Building Code Glossary
Emergency Voice/alarm Communications: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define emergency voice/alarm communications, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Emergency voice/alarm communications is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire Protection Systems. The code's own words are: “Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Existing Structures (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Emergency Voice/alarm Communications — IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems:
Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Emergency Voice/alarm Communications, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building. |
| IFC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building. |
Where emergency voice/alarm communications is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about emergency voice/alarm communications, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with Section 907.6.2.2.
Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
— IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems
Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided with an approved emergency power source.
The terms emergency voice/alarm communications is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what emergency voice/alarm communications covers:
- Automatic — IBC 2009: As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Manual — IECC 2009: Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").
Emergency Voice/alarm Communications: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Fire Protection Systems | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Fire Protection Systems | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Automatic | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Manual | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Automatic: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Manual: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of emergency voice/alarm communications?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire Protection Systems as: “Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on emergency voice/alarm communications?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is an emergency voice alarm communication system?
System is a separate defined term. The IFC 2009 defines it as: “An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.” That is not the same as emergency voice/alarm communications, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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