Fire Alarm Pathway Survivability for K-12 Schools?

6/21/2023

Is a Pathway Survivability of Level 1 allowed for an elementary school and high school?

If not, what kind of protection would be required? Are there any performance alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Fellippe Galletta

6/21/2023 08:19:51 am

To answer this question properly, we would need to know the applicable building code — 2021 IBC? K-12 typically require voice systems in the newer codes (occupant load over 100 with some exceptions), but unless the voice system is required to employ partial evacuation or relocation, one wouldn’t need a Level 2 or 3 survivability (I.e. 2 hour rated pathways with/without sprinkler protection). If it’s a high rise school then it would need a level 2, most likely 3 survivability.

Level 1 is simply a system installed in conduit in a fully sprinklered building, while level 0 has no requirements.

Again, no definitive answer can be given without knowing the applicable jurisdiction and AHJ requirements but it appears to most likely be a Level 1 application .

Todd E Wyatt

6/21/2023 08:47:45 am

"Pathway Survivability" is addressed by the referenced standard (e.g. 2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) per the adopted scoping Code (e.g. IBC).

2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code references "Pathway Survivability" in "Chapter 12 Circuits and Pathways" & "Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)."

Per the "Enhanced Content" of 12.4* Pathway Survivability, it states "Chapter 12 does not require a specific level of survivability, but it provides options when other chapters, codes, standards, or authorities having jurisdiction require survivability."

NFPA 72 "Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)" includes (30) references to "Pathway Survivability" and (0) references to "Education" or "Group E" occupancies. For requirements of "Fire Alarm and Detection Systems" for "Group E - Education" occupancy, see the adopted scoping Code (e.g. IBC).

NFPA 72 "Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)" includes requirements for the "Pathway Survivability" of different aspects of the Fire Alarm system (e.g. emergency communications system) per the building's "fire resistance rating" (FRR) per its Type of Construction :

2-Hour FRR = pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
1-Hour FRR to <2-Hour FRR = pathway survivability of Level 4

Todd E Wyatt

6/21/2023 08:48:43 am

REFERENCES
2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
Chapter 12 Circuits and Pathways

ENHANCED CONTENT
Chapter 12 addresses the performance and survivability characteristics of pathways or interconnections used in fire alarm and signaling systems. The terms circuit and path (pathways) are used interchangeably in this Code (see 3.3.51 and 3.3.205 for definitions, respectively). Pathway performance is identified by a class designation: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class N, or Class X. Class N addresses modern network infrastructure designs such as Ethernet.

Pathway survivability is defined as “the ability of any conductor, optical fiber, radio carrier, or other means for transmitting system information to remain operational during fire conditions” (see 3.3.206). The information in Chapter 12 describes survivability in terms of levels. The levels are determined according to the protection afforded to the pathways by the configuration and/or type of cable installed, such as fire-rated or fire-resistive cables or cable systems; the building construction in which the cable is installed; or whether automatic suppression systems exist where the cables are installed. Designation levels are assigned as Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Level 4 is new to the 2022 edition of the Code. Section 12.5 addresses shared pathway designations, which are based on priorities of the types of pathways, required levels of segregation, and whether they carry life safety data or non–life safety data.

The following list is a summary of significant changes to Chapter 12 for the 2022 edition:
Added Level 4 to the list of pathway survivability levels.

12.4* Pathway Survivability.
All pathways shall comply with NFPA 70.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Chapter 12 does not require a specific level of survivability, but it provides options when other chapters, codes, standards, or authorities having jurisdiction require survivability. Prescriptive requirements for pathway survivability appear in the Code for pathways included as a part of emergency communications systems (ECSs) (see 24.3.14 and 24.4.8.6.4) and a part of public emergency alarm reporting systems (see 27.6.3.1.3). Additionally, where survivability of circuits or pathways is required by another section of the Code, equal protection is required to be provided for secondary power supply circuits (see 10.6.11.3.1.3).

The designer is permitted, and in some cases required, to conduct an analysis, document the approach, and provide technical justification for the pathway survivability selected (see 23.10.3, 24.3.14.3, 24.3.14.16, and 24.5.4.2). This approach is similar to other requirements in the Code in which the system designer is responsible for conducting an analysis to determine the level of class of pathways (see 7.3.9.1 and 23.4.3.1&

Todd E Wyatt

6/21/2023 08:49:40 am

REFERENCES continued ...
2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Although levels of survivability are listed in ascending numerical order, the order does not mean that one level of survivability is preferred over another for a specific application.

Pathway survivability addresses protection from fire events, except for mass notification systems (MNSs), for which the Code specifically cites that the designer is required to consider both fire and non-fire emergencies when determining risk tolerances for survivability (see 24.3.12.2). For the definition of the term pathway survivability, see 3.3.206.

Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
ENHANCED CONTENT
Chapter 24 covers the requirements for the installation and performance of emergency communications systems (ECSs) for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems (EVACS) and other communications systems such as mass notification systems (MNSs) and paging systems used for emergency purposes. The arrangement of the sections with the requirements for ECSs presented in this chapter is shown in Figure A.24.3.7.

In the 2016 edition of the Code, Chapter 24 was reorganized and updated based on input from users in the field and the experiences gained from ECS installations. The 2019 edition of the Code followed the same organization, and new material for messaging used in MNSs was added.

The following list is a summary of significant changes to Chapter 24 for the 2022 edition of the Code:
Revised the requirements for pathway survivability found in 24.3.14.
Revised language in 24.3.14.9.1 to bring area of refuge two-way ECSs for rescue assistance pathway survivability into alignment with new and revised Code requirements for other ECSs. Allowed for the use of Level 4 pathway survivability in revised language of 24.3.14.9.2.
Added new requirements for elevator landing two-way ECSs regarding pathway survivability in 24.3.14.10 and additional new requirements for when systems transmit off-premises in 24.3.14.11.
24.3.14 Pathway Survivability.
24.3.14.1
Pathway survivability levels shall be as described in Section 12.4.
ENHANCED CONTENT
Chapter 12 pathway survivability level requirements are referenced based on the need for the ECS to continue functioning during a fire. See the definition of pathway survivability in 3.3.206.
24.3.14.2
Other component survivability shall comply with the

Todd E Wyatt

6/21/2023 08:51:23 am

REFERENCES continued ...
2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
24.3.14.3*
The pathway survivability requirements in 24.3.14.4 through 24.3.14.16 shall apply to notification and communications circuits and other circuits necessary to ensure the continued operation of the emergency communications system.
24.3.14.4
In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall comply with 24.3.14.4.1 or 24.3.14.4.2.
24.3.14.4.1
For systems that do not employ relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 pathway survivability shall be permitted.
24.3.14.4.2*
For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, the requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4 shall apply to the communication and control circuit pathways between a room or rated enclosure containing fire alarm equipment and other room(s) or rated enclosure(s) containing fire alarm equipment required for occupant notification.
24.3.14.4.3*
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is equal to or greater than 2 hours, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6 or provide a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
24.3.14.4.4*
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is at least 1 hour and less than 2 hours, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6 or provide a pathway survivability of Level 4.
24.3.14.4.5
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is less than 1 hour, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6.
24.3.14.4.6
Class N or Class X circuits complying with Level 1 pathway survivability shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of 24.3.14.4.6.1 through 24.3.14.4.6.4.
24.3.14.4.6.1*
The requirements of 12.3.8 for pathway separation shall not apply to conductors installed in accordance with 24.3.14.4.6.
24.3.14.2
Other component survivability shall comply with the provisions of 24.4.8.6.6.
24.3.14.3*
The pathway survivability requirements in 24.3.14.4 through 24.3.14.16 shall apply to notification and communications circuits and other circuits necessary to ensure the continued operation of the emergency communications system.
24.3.14.4
In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall comply with 24.3.14.4.1 or 24.3.14.4.2.
24.3.14.4.1
For systems that do not employ relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 pathway survivability shall be permitted.
24.3.14.4.2*
For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, the requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4 shall apply to the communication and control circuit pathways between a room or rated enclosure containing fire alarm equipment and other room(s) or rated enclosure(s) containing fire alarm equipment required for occupant notification.
24.3.14.4.3*
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is equal to or greater than 2 hours, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6 or provide a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
24.3.14.4.4*
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is at least 1 hour and less than 2 hours, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6 or provide a pathway survivability of Level 4.
24.3.14.4.5
Where the building is constructed with a fire resistance rating that is less than 1 hour, the installation shall comply with 24.3.14.4.6.
24.3.14.4.6
Class N or Class X circuits complying with Level 1 pathway survivability shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of 24.3.14.4.6.1 through 24.3.14.4.6.4.
24.3.14.4.6.1*
The requirements of 12.3.8 for pathway separation shall not apply to conductors installed in accordance with 24.3.14.4.6.
24.3.14.9*
Area of refuge two-way emergency communications systems for rescue assistance shall comply with 24.3.14.9.1 and 24.3.14.9.2.
24.3.14.9.1
Installation of all circuit pathways between locations, room(s), or rated enclosure(s) containing communications system equipment shall comply with the requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4.
24.3.14.9.2
Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4.
24.3.14.11
Elevator landing two-way emergency communications systems circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4.
24.3.14.12.2
Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4.
24.3.14.13*
Stairway communications systems required for access control provisions of other codes (locked stair doors) that are not required to be provided by other codes or standards for required use during fire evacuations shall be permitted to have a pathway survivability Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 for all system circuits.
24.3.14.15
Cen

Todd E Wyatt

6/21/2023 08:52:57 am

REFERENCES
2022 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
24.3.14.15
Central command station emergency communications systems shall have pathway survivability as determined by the risk analysis.
24.3.14.16
All other emergency communications system circuits shall have pathway survivability as determined by the risk analysis.

2021 IBC
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
907.2.3 Group E
A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. Where automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
A manual fire alarm system shall not be required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler waterflow.
Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
24.4.8.6.6

sean

6/21/2023 01:34:30 pm

Pathway survivability kicks in with protect in place, relocation, or partial evacuation.

Will a K12 school have that take place? Yes and No. Under fire conditions probably fill evacuation, but not during other emergency conditions. If a fire alarm system goes off during a shooting or lock down I would expect that partial evacuation take place.

If I was specifying or designing then I would say yes. As for enforcement it gets muddier.

Fire Alarm Pathway Survivability for K-12 Schools?

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