Section 903 of the IBC requires that buildings and spaces above certain size and occupancy thresholds be equipped with fire detection and alarm systems. Manual pull stations must be installed in all buildings with fire alarm systems, with maximum travel distance of 200 feet to a station. Alarm signals must alert occupants and notify monitoring centers or fire departments. Automatic detection using smoke, heat, or flame detectors is required in certain occupancies and building types. Hospitals and nursing homes require automatic detection throughout patient care areas, corridors, common areas, and storage areas. Educational buildings require detection in corridors, common areas, and storage. Office buildings exceeding certain size thresholds require detection in certain areas. Kitchens with cooking equipment must have detection designed to minimize nuisance alarms while detecting actual fires. Delayed alarm signaling is permitted in certain occupancies to investigate and potentially cancel alarms. Voice communication systems are required in assembly occupancies, hotels, hospitals, and other large occupancies to provide clear instructions during emergencies. Notification appliances including horn/strobe combinations must be audible and visible throughout occupied areas. Backup power supplies must sustain system operation for 24 hours standby and 5 minutes alarm. System testing and maintenance is required with certified technicians.