How to Choose an Area of Refuge System

How to Choose the Right Area of Refuge System for Your Building

BEC Integrated Solutions: Your Code-Compliant Life Safety Expert

Understanding Area of Refuge Systems

Every second matters in building emergencies—especially for the disabled or mobility-impaired. Area of Refuge (AOR) systems, or Area of Rescue Assistance systems, are the line of communication that can mean life or death in emergency situations.
With over 20 years of experience providing cutting-edge communications systems for healthcare facilities, retail buildings, office buildings, and commercial buildings, BEC Integrated Solutions understands the value in selecting the right Area of Refuge system for your specific building requirement.

What is an Area of Refuge?

An Area of Refuge is an area of refuge within a building where people, particularly mobility-impaired people, can flee and remain awaiting help in situations of fire, health problems, or natural calamities. The areas must be provided with two-way communication devices within easy access that are directly linked to emergency services or building security.

Code Requirements and Compliance Standards for Area of Refuge Systems

Area of Refuge systems are required in building codes and access legislation. Knowing the rules is super important. It makes sure your facility meets legal requirements and keeps everyone safe.

Important Area of Refuge Systems Regulatory Conditions

●        According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA Accessibility Area of Refuge places must include accessible pathways and communication tools to guarantee that every building inhabitant has equitable access to safety.
●        IBC Requirements: Installation requirements, location, and technical specifications for Area of Refuge installations are outlined in the International Building Code.
●        NFPA Standards: Fire protection features and coordination of building fire alarm systems are controlled through National Fire Protection Association codes.
●        State and Local Code Variances: State and local building codes can have extra requirements that will need to be accommodated in your system design.

Warning of Noncompliance

Noncompliance with Area of Refuge requirements can lead to inspection failure, delayed occupancy permits, legal liability, and worst of all, compromise of life safety. Always refer to professional professionals who are trained life safety professionals for complete compliance.

Types of Area of Refuge Systems 

 Not all Area of Refuge systems are created equal. The best system for your facility will be determined by a few different factors, including building size, occupancy type, budget, and code enforcement for your project. BEC has a couple of tried-and-true system types that are used across various building applications. The best RATH system is defined by the unique characteristics of your building. Here's a comparison of the best ones:

SmartCommand System (Daisy-Chain Configuration)

●        Capacity: Up to 128 call stations
●        Wiring: Daisy-chain topography minimized to an absolute minimum
●        Best For: Stadiums, big buildings, hospitals, multi-campus facilities
●        Key Features: Simple installation, complete NFPA/IBC/ADA compliance, UL 2525 listing, 2-hour survivability in fire, system supervision is included, battery backup protection

Analog SmartRescue System (Home-Run Configuration)

●        Capacity: Up to 10 call boxes
●        Wiring: Traditional home-run wiring method
●        Best For: Small offices, stores, and low buildings.
●        Key Features: Meets regulations, simple setup, and good price for small projects.

Command Center System (Home-Run Configuration)

●        Capacity: 1-116 call boxes
●        Wiring: Home-run wiring
●        Best For: Office buildings, mid-sized facilities, mixed-use developments
●        Key Benefits: Long-term stability of analog nature, superior scalability ability, high-performance

IP Command Center System (Network/VoIP-Based)

●        Capacity: 128 call boxes maximum
●        Wiring: Leverages existing network infrastructure
●        Best For: Existing IT resource buildings with enhanced technology
●        Key Benefits: Remote operation, seamless integration, best use of resources, code compliance in entirety

Selection Criteria for Choosing Your Building’s Area of Refuge System

Picking the right Area of Refuge system is a conscientious balancing of your building's particular requirements and situations. BEC professionals take into account several considerations to recommend to you the best solution.

Building Assessment Factors

Building Characteristics Checklist:

✓ Building Height: The number of floors influences the complexity of the system and backup power needs
✓ Square Footage: Dictates the number of Area of Refuge areas and call boxes needed
✓ Occupancy Type: There are specific needs in all healthcare, educational, commercial, and residential occupancies
✓ Number of Occupants: High-occupancy structures have more advanced systems for communications
✓ Type of Construction: Steel, concrete, and wood construction classify types of system installation

Technical Requirements Checklist:

✓ Power Supply: Primary and secondary power systems shall meet code
✓ Communication Range: System capable of communicating effectively to the monitoring station from any AOR zone
✓ Integration Requirements: Integratable with existing fire alarms and security systems
✓ Monitoring Location: Connectivity to central station, fire command center, or security office
✓ Environmental Conditions: System operates in all building environments

Operational Considerations Checklist:

✓ Maintenance Requirements: Simple maintenance testing and access
✓ User Training: System complexity at staff ability
✓ Future Growth: Feasibility of future building expansion or reconfiguration
✓ Cost Restrictions: Upfront installation expense and long-term operating cost
✓ Local Support: Certification of service technicians is easily accessible locally

Installation and Integration Requirements for Area of Refuge Systems

Proper Installation is critical to the Area of Refuge system reliability and code compliance. BEC's expertly trained technicians ensure smooth integration with your building's current infrastructure and complete regulation compliance.

Essential Installation Factors

Strategic Location Planning: Call boxes are placed according to code specifications with clear visibility and easy access in an emergency.

Power System Integration: Battery and main power systems ensure smooth functioning in the event of prolonged emergencies.

Communication Infrastructure: Communication lines must be interference-free and open connections in order to be able to monitor facilities.

System Testing and Commissioning: Thorough testing ensures all system functioning and code and standards compliance.

Integration with Existing Systems

Modern Area of Refuge systems are integrated with fire alarm panels, security, building automation, and more. Integration is a factor in improved situational awareness as well as streamlined emergency response procedures. BEC can design integrated life safety ecosystems that operate as a single system.

 Maintenance and Testing Requirements for Area of Refuge Systems

Refuge Area systems should be tested and serviced periodically so they are operating when most required. A good maintenance program preserves your investment and ensures code compliance.

Maintenance Program Elements

Regular Testing Schedule Checklist:

• Monthly Testing: Simple function test of all communication lines and call stations
• Annual Inspection: Thorough system inspection, including component check and battery test
• Documentation: Detailed documentation of all tests and maintenance for code compliance
• Emergency Repair: 24/7 system critical failure assistance

BEC offers complete maintenance solutions developed to meet your system's unique requirements. Our experienced and trained technical staff understand the life-critical environments under which these systems function and leave them prepared to act at a moment's notice when lives are involved.

Why Choose BEC for Your Area of Refuge System

Experience matters when your credibility hangs in the balance for doing it right the first time. This is why Building Pros Count on BEC Integrated Solutions:

✓ Code Compliance Guarantee – Our systems are designed to current NFPA 72, IBC, ADA, and UL 2525 codes. No unexpected inspections.
✓ Building-Specific Solutions – From a 10-story office building to a medical campus facility, to a mixed-use development, we design systems specifically to your specifications.
✓ Mitigation of Risk With Professional Leadership – Avoid costly errors generated by incompatibility of systems or missed code requirements.
✓ Solutions That Are Future-Proofed – We create solutions today with tomorrow's growth in mind, safeguarding your investment for the long run.
✓ Record of Proven Success – Two decades of service to healthcare facilities, corporate office buildings, school campuses, and government offices nationwide.

Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BEC's Area of Refuge Service

Does BEC actually install it?
No—and that's good news for you, because what it does mean is this: we work at what we do best—quality consulting, correct system selection, and code compliance audits. That allows us to be completely objective in our recommendations and coexist with your own contractors and integrators of your choice.

How can I be certain these systems will be installed?
All of RATH by AVIRE's solutions that we provide are fully ADA, NFPA 72, and IBC compliant. We have a twenty-year history and are in compliance with evolving codes, and we even have established rapport with AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) throughout the US.

Will BEC prevent me from over-engineering or under-specifying my system?
No surprises. That's the brilliance of our building-by-building approach. We consider your building size, occupancy type, growth strategy, and budget constraints to tailor the ideal solution—nothing more, nothing less.

Do we work with your current contractors?
Yes. We work with your electrical contractors, system integrators, and project team to deliver a smooth installation. Our detailed specifications and technical support minimize installation delays and callbacks.

Are you Ready to Make the Right Choice?
Picking your area of refuge system need not break the bank. With BEC's tried and true approach, you have the clarity and assurance of working with true masters.

This is how we get it done: We identify your building requirements, provide the perfect RATH by AVIRE solution, offer detailed specs, and walk your staff through installation. Let our experts review your building needs and provide code-compliant solutions within your time frame and budget.

Contact BEC Integrated Solutions today to consult with a life safety professional who understands the technical requirements and the true field conditions of your project.