ICC Fire Plans Examiner Practice Exam

Occupancy type R-2 refers to residential occupancies with more than two dwelling units, such as apartment buildings. These types of occupancies typically have a lower occupant load, and the fire code provides certain exceptions for them regarding the requirement of manual fire alarm systems.

In general, R-2 occupancies might rely more on the building's automatic fire detection and alarm systems rather than requiring a manual pull station setup. This is because the occupants may receive alerts through the automatic systems present in the building, such as smoke detectors, which can initiate an alarm throughout the occupancy without the need for a manual system.

The other occupancy types, such as A-2 (assembly), E (educational), and M (mercantile), are generally associated with larger crowds or high-risk factors where rapid evacuation can be critical. These types usually necessitate manual fire alarm systems to ensure that occupants can be alerted and evacuated promptly in the case of a fire or emergency situation. Thus, while the other options emphasize the need for manual alarm systems due to higher associated risks, R-2 occupancies often meet safety requirements through alternative means.