Ontario Building Code - Section 296

3.2.4.20. 2024 Building Code Compendium 108 Division B – Part 3 (15) Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” as part of the fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted by Sentence (10), need not incorporate the manually operated silencing device required by Sentence (14). (See Note A- 3.2.4.20.(10)) (16) The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall (a) meet the temporal patterns of alarm signals, or (See Note A-3.2.4.18.(2)) (b) be a combination of temporal pattern and voice relay. (17) Smoke alarms required by Sentence (2) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.” (See Note A- 3.2.4.20.(17)) (18) The visual signalling component required by Sentence (17) need not (a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it, (b) be on battery backup, or (c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a dwelling unit. (19) The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required by Sentence (17) that are installed in sleeping rooms shall be a minimum of 175 cd. (20) Smoke alarms required in suites in a retirement home or smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as provided in Sentence (10) shall upon actuation provide an audible and visual signal to staff serving those suites, so that the suite containing the actuated smoke alarm or smoke detector can be easily identified. 3.2.4.21. Residential Fire Warning Systems (1) Except where a fire alarm system is installed or required in a building, smoke detectors forming part of a residential fire warning system installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S540, “Standard for Residential Fire and Life Safety Warning Systems: Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance,” are permitted to be installed in lieu of all smoke alarms required by Article 3.2.4.20., provided that the system is (a) capable of sounding audible signals in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.20.(12) and (16), (b) provided with a visual signalling component in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(17) to (19), (c) powered in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.20.(9), and (d) provided with a silencing device in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.20.(14) and (15). 3.2.4.22. Two-Way Voice Communication Systems (1) A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6., Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(12) shall (a) consist of a two-way means of communication with the central alarm and control facility and to the mechanical control centre from each floor area, and (b) be capable of broadcasting pre-recorded, synthesized or live messages from the central alarm and control facility that are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building, except elevator cars. (See Note A-3.2.4.22.(1)(b)) (2) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alarm signal in a single-stage fire alarm system while voice instructions are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has initially sounded for not less than 30 s. (3) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alert signal and the alarm signal in a 2-stage fire alarm system while voice instructions are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has initially sounded for not less than (a) 10 s in hospitals that have supervisory personnel on duty for twenty-four hours each day, or (b) 30 s for all other occupancies.