Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

As the leading manufacturer of code-compliant Emergency Communication Systems for Rescue Assistance, we provide top-tier, easy-to-install solutions, ensuring safety without compromise, while keeping your building occupants connected and safe.

					
					NFPA 72®
				
					NFPA 101
				
					IBC/ICC
				
					ADA
				
					UL

NFPA 72®

NFPA 2022
NFPA 72® 2022 Two-Way Communication Requirements

24.10* Two-Way Emergency Communications Systems for Rescue Assistance:
Editor’s Note: For the 2022 edition of the Code, the title of this section has been revised to reflect the inclusive set of requirements covered within the section. As explained in A.24.10, types of two-way ECSs can vary but are generally members of the same system type and are often required by building and fire codes in many locations within a building. These systems are provided to allow building occupants to communicate with emergency personnel when they need assistance or rescue. These systems are grouped together because they are basically the same type of equipment that provides communications in a different location. Many of the requirements found in 24.10.1 through 24.10.14 are new for the 2022 edition and include requirements from UL 2525, Two-Way Emergency Communications Systems for Rescue Assistance.
24.10.1: Systems used for area of refuge emergency communications systems, stairway communications systems, elevator landing communications systems, and occupant evacuation elevator lobby communications systems shall be listed in accordance with applicable standards, such as UL 2525, Two-Way Emergency Communications Systems for Rescue Assistance.
24.10.2: Where required by the enforcing authority, governing laws, codes, or standards, any communications system specified in this section shall be installed in accordance with 24.10.2 through 24.10.14
24.10.3.1: When a remote call station(s) is activated by a building occupant(s), a two-way live voice communication shall be required to operate between the remote call station(s) and a constantly attended location.
24.10.3.2*: The master control station shall be installed in a central control point within the building.
24.10.3.3*: The constantly attended location shall be located either within the building or at a monitoring location and be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
24.10.6*: If the central control point is not constantly attended, the system shall have a timed automatic communications capability to connect with an off-premises constantly attended monitoring location approved by the authority having jurisdiction, where trained personnel can initiate the appropriate response.
24.10.7*: In the event of an off-premises connection, a signal shall be transmitted to the off-premises monitoring location, identifying the specific building prior to initiating the live voice two-way communication.
24.10.8: Two-way emergency communications systems shall have the capability of transmitting a verbal signal to identify the specific building address to off-premises monitoring personnel before operators complete the connection to the remote call station.
24.10.9*: The physical locations of the remote call stations and the master control station shall be as designated by the building code in force and the system designer and approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
24.10.10: The specific location of each active remote call station shall be identified on the master control station display on a floor and area basis in accordance with 24.10.11.
24.10.11: Where all active calls are not simultaneously displayed, the master control stations shall provide the following:
- 1.) Previously answered calls shall be capable of being prioritized as urgent on the master control station to differentiate more urgent life safety related calls from less urgent calls.
- 2.) A minimum of 8 active call station identifiers shall be visible in the following order of priority:
  - a) Previously unanswered calls, oldest first
  - b) Previously answered calls, prioritized as urgent, oldest first
  - c) Previously answered calls, not prioritized as urgent, oldest first
24.10.12: The remote call stations shall provide for hands-free, two-way communication and provide an audible and a visual signal to indicate communication has occurred.

NFPA 72 2022 Supervision & Battery Backup Requirements

24.10.5 All pathways between the remote call stations and the master control station shall be monitored for integrity.
10.6.9 Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies
- 10.6.9.1 Unless otherwise permitted or required by 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6, all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage at the point of connection to the system.
24.10.14. 24.10.2.1: The secondary power supply for two-way emergency communications systems shall be capable of operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then subsequently during a fire or other emergency condition for a period of 4 hours with all remote call stations activated and all master control stations annunciating the calls.
24.10.2.2: The communications system shall be capable of monitoring additional power supplies for communications equipment vital to the transmission of off-premises signals. 24.10.3*: The communications system shall comprise remotely located communications stations (remote call stations), a master control station, and a primary and secondary power supply as required by Section 10.6.

NFPA 72 2022 Signage Requirements

24.10.13 Signage.
24.10.13.1: Directions for the use of the two-way communications system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communications system, and written identification, including in braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communications system.
24.10.13.2: Signage shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, requirements for visual characters.
24.10.14*: The two-way communications systems specified in this section, as intended for different types of locations, shall be permitted to be integrated with each other or other emergency communications systems provided they are installed in accordance with Section 24.10.

NFPA 72 2022 Survivability Requirements

Editor’s Note: The 2022 edition of the Code provides new survivability requirements for area of refuge two-way ECSs. The requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4 provide pathway survivability guidance depending on the fire resistance of a building. Installation requirements for Class N and Class X, where used, are also spelled out. When these systems are installed for use by occupants staying in the area of refuge during a fire emergency, it is important that the circuits remain survivable for at least the same time as the fire rating of the building construction.
24.3.14.10: Elevator landing two-way emergency communications systems installation of all circuit pathways between all elevator lobbies and other room(s) or rated enclosure(s) containing related control equipment required for occupant communications shall comply with the requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4.
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.
Editor’s Note:The 2022 edition of the Code provides new survivability requirements for elevator landing two-way ECSs. The requirements of 24.3.14.4.3 through 24.3.14.4.6.4 provide pathway survivability guidance depending on the fire resistance of the building. Installation requirements for Class N and Class X, where used, are also spelled out.
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: Occupant evacuation elevator lobby two-way wired emergency communications systems installation of communication and control circuit pathways shall have a pathway survivability of Level 3.
Editor’s Note: New language affecting OEE lobby two-way wired ECSs has been added to the 2022 edition of the Code. In acknowledgement of the importance of these systems, the Code requires that a Level 3 (see 12.4.4) pathway survivability be provided for circuits for these systems.
24.10.4: The remote call stations and the master control station shall communicate with each other via pathways based on their performance capabilities under abnormal (fault) conditions in accordance with the requirements for Class A, Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways specified in Chapter 12. An area of refuge has a temporary use during egress and generally serves as a staging area that provides relative safety to its occupants while potential emergencies are assessed, decisions are made, and mitigating activities are begun. NFPA 101 recognizes any floor in a building protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system as an area of refuge. Circuits connecting the area of refuge communications system to the fire command center must be designed to withstand the attack of ire during the time that the occupants await assistance. Refer to the requirements of 24.3.14.9. If loudspeakers are required where remote area of refuge stations are located, the loudspeakers should be arranged so that their sound pressure levels do not inhibit the effective use of the area of refuge stations.

NFPA 72 2022 Training Requirements

24.10.15* Training for Two-Way Communications Systems.
Editor’s Note:The 2022 edition of the Code requires that the operators of two-way communications systems master control stations be trained on the equipment and, when necessary, qualified to use the equipment. The emergency users of the remote call stations would ordinarily not receive instructions on this equipment. If there are people in a building who could possibly benefit from knowing how to operate the remote call station, nothing should prevent the individuals from receiving training on how to use the equipment

NFPA 2016 NFPA 72 2016 Two-Way Communication Requirements

24.10 – Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems
24.10.1 Where required by the building code in force, an area of rescue assistance two-way communications system shall be installed in accordance with 24.10
24.10.2 The area of Refuge (Rescue Assistance) emergency communications system shall be comprised of remotely located area of refuge stations and a central control point.
24.10.5 – If the Central control point is not constantly attended, it shall have a timed automatic communications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction where responsible personnel can initiate the appropriate response.
24.10.6 – The physical location of the central control point shall be as designated by the building code in force or the authority having jurisdiction.
24.10.8 – Instructions for the use of the two-way communications system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communications system, and written identifications, including in braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

NFPA 72 2016 Supervision Requirements

24.10.4 – All pathways between a remote area of refuge station and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity.
24.13.4.1 – All control units shall meet the power supply requirements of section 10.6
10.6.9 Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies
- 10.6.9.1 Unless otherwise permitted or required by 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6, all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage at the point of connection to the system.
10.6.7.2.1 – The secondary power supply (battery backup) shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a nonalarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and, at the end of that period, shall be capable of operating all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or to direct aid to the location of an emergency for 5 minutes.

NFPA 72 2016 Cable Requirements

24.3.13.9.1
Area of Refuge emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
(Level 1 is permitted where the building is less than 2 hour fire-rated construction)
- 12.4.3 Pathway Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:
- 12.4.4 Pathway Survivability Level 3: shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following.

NFPA 72 2016 Testing Requirements: Table 14.3.1 #25:

“Periodic testing frequency” – Annual

Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, 2022 edition. Copyright© 2021, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 72®, please go to www.nfpa.org.

NFPA 101

NFPA® 101 – Life Safety Code
7.2.12 Areas of Refuge. – Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems

7.2.12.1 General.

7.2.12.1.1 – An area of refuge used as part of a required accessible means of egress in accordance with 7.5.4; consisting of a story in a building that is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7; and having an accessible story that is one or more stories above or below a story of exit discharge shall meet the following criteria:
(1) Each elevator landing shall be provided with a two-way communication system for communication between the elevator landing and the fire command center or a central control point approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(2) Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.
(3) The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

7.2.12.2.5 – The area of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system for communication between the area of refuge and a central control point. The door opening to the stair enclosure or the elevator door and the associated portion of the area of refuge that the stair enclosure door opening or elevator door serves shall be identified by signage. (See 7.2.12.3.5.)

7.2.12.2.6 – Instructions for summoning assistance, via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the area of refuge location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

7.2.12.3.5 – Each area of refuge shall be identified by a sign that reads as the follows: AREA OF REFUGE

7.2.12.3.5.1 – The sign required by 7.2.12.3.5 shall conform to the requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, for such signage and shall display the international symbol of accessibility. Signs also shall be located as follows:
(1) At each door opening providing access to the area of refuge
(2) At all exits not providing an accessible means of egress, as defined in 3.3.170.1
(3) Where necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge

7.2.12.3.5.2 – Signs required by 7.2.12.3.5 shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required.

7.2.12.3.6 – Tactile signage complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be located at each door opening to an area of refuge.

International Building Code (IBC®)

IBC® Code Adoption Map With Current Year of Enforcement

Note: Your area may be enforcing a different version of the code. Please check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

IBC® Code (2015, 2018 & 2021)

1009.6.5 Two-way Communication. Area of Refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.l and 1009.8.2.
1009.8 Two-way Communication. A two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2 shall be provided at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.
- Exceptions:
  - 1.) Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5.
  - 2.) Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.
  - 3.) Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.
  - 4.) Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only freight elevators.
  - 5.) Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.
  - 6.) Two-way communication systems are not required in Group I-2 or I-3 facilities (2018 only).
1009.8.1 System requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location (RATH® Call Boxes) and the fire command center or a central control point (RATH® Base Stations) location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not a constantly attended location, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to a monitoring location or 9-1-1 . The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.
1009.8.2 Directions. Directions (Part #7049) for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters.
1009.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility pro� visions shall be provided as shown:
- 1.) Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating: AREA OF REFUGE. (Part #7044)
- 2.) Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating: EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE. (Part #7086)
  - Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated. (Part #7050) Additionally, visual characters, raised character and braille signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an Area of Refuge and exterior Area for Assisted Rescue in accordance with Section 1013.4. (Part #7044)
1009.10 Directional Signage. Directional Signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:
(Part # 7047L-Left or #7047R-Right)
- 1.) At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
- 2.) At elevator landings.
- 3.) Within Area(s) of Refuge.
1009.11 Instructions. In Areas of Refuge and exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following:
- 1.) Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
- 2.) Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
- 3.) Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.
403.5.3.1 Stairway Communication System. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each stairway where the doors to the stairway are locked

Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

In publicly accessible buildings, during a fire alarm emergency, elevators are inaccessible. The “Area of Refuge” or “Area of Rescue Assistance” concept was established to provide a safe location for building occupants, who cannot traverse the stairs without assistance, to assemble and await help or instruction from first responders. This designated space requires a two-way communication system for assisted rescue during an emergency.

An Emergency Communication System for Rescue Assistance is required, by industry standards NFPA, IBC and ADA, at each elevator or bank of elevators, on each accessible floor above/below exit discharge, so the trapped parties can call for rescue assistance.

As the leading manufacturer of code-compliant Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems, we provide top-tier, easy-to-install systems, ensuring safety without compromise, while keeping your building occupants connected and safe.

Are your buildings compliant? Whether you’re a low voltage contractor, a systems integrator, or a fire inspector, we’ve got the right code compliant solution for you.

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Addressable SmartCommand System for 1-32 Call Boxes

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Unlike conventional two-way communication systems, the SmartCommand Addressable System uses a daisy-chained method, linking up to 32 Call Boxes together. Designed to meet NFPA 72 2002 and fully conforming to UL 2525 Standards, it’s one of the first systems on the market to have the area of refuge specified UL certification, ensuring the highest standard of safety and compliance. This innovative approach reduces wire usage and installation cost, saving time and labor.

Simple Installation
Supervised and Programmable
Designed for between 1-32 Call Boxes

3300 Series SmartCommand Call Boxes

Each Area of Refuge is required to have hands-free, two-way emergency communication devices (Call Boxes) located on each floor above/below the main exit floor.
The SmartCommand Call Boxes provide distressed parties a means to communicate with rescue personnel during an emergency
The system Call Boxes can be daisy chained for a quick and efficient installation
Fully Conforms to UL 2525 Standard

Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72®

NFPA 101

International Building Code (IBC®)

IBC® Code Adoption Map With Current Year of Enforcement

ADA Call Box and Signage Requirements

Underwriters Lab (UL) Code

Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

Addressable SmartCommand System for 1-32 Call Boxes

Analog SmartRescue System for 1-10 Call Boxes

Analog Command Center System for 1-116 Call Boxes

IP Command Center System for 1-128 Call Boxes

2 Hour Fire-Rated Power and Communication Cable

Signage

Education, Training and Support

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We believe that ongoing education is paramount to your professional development.

As the code and training experts, our website offers all the documentation and educational resources needed to assist you in making the right decisions.