The ten systems

Fire alarm system

Detection, notification and signal transmission. Classed by wiring and supervision level; addressable panels dominate new work.

$65,000–$190,000 per building (typical 10,000–50,000 sf retrofit) · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.4 (determination of requirement, 3.2.4.1)

Automatic sprinklers

Fixed water suppression designed to the occupancy hazard. The single most consequential life-safety system in a retrofit budget.

$5–$12 per square foot (retrofit) · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.5 (sprinkler requirements from 3.2.5.12) and the occupancy area limits of 3.2.2

Standpipe and hose

Fixed vertical water mains with hose connections so fire crews are not dragging charged lines up stairwells.

$8,000–$25,000 per storey served · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.9

Emergency lighting

Battery-backed illumination of egress routes so occupants can find exits in a power failure.

$6,000–$28,000 per building (typical retrofit) · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.7 (emergency lighting, 3.2.7.3)

Exit signage

Illuminated exit signs marking every required exit and the route to it.

$2,500–$9,000 per building (typical retrofit) · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.4.5 (exit signs, 3.4.5.1)

Egress capacity

The number of exits and their aggregate width, sized to the occupant load. Not a product — a capacity the building must physically provide.

$20,000–$180,000 per added exit or widened stair · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.4.2 (number of exits, 3.4.2.1) and 3.4.3.2 (egress width)

Portable extinguishers

Hand-held extinguishers distributed by hazard class and travel distance.

$1,200–$4,000 per building (supply and placement) · NFC 2020 Div. B, 2.1.5 (installation) with selection per NFPA 10

Elevator emergency recall

Automatic recall of elevators to the designated level on a fire alarm, plus firefighters' in-car operation.

$18,000–$45,000 per elevator (controller and recall upgrade) · Provincial elevator safety codes adopting CSA B44; high-building measures in NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.6

Smoke control

Pressurization, venting and compartmentation measures that keep egress routes tenable — mechanical in high buildings and atria.

$60,000–$320,000 per building (mechanical retrofit) · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.2.6 (high buildings) and 3.2.8 (interconnected floor spaces)

Access control

Electronic door control — readers, strikes and electromagnetic locks. The security layer most insurers and tenants now expect.

$3,000–$6,500 per controlled door · NBC 2020 Div. B, 3.4.6 (electromagnetic locks on egress doors, 3.4.6.16; numbering varies by edition)