A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies if the occupant load is how many or less?

In the context of fire safety regulations, specifically for Group E occupancies, a manual fire alarm system is not mandated if the occupant load is 50 or fewer. This provision allows smaller facilities, which typically have lower risks and more manageable evacuation requirements, to function without the added complexity and expense of a manual fire alarm system.

For Group E occupancies, which usually include educational facilities such as schools, the number 50 serves as a threshold for determining when more stringent fire alarm requirements become necessary. Occupancies with an occupant load above this threshold would generally be required to have manual fire alarm systems to ensure adequate safety and rapid response in the event of a fire emergency.

Understanding these codes and regulations is vital for building inspectors to ensure compliance and safety in commercial buildings, particularly in settings that cater to large groups of people, like schools and educational institutions. This reasoning reflects the balance between ensuring safety and managing practicalities in building design and operation.