If a fire alarm system serves more than one building, what must be done regarding origin zones?

If a fire alarm system serves more than one building, what must be done regarding origin zones?

• A. They may share a single origin zone
• B. Each building shall be indicated a separate zone of origin
• C. Origin zones are optional
• D. Only for multi-story buildings

Answer: (B)

Origin zones indicate where an initiating device has activated the system. When a fire alarm serves more than one building, giving each building its own origin zone ensures the exact source is pinpointed. This clear localization speeds evacuation, directs responders to the correct building, and prevents confusion that would occur if all initiations shared a single zone. The rule is not about building height, and origin zones are not optional; separate zones for each building are required so the first alarm can be traced to the correct location.

Origin zones indicate where an initiating device has activated the system. When a fire alarm serves more than one building, giving each building its own origin zone ensures the exact source is pinpointed. This clear localization speeds evacuation, directs responders to the correct building, and prevents confusion that would occur if all initiations shared a single zone. The rule is not about building height, and origin zones are not optional; separate zones for each building are required so the first alarm can be traced to the correct location.