For an R-1 occupancy, how many visible and audible alarms are required for 135 occupants?

For R-1 occupancies, which are typically classified as residential occupancies that provide sleeping accommodations for transient guests, the design and installation of fire alarm systems must adhere to specified codes and standards, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the International Building Code (IBC).

According to NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, and the IBC, the requirement for visible and audible alarms is based on the number of sleeping units and the total occupancy. In general, the code stipulates that there should be a minimum number of alarms based on the occupancy load. For an occupant load of 135 in an R-1 occupancy, the calculation for the number of required alarms takes into account maintaining safety and ensuring that all occupants can be alerted in case of a fire.

In determining the total number of alarms required for this occupancy, the sum rules in these codes show that for every specified number of occupants, a corresponding number of alarms must be available to ensure effective coverage.

In this case, with 135 occupants, the required number of visible and audible alarms being 12 is consistent with the codes' requirements for adequate coverage to alert all occupants in the event of an emergency, ensuring their safety and allowing for effective evacuation.

Thus