In which type of occupancy must a fire alarm system be installed if there is an atrium connecting more than two stories?

In buildings with an atrium connecting more than two stories, it is essential to install a fire alarm system specifically for occupancies that include such atrium configurations. This requirement is governed by building and fire codes, which recognize that atriums create unique challenges for smoke movement and egress in the event of a fire.

An atrium serving multiple floors can allow smoke and heat to easily spread throughout a structure, thereby jeopardizing the safety of occupants on all affected levels. The installation of a fire alarm system provides critical early warning to occupants, facilitates safe evacuation, and can employ automatic detection and response measures that are vital for managing life safety in these types of environments.

Occupancies that do not have atriums or those that fall into broad categories like residential, commercial, or industrial buildings would not explicitly be required to have this specific type of fire alarm system unless they incorporate atrium designs. Therefore, the focus on occupancies with atriums highlights the importance of targeted safety measures in structures that present increased risks due to their architectural features.