Fire detection and alarm systems, emergency alarm systems, gas detection systems, fire extinguishing systems, mechanical smoke exhaust systems, and smoke and heat vents shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to effect a reestablishment of such equipment, material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.14] Maintenance.
Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire-resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and with their intended use.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.24] Maintenance of Equipment.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to effect a reestablishment of such equipment material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
- All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspection, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
- Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 California Edition.)
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
- (b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
All testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13195 shall be performed by those licensed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13196.5.
Exceptions:
- The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, licensing of fire departments which conduct fire sprinkler and standpipe system testing and maintenance.
- Service on fire alarm systems and industrial systems as specified in Health and Safety Code Sections 13196.5(b) and (c) may be conducted without a license.
- Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.
Exceptions:
- The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.
If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.
- The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (h) At the time of testing and maintenance, building management shall be consulted to avoid unnecessary disturbance of normal building operation.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(i)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- The licensee shall contact the local fire authority having jurisdiction prior to testing and maintenance of a system when required by the local fire authority having jurisdiction to do so.
Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapters 3 and 5.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(a)] Inspection Requirements.
- A license shall not be required to perform inspections. Inspections may be conducted by any person designated by the building owner or occupant who has developed competence through training and experience.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(g)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (g) Prior to activating any fire alarm component of an automatic fire extinguishing system, the licensee shall insure that the licensee is capable of restoring the fire alarm system.
TABLE 901.6.1
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
| SYSTEM | STANDARD | |
| Portable fire extinguishers | California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3 | |
| Carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system | NFPA 12 | |
| Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing systems | NFPA 12A | |
| Dry-chemical extinguishing systems | NFPA 17 | |
| Wet-chemical extinguishing systems | NFPA 17A | |
| Water-based fire protection systems | California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 | |
| Fire alarm systems | NFPA 72 | |
| Smoke and heat vents | NFPA 204 | |
| Water-mist systems | NFPA 750 | |
| Clean-agent extinguishing systems | NFPA 2001 |
Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(b)] Inspection Requirements.
- (b) Records of all inspections shall be retained on the premises by the building or system owner for a period of five years after the next required inspection.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(c)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (c) Records of all testing and maintenance shall be retained on the premises by the building or system owner for a period of five years after the next required test or maintenance.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(j)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (j) It is the responsibility of the contractor, company or licensee to provide a written report of the test and maintenance results to the building owner and the local fire authority having jurisdiction at the completion of the testing and maintenance.
Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall be either evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(c)] Inspection Requirements.
- (c) The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts, or impairments found while performing the inspection, test, and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the listing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropriate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(d)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (d) The building or system owner shall insure immediate correction of any deficiencies noted during the service. A tag or label shall be affixed to a system only after all deficiencies have been corrected. The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts, or impairments found while performing the inspection, test, and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the listing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropriate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(e)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
- (e) At the time of testing and maintenance, or at any time parts are replaced, an itemized invoice showing work performed and parts replaced shall be provided by the licensee to the system owner. If testing and maintenance is performed more than thirty (30) days prior to the next required testing and maintenance date, the invoice shall bear a statement indicating the system was tested and maintained early.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(f)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
Preplanned impairments shall be authorized by the impairment coordinator. Before authorization is given, a designated individual shall be responsible for verifying that all of the following procedures have been implemented:
- The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.
- The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.
- Recommendations have been submitted to management or the building owner/manager.
- The fire department has been notified.
- The insurance carrier, the alarm company, the building owner/manager and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.
- The supervisors in the areas to be affected have been notified.
- A tag impairment system has been implemented.
- Necessary tools and materials have been assembled on the impairment site.
When impaired equipment is restored to normal working order, the impairment coordinator shall verify that all of the following procedures have been implemented:
- Necessary inspections and tests have been conducted to verify that affected systems are operational.
- Supervisors have been advised that protection is restored.
- The fire department has been advised that protection is restored.
- The building owner/manager, insurance carrier, alarm company and other involved parties have been advised that protection is restored.
- The impairment tag has been removed.
The fire code official is authorized to permit the removal of existing occupant-use hose lines where all of the following conditions exist:
- Installation is not required by this code or the California Building Code.
- The hose line would not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.
- The remaining outlets are compatible with local fire department fittings.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
ALARM SIGNAL.
ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE.
ANNUNCIATOR.
AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
AUTOMATIC.
AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM.
AUTOMATIC WATER MIST SYSTEM.
AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL.
CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
CLEAN AGENT.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE.
CONSTANTLY ATTENDED LOCATION.
DELUGE SYSTEM.
DETECTOR, HEAT.
DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT.
ELEVATOR GROUP.
EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM.
EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.4(b)] “E” Definitions
(b) Engineered Fixed Extinguishing System. A system which is custom designed for a particular hazard, using components which are approved or listed only for their broad performance characteristics. Components may be arranged into a variety of configurations. These systems shall include but not be limited to:
FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL.
FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT.
FIRE ALARM SIGNAL.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM.
FIRE APPLIANCE [SFM] is apparatus or equipment provided or installed for use in the event of an emergency.
FIRE AREA.
FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM.
FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS.
FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO).
FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR.
INITIATING DEVICE.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.9(a)] “I” Definitions.
- Inspection. A visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.
MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX.
MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE.
MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.12(a)] “M” Definitions.
- Maintenance. Work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.
NOTIFICATION ZONE.
NUISANCE ALARM.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.15(a)] “P” Definitions.
Pre-engineered Fixed Extinguishing System. A system where the number of components and their configurations are included in the description of the systems approval and listing. These systems shall include but not be limited to:
PRIVATE GARAGE.
RECORD DRAWINGS.
SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM.
SLEEPING UNIT.
SMOKE ALARM.
SMOKE DETECTOR.
STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF.
STANDPIPE, TYPES OF.
Automatic dry.
Automatic wet.
Manual dry.
Manual wet.
Semiautomatic dry.
SUPERVISING STATION.
SUPERVISORY SERVICE.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.18(a)] “S” Definitions.
TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF.
TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT.
TROUBLE SIGNAL.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.19(a)] “T” Definitions.
- Testing. A procedure used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting periodic physical checks.
VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT.
WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM.
ZONE.
ZONE, NOTIFICATION.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group A-1 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following conditions exists:
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group A-2 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
- The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2), contains more than one fire area containing a Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group A-3 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
- The structure exceeds 12,000 square feet (1155 m2), contains more than one fire area containing exhibition and display rooms, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing Group A-4 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following conditions exists:
- The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2 and 300 for other Group A occupancies, all floors between the occupied roof and the level of exit discharge shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Exception: Open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
- Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients already incapable.
- One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor where such care is provided as well as all floors below, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
- Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) in area.
Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that portion of the building.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area where every classroom throughout the building has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level.
- In rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other such areas where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.
- Throughout any Group E structure greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) in area, which contains more than one fire area, and which is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
- For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19.
- For public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.20.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
- The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
- A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system shall be not less than that required under the California Building Code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2.
Where the design area of the sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.
TABLE 903.2.5.2
GROUP H-5 SPRINKLER DESIGN CRITERIA
| LOCATION | OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION |
| Fabrication areas | Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
| Service corridors | Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
| Storage rooms without dispensing | Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
| Storage rooms with dispensing | Extra Hazard Group 2 |
| Corridors | Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
The fire sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier above the 10th story.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
- Those areas exempted by Section 407.6 of the California Building Code.
- Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113 (d), Group I-2 occupancies, or any alterations thereto, located in Type IA construction in existence on March 4, 1972.
An existing, unsprinklered Group I-2, nurses’ station open to fire-resistive exit access corridors shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system located directly above the nurses’ station. It shall be permitted to connect the automatic sprinkler system to the domestic water service.
Every building, or portion thereof, where inmates or persons are in custody or restrained shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13. The main sprinkler control valve or valves and all other control valves in the system shall be locked in the open position and electrically supervised so that at least an audible and visual alarm will sound at a constantly attended location when valves are closed. The sprinkler branch piping serving cells may be embedded in the concrete construction.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
- The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
- A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
- [SFM] The structure exceeds 24,000 square feet (465 m2), contains more than one fire area containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
Exceptions:
- Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies not housing bedridden clients, not housing nonambulatory clients above the first floor, and not housing clients above the second floor.
- Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies housing only one bedridden client and complying with Section 435.8.3.3 of the California Building Code.
- Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13113, occupancies housing ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill children or children with intellectual disabilities, and the buildings or portions thereof in which such children are housed are not more than two stories in height, and buildings or portions thereof housing such children have an automatic fire alarm system activated by approved smoke detectors.
- Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13143.6, occupancies licensed for protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over).
When not used in accordance with area or height increases for automatic fire sprinklers allowed in the California Building Code, an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be allowed in Group R-2.1 occupancies.
An automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall not be utilized in Group R-2.1 or R-4 occupancies.
Attics not used for living purposes, storage or fuel-fired equipment shall be protected in accordance with one of the following:
- Attics protected throughout by a heat detector system arranged to activate the building fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.10.
- Attics constructed of noncombustible materials.
- Attics constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood framing complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code.
- The automatic sprinkler system shall be extended to provide protection throughout the attic space.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
- A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
- The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
- A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
- A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the California Building Code, as shown:
- Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m2).
- Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
- A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code where either of the following conditions exists:
- Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
- Where the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all stories, including basements, of all buildings where the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m2) and where there is not provided not fewer than one of the following types of exterior wall openings:
- Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1011 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1012. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).
- Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling not less than 20 square feet (1.86 m2) in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm). The height of the bottom of the clear opening shall not exceed 44 inches (1118 mm) measured from the floor.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings that have one or more stories with an occupant load of 30 or more located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, measured to the finished floor.
Exceptions:
- Open parking structures.
- Occupancies in Group F-2.
Where required by the California Mechanical Code, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in ducts conveying hazardous exhaust or flammable or combustible materials.
Exception: Ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than 10 inches (254 mm).
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.
TABLE 903.2.11.6
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
| SECTION | SUBJECT |
| 914.2.1 | Covered and open mall buildings |
| 914.3.1 | High rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access |
| 914.4.1 | Atriums |
| 914.5.1 | Underground structures |
| 914.6.1 | Stages |
| 914.7.1 | Special amusement buildings |
| 914.8.2 | Airport traffic control towers |
| 914.8.3, 914.8.6 | Aircraft hangars |
| 914.9 | Flammable finishes |
| 914.10 | Drying rooms |
| 914.11.1 | Ambulatory care facilities |
| 1029.6.2.3 | Smoke-protected assembly seating |
| 1103.5.1 | Pyroxylin plastic storage in existing buildings |
| 1103.5.2 | Existing Group I-2 occupancies |
| 1103.5.3 | Existing Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancies |
| 1103.5.4 | Pyroxylin plastics |
| 2108.2 | Dry cleaning plants |
| 2108.3 | Dry cleaning machines |
| 2309.3.2.6.2 | Hydrogen motor fuel-dispensing area canopies |
| 2404.2 | Spray finishing in Group A, E, I or R |
| 2404.4 | Spray booths and spray rooms |
| 2405.2 | Dip-tank rooms in Group A, I or R |
| 2405.4.1 | Dip tanks |
| 2405.9.4 | Hardening and tempering tanks |
| 2703.10 | HPM facilities |
| 2703.10.1.1 | HPM work station exhaust |
| 2703.10.2 | HPM gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures |
| 2703.10.3 | HPM exit access corridor |
| 2703.10.4 | HPM exhaust ducts |
| 2703.10.4.1 | HPM noncombustible ducts |
| 2703.10.4.2 | HPM combustible ducts |
| 2807.3 | Lumber production conveyor enclosures |
| 2808.7 | Recycling facility conveyor enclosures |
| 3006.1 | Class A and B ovens |
| 3006.2 | Class C and D ovens |
| Table 3206.2 | Storage fire protection |
| 3206.4 | Storage |
| 5003.8.4.1 | Gas rooms |
| 5003.8.5.3 | Exhausted enclosures |
| 5004.5 | Indoor storage of hazardous materials |
| 5005.1.8 | Indoor dispensing of hazardous materials |
| 5104.4.1 | Aerosol warehouses |
| 5106.3.2 | Aerosol display and merchandising areas |
| 5204.5 | Storage of more than 1,000 cubic feet of loose combustible fibers |
| 5306.2.1 | Exterior medical gas storage room |
| 5306.2.2 | Interior medical gas storage room |
| 5306.2.3 | Medical gas storage cabinet |
| 5606.5.2.1 | Storage of smokeless propellant |
| 5606.5.2.3 | Storage of small arms primers |
| 5704.3.7.5.1 | Flammable and combustible liquid storage rooms |
| 5704.3.8.4 | Flammable and combustible liquid storage warehouses |
| 5705.3.7.3 | Flammable and combustible liquid Group H-2 or H-3 areas |
| 6004.1.2 | Gas cabinets for highly toxic and toxic gas |
| 6004.1.3 | Exhausted enclosures for highly toxic and toxic gas |
| 6004.2.2.6 | Gas rooms for highly toxic and toxic gas |
| 6004.3.3 | Outdoor storage for highly toxic and toxic gas |
| 6504.1.1 | Pyroxylin plastic storage cabinets |
| 6504.1.3 | Pyroxylin plastic storage vaults |
| 6504.2 | Pyroxylin plastic storage and manufacturing |
| California Building Code Section 440 | Horse racing stables |
| California Building CodeSection 441 | Pet kennels |
| California Building CodeSection 449 | Public libraries |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.023 m3.
All existing sound stages and approved production facilities equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions in this chapter.
Regardless of any other provisions of these regulations, every existing high-rise building of Type II-B, Type III-B or Type V-B construction shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed in any existing high-rise structure in which a Group R-1 or a Group R-2 occupancy is located shall have an approved flow indicator electrically interconnected to the required fire alarm system.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings housing Group L occupancies. Sprinkler system design for research laboratories and similar areas of a Group L occupancy shall not be less than that required for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 with a design area of not less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2).
In mixed occupancies, portions of floors or buildings not classified as Group L occupancies shall be provided with sprinkler protection designed of not less than that required for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 with a design area of not less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2).
The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier above the 10th story.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all stations of fixed guideway transit systems.
Exceptions:
- Guideways when the closest sprinkler heads to the guideway are within 3 feet (914 mm) of the edge, over the platform and spaced 6 feet (1829 mm) on center, parallel to the guideway.
- Station agent booths not exceeding 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area, when provided with an approved smoke detector connected to the building fire alarm system.
- Power substations.
- Machinery rooms, electrical rooms and train control rooms protected by an approved automatic fixed fire-extinguishing system.
- Open stations.
- Station platform areas open to three or more sides.
Underground stations and stations in open cuts with walls 5 feet (1524 mm) above the top of the running rail and with a raised platform shall be provided with an undervehicle guideway manually activated deluge sprinkler system. In open cut stations, such system shall be provided in guideways which are situated between a raised platform edge and a retaining wall.
Deluge nozzles with caps shall be located in the approximate center of track with spacing designed to completely wet the undersides of the vehicle at the applied density.
Deluge systems shall be directly connected to a water supply capable of supplying the required flow rate for a minimum 30-minute duration.
Controls or manually operable valves shall be in a location acceptable to the Fire Code Official. All deluge systems shall be monitored by the station fire alarm system.
Each valve shall be monitored by a separate circuit. The alarm panel shall be located in an area normally occupied by station personnel or signals shall be transmitted to the operations control center (OCC).
Carports with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, shall be protected by residential fire sprinklers in accordance with this section. Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected to, and installed in accordance with, an automatic residential fire sprinkler system that complies with Section R313 of the California Residential Code or with NFPA 13D. Fire sprinklers shall be residential sprinklers or quick-response sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 (2.04 mm/min) over the area of the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic calculation purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler placement.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing carports and/or garages that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with this section.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all occupancies. The provisions of this section shall apply to any public school project consisting of one or more buildings on a new school campus and receiving state funds pursuant to Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, California Education Code, Sections 17070.10 through 17079. For purposes of this section, new campus refers to a school site, where an application for construction of original buildings was made to DSA on or after July 1, 2002.
An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required in
locations identified in Section 903.2.20.
Sprinklers shall be installed in spaces where the ceiling creates a “ceiling-plenum” or the space above the ceiling is utilized for environmental air.
A new public school campus shall be entitled to include in the design and construction documents all of the applicable fire-resistive construction substitutions as permitted by this code.
- A relocatable building that is sited with the intent that it be at the site for less than three years and is sited upon a temporary foundation in a manner that is designed to permit easy removal. Also see CCR, Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code, Section 4-314 for definition of relocatable building.
- Detached buildings designed and used for noninstructional
purposes that meet the applicable
requirements for that occupancy. Buildings would
include, but not be limited to:
Concession Stand
Press Box
Restroom Facilities
Shade Structure
Snack Bar
Storage Building
Ticket Booth
In other than Group I-2, I-2.1 and I-3 occupancies, automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
- A room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
- A room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, where approved by the fire code official.
- Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.
- Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code.
- Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, and associated electrical power distribution equipment, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712 of the California Building Code, or both.
- Solar photovoltaic panel structures with no use underneath. Signs may be provided, as determined by the enforcing agency prohibiting any use underneath including storage.
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels supported by framing that have sufficient uniformly distributed and unobstructed openings throughout the top of the array (horizontal plane) to allow heat and gases to escape, as determined by the enforcing agency.
Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 80.
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 of the California Building Code shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.
Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:
- Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with the California Building Code.
- Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.
- Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R occupancies.
- Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with due regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.
Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.
Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:
- Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
- Buildings that are four or more stories in height.
Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.
Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
- Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
- Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.
- Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
- Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
Exceptions:
- Underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided by the municipality or public utility are not required to be monitored.
- Backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(2)] Required Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Frequencies.
- (2) Engineered and pre-engineered fixed extinguishing systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained at least semi-annually, and immediately after a system activation.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(c)] Required Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Frequencies.
- (c) Engineered and pre-engineered fixed extinguishing systems, regardless of installation date, shall be inspected, tested and maintained within the time periods specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 904(a)(2) above.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.7(a) through (c)] Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements for Engineered and Pre-engineered Fixed Extinguishing Systems.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance shall be performed in accordance with:
- California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 904(a)(2),
- the manufacturer’s written instructions, which are approved and on file with the Office of the State Fire Marshal; and
- the applicable standards adopted in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, (California Fire Code).
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation in accordance with Section 904.12.1. Where more than one hazard could be simultaneously involved in fire due to their proximity, all hazards shall be protected by a single system designed to protect all hazards that could become involved.
Exception: Multiple systems shall be permitted to be installed if they are designed to operate simultaneously.
Prior to conducting final acceptance tests, the following items shall be inspected:
- Hazard specification for consistency with design hazard.
- Type, location and spacing of automatic- and manual-initiating devices.
- Size, placement and position of nozzles or discharge orifices.
- Location and identification of audible and visible alarm devices.
- Identification of devices with proper designations.
- Operating instructions.
Commercial cooking equipment that produce grease laden vapors shall be provided with a Type I Hood, in accordance with the California Mechanical Code, and an automatic fire extinguishing system that is listed and labeled for its intended use as follows:
- Wet chemical extinguishing system, complying with UL 300.
- Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems.
- Automatic fire sprinkler systems.
All existing dry chemical and wet chemical extinguishing systems shall comply with UL 300.
Exception: Public schools kitchens, without deep-fat fryers, shall be upgraded to a UL 300 compliant system during state-funded modernization projects that are under the jurisdiction of the Division of the State Architect.
All systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code, appropriate adopted standards, their listing and the manufacturers’ installation instructions.
Exception: Factory-built commercial cooking recirculating systems that are tested, listed, labeled and installed in accordance with UL 710B and the California Mechanical Code.
A manual actuation device shall be located at or near a means of egress from the cooking area not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from the kitchen exhaust system. The manual actuation device shall be installed not more than 48 inches (1200 mm) nor less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the floor and shall clearly identify the hazard protected. The manual actuation shall require a maximum force of 40 pounds (178 N) and a maximum movement of 14 inches (356 mm) to actuate the fire suppression system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be required to be equipped with manual actuation means.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §573(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Commercial Cooking Operations.
- Fire extinguishers with a Class K rating shall be provided for hazards where there is a potential for fires involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
- Maximum travel distance shall not exceed 30 feet (9.15 m) from the hazard to the extinguishers.
- Additional fire extinguishers, required for the control of other classes of fires, shall be provided for commercial cooking areas as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 567.
Where hazard areas include deep fat fryers, listed Class K portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3 and as follows:
- For up to four fryers having a maximum cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each: one Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum 1.5-gallon (6 L) capacity.
- For every additional group of four fryers having a maximum cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each: one additional Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum 1.5-gallon (6 L) capacity shall be provided.
- For individual fryers exceeding 6 square feet (0.55 m2) in surface area: Class K portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with the extinguisher manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fusible links and automatic sprinkler heads shall be replaced at least annually, and other protection devices shall be serviced or replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Exception: Frangible bulbs are not required to be replaced annually.
Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.11.1. Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.
Exception: Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies.
In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor where any of the following occur:
- Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
- Buildings that are four or more stories in height.
- Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exceptions:
- Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
- Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
- Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures, provided that the hose connections are located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section 905.5.
- Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:
- 5.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.
- 5.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.
Class I automatic wet standpipes shall be provided in nonsprinklered Group A buildings having an occupant load exceeding 1,000 persons.
Exceptions:
- Open-air-seating spaces without enclosed spaces.
- Class I automatic dry and semiautomatic dry standpipes or manual wet standpipes are allowed in buildings that are not high-rise buildings.
Covered mall and open mall buildings shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe system where required by Section 905.3.1. Mall buildings not required to be equipped with a standpipe system by Section 905.3.1 shall be equipped with Class I hose connections connected to the automatic sprinkler system sized to deliver water at 250 gallons per minute (946.4 L/min) at the most hydraulically remote hose connection while concurrently supplying the automatic sprinkler system demand. The standpipe system shall be designed not to exceed a 50 pounds per square inch (psi) (345 kPa) residual pressure loss with a flow of 250 gallons per minute (946.4 L/min) from the fire department connection to the hydraulically most remote hose connection. Hose connections shall be provided at each of the following locations:
- Within the mall at the entrance to each exit passageway or corridor.
- At each floor-level landing within interior exit stairways opening directly on the mall.
- At exterior public entrances to the mall of a covered mall building.
- At public entrances at the perimeter line of an open mall building.
- At other locations as necessary so that the distance to reach all portions of a tenant space does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a hose connection.
Stages greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area shall be equipped with a Class III wet standpipe system with 11/2-inch and 21/2-inch (38 mm and 64 mm) hose connections on each side of the stage.
Exception: Where the building or area is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, a 11/2 inch (38 mm) hose connection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 or in accordance with NFPA 14 for Class II or III standpipes.
Housing units within cell complexes where 50 or more inmates are restrained shall be provided with Class I wet standpipes. In addition, Class I wet standpipes shall be located so that it will not be necessary to extend hose lines through interlocking security doors and any doors in smoke-barrier walls, horizontal fire walls or fire barrier walls. Standpipes located in cell complexes may be placed in secured pipe chases.
Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:
- In every required interior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate landing between stories, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. See Section 909.20.2.3 of the California Building Code for additional provisions in smokeproof enclosures.
On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to a horizontal exit are reachable from an interior exit stairway hose connection by a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose as measured along the path of travel, a hose connection shall not be required at the horizontal exit.
In every exit passageway, at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of a building.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to an exit passageway are reachable from an interior exit stairway hose connection by a 30-foot (9144 mm) hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose, a hose connection shall not be required at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of the building.
- In covered mall buildings, adjacent to each exterior public entrance to the mall and adjacent to each entrance from an exit passageway or exit corridor to the mall. In open mall buildings, adjacent to each public entrance to the mall at the perimeter line and adjacent to each entrance from an exit passageway or exit corridor to the mall.
- Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), a hose connection shall be located to serve the roof or at the highest landing of an interior exit stairway with access to the roof provided in accordance with Section 1011.12.
- Where the most remote portion of a floor or story is more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from a hose connection, the fire code official is authorized to require that additional hose connections be provided in approved locations. The distances from a hose connection shall be measured along the path of travel.
Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within an interior exit stairway shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located.
Exception: In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, laterals that are not located within an interior exit stairway are not required to be enclosed within fire-resistance-rated construction.
Cabinets shall be identified in an approved manner by a permanently attached sign with letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high in a color that contrasts with the background color, indicating the equipment contained therein.
Exceptions:
- Doors not large enough to accommodate a written sign shall be marked with a permanently attached pictogram of the equipment contained therein.
- Doors that have either an approved visual identification clear glass panel or a complete glass door panel are not required to be marked.
Cabinets shall be unlocked.
Exceptions:
- Visual identification panels of glass or other approved transparent frangible material that is easily broken and allows access.
- Approved locking arrangements.
- Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas of Group I-2 occupancies.
Dry standpipes shall not be installed.
Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.
Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change in the normal position of the valve will generate a supervisory signal at the supervising station required by Section 903.4. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall also be transmitted to the control unit.
Exceptions:
- Valves to underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided by the municipality or public utility do not require supervision.
- Valves locked in the normal position and inspected as provided in this code in buildings not equipped with a fire alarm system.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:
In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3.1, R-4 and S occupancies.
Exception: In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1-A:10-B:C.
- Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of commercial cooking equipment.
- In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.
- On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in accordance with Section 3315.1.
- Where required by the sections indicated in Table 906.1.
- Special-hazard areas, including but not limited to laboratories, computer rooms and generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.
- Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2-A:10-B:C rating.
- Where required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1.
- Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of domestic cooking equipment located in a Group I-2.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.29(a) through (d)] Portable Fire Extinguishing Equipment.
- General. Portable fire extinguishers conforming to the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with guides established therein.
- Special Coverage. Additional Class A, B and C units of adequate extinguishing potential shall be provided for any other hazard, as determined by the enforcing agency.
Group A Occupancies.
One additional Class 2–A unit shall be provided in Group A Occupancies as follows:
On each side of the stage or platform.
Exception: Platforms 1000 square feet or less in area need have only one such extinguishing unit.
- On each side of every fly gallery.
- In basements beneath the stage or platform.
- In every hallway or passageway leading to a dressing room.
- In every property room, carpenter shop, or similar workroom.
Not less than one 10–B:C unit (not less than 4–B:C for existing extinguishers in existing occupancies) shall be provided:
- For each motor and fan room.
- Adjacent to each switchboard on the stage or platform.
For each motion picture machine in projection rooms.
Exception: One 20–B:C unit (not less than 8–B:C for existing extinguishers in existing occupancies) in each projection room may be accepted as providing substantially equal protection.
- The enforcing agency may allow modifications or deviations relative to the number and location of portable fire extinguishers as required by this section provided such authority finds that the basic intent of this section and the ease of accessibility to extinguishers is otherwise achieved.
- Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 Occupancies. In Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies, a continuously attached garden hose, equipped with a water flow control nozzle, may be provided in lieu of one or more required fire extinguishers when acceptable to the enforcing agency. The location and length of such hose shall be as designated or approved by the enforcing agency.
NOTE: It is recommended that, wherever possible, portable fire extinguishers be located adjacent to manual fire alarm sending stations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565(a)] Selection of Fire Extinguishers.
- The selection of extinguishers for a given situation shall be determined by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with adopted codes or ordinances. The character of the fires anticipated, the construction and occupancy of the individual property, the vehicle or hazard to be protected, ambient-temperature conditions, and other factors shall be considered. The number, size, placement, and limitations of use of extinguishers required shall be determined by using California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Sections 567 through 573.
TABLE 906.1
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
| SECTION | SUBJECT |
| 303.5 | Asphalt kettles |
| 307.5 | Open burning |
| 308.1.3 | Open flames—torches |
| 309.4 | Powered industrial trucks |
| 2005.2 | Aircraft towing vehicles |
| 2005.3 | Aircraft welding apparatus |
| 2005.4 | Aircraft fuel-servicing tank vehicles |
| 2005.5 | Aircraft hydrant fuel-servicing vehicles |
| 2005.6 | Aircraft fuel-dispensing stations |
| 2007.7 | Heliports and helistops |
| 2108.4 | Dry cleaning plants |
| 2305.5 | Motor fuel-dispensing facilities |
| 2310.6.4 | Marine motor fuel-dispensing facilities |
| 2311.6 | Repair garages |
| 2404.4.1 | Spray-finishing operations |
| 2405.4.2 | Dip-tank operations |
| 2406.4.2 | Powder-coating areas |
| 2804.3 | Lumberyards/woodworking facilities |
| 2808.8 | Recycling facilities |
| 2809.5 | Exterior lumber storage |
| 2903.5 | Organic-coating areas |
| 3006.3 | Industrial ovens |
| 3104.12 | Tents and membrane structures |
| 3206.1 | Rack storage |
| 3315.1 | Buildings under construction or demolition |
| 3317.3 | Roofing operations |
| 3408.2 | Tire rebuilding/storage |
| 3504.2.6 | Welding and other hot work |
| 3604.4 | Marinas |
| 5203.6 | Combustible fibers |
| 5703.2.1 | Flammable and combustible liquids, general |
| 5704.3.3.1 | Indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids |
| 5704.3.7.5.2 | Liquid storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids |
| 5705.4.9 | Solvent distillation units |
| 5706.2.7 | Farms and construction sites—flammable and combustible liquids storage |
| 5706.4.10.1 | Bulk plants and terminals for flammable and combustible liquids |
| 5706.5.4.5 | Commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments—fuel dispensing |
| 5706.6.4 | Tank vehicles for flammable and combustible liquids |
| 5906.5.7 | Flammable solids |
| 6108.2 | LP-gas |
Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with this section and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
Exceptions:
- The distance of travel to reach an extinguisher shall not apply to the spectator seating portions of Group A-5 occupancies.
Thirty-day inspections shall not be required for portable fire extinguishers that are supervised by a listed and approved electronic monitoring device, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
- 2.1. Electronic monitoring shall confirm that extinguishers are properly positioned, properly charged and unobstructed.
- 2.2. Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal.
- 2.3. The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment.
- 2.4. Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested when extinguisher maintenance is performed.
- 2.5. A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to verify that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
- In Group I-3, and in mental health areas of Group I-2, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.1(a) through (c)] Classification of Hazards.
- Light (Low) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations and contents, is of minor quantity. These shall include buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, etc. This classification anticipates that the majority of the contents are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines, art departments, etc., are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.
- Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.
- Extra (High) Hazard. Locations where the total amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present, in storage, production use, and/or finished product over and above those expected and classed as Ordinary (Moderate) Hazards. These occupancies could consist of woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, individual product display showrooms, product convention center displays, storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also, included in warehousing of, or in-process storage of other Class I and Class II commodities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.2(a) through (e)] Selection by Hazard.
- Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or classes of hazards to be protected in accordance with the following subdivisions (b), (c), (d) and (e).
- Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards shall be selected from the following: Water-type, halogenated agent types, multipurpose dry chemical and wet chemical type.
- Extinguishers for protection of Class B hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, halogenated agent types, and water-type and water chemical extinguishers rated for Class B hazards.
- Extinguishers for protection of Class C hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, halogenated agent types, and water mist types rated for Class C. Carbon dioxide extinguishers equipped with metal horns are not considered safe for use on fires in energized electrical equipment and, therefore, are not classified for use on Class C hazards.
- Extinguishers and extinguishing agents for the protection of Class D hazards shall be of types approved for use on the specific combustible metal hazard.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §566(a) through (f)] Application for Specific Hazards.
- Class B Fire Extinguishers for Pressurized Flammable Liquids and Pressurized Gas Fires. Fires of this nature are considered to be a special hazard. Class B fire extinguishers containing agents other than dry chemical are relatively ineffective on this type of hazard due to stream and agent characteristics. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommendations by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not applicable to these types of hazards. It has been determined that special nozzle design and rates of agent application are required to cope with such hazards. Caution: It is undesirable to attempt to extinguish this type of fire unless there is reasonable assurance that the source of fuel can be promptly shut off.
- Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) shall be listed and labeled Class K fires.
- Three-dimensional Class B Fires. A three-dimensional Class B fire involves Class B materials in motion such as pouring, running or dripping flammable liquids and generally includes vertical as well as one or more horizontal surfaces. Fires of this nature are considered to be a special hazard. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommendations by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not directly applicable to this type of hazard.
- Water Soluble Flammable Liquid Fires (Polar Solvents). Extinguishers used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetones, esters, ketones, etc., shall be selected in accordance with Section 565.2. AFFF-type and FFFP-type fire extinguishers shall not be used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetone, esters, ketones, etc., unless specifically referenced on the extinguisher nameplate.
- Electronic Equipment Fires. Extinguishers for the protection of delicate electronic equipment shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide type or a halogenated agent type, or a distilled water mist type with a minimum Class A:C Rating.
- In patient care areas and sleeping rooms of health care facilities, fire extinguishers, including the agents and expelling means, should be selected and utilized that would not be detrimental to patients and are appropriate for the type of fire expected, such as distilled water mist type fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A:C rating.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.8] Installation Temperatures.
Water-type (water, AFFF, FFFP) extinguishers shall not be installed in areas where temperatures are outside the range of 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C). Other types shall not be installed in areas where temperatures are outside the range of -40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C). Fire extinguishers shall not be exposed to temperatures outside of the range shown on the fire extinguisher label.
Exceptions:
- Where fire extinguishers are installed in locations subject to temperatures outside these ranges, they shall be of a type approved and listed for the temperature to which they are exposed, or they shall be placed in an enclosure capable of maintaining the stipulated temperature range.
- Fire extinguishers containing plain water only can be protected to temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) by the addition of an antifreeze stipulated on the extinguisher nameplate. Calcium chloride solutions shall not be used in stainless steel fire extinguishers.
- Some fire extinguishers are approved or listed for use at temperatures as low as -65°F (-54°C).
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.1] Frequency of Inspection.
Fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected when initially placed in service. Thereafter, extinguishers shall be manually inspected at least monthly by the building owner, occupant, or his/her authorized agent, or electronically monitored. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require, as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.2] Inspection Procedures.
In addition to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.1, fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected in accordance with this section if they are located where any of the following conditions exist:
- High frequency of fires in the past.
- Extra (high) hazard areas.
- Location that makes fire extinguishers susceptible to mechanical or physical damage.
- Exposure to abnormal temperatures or corrosive atmospheres.
Manual inspection of extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:
- Located in designated place.
- No obstruction to access or visibility.
- Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward.
- Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing.
- Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.
- Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.
- Fullness determined by weighing or hefting.
- For wheeled units, the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle shall also be checked.
- For nonrechargeable extinguishers using push-to-test pressure indicators, test the indicator.
Electronic monitoring shall include monitoring of the following items:
- Located in the designated place.
- No obstruction to access or visibility.
- Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.1] Operating Conditions.
Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition, and kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.3] Corrective Action.
When an inspection of any extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in Title 19, Division 1, Sections 574.2(b)(c), immediate corrective action shall be taken.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.4] Nonrechargeable Extinguishers.
When an inspection of any nonrechargeable fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (9) of Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.2(b), it shall be discharged and removed from service.
Exception: Nonrechargeable extinguishers containing a halon agent shall be removed from service, not discharged, and returned to the manufacturer or local fire extinguisher distributor having the capability of recovering the halon agent.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §575.10] Out of Service.
Fire extinguishers removed from service for maintenance or recharge shall be replaced by fire extinguishers suitable for the type of hazard protected and shall be of at least equal rating.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §591.5] Replacement Extinguishers.
Portable fire extinguishers shall not be removed from the premises for hydrostatic testing or any other purpose, without first replacing the extinguisher with a unit rated for the hazard being protected. The customer’s original unit shall be returned within 60 calendar days.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §596.7(a) and (b)] Removal of Tag.
- No person shall remove any tag, collar or label required by Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 9 from a portable fire extinguisher except when service is performed.
- No person shall deface, modify, or alter any tag collar or label required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 9 to be attached to any portable fire extinguisher.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.5(a) through (c)] Inspection Record Keeping.
- The fire extinguisher owner shall maintain records of all fire extinguishers inspected, including those extinguishers that were found to require corrective actions. Records shall be maintained until next required maintenance.
- At least monthly, the date the manual inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection shall be recorded on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, or an inspection checklist maintained on file, or an electronic system (e.g., bar coding) that provides a permanent record.
- Fire extinguishers being inspected via electronic monitoring, whereby the extinguisher causes a signal at a control unit when a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.2(c) occurs, shall provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel.
The size and distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.3.1 through 906.3.4.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567(a) through (k)] Distribution of Fire Extinguishers.
- The minimum number of fire extinguishers needed to protect a property shall be determined as outlined in this section. Additional extinguishers may be installed to provide more suitable protection.
- Fire extinguishers shall be provided for the protection of both the building structure and the occupancy hazards contained therein.
- Required building protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for Class A fires.
- Occupancy hazard protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for such Class A, B, C, D or K fire potentials as may be present.
- Extinguishers provided for building protection may be considered also for the protection of occupancies having a Class A fire potential.
- Buildings having an occupancy hazard subject to Class B and/or Class C fires shall have a standard complement of Class A fire extinguishers for building protection, plus additional Class B and/or Class C extinguishers. Where fire extinguishers have more than one letter classification (such as 2-A:20-B:C), they may be considered to satisfy the requirements of each letter class. When using multipurpose extinguishers for the protection of Class B hazards, the maximum travel distances described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 must be observed.
- Rooms or areas shall be classified generally as light (low) hazard, ordinary (moderate) hazard, or extra (high) hazard. Limited areas of greater or lesser hazard shall be protected as required.
- On each floor level, the area protected and the travel distances shall be based on fire extinguishers installed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Tables 2 and 3.
Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
Exception: In large rooms, and in certain locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be proved to indicate the fire extinguisher’s location.
- Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located along normal paths of travel where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of a fire.
- Where wheeled extinguishers are installed, aisles and doorways through which such extinguishers are to be moved shall have a clear and unobstructed width not less than one foot wider than the overall width of the extinguisher.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §568(a) through (e)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards.
- Minimum sizes of fire extinguishers for the listed grades of hazards shall be provided on the basis of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, except as modified by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568(d). Extinguishers shall be located so that the maximum travel distances shall not exceed those specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, except as modified by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568(d).
- Certain smaller fire extinguishers which are charged with a multipurpose dry chemical or halogenated agent are rated on Class B and Class C fires, but having insufficient effectiveness to earn the minimum 1-A rating even though they have value in extinguishing smaller Class A fires. They shall not be used to meet the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2.
- Extinguishers as specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 may be replaced by uniformly spaced 11/2 inch (3.810 cm) hose stations for use by the occupants of the building. When hose stations are so provided, they shall conform to Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 9. The location of hose stations and the placement of fire extinguishers shall be in such a manner that the hose stations do not replace more than every other extinguisher.
- Where the floor area of a building is less than that specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, at least one extinguisher of the minimum size recommended shall be provided.
- The protection requirements may be fulfilled with extinguishers of a higher rating provided the travel distance from anywhere in the building to such larger extinguishers shall not exceed 75 feet (22.7 m), as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 above.
| Light (Low) Hazard Occupancy | Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard Occupancy | Extra (High) Hazard Occupancy | |
| Minimum rated single extinguisher | 2-A | 2-A | 4-A* |
| Maximum floor area per unit of A | 3,000 square feet | 1,500 square feet | 1,000 square feet |
| Maximum floor area for extinguisher | 11,250 square feet | 11,250 square feet | 11,250 square feet |
| Maximum travel distance to extinguisher | 75 feet | 75 feet | 75 feet |
* Two 21/2 gallon (9.46 L) water type extinguishers can be used to fulfill the requirement of one 4-A rated extinguisher.
Note: 1 foot = 0.305 m, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §569(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Fires Other than for Fires in Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth.
Minimum sizes of fire extinguishers for the listed grades of hazard shall be provided on the basis of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3. Extinguishers shall be located so that the maximum travel distances from anywhere in the building shall not exceed those specified in the table used.
Exception: Extinguishers of lesser rating, desired for small specific hazards within the general hazard area, may be used, but shall not be considered as fulfilling any part of the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.
- Two or more extinguishers of lower rating shall not be used to fulfill the protection requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.
- The protection requirements may be fulfilled with extinguishers of high ratings, provided the travel distance to such larger extinguishers shall not exceed 50 feet (15.25 m), as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.
| Type of Hazard | Basic Minimum Extinguisher Rating | Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguishers (in feet) | (in meters) |
| Light (low) | 5B | 30 | 9.15 |
| 10B | 50 | 15.25 | |
| Ordinary (moderate) | 10B | 30 | 9.15 |
| 20B | 50 | 15.25 | |
| Extra (high) | 40B | 30 | 9.15 |
| 80B | 50 | 15.25 |
Note 1. The specified rating does not imply that fires of the magnitudes indicated by these ratings will occur, but rather to give the operators more time and agent to handle difficult spill fires that may occur.
Note 2. For fires involving water soluble flammable liquids, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 566(d).
Note 3. For specific hazard applications, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 566.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §570(a) through (e)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Fires in Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth.
Portable fire extinguishers shall not be installed as the sole protection for flammable liquid hazards of appreciable depth [greater than 1/4 inch (0.64 cm)] where the surface area exceeds 10 square feet (0.93 m2).
Exception: Where personnel who are trained in extinguishing fires in the protected hazards are available on the premises, the maximum surface area shall not exceed 20 square feet. (1.86 m2).
For flammable liquid hazards of appreciable depth, a Class B fire extinguisher shall be provided on the basis of at least two numerical units of Class B extinguishing potential per square feet (0.0929 m2) of flammable liquid surface of the largest hazard area. For fires involving cooking grease or water-soluble flammable liquids, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 566(b) and 566(d).
Exception: AFFF- or FFFP-type extinguishers may be provided on the basis of a 1B rating of protection per square foot of hazard.
Two or more extinguishers of lower ratings shall not be used in lieu of the extinguisher required for the largest hazard area.
Exception: Up to three AFFF or FFFP extinguishers may be used to fulfill the requirements provided the sum of the Class B ratings meets or exceeds the value required for the largest hazard area.
- Travel distances for portable extinguishers shall not exceed 50 feet (15.25 m) as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.
- Scattered or widely separated hazards shall be individually protected. An extinguisher in the proximity of a hazard shall be carefully located to be accessible in the presence of a fire without undue danger to the operator.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §571(a)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class C Hazards.
- Fire extinguishers with Class C ratings shall be required where energized electrical equipment can be encountered which would require a nonconducting extinguishing medium. This requirement includes situations where fire either directly involves or surrounds electrical equipment. Since the fire itself is a Class A or Class B hazard, the fire extinguishers shall be sized and located on the basis of the anticipated Class A or Class B hazard.
Note: Electrical equipment should be de-energized as soon as possible to prevent reigniting.
TABLE 906.3(1)
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS A FIRE HAZARDS
| LIGHT (Low) HAZARD OCCUPANCY | ORDINARY (Moderate) HAZARD OCCUPANCY | EXTRA (High) HAZARD OCCUPANCY | |
| Minimum rated single extinguisher | 2-Ac | 2-A | 4-Aa |
| Maximum floor area per unit of A | 3,000 square feet | 1,500 square feet | 1,000 square feet |
| Maximum floor area for extinguisherb | 11,250 square feet | 11,250 square feet | 11,250 square feet |
| Maximum distance of travel to extinguisher | 75 feet | 75 feet | 75 feet |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
- Two 21/2-gallon water-type extinguishers shall be deemed the equivalent of one 4-A rated extinguisher.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3 concerning application of the maximum floor area criteria.
- Two water-type extinguishers each with a 1-A rating shall be deemed the equivalent of one 2-A rated extinguisher for Light (Low) Hazard Occupancies.
TABLE 906.3(2)
FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS WITH DEPTHS OF LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.25-INCHa
| TYPE OF HAZARD | BASIC MINIMUM EXTINGUISHER RATING | MAXIMUM DISTANCE OF TRAVEL TO EXTINGUISHERS (feet) |
| Light (Low) | 5-B | 30 |
| 10-B | 50 | |
| Ordinary (Moderate) | 10-B | 30 |
| 20-B | 50 | |
| Extra (High) | 40-B | 30 |
| 80-B | 50 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
- For requirements on water-soluble flammable liquids and alternative sizing criteria, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with depths of less than or equal to 0.25-inch (6.4 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with Table 906.3(2).
Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with a depth of greater than 0.25-inch (6.4 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.
Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking grease fires shall be of an approved type compatible with the automatic fire-extinguishing system agent and in accordance with Section 904.12.5.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §573(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Commercial Cooking Operations.
- Fire extinguishers with a Class K rating shall be provided for hazards where there is a potential for fires involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
- Maximum travel distance shall not exceed 30 feet (9.15 m) from the hazard to the extinguishers.
- Additional fire extinguishers, required for the control of other classes of fires, shall be provided for commercial cooking areas as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 567.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will be readily accessible and immediately available for use. These locations shall be along normal paths of travel, unless the fire code official determines that the hazard posed indicates the need for placement away from normal paths of travel.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.5] Physical Damage Protection.
Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage, (e.g., from impact, vibration, the environment) shall be adequately protected.
Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not housed in cabinets, shall be installed on the hangers or brackets supplied. Hangers or brackets shall be securely anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.3] Installation.
Portable fire extinguishers other than wheeled types shall be securely installed on the hanger or in the bracket supplied or placed in cabinets or wall recesses. The hanger or bracket shall be securely and properly anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Wheeled-type fire extinguishers shall be located in a designated location.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.4] Brackets.
Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to dislodgement shall be installed in brackets specifically designed to cope with this problem.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.6] Mounting.
Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18.14 kg) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 5 feet (1.53 m) above the floor. Fire extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 pounds (18.14 kg) (except wheeled types) shall be so installed that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 3 1/2 feet (1.07 m) above the floor. In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor be less than 4 inches (10.2 cm).
Cabinets used to house portable fire extinguishers shall not be locked.
Exceptions:
- Where portable fire extinguishers subject to malicious use or damage are provided with a means of ready access.
- In Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas in Group I-2 occupancies, access to portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be locked or to be located in staff locations provided the staff has keys.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.2] Cabinets.
Cabinets housing extinguishers shall not be locked.
Exception: Where extinguishers are subject to malicious use, locked cabinets may be used provided they include a means of emergency access and are approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.7] Sealed Cabinets.
Where extinguishers are installed in closed cabinets that are exposed to elevated temperatures, the cabinets shall be provided with screened openings and drains.