10a NCAC 13F .0307       FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

(a)  The fire alarm system in adult care homes shall be able to transmit the fire alarm signal automatically to the local emergency fire department dispatch center that is legally committed to serving the area in which the facility is located. The alarm shall be transmitted either to a fire department or through a third-party service that shall transmit the alarm to the fire department. The method used to transmit the alarm shall be in accordance with local ordinances.

(b)  The facility shall comply with fire safety requirements of the city and county in which the facility is located as required by local building and fire officials.

(c)  In a facility licensed before April 1, 1984 and constructed prior to January 1, 1975, the building, in addition to meeting the requirements of the North Carolina State Building Code in effect at the time the building was constructed, shall have the following:

(1)           A fire alarm system with pull stations within five feet of an exit and sounding devices which are audible throughout the building;

(2)           Products of combustion (smoke) U/L listed detectors in all corridors. The detectors shall be no more than 60 feet from each other and no more than 30 feet from an end wall;

(3)           Heat detectors or products of combustion detectors in all storage rooms, kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and laundries;

(4)           All detection systems interconnected with the fire alarm system; and

(5)           Emergency power for the fire alarm system, heat detection system, and products of combustion detection with automatic start generator or trickle charge battery system capable of operating the fire alarm systems for 24 hours and able to sound the alarm for five minutes at the end of that time. Emergency egress lights and exit signs shall be powered from an automatic start generator or a U/L approved trickle charge battery system capable of operation for 1-1/2 hours when normal power fails.

(d)  When a facility not equipped with a complete automatic fire extinguishment system replaces the fire alarm system, all bedrooms shall have smoke detectors. Other building spaces shall provide fire detection devices as required by the North Carolina State Building Code and requirements of this Subchapter.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-2.16; 143B-165;

Eff. January 1, 1977;

Readopted Eff. October 31, 1977;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1984;

Recodified from 10A NCAC 13F .0305 Eff. July 1, 2004;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2025.