Are notification appliances required in exit stair enclosures and elevator cars?

Notification appliances are not typically required in exit stair enclosures and elevator cars according to most codes and standards. The purpose of notification appliances, which include alarms and other signaling devices, is to alert occupants of a fire or emergency situation so that they can evacuate safely.

In exit stair enclosures, the design is focused on providing a safe means of egress away from a fire, and occupants are expected to use these stairs during evacuations. Thus, installing notification appliances within these enclosures may not be deemed necessary, especially if there are other provisions in place for alarms and alerts outside the stair enclosure.

For elevator cars, since elevators should not be used during a fire evacuation due to safety concerns, notification appliances inside these cars are generally not required. Instead, emergency communication systems are often implemented to ensure that occupants can seek help if they become trapped.

Local regulations may vary, and there can be specific cases in high-rise buildings or unique design situations; however, the general requirement as stated in many building codes is that notification appliances are not mandated in such areas.