alarm that uses either a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal or wireless local area networking capability to send and receive notifications using the Internet.
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