In a Group B occupancy, what is the occupant load that triggers the requirement for a fire alarm system?

In a Group B occupancy, the requirement for a fire alarm system is typically triggered by an occupant load of 500. This threshold is established in fire safety codes to ensure adequate protection and notification for larger gatherings of people. When occupancy reaches this level, the potential risks associated with evacuating a larger number of individuals in case of a fire significantly increase.

Implementing a fire alarm system at this threshold helps ensure a rapid response in emergencies and enhances overall safety by facilitating timely alerts and effective evacuation procedures. In environments with fewer occupants, the risk and required protective measures can be less stringent, thus the occupant load triggers differ based on safety considerations and serviceability of the fire alarm systems.

Options with lower occupant loads do not require a fire alarm system in Group B occupancies because they are deemed to have a manageable risk where immediate evacuation can reasonably be accomplished without such systems.