Icon - Area of Rescue

Area of Refuge

AOR System

ADA-Compliant Emergency Assistance

An Area of Refuge or Area of Rescue (AOR) system provides two-way, hands-free communication from either an elevator landing or stairway to the fire command center. These systems are fully compliant with IBC, ADAAG, ICC A117.1 Ch. 7, and NFPA 72 and can be configured to meet other local codes.

THE ENDURING LEADER IN AREA OF REFUGE SYSTEMS

Ensuring safety for all

Area of Refuge Systems are crucial because they serve as lifelines during emergencies, particularly for individuals who cannot evacuate without assistance. Reliability is not optional; it’s a necessity for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. Choose the AOR solutions trusted by building owners and managers to provide safe evacuation options for all individuals, particularly those with mobility challenges.

Compare AOR Systems

Finding the right Area of Refuge AOR System is simple with our comparison table.
Up to 10 Stations

Up to 10 Stations

Talkaphone’s Area of Refuge Systems for up to 10 stations are an optimal, cost-effective solution for smaller buildings.
11 to 32 Stations

11 to 32 Stations

Talkaphone’s Area of Refuge Systems for 11 to 32 stations are an effective solution for small to mid-rise buildings.
Over 32 Stations

Over 32 Stations

Talkaphone’s Area of Refuge Systems for over 32 stations are a robust solution for mid-rise to high-rise buildings.
Signage

Signage

Signage is a required and critical part of an Area of Refuge or Two-Way Emergency Communication System.
ECSM-1 Dashboard

Monitoring

The Emergency Communication System Monitor (ECSM-1) is a server-based application that monitors events and provides timely alerts for Area of Refuge Systems.
CODES & CERTIFICATIONS

Regulatory Code Requirements

Area of Refuge, Area of Rescue Assistance, or two-way communication systems are required in buildings that do not meet the exceptions and requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) and local building codes. There are additional regulatory codes or standards incorporated by reference. Talkaphone has provided additional information as guidance for designing and building a system. 
IBC for AOR system page
International Building Code (IBC)
The International Building Code (IBC) is adopted for use as a base building code standard by jurisdictions in the United States.
NFPA for AOR system page
NFPA 72
NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) is a standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for installation of fire alarm systems and emergency communication systems, including Area of Refuge, Area of Rescue Assistance, and two-way communication systems.
ICC for AOR system page
International Building Code (IBC)
ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities is a nationally recognized standard of technical requirements for making buildings accessible. The International Building Code (IBC) references ICC/ANSI A117.1.
ADA for AOR system page
International Building Code (IBC)
ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) provides requirements for Area of Rescue system components, such as signage and physical placement, in new construction and alterations of buildings and facilities.
MORE DETAILS

AOR Systems Comparison Table

 

Feature Benefit Fixed Station Analog AOR Analog AOR IP AOR
Feature Maximum Station Count Benefit
  • Designed for specific multi-level building sizes ranging from low- to high-rises
 Fixed Station Analog AOR 5 or 10 Analog AOR 16, 24, or 32 IP AOR 40, 80, 120, or 160
Feature Home Run/Star Wiring Based Benefit
  • Leverages existing cabling infrastructure
  • Centralized power source
  • Facilitates system deployment
 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR N/A
Feature Ethernet (IP) Network Based Benefit
  • Leverages modern Ethernet network infrastructure
  • Ideal solution for new construction, rehabilitation, redevelopment, or modernization (i.e., infrastructure upgrade) projects
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR N/A Analog AOR N/A IP AOR ●
    Feature Stations Powered by Command Unit Benefit
    • No additional power required for each station
    • Single-cable connection to each station
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR N/A
    Feature Stations Powered by IP Network (PoE) Benefit
    • No additional power required for each station
    • Single-cable connection to each station
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR N/A Analog AOR N/A IP AOR ●
    Feature 4-hour Battery Backup Benefit
    • Provides 4-hours of standby and 5-minutes of operation on battery backup
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR N/A Analog AOR ● IP AOR ○
    (For Command Units only)
    Feature 24-hour Battery Backup Benefit
    • Provides 24-hours of standby and 5-minutes of operation on battery backup
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ○ IP AOR ○
    (For Command Units only)
    Feature Maximum On-premise Answering Points Benefit
    • Provides additional on-site answering points (or central control point) to meet the constantly attended location requirement of NFPA 72
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR Command Unit with up to two (2) Sub-Command Units Analog AOR One (1) IP AOR Multiple-dependent on network
    Feature Analog Trunk (PSTN) Support for Off-site Dialing Benefit
    • Meets the requirements of NFPA 72—In the event the on-site answering point (or central control point) cannot be constantly attended, the system must forward calls to a constantly attended approved location, such as a central monitoring station, a communications center, or 911
    • Leverages existing telephony infrastructure
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature SIP Trunk (PSTN) Support for Off-site Dialing Benefit
    • Meets the requirements of NFPA 72—In the event the on-site answering point (or central control point) cannot be constantly attended, the system must forward calls to a constantly attended approved location, such as a central monitoring station, a communications center, or 911
    • Leverages modern telephony infrastructure
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR N/A Analog AOR N/A IP AOR ●
    Feature Open/Short Fault Supervision for Stations Benefit
    • Meets the Class B pathway requirements of NFPA 72—all pathways between remote area of rescue stations and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR N/A
    Feature IP Network Pathway Supervision for Stations Benefit
    • Meets the Class N pathway requirements of NFPA 72—all pathways between remote area of rescue stations and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR N/A Analog AOR N/A IP AOR ●
    Feature System Ground Fault Supervision Benefit
    • Meets the Class B pathway requirements of NFPA 72—all pathways between remote area of rescue stations and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR N/A
    Feature Low Battery Backup Supervision Benefit
    • Meets the trouble signal requirements of NFPA 72—failure of either the primary or secondary power supply shall result in a trouble signal
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR N/A
    Feature Primary Power Supervision Benefit
    • Meets the trouble signal requirements of NFPA 72—failure of either the primary or secondary power supply shall result in a trouble signal
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature Fault Output to Addressable Fire Panel Benefit
    • Meets the trouble signal requirements of NFPA 72—trouble signals and their restoration to normal shall be indicated at the fire alarm control unit for protected premises alarm systems, building fire command center for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems, or central station
    • Triggers an addressable fire panel to provide a visual and/or audible indicator for faults and their restoration to normal
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature All Call to Stations Benefit
    • Call into all stations on the system from either the Command Unit or through a remote PSTN connection to make an announcement
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR N/A IP AOR N/A
    Feature ADAAG Compliant Benefit
    • Designed to meet the accessibility requirements of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature International Building Code (IBC) Compliant Benefit
    • Designed to meet the two-way communication system requirements of the ICC A117.1 standard
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature ICC A117.1 Compliant Benefit
    • Designed to meet the accessibility requirements of the ICC A117.1 standard
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature NFPA 72 Compliant Benefit
    • Designed to meet the two-way emergency communication system requirements of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72)
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    Feature Limited Warranty Benefit
    • 5-year limited warranty
    		 Fixed Station Analog AOR ● Analog AOR ● IP AOR ●
    ● = Standard○ = Option available N/A = Not Available
    Download Comparison Table
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    AREA OF REFUGE 

    Insights & Information

    What is an Area of Refuge System?: FAQs for Area of Refuge Requirements
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