SYSTEM | STANDARD |
Portable fire extinguishers | NFPA 10 |
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 | NFPA 25 |
Fire alarm systems | NFPA 72 |
Smoke and heat vents | NFPA 204 |
Water-mist systems | NFPA 750 |
Clean-agent extinguishing systems | NFPA 2001 |
Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems | NFPA 2010 |
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.
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.
Where 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 both of the following conditions exist:
- The hose line would not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.
- The remaining outlets are compatible with local fire department fittings.
Any fire protection system component regulated by this code that is the subject of a voluntary or mandatory recall under federal law shall be replaced with approved, listed components in compliance with the referenced standards of this code. The fire code official shall be notified in writing by the building owner when the recalled component parts have been replaced.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM.
CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT.
EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS.
FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL.
FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO).
HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE.
NOTIFICATION ZONE.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE.
VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT.
ZONE.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that 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 International Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code, or both.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-1 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-1 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy 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 fire area contains a multiple-theater complex.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-2 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-2 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy 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.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy 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.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-4 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-4 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy 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.
Enclosed spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 where either of the following exist:
- The enclosed area is 1,000 square feet (93 m2) or less and is not constructed in accordance with Section 1029.1.1.1.
- The enclosed area exceeds 1,000 square feet (93 m2).
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.
- 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 as well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.
- Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1,115 m2) in area.
- Whenever the Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at grounda level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
- Whenever the Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
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 International 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.
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 |
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
- An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group I-1, Condition 1 facilities.
- An automatic sprinkler system is not required where Group I-4 day care facilities are at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer than one exterior exit door.
- In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care and the level of exit discharge and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than areas classified as an open parking garage.
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).
- A Group R-1, R-2, or combined R-1 and R-2 building where less than 4,500 square feet of the building area consists of R-1 fire area, R-2 fire area, or a combination of R-1 and R-2 fire areas.
- A Group R-3 dwelling unit with less than 4,500
square feet of building area, excluding garages,
unless the Group R-3 dwelling unit contains a
state-licensed care facility that is required to be
provided with an automatic sprinkler system as a
condition of the license.
It's important to understand the difference between an R-3 and an R-3 dwelling unit when applying sprinkler requirements to licensed care facilities classified in Table 202.1. An R-3 must be constructed per the Minnesota Building Code. However there are specific state-licensed residential care programs that the legislature intended to be treated no more restrictively than a single family home under the Minnesota Residential Code. Such programs are classified as an R-3 dwelling unit.
- An automatic fire sprinkler system shall not be required if additions or alterations are made to existing Group R-3 or R-4 buildings or a portion thereof that do not have an automatic sprinkler system installed, unless required by a Minnesota license.
- Group R-1 multiunit resort buildings, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 157.15, and licensed by the Department of Health, with less than 9,250 square feet of building area.
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 (1,115 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 (2,230 m2).
- A Group S-1 fire area is 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 International 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 International 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.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
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 m2) and where the story does not comply with the following criteria for 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 not fewer than 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 not fewer than 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 International 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).
SECTION | SUBJECT |
914.2.1 | Covered and open mall buildings |
914.3.1 | High-rise buildings |
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 | Existing Group A occupancies |
1103.5.2 | Pyroxylin plastic storage in existing buildings |
1103.5.3 | Existing Group I-2 occupancies |
1103.5.4 | Existing Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies |
1103.5.4 | Pyroxylin plastics |
2108.2 | Dry cleaning plants |
2108.3 | Dry cleaning machines |
2309.3.1.5.2 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 |
3704.5 | Storage of more than 1,000 cubic feet of loose combustible fibers |
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 product warehouses |
5106.3.2 | Aerosol display and merchandising areas |
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 |
- 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.
- Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
- Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.
- 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 International Building Code.
- Sprinkler protection shall not be installed in
elevator shafts, elevator pits, or elevator
machine rooms.
Exception: Health care occupancies that: (1) are required to have NFPA 13 systems; (2) are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health; and (3) participate in Title XVIII (Medicare) or Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
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.
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 of the International Building Code shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.
Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units where either of the following conditions exists:
- The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.
- Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3 of the International Building Code.
Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.
- The building has an unsprinklered attic; and
- The building has combustible siding.
Attic protection shall be provided as follows:
- Attics that are used or intended for living purposes or storage shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
- Where fuel-fired equipment is installed in an unsprinklered attic, not fewer than one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment.
Where located in a building of Type III, Type IV or Type V construction designed in accordance with Section 510.2 or 510.4 of the International Building Code, attics not required by Item 1 to have sprinklers shall comply with one of the following if the roof assembly is located more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above the lowest level of required fire department vehicle access:
- 3.1. Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.
- 3.2. Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.
- 3.3. Construct the attic using fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the International Building Code.
- 3.4. Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.
The height of the roof assembly shall be determined by measuring the distance from the lowest required fire vehicle access road surface adjacent to the building to the eave of the highest pitched roof, the intersection of the highest roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the highest parapet, whichever yields the greatest distance. For the purpose of this measurement, required fire vehicle access roads shall include only those roads that are necessary for compliance with Section 503.
Group R-4, Condition 2 occupancy attics not required by Item 1 to have sprinklers shall comply with one of the following:
- 4.1. Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.
- 4.2. Provide a heat detection system throughout the attic that is arranged to activate the building fire alarm system.
- 4.3. Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.
- 4.4. Construct the attic using fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the International Building Code.
- 4.5. Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.
- The vestibule is 225 square feet or less in floor area;
- The vestibule is of noncombustible or limited combustible construction;
- The vestibule has glazing allowing vision into vestibule;
- The vestibule's only purpose is ingress and egress; and
- The vestibule contains no fueled equipment, flammable or combustible liquids, or furniture. Incidental combustible storage in the vestibule is limited to five cubic feet of material.
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 International Building Code.
- Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.
- Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-1 and R occupancies.
- Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.
Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. 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.
- 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.
- For existing sprinkler systems, monitoring is required when the number of sprinklers is 100 or more.
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 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, all of 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.
The automatic fire-extinguishing system for commercial cooking systems shall be of a type recognized for protection of commercial cooking equipment and exhaust systems of the type and arrangement protected. Preengineered automatic dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300 and listed and labeled for the intended application. Other types of automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be listed and labeled for specific use as protection for commercial cooking operations. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, NFPA 96, its listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems of the following types shall be installed in accordance with the referenced standard indicated, as follows:
- Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, NFPA 12.
- Automatic sprinkler systems, NFPA 13.
- Automatic water mist systems, NFPA 750.
- Foam-water sprinkler system or foam-water spray systems, NFPA 16.
- Dry-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17.
- Wet-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17A.
Exception: Factory-built commercial cooking recirculating systems that are tested in accordance with UL 710B and listed, labeled and installed in accordance with Section 304.1 of the International 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.
Fusible links and automatic sprinkler heads shall be replaced 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.
- In Group I-1 occupancies where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.8 of the International Building Code.
- In Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 407.2.6 of the International Building Code.
- In Group R-2 college dormitoriescongregate living facilities where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.10 of the InternationalMinnesota Building Code.
The domestic recirculating or exterior vented cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with the following:
- The automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 300A and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be provided in accordance with Section 904.12.1.
- Interconnection of the fuel and electric power supply shall be in accordance with Section 904.12.2.
Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Sections 901 and 904.4, NFPA 2010, and in accordance with their listing.
Such devices and appurtenances shall be listed and installed in compliance with manufacturer's instructions.
- Four or more stories are above or below grade plane.
- The floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) above the lowest level of the fire department vehicle access.
- The floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exception: Class I manual, automatic, or semiautomatic dry standpipes are allowed in buildings 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 buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
- Class I standpipes are allowed in Group B and E occupancies.
- 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.
- Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings where occupant-use hose lines will not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.
- In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:
- 7.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.
- 7.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.
- Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less; and
- Areas 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 hydraulically most 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.
- Supply one 11/2-inch (38 mm) fire hose valve at each floor level or intermediate stair landing in each required and enclosed stairway.
- The water for the small hose connections shall be supplied separately from the sprinkler system protecting that area so that the small hose connections are still functional if the water supply to the sprinkler system is shut down following fire extinguishment.
- The piping shall be a minimum of 11/2-inch (38 mm).
- The water shall be supplied from a wet-pipe sprinkler system only.
- The piping shall be comprised of metallic piping and hose valve connections.
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 the main floor landing unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
Exception: A single hose connection shall be permitted to be installed in the open corridor or open breezeway between open stairs that are not greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) apart.
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 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 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 nonsprinklered floor or story is more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from a hose connection or the most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or story is more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a hose connection, the fire code official is authorized to require that additional hose connections be provided in approved locations.
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.
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 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.
- In new and existingall Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupancies.
Exceptions:
- 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.
- In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.
Exception: In Group E occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, fire extinguishers shall be required only in laundry and soiled linen rooms, boiler and furnace rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, garages, stages, projection booths, shops, laboratories, kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms greater than 100 square feet, and similar areas. - Within 30 feet (9,144 mm) distance of travel from commercial cooking equipment and from domestic cooking equipment in Group I-1; I-2, Condition 1; and R-2 college dormitory occupanciescongregate living facilities.
- 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.
- R-3 occupancies used as family day care, group family day care, foster care, adult family day services, and residential hospices.
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 |
3206.10 | High-piled 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 |
3703.6 | 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 |
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 |
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 NFPA 10.
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 and maintenance shall be allowed to be once every 3 years for dry-chemical or halogenated agent 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 every 3 years 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 NFPA 10.
- 3. In Group I-3, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
The size and distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.3.1 through 906.3.4.
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.
- Annex E.3.3 of NFPA 10 provides more details 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.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR 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 Section 5.5 of NFPA 10.
Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with depths 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 NFPA 10.
Where hazard areas include deep fat fryers, listed Class K portable fire extinguishers shall be provided 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.
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 that the staff has keys.
- A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms.
- Locations of alarm-initiating devices.
- Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances.
- Design minimum audibility level for occupant notification.
- Maximum sound pressure.
- Location of fire alarm control unit, transponders, and notification power supplies.
- Annunciators.
- Power connections.
- Battery calculations.
- Conductor type and size.
- Voltage drop calculations.
- Manufacturers' data sheets indicating model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices, and materials.
- Details of ceiling height and construction.
- The interface of fire safety control functions.
- Classification of the supervising station.
An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.
Exceptions:
- The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
- The manual fire alarm box is not required for Group R-2 occupancies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group A occupancies where the occupant load due to the assembly occupancy is 300 or more, or where the Group A occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge. Group A occupancies not separated from one another in accordance with Section 707.3.10 of the International Building Code shall be considered as a single occupancy for the purposes of applying this section. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
- Assembly areas used solely for worship purposes.
- A fire alarm system is not required in buildings with an occupant load less than 1,000 when an approved automatic fire sprinkler system is installed throughout the building.
- Assembly uses located inside Group E occupancies shall have alarms as required for the Group E occupancy.
- Group A-5 occupancies.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group B occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
- The combined Group B occupant load of all floors is 500 or more.
- The Group B occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- The fire area contains an ambulatory care facility.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
- The building has an occupant load of 500 or more persons;
- The building has an occupant load of more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge; or
- The building contains an ambulatory care facility.
Fire areas containing ambulatory care facilities shall be provided with an electronically supervised automatic smoke detection system installed within the ambulatory care facility and in public use areas outside of tenant spaces, including public corridors and elevator lobbies.
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 provided that the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. Where automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
- A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
- Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
- 3.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
- 3.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
- 3.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
- 4.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- 4.2. The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler water flow.
- 4.3. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group F occupancies where both of the following conditions exist:
- The Group F occupancy is two or more stories in height.
- The Group F occupancy has a combined occupant load of 500 or more above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
- Rooms or areas where highly toxic compressed gases are stored or used;
- Rooms or areas where Class I, II, or III organic peroxides are stored; and
- Liquid and solid oxidizer storage areas.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1, 907.2.6.2 and 907.2.6.3.3.
Exceptions:
- Manual fire alarm boxes in sleeping units of Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if located at all care providers' control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided that such manual fire alarm boxes are visible and provided with ready access, and the distances of travel required in Section 907.4.2.1 are not exceeded.
- Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is approved by the fire code official and staff evacuation responsibilities are included in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than sleeping units and kitchens. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5.
Exceptions:
- For Group I-1, Condition 1 occupancies, smoke detection in habitable spaces is not required where the facility is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Smoke detection is not required for exterior balconies.
- In lieu of audible notification appliances, visible notification appliances shall be allowed to be used in critical care areas.
- Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical/mental disabilities or physical restraint, only the attendants or other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors in Group I-2, Condition 1 facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by Section 407.2 of the International Building Code. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.4. Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies shall be equipped with an automatic smoke detection system as required in Section 407 of the International Building Code.
Exceptions:
- Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments that contain sleeping units where such units are provided with smoke detectors that comply with UL 268. Such detectors shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of each sleeping unit and shall provide an audible and visual alarm at the care providers' station attending each unit.
- Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments that contain sleeping units where sleeping unit doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the unit sides installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform the required alerting function.
- Corridor smoke detection shall not be required where the sleeping room smoke detectors required in Section 907.2.6.2.3 are connected to an approved fire alarm system and activate a general evacuation signal.
- Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required at exits from patient sleeping areas if located at all nurses' stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such fire alarm boxes are visible and continuously accessible and provided that travel distances horizontally on the same floor shall not exceed 200 feet to reach a manual fire alarm box.
- In lieu of audible notification appliances, visible notification appliances shall be allowed to be used in critical care areas.
- Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical/mental disabilities, or physical restraint, only the attendants or other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation.
- Where total evacuation of occupants is impractical due to building configuration, only the occupants in the affected zones shall be initially notified. Provisions shall be made to selectively notify occupants in other zones to afford orderly evacuation of the entire building.
- Other approved smoke-detection arrangements providing equivalent protection, including, but not limited to,such as placing detectors in exhaust ducts from cells or behind protective guards listed for the purpose, are allowed where necessarygrills, are allowed when necessary to prevent damage or tampering.
- Sleeping units in Use Conditions 2 and 3 as described in Section 308 of the International Building Code.Smoke detectors are not required in sleeping rooms with four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments that are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
- Smoke detectors are not required in sleeping units with four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
- The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.
- The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
Exceptions:
- A manual fire alarm system is not required in covered or open mall buildings complying with Section 402 of the International Building Code.
- Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
- A fire alarm system is not required in buildings not over two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least one-hour fire partitions and each sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or yard.
- Buildings containing five or fewer sleeping units shall be allowed to be equipped with approved multiple-station smoke alarms installed as required for Group R-3 occupancies. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.10.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.
Exceptions:
- A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the following conditions are met:
- 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
- 2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
- 2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.
An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies where any of the following conditions apply:
- Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located three or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit or sleeping unit.
- The building contains more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units.
Exceptions:
- A fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all dwelling units or sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
- Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon a sprinkler water flow.
- A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units and are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, provided that dwelling units either have a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits or are served by open-ended corridors designed in accordance with Section 1027.6, Exception 3.
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located two or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge;
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit;
- The building contains more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units; or
- The building is used as a congregate living facility,
dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity,
sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant
load of 20 or more.
Exception: A fire alarm system is not required in buildings not over two stories in height where all dwelling units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least one-hour fire partitions and each dwelling unit has an exit directly to a public way, exit court, or yard.
- A fire alarm system is not required in buildings two stories or less in height where all individual sleeping units and attic and crawl spaces contiguous to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least one-hour fire partitions and each sleeping unit room has an exit directly to a public way, exit court, or yard.
- Buildings containing five or fewer sleeping units are permitted to be equipped with approved multiple-station smoke alarms installed as required for Group R-3 occupancies. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.10.
An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies operated by a college or university for student or staff housing in all of the following locations:
- Common spaces outside of dwelling units and sleeping units.
- Laundry rooms, mechanical equipment rooms and storage rooms.
- All interior corridors serving sleeping units or dwelling units.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units or dwelling units and where each sleeping unit or dwelling unit either has a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit or a means of egress door opening directly to an exit.
Required smoke alarms in dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 occupancies operated by a college or university for student or staff housing shall be interconnected with the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.
Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in all of the following locations in Group R-1:
- In sleeping areas.
- In every room in the path of the means of egress from the sleeping area to the door leading from the sleeping unit.
- In each story within the sleeping unit, including basements. For