When is a manual fire alarm system NOT required in Group E occupancies?

In Group E occupancies, which typically include educational facilities, a manual fire alarm system is governed by specific code requirements regarding the occupant load. A manual fire alarm system is generally required for safety reasons, but there are exceptions based on the number of occupants.

When the occupant load is 50 or less, the code allows for some flexibility in fire alarm system requirements. In this case, the risk associated with a smaller number of occupants is lower, reducing the need for a manual fire alarm, as it may be sufficient to rely on other safety measures, such as direct supervision or emergency egress strategies.

This understanding aligns with the code's emphasis on risk assessment, where higher occupant loads typically necessitate more robust fire alarm systems to ensure occupant safety and compliance with fire regulations. Hence, the threshold of 50 occupants serves as a benchmark where a manual fire alarm system may not be required, making it the correct answer in the context provided.