The owner of a 15,000 square foot facility where no fire alarm system is required asks you to install a system with only three smoke detectors. Which of the following is true?

The assertion that installing a fire alarm system with only three smoke detectors is acceptable per NFPA 72 refers to certain conditions where minimal detection could be permitted. NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, allows for flexibility in system design based on the occupancy, layout, and specific risks of a facility. In some cases, especially for smaller buildings or those with lower risk classifications, local codes and regulations may permit a limited number of detectors if the overall design meets the required safety standards.

In instances where the life safety risk level is considered low, and if the chosen detectors are strategically placed to ensure adequate coverage, a system with only three smoke detectors could legally be justified under certain interpretations of NFPA 72, provided that the installation adheres to the relevant local codes and guidelines. Additionally, the final acceptance of this limited installation would typically depend on the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), who evaluates compliance with applicable safety standards.

In general, understanding that minimal detection can be acceptable under certain conditions allows for a nuanced approach to fire alarm system requirements, emphasizing the importance of assessing the specific characteristics of each building and adhering to the governing codes.