Fire Alarm Strobe Placement In Corridors

[hbendillo]

Does anyone know the logic of why a strobe is required within 15' of the end of the corridor? I have some ideas but has anyone ever seen an official explanation?

 

[safetydan]

It is because of ADA requirements.

 

[mmt019]

It is written that way because someone (notibly someone who may be hearing impaired) who may be walking toward an intersecting hallway would be able to see the reflection of the the device that is located at the end of the other corridor that they are approaching. Or if they are walking out of a room near the end of a non-intersecting corridor and out into the corridor, chances are much greater they will see the strobe. If you base strobe location strictly on corridor length and just place one device greater than 15 ft. from the end, chances are the "hearing impaired" person may NOT notice the alarm. I hope that answers your question.

 

[hbendillo]

I am assuming that the code assumes so to speak that the strobe is a 15 candela strobe. If you get a chance, read my other post on this issue for which I provide a lot more information of my plight. Couldn't the issue be addressed by increasing the candela level of the strobe if it is more than 15 feet from the end. Yes, safetydan, I know all about the ADA requirement. I wanted the logic behind the requirement.

 

[karlemen]

there is also the underlying conservative assumption that the end device will fail - if visibility is reduced and the first strobe is inactive - can you still see the next one?