How often are telephones or two-way intercoms required within a stair enclosure?

The requirement for telephones or two-way intercoms within a stair enclosure is established to ensure efficient communication, particularly during emergencies or fire situations. Having these communication devices available every five floors provides a balance between accessibility and practicality, allowing individuals, both occupants and emergency responders, to communicate effectively in different parts of the building.

This frequency facilitates rapid reporting of situations, requesting assistance, or coordinating evacuation efforts, ensuring that help can be dispatched quickly and effectively. Accessibility to communication devices can significantly enhance safety during emergencies, making the five-floor requirement an essential standard in building safety protocols. Therefore, this choice reflects a critical safety measure in the design and operation of structures, ensuring that emergency communications are readily available throughout a building's vertical space.