In some jurisdictions, there are regulations that specify certain requirements for fire alarm sound characteristics, including the volume and tone of the alarm. However, it’s not accurate to say that all fire alarms must sound exactly the same by law.
The specifics of fire alarm sound requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of building. For example, in the UK, the British Standard BS 5839-1 provides guidelines for fire alarm sounders, including recommendations for sound levels and the use of by law all fire alarms must sound the same different tones to distinguish between different types of alarms (e.g., fire alarm, fault alarm).
In general, fire alarm sounders should be loud enough to be heard throughout the building and should be distinct enough to be easily recognized as a fire alarm. The goal is to ensure that occupants can quickly recognize the sound of the alarm and take appropriate action in the event of a fire.
Building owners and managers need to be aware of the specific fire alarm sound requirements that apply to their jurisdiction and ensure that their fire alarm systems comply with these requirements to ensure the safety of building occupants.