When an occupancy with an atrium connects more than how many stories, is smoke detection required throughout the building?

In buildings with atriums, smoke detection requirements are particularly critical due to the potential for smoke to travel vertically through the space. When an atrium connects more than two stories, the risk of smoke infiltration into different levels increases, making it essential to have smoke detection throughout the building. This requirement is intended to ensure a timely response to potential fire events and enhance safety for occupants across all levels of the building.

The adoption of smoke detection systems in such configurations helps to alert occupants and emergency responders quickly if a fire does occur, facilitating evacuation and potentially saving lives. This standard is part of broader fire safety measures recognized in building codes and standards, emphasizing the importance of smoke control in larger, open spaces like atriums.

By understanding this context, it becomes clear why the requirement for smoke detection is specified to be throughout buildings that feature atriums extending beyond two stories.