Building Code Glossary
Single-station Smoke Alarm: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define single-station smoke alarm, 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
Single-station smoke alarm is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire Protection Systems. The code's own words are: “An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.” 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 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 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?
Single-station Smoke Alarm — IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems:
An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Single-station Smoke Alarm, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation. |
| IFC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation. |
Where single-station smoke alarm 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about single-station smoke alarm, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A minimum of one single-station smoke alarm shall be installed within a residential aircraft hangar as defined in the International Building Code and shall be interconnected into the residential smoke alarm or other sounding device to provide an alarm that will be audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling.
A minimum of one single-station smoke alarm shall be installed within a residential aircraft hangar as defined in Section 412.3.1 and shall be interconnected into the residential smoke alarm or other sounding device to provide an alarm which will be audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling.
— IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems
The terms single-station smoke alarm 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 single-station smoke alarm covers:
- Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
- Control — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Single-station Smoke Alarm: 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 | Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Control | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| 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
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Control: Building Code Definition
- Device: 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 single-station smoke alarm?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire Protection Systems as: “An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.” 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 single-station smoke alarm?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings in the IFC 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 are the California building code requirements for smoke detectors?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as single-station smoke alarm, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is the code for a smoke detector?
Smoke Detector is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “A listed device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion.” That is not the same as single-station smoke alarm, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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