How many decibels must fire alarms be above the average noise level in a given space?

Fire alarms are required to be a certain number of decibels above the average noise level in a given space to ensure they can effectively alert occupants during an emergency. The standard typically mandates that alarms must be at least 15 decibels above the average ambient noise level. This is crucial because, in environments with higher background noise, such as industrial settings or places with heavy machinery, it is important for the alarm to be loud enough to be heard clearly above that noise.

By requiring the fire alarm to be 15 decibels above the ambient sound level, this standard ensures that the alarm will be audible to most individuals, even those who may have hearing impairments. It balances the need for effective alerting without being unnecessarily loud or disruptive, which could lead to alarm fatigue among occupants.

This requirement reflects a comprehensive approach to safety, allowing for effective communication of fire alarms in various environments while considering the noise levels that are typical in those spaces.