Auxiliary Alarms [4.28.4]
A portion of sleeping units in transient lodging facilities, including those required to be accessible to persons who use wheelchairs, must have a visual alarm connected to the building alarm system or have an outlet for a portable device. Portable devices must be capable of being triggered by the building emergency alarm system. Appliances connected to the building system, where permitted by code, can be monitored by the building fire alarm system. Portable units have to be activated by a signal from the central alarm control system transmitted to a receiver plugged into an electrical outlet. Note that there are operational considerations in making portable appliances available on an as-needed basis. Where portable devices are used, it is important that the appliance be checked to make sure it is functioning properly, and that correct and appropriate connections and placement are made, a responsibility which should not be left solely to guests or tenants who need the device. Because guest rooms sizes are not large, it is required only that the signal, which is intended to alert persons who are awake, be visible in all areas of the room or unit.
A visual signal is also important for single or multiple-station smoke detectors where provided in sleeping rooms or suites. A single appliance can be used to provide notification of the building system alarm and the room smoke detector alarm so long as the activation of the room's smoke detector does not activate the building alarm system.
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