ADAAG Manual

Visual Alarms, Notification Devices and Telephones [9.3] Auxiliary Alarms

A portion of sleeping units in transient lodging facilities 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 room 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.

Visual Notification Devices

Care must be taken that notification devices intended to signal a door knock or bell are separately wired. Like auxiliary alarms, these devices can be portable and made available as needed. In this case, ADAAG requires appropriate outlets and wiring.

Phones

Permanently installed telephones must be equipped with a volume control. An accessible electrical outlet within 4 feet of a phone connection is required to facilitate use of a portable text telephone (or TTY). (Facility operators are responsible for making portable TTYs available under ADA requirements that call for the provision of "auxiliary aids.") TTYs at hotel front desks will allow guests using TTYs in their room to access in-house services.