Manual fire alarms shall be placed on both sides of grouped openings over ___ ft.

Manual fire alarms are designed to ensure quick response in case of a fire emergency. According to safety regulations, these alarms need to be strategically placed in areas where they are easily accessible to individuals, particularly at exits or near grouped openings in buildings.

When it comes to the specific requirement for placement relative to grouped openings, the guideline states that manual fire alarms must be installed on both sides of grouped openings that exceed a certain width. The standard measurement for this requirement is 40 feet. Therefore, when openings exceed this distance, placing alarms on either side enhances the visibility and accessibility for occupants, making it more likely that someone will trigger the alarm in case of a fire.

Having alarms positioned within this distance helps ensure that they are not too far away from those who may be in danger, thereby increasing the chances of a timely evacuation and alerting authorities. Thus, the requirement for 40 feet underscores the importance of safety and the effective evacuation of individuals in emergencies.