User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the International Building Code®; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the International Building Code. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in Chapter 4 of the International Building Code are duplicated in this chapter as a user convenience.
The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation, inspection, operation, testing and maintenance of all fire protection systems.
The fire code official shall have the authority to require construction documents and calculations for all fire protection systems and to require permits be issued for the installation, rehabilitation or modification of any fire protection system. Construction documents for fire protection systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.
Before requesting final approval of the installation, where required by the fire code official, the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement to the fire code official that the subject fire protection system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and has been tested in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the appropriate installation standard. Any deviations from the design standards shall be noted and copies of the approvals for such deviations shall be attached to the written statement.
Fire protection systems shall be maintained in accordance with the original installation standards for that system. Required systems shall be extended, altered or augmented as necessary to maintain and continue protection where the building is altered, remodeled or added to. Alterations to fire protection systems shall be done in accordance with applicable standards.
Fire protection systems required by this code or the International Building Code shall be installed, repaired, operated, tested and maintained in accordance with this code. A fire protection system for which a design option, exception or reduction to the provisions of this code or the International Building Code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.
A fire protection system or portion thereof not required by this code or the International Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided that such installed system meets the applicable requirements of this code and the International Building Code.
Where buildings, or portions thereof, are divided into fire areas so as not to exceed the limits established for requiring a fire protection system in accordance with this chapter, such fire areas shall be separated by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code, or both, having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that determined in accordance with Section 707.3.10 of the International Building Code.
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In occupancies of a hazardous nature, where special hazards exist in addition to the normal hazards of the occupancy, or where the fire code official determines that access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult, the fire code official shall have the authority to require additional safeguards. Such safeguards include, but shall not be limited to, the following: automatic fire detection systems, fire alarm systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, or portable or fixed extinguishers. Fire protection equipment required under this section shall be installed in accordance with this code and the applicable referenced standards.
Any device that has the physical appearance of life safety or fire protection equipment but that does not perform that life safety or fire protection function shall be prohibited.
Where provided, fire pump rooms and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be designed with adequate space for all equipment necessary for the installation, as defined by the manufacturer, with sufficient working space around the stationary equipment. Clearances around equipment to elements of permanent construction, including other installed equipment and appliances, shall be sufficient to allow inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing such elements of permanent construction or disabling the function of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. Fire pump and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be provided with doors and unobstructed passageways large enough to allow removal of the largest piece of equipment.
Automatic sprinkler system risers, fire pumps and controllers shall be provided with ready access. Where located in a fire pump room or automatic sprinkler system riser room, the door shall be permitted to be locked provided that the key is available at all times.
Access doors for automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and fire pump rooms shall be labeled with an approved sign. The lettering shall be in contrasting color to the background. Letters shall have a minimum height of 2 inches (51 mm) with a minimum stroke of 3/8 inch (10 mm).
Automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and fire pump rooms shall be maintained at a temperature of not less than 40°F (4°C). Heating units shall be permanently installed.
Permanently installed artificial illumination shall be provided in the automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and fire pump rooms.
Fire detection and alarm systems, emergency alarm systems, gas detection systems, fire-extinguishing systems, fire hydrant systems, fire standpipe systems, fire pump systems, private fire service mains and all other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subject to acceptance tests as contained in the installation standards and as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official shall be notified before any required acceptance testing.
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.
Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1.
Exception:
Fire alarm and water-based automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested annually. Inspections and testing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified in the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1. As part of the annual inspections covered under this exception, all weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual inspections, tests, and maintenance requirements in the listed standards shall be conducted and any problems observed shall be noted.
| 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 |
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Where two or more fire protection or life safety systems are interconnected, the intended response of subordinate fire protection and life safety systems shall be verified when required testing of the initiating system is conducted. In addition, integrated testing shall be performed in accordance with Sections 901.6.2.1 and 901.6.2.2.
For high-rise buildings, integrated testing shall comply with NFPA 4, with an integrated test performed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy and at intervals not exceeding 10 years, unless otherwise specified by an integrated system test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4. If an equipment failure is detected during integrated testing, a repeat of the integrated test shall not be required, except as necessary to verify operation of fire protection or life safety functions that are initiated by equipment that was repaired or replaced.
Where a fire alarm system is integrated with a smoke control system as outlined in Section 909, integrated testing shall comply with NFPA 4, with an integrated test performed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy and at intervals not exceeding 10 years, unless otherwise specified by an integrated system test plan prepared in accordance with NFPA 4. If an equipment failure is detected during integrated testing, a repeat of the integrated test shall not be required, except as necessary to verify operation of fire protection or life safety functions that are initiated by equipment that was repaired or replaced.
Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained.
Initial records shall include the name of the installation contractor, type of components installed, manufacturer of the components, location and number of components installed per floor. Records shall include the manufacturers' operation and maintenance instruction manuals. Such records shall be maintained for the life of the installation.
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.
The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered to be the impairment coordinator.
A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service.
The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service. The fire code official shall specify where the tag is to be placed.
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 unplanned impairments occur, appropriate emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury and damage. The impairment coordinator shall implement the steps outlined in Section 901.7.4.
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.
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant, fire detection and alarm system, fire suppression system or other fire appliance required by this code except for the purposes of extinguishing fire, training, recharging or making necessary repairs or where approved by the fire code official.
Locks, gates, doors, barricades, chains, enclosures, signs, tags or seals that have been installed by or at the direction of the fire code official shall not be removed, unlocked, destroyed, tampered with or otherwise vandalized in any manner.
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.
For fire alarm systems required to be monitored by this code, notice shall be made to the fire code official whenever alarm monitoring services are terminated. Notice shall be made in writing by the provider of the monitoring service being terminated.
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.
In buildings protected by automatic sprinklers or automatic fire detectors, suspended or removable ceiling tiles shall be maintained in place to prevent the delay in sprinkler or detector activation.
Exception:
When additional sprinklers or detectors are installed in the space above the suspended ceiling.
Open-grid ceilings shall not be installed beneath sprinklers.
Exception:
Open-grid ceilings are allowed when the requirements of NFPA 13 for open-grid ceilings are met.
Drop-out ceilings shall be permitted to be installed beneath sprinklers when all requirements of NFPA 13 for drop-out ceilings have been met.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted instead of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official.
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 buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2).
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).
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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.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 300 or more.
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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.
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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 (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 a 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.
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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).
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies.
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 |
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).
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).
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided as required in Chapter 32 in all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area in accordance with Section 903.3.
Exceptions:
- 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.
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Where required by Section
903.2.8, Group R-4 occupancies shall be provided with
an automatic sprinkler system that complies with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Exception:
Group R-4 Condition 1 occupancies
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that
complies with Section 903.3.1.3.
Group R-3 or R-4
occupancies containing facilities licensed by Minnesota
shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system as
required by the applicable licensing provisions or this
section, whichever is more restrictive.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group
R-3 or R-4 fire area containing a residential hospice
facility.
Exception:
An automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 is
permitted if all habitable spaces and closets are protected
by an automatic sprinkler system.
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).
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).
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Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses that exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
Exception:
Self-service storage facilities (mini-storage) no greater than one story above grade plane where all storage spaces can be accessed directly from the exterior.
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.
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An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.
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.
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Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm). Access to such openings shall be provided for the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner such that fire fighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.
Where openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from such openings, the story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings shall be provided on not fewer than two sides of the story.
Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes shall have additional sprinkler heads installed at alternate floors and at the lowest intake. Where a rubbish chute extends through a building more than one floor below the lowest intake, the extension shall have sprinklers installed that are recessed from the drop area of the chute and protected from freezing in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Such sprinklers shall be installed at alternate floors, beginning with the second level below the last intake and ending with the floor above the discharge. Access to sprinklers in chutes shall be provided for servicing.
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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.
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Where required by the Minnesota Mechanical Code, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in ducts having a cross-sectional area of 75 square inches (480 cm2) or more and that: (1) convey flammable or combustible components; or (2) have the potential for combustible residue buildup on the inside. When sprinkler protection is installed, means shall be provided to prevent water accumulation in the duct and the flow of water back to a process where the application of water constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct systems where an automatic sprinkler system is used to comply with Section 904.
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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.
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.023 m3.
Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3314.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. Automatic
sprinkler systems installed in state-licensed or state-registered
facilities shall be installed in accordance with this
code and the applicable licensing or registration provisions
of other Minnesota state agencies.
Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2.
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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.
- 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.
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In Group R occupancies, sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m2) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.
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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.
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Decks and balconies greater than 6 feet (1.8 m) above grade, greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) deep, with an area greater than 40 square feet (3.72 m2), and attached to new Group R-1 or R-2 occupancy buildings protected in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 that are three or more stories in height and with 30 or more units, shall be protected with sprinklers under the balcony or deck framing and under attic eaves when both of the following two conditions exist:
- The building has an unsprinklered attic; and
- The building has combustible siding.
Sprinkler protection shall be provided in open-ended corridors and associated exterior stairways and ramps as specified in Section 1027.6, Exception 3.
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:
- Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.
- Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.
- Construct the attic using fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the International Building Code.
- 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:
- Provide automatic sprinkler system protection.
- Provide a heat detection system throughout the attic that is arranged to activate the building fire alarm system.
- Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.
- Construct the attic using fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the International Building Code.
- Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.
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Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R-3; Group R-4, Condition 1; and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D.
When fire sprinkler systems are required in buildings of undetermined use, they shall be designed and installed to have a sprinkler density of not less than that required for an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 use with a minimum design area of 3,000 square feet (279 m2). Use is considered undetermined if not specified at the time a permit is issued. Where a subsequent occupancy requires a system with greater capability, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to upgrade the system to the required density for the new hazard, use or occupancy.
When, in the opinion of the fire chief, an adequate alternate water supply for hose stream requirements is provided or available, the water supply requirements for the sprinkler system hose stream demands may be modified.
Section 903.3.1.6.1 relaxes the requirements for a hose stream allowance when the sprinkler system is supplied by a private water system (well, tank, or other supply). A hose stream allowance is typically added to the sprinkler system demand due to concerns that the fire department will draw water from a hydrant and potentially decrease the water available for sprinkler operation. With a private water system this is unlikely to occur.
Sprinkler protection shall not be installed in elevator shafts, elevator pits or elevator machine rooms.
Sprinkler protection need not be provided on the ceiling of rooms containing swimming pools when the pool area is used exclusively for swimming purposes and when sprinklers are provided around the perimeter of the pool area.
(See MN Rule
7511.0903, Subp. 4 for modifications).
Sprinkler protection is not required in vestibules that meet all of the following conditions:
- 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.
Automatic sprinkler systems installed in townhouses and Groups R-3 and R-4, Condition 1 occupancies shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D. Attached garages in townhouse buildings are required to have one dry head sprinkler located within 5 linear feet of each door installed in the common wall separating the dwelling unit and the attached garage.
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.
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Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless specifically provided for in this code.
Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the requirements of this section and the International Plumbing Code. For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.
Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with this section.
A single combination water supply shall be allowed provided that the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.
Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be as prescribed by the fire code official.
Fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 912.
Limited area sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Section 903.3.1 except as provided in Sections 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5.
Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building with an automatic wet standpipe system, sprinklers shall be supplied by the standpipe system. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building without an automatic wet standpipe system, water shall be permitted to be supplied by the plumbing system provided that the plumbing system is capable of simultaneously supplying domestic and sprinkler demands.
Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.
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.
- For existing sprinkler systems, monitoring is required when the number of sprinklers is 100 or more.
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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.
An approved audible alarm and an
approved visible alarm are required on the exterior of the building in an approved location. These alarms can be part
of the same device or separate devices. The alarms shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. The alarms
shall be located above the fire department connection and
visible from the street or nearest point of fire department
vehicle access, or as otherwise approved by the fire code
official. Such sprinkler water-flow alarms shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise buildings.
Sprinkler systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.
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.
Service personnel installing, providing, or conducting maintenance on automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall possess a valid certificate issued by an approved organization for the type of system and work performed.
IFC Section 904.1.1 requires personnel servicing automatic
fire-extinguishing systems to be certified or licensed
by a governmental agency. This would require legislative
action and there is no such mandate at this time. Personnel
should be factory trained and possess some type of
certificate indicating this.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the fire code official.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall not be considered alternatives for the purposes of exceptions or reductions allowed for automatic sprinkler systems or by other requirements of this code.
Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 607 to have a Type I hood shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with this section.
Electrical wiring shall be in accordance with NFPA 70.
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.
Automatic equipment interlocks with fuel shutoffs, ventilation controls, door closers, window shutters, conveyor openings, smoke and heat vents and other features necessary for proper operation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be provided as required by the design and installation standard utilized for the hazard.
Where alarms are required to indicate the operation of automatic fire-extinguishing systems, distinctive audible, visible alarms and warning signs shall be provided to warn of pending agent discharge. Where exposure to automatic-extinguishing agents poses a hazard to persons and a delay is required to ensure the evacuation of occupants before agent discharge, a separate warning signal shall be provided to alert occupants once agent discharge has begun. Audible signals shall be in accordance with Section 907.5.2.
Where a building fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the provisions of this section prior to acceptance.
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.
Notification appliances, connections to fire alarm systems and connections to approved supervising stations shall be tested in accordance with this section and Section 907 to verify proper operation.
Connections to protected premises and supervising station fire alarm systems shall be tested to verify proper identification and retransmission of alarms from automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at six-month intervals. Tests shall include a check of the detection system, alarms and releasing devices, including manual stations and other associated equipment. Extinguishing system units shall be weighed and the required amount of agent verified. Stored pressure-type units shall be checked for the required pressure. The cartridge of cartridge-operated units shall be weighed and replaced at intervals indicated by the manufacturer.
Fixed temperature-sensing elements shall be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system.
Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at six-month intervals. Tests shall include a check of the detection system, alarms and releasing devices, including manual stations and other associated equipment. Extinguishing system units shall be weighed, and the required amount of agent verified. Stored pressure-type units shall be checked for the required pressure. The cartridge of cartridge-operated units shall be weighed and replaced at intervals indicated by the manufacturer.
Fixed temperature-sensing elements shall be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system.
Foam-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 11 and NFPA 16 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
Foam-extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested at intervals in accordance with NFPA 25.
Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 12 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 12-month intervals.
The liquid-level gauges of low-pressure containers shall be observed at one-week intervals. Where a container shows a content loss of more than 10 percent, the container shall be refilled to maintain the minimum gas requirements.
System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. At five-year intervals, all hoses shall be tested.
Auxiliary and supplementary components, such as switches, door and window releases, interconnected valves, damper releases and supplementary alarms, shall be manually operated at 12-month intervals to ensure that such components are in proper operating condition.
Halogenated extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 12A and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 12-month intervals.
The extinguishing agent quantity and pressure of containers shall be checked at six-month intervals. Where a container shows a loss in original weight of more than 5 percent or a loss in original pressure (adjusted for temperature) of more than 10 percent, the container shall be refilled or replaced. The weight and pressure of the container shall be recorded on a tag attached to the container.
System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. At five-year intervals, all hoses shall be tested.
For Halon 1301 systems, hoses shall be tested at not less than 1,500 psi (10 343 kPa) for 600 psi (4137 kPa) charging pressure systems and not less than 900 psi (6206 kPa) for 360 psi (2482 kPa) charging pressure systems. For Halon 1211 hand-hose line systems, hoses shall be tested at 2,500 psi (17 238 kPa) for high-pressure systems and 900 psi (6206 kPa) for low-pressure systems.
Auxiliary and supplementary components, such as switches, door and window releases, interconnected valves, damper releases and supplementary alarms, shall be manually operated at 12-month intervals to ensure such components are in proper operating condition.
Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 2001 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 12-month intervals.
The extinguishing agent quantity and pressure of the containers shall be checked at six-month intervals. Where a container shows a loss in original weight of more than 5 percent or a loss in original pressure, adjusted for temperature, of more than 10 percent, the container shall be refilled or replaced. The weight and pressure of the container shall be recorded on a tag attached to the container.
System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. All hoses shall be tested at five-year intervals.
Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.
Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.
Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 750 and the manufacturer's instructions.
Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.
Connections to a potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the International Plumbing Code.
Where a secondary water supply is required for an automatic sprinkler system, an automatic water mist system shall be provided with an approved secondary water supply.
Supervision and alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.
Monitoring shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.1.
Alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.2.
Floor control valves shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.3.
Automatic water mist systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.6.
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.
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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.
The actuation of the fire extinguishing system shall automatically shut down the fuel or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.
Where carbon dioxide systems are used, there shall be a nozzle at the top of the ventilating duct. Additional nozzles that are symmetrically arranged to give uniform distribution shall be installed within vertical ducts exceeding 20 feet (6096 mm) and horizontal ducts exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm). Dampers shall be installed at either the top or the bottom of the duct and shall be arranged to operate automatically upon activation of the fire-extinguishing system. Where the damper is installed at the top of the duct, the top nozzle shall be immediately below the damper. Automatic carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems shall be sufficiently sized to protect all hazards venting through a common duct simultaneously.
Commercial-type cooking equipment protected by an automatic carbon dioxide extinguishing system shall be arranged to shut off the ventilation system upon activation.
Automatic sprinkler systems protecting commercial-type cooking equipment shall be supplied from a separate, indicating-type control valve that is identified. Access to the control valve shall be provided.
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Sprinklers used for the protection of fryers shall be tested in accordance with UL 199E, listed for that application and installed in accordance with their listing.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems protecting commercial cooking systems shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 904.12.5.1 through 904.12.5.3.
Where changes in the cooking media, positioning of cooking equipment or replacement of cooking equipment occur in existing commercial cooking systems, the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be required to comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 904.12 through 904.12.4.
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be serviced not less frequently than every six months and after activation of the system. Inspection shall be by qualified individuals, and a certificate of inspection shall be forwarded to the fire code official upon completion.
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.
Cooktops and ranges installed in the following occupancies shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.1:
- 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 congregate living facilities where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.10 of the Minnesota Building Code.
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Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.1.1 or 904.13.1.2.
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.
Cooktops and ranges shall include burners that have been tested and listed to prevent ignition of cooking oil with burners turned on to their maximum heat settings and allowed to operate for 30 minutes.
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.
Not less than semiannually, an inspection shall be conducted by a trained person to assess whether the system is in working order. Not less than annually, a certified fire suppression contractor having knowledge of and training in the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire-extinguishing system shall inspect, test, service and maintain such system in accordance with this section and the manufacturer's specifications and servicing manuals.
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Standpipe systems shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 905.2 through 905.11. In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with Chapter 32.
Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14. Fire department connections for standpipe systems shall be in accordance with Section 912.
In buildings other than high rise that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, and a Class I standpipe system, the pipe shall be sized to meet the pressure and flow requirements for the sprinkler system. Such systems shall comply with Sections 905.2.1.1 through 905.2.1.4.
Pipe sizes for combined portions of the sprinkler and standpipe systems shall not be less than 4 inches (101.6 mm).
The standpipe shall provide a minimum pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the uppermost outlet and a minimum flow rate of 250 gpm (946 L/min.) at the two hydraulically most remote hose connections on the standpipe when the standpipe system is supported through the fire department connection. The hydraulic calculations shall be performed between the hydraulically most demanding standpipe hose connection and the fire department connection.
A maximum design pressure of 150 psi (10.3 bars) is permitted at the fire department connection when the standpipe is supported by local fire department apparatus.
The automatic sprinkler system demand, including the inside and outside hose stream demands from NFPA 13, is to be provided by the municipal water supply system without requiring fire department pumping into the system.
Class I wet standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where any of the following conditions exist:
- 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.
In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, the following areas should not be considered:
- 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.
Underground buildings shall be equipped throughout with a Class I automatic wet or manual wet standpipe system.
Standpipes in marinas and boatyards shall comply with Chapter 36.
Regardless of the height of the building or number of stories, every building in a Group I-3 detention and correctional facility, where 50 or more persons are under restraint or security under Occupancy Condition 3, 4 or 5, shall be provided with a Class I automatic wet or semiautomatic dry standpipe system.
When acceptable to the fire chief, fire department connections may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.
Standpipes shall be located in accordance with Section 905. In addition, standpipes shall be located so that it will not be necessary to extend hose lines through smoke barriers. When located in cell complexes, standpipes may be located in secured pipe chases.
Small hose connections shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies three or more stories in height where any portion of the building's interior area is more than 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel, vertically or horizontally, from the nearest point of fire department vehicle access. Small hose connections required by this section shall comply with the following:
- 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.
Permanent signage shall be required which reads "Fire Department Overhaul Hose Connection" at each connection in the building. If a separate standpipe system is provided, a sign shall also be provided at the exterior fire department connection.
This section clarifies the original intent of these hose connections from the previous code. It provides specific installation instructions. These will be in buildings protected with a sprinkler system and intended for fire department overhaul operations, extinguishing small fires the sprinkler system controlled. The intent is to provide a hose connection in three- and four-story buildings that were not required to have a standpipe system. Standpipes are still required in buildings that meet the requirements in Section 905.3.
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.
- 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.
In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected in accordance with NFPA 14.
Class II standpipe hose connections shall be located so that all portions of the building are within 30 feet (9144 mm) of a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose. Class II standpipe hose connections shall be located where they will have ready access.
Deleted.
Fire-resistance-rated protection of risers and laterals of Class II standpipe systems is not required.
A minimum 1-inch (25 mm) hose shall be allowed to be used for hose stations in light-hazard occupancies where investigated and listed for this service and where approved by the fire code official.
Cabinets containing fire-fighting equipment, such as standpipes, fire hose, fire extinguishers or fire department valves, shall not be blocked from use or obscured from view.
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.
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.
Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3313.
The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on dry standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.
Where required in Chapter 11, existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905.
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Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in the following locations:
- In all Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupancies.
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 congregate 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 |
| 3107.9 | 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 |
For the reference to IFC Section 6108.2 for LP-Gas in Table 906.1, see NFPA 58 for fire extinguisher requirements. Chapter 61 has been deleted and replaced with the 2017 edition of NFPA 58.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed, and maintained in accordance with this section and NFPA 10. Section 7.1.2 of NFPA 10 is deleted.
NFPA 10 Section 7.1.2 requires personnel servicing fire extinguishers to be certified or licensed by a governmental agency. This would require legislative action, and there is no such mandate at this time. Personnel should be factory trained and possess some type of certificate indicating this.
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:
- Electronic monitoring shall confirm that extinguishers are properly positioned, properly charged and unobstructed.
- Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal.
- The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment.
- Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every 3 years when extinguisher maintenance is performed.
- 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.
- In Group I-3, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
Service personnel providing or conducting maintenance on portable fire extinguishers shall possess a valid certificate issued by an approved organization for the type of work performed.
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.
Upcodes Diagrams
The minimum sizes and distribution of portable fire extinguishers for occupancies that involve primarily Class A fire hazards shall comply with Table 906.3(1).
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.
Portable fire extinguishers for Class C fire hazards shall be selected and placed on the basis of the anticipated Class A or B hazard.
Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving combustible metals shall be selected and placed in accordance with NFPA 10.
Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking equipment shall be of an approved type compatible with the automatic fire-extinguishing system agent. Cooking equipment involving solid fuels or vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K-rated portable extinguisher in accordance with Sections 906.1, Item 2, 906.4.1 and 906.4.2 as applicable.
Solid fuel cooking appliances, whether or not under a hood, with fireboxes 5 cubic feet (0.14 m3) or less in volume shall have a minimum 2.5-gallon (9 L) or two 1.5-gallon (6 L) Class K wet-chemical portable fire extinguishers located in accordance with Section 906.1.
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.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will have ready access and be 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.
Portable fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view. In rooms or areas in which visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the locations of extinguishers.
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.
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.
Upcodes Diagrams
Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg) shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor.
Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg) shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 3.5 feet (1067 mm) above the floor.
The clearance between the floor and the bottom of installed hand-held portable fire extinguishers shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm).
Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located in a designated location.
This section covers the application, installation, performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components in new and existing buildings and structures. The requirements of Section 907.2 are applicable to new buildings and structures. The requirements of Section 907.9 are applicable to existing buildings and structures.
Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the International Building Code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the fire code official.
Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval before system installation, and shall include all of the following
where applicable to the system being installed:
- 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 manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire
alarm system shall be provided in new buildings and occupancies
in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.24.2
and NFPA 72. For the purposes of Sections 907.2.1 through
907.2.24.2, fire barrier walls or fire walls shall not define separate
buildings. In buildings containing mixed occupancies
that are designed as separated uses (see Section 102.14), fire
alarm and detection systems need only be installed in those
occupancies where required by this section.
Exception:
In areas protected by an approved, supervised
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, automatic fire detectors required
by Section 907.2 need not be provided. Where Section 907.2
requires smoke detectors, such protection shall be installed.
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A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through
907.2.1.3 in Group A occupancies having an occupant
load of 300 or more.
Exceptions:
- 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.
The required fire alarm system
shall activate an audible and visible notification appliance
at a constantly attended location within the building
for the purposes of initiating emergency action. A
presignal feature and positive alarm sequencing in
accordance with NFPA 72 are permitted. Occupant notification
shall be by means of voice announcements,
either live or prerecorded, initiated by the person in the
constantly attended location.
Exception:
Where no constantly attended location
exists, an automatic fire alarm system providing a general evacuation signal or an approved emergency
voice/alarm communications system is permitted.
Activation of the fire alarm system in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall immediately initiate
an approved prerecorded message announcement
using an approved emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception:
Where approved, the prerecorded announcement is allowed to be manually deactivated for a period of time, not to exceed three minutes, for the sole purpose of allowing a live voice announcement from an approved, constantly attended location.
A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.2 through
907.2.2.3 in Group B occupancies if:
- 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.
When automatic sprinkler systems or automatic fire
detectors are installed in ambulatory care facilities, such systems
or detectors shall be connected to the building fire
alarm system.
Exception:
In other than ambulatory care facilities, a fire
alarm system is not required when an approved automatic
fire-extinguishing system is installed throughout the
building.
Upcodes Diagrams
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire
detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms,
shops, kitchens, mechanical and electrical rooms, trash-collection
rooms, storage rooms and similar areas. In
ambulatory care facilities, initiation of the fire alarm
system shall also be by manual means.
Activation of the fire alarm system
shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
Exception:
In lieu of audible notification appliances,
visible notification appliances shall be permitted
to be used in patient care areas.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in
accordance with Sections 907.2.3 through 907.2.3.3 in
Group E occupancies having an occupant load of 50 or more.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means. Approved
automatic fire detectors shall be provided in laundry
rooms, boiler and furnace rooms, mechanical and electrical
rooms, shops, laboratories, kitchens, locker
rooms, custodial closets, trash-collection rooms, storage
rooms, lounges, and similar areas.
Exception:
In buildings protected throughout by an
approved automatic sprinkler system or having an
approved fire alarm system equipped with corridor
smoke detection, manual fire alarm boxes are only
required in any main office and in any custodial area.
Where
the only means of egress travel from an interior room or
rooms having an aggregate occupant load of more than
10 occupants is through an adjoining or intervening
room, automatic smoke detectors shall be installed
throughout the common atmosphere through which the
path of egress travel passes.
Exception:
In buildings that are protected throughout
by an approved automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1,
smoke detectors are not required in intervening or
adjoining rooms.
Activation of the fire alarm system
or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate an
emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting
the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed
in accordance with Section 907.6.
Exception:
An emergency voice/alarm communication
system is not required in Group E occupancies
with occupant loads of 100 or less, as long as the
activation of the fire alarm system or automatic
sprinkler system in those occupancies initiates a
general evacuation signal.
A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.4 through
907.2.4.2 in Group F occupancies that are two or more stories
in height and have an occupant load of 500 or more
above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
Exception:
A fire alarm system is not required when an
approved automatic fire-extinguishing system is
installed throughout the building.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means. Approved
automatic fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and
furnace rooms, trash-collection rooms, kitchens,
mechanical and electrical rooms, and similar areas.
Activation of the fire alarm system
shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.5 through
907.2.5.2 in Group H-5 occupancies, occupancies used for
the manufacture of organic coatings and, when required by
Chapters 60, 62, and 63, at the following locations:
- 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.
Initiation of the fire alarm system in
Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the
manufacture of organic coatings shall be by manual
means. Initiation of fire alarm systems installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides, and oxidizers shall be by
automatic means, as specified in Chapters 60, 62, and 63.
Activation of the fire alarm system
in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used
for the manufacture of organic coatings shall initiate a
general evacuation signal. Activation of the automatic
detection systems installed for highly toxic gases, organic
peroxides, and oxidizers shall sound a local alarm.
A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1 through
907.2.6.4.2 in Group I occupancies.
A manual
and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in
Group I-1 occupancies in accordance with Sections
907.2.6.1.1 through 907.2.6.1.3.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means.
Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed
in laundry and soiled linen rooms, boiler and furnace
rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories,
kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets,
trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, lounges, gift
shops, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors
shall be provided in corridors and areas that are open
to corridors.
Exception:
Manual fire alarm boxes in patient
sleeping areas of Group I-1 occupancies shall not
be required at exits 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
required by Section 907.4.2 are not exceeded.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a general evacuation signal. In addition, activation
of the fire alarm system shall immediately
transmit an alarm to an approved central station or
remote station service.
Exceptions:
- 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.
A manual
and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group I-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections
907.2.6.2.1 through 907.2.6.2.4.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means.
Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed
in laundry and soiled linen rooms, boiler and furnace
rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories,
kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets,
trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, lounges, gift
shops, and similar areas. Hospitals, nursing homes
(both intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities),
board and care homes, and detoxification facilities
shall be provided with smoke detection throughout
the corridor and areas open to the corridors, other
than nurses' stations.
Exceptions:
- 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.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a signal that is distinctive from audible signals
used for other purposes in the same building.
Such signal is intended to notify staff and need not
meet the minimum sound pressure levels required
for general evacuation fire alarm notification. In
addition, activation of the fire alarm system shall
immediately transmit an alarm to an approved central
station or remote station service.
Exceptions:
- 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.
Smoke
detectors shall be installed in patient sleeping rooms
of hospitals and nursing homes. Such detector's primary
power shall be other than battery power. Actuation
of such detectors shall cause a visual display on
the corridor side of the room where the detector is
located and shall cause a distinct audible and visual
alarm at the nurses' station attending the room. Such
detectors may be part of the facility's fire alarm system,
nurses' call system, or a standalone system.
Integral smoke detectors
for automatic door-closing devices on sleeping
room doors can be installed only if they also meet
all of the requirements in Section 907.2.6.2.3.
For
Group I-2 facilities, other than hospitals and nursing
homes, single station smoke alarms shall be installed
in resident sleeping rooms.
A manual
and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in
Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with Sections
907.2.6.3.1 through 907.2.6.3.4.
Initiation of the fire alarm
system shall be by manual and automatic means.
Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed
in laundry and soiled linen rooms, boiler and furnace
rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories,
kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets,
trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, lounges, gift
shops, commissaries, and similar areas.
Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, a manual fire alarm box or a fire detector shall initiate an approved fire alarm signal, which automatically notifies staff.
Presignal systems shall not be used.
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be located in accordance with Section 907.4 where the fire alarm boxes are provided at staff-attended locations having direct supervision over areas where manual fire alarm boxes have been omitted.
Manual fire alarm boxes are permitted to be
locked in areas occupied by detainees, provided that
staff members are present within the subject area
and have keys readily available to operate the manual
fire alarm boxes.
An approved automatic
smoke-detection system shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping areas and contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces, and other common spaces normally accessible to residents.
Exceptions:
- Other approved smoke-detection arrangements providing equivalent protection, such as placing detectors in exhaust ducts from cells or behind protective grills, are allowed when necessary to prevent damage or tampering.
- 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.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a signal that is distinctive from audible signals
used for other purposes in the same building.
Such signal is intended to notify staff and need not
meet the minimum sound pressure levels required
for general evacuation fire alarm notification. In
addition, activation of the fire alarm system shall
immediately transmit an alarm to an approved central
station or remote station service.
A manual
and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in
Group I-4 occupancies in accordance with Sections
907.2.6.4.1 through 907.2.6.4.2.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means.
Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed in
laundry and soiled linen rooms, boiler and furnace
rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories,
kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets,
trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, lounges, gift
shops, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors
shall be provided in corridors and areas that are open to
corridors.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a general evacuation signal. In addition, activation
of the fire alarm system shall immediately
transmit an alarm signal to an approved central station
or remote station service.
Deleted.
A fire alarm system shall be
installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.8.1 through
907.2.8.3 in Group R-1 occupancies.
Exceptions:
- 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.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire
detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms,
shops, laundry and soiled linen rooms, mechanical and
electrical rooms, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms,
gift shops, kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets,
lounges, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors
shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors
serving as required means of egress.
Exception:
System fire and smoke detectors are not
required when an approved automatic fire-extinguishing
system is installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and a manual fire alarm box is
provided at a constantly attended location. When a
constantly attended location is not provided, the manual
fire alarm box shall be provided at the main exit.
Activation of the fire alarm system
or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general
evacuation signal.
Sleeping unit
smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10 shall not be
connected to a fire alarm system.
Exception:
Connection of such alarms for annunciation
only.
Fire alarm systems
and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-2 and
Group R-4 occupancies. Group R-2 occupancies shall
comply with Sections 907.2.9.1 through 907.2.9.1.3.
Group R-4 occupancies shall comply with Sections
907.2.9.2 through 907.2.9.2.3.
A fire alarm system
shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.9.1
through 907.2.9.1.2 in Group R-2 occupancies where:
- 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.
Initiation of the fire alarm
system shall be by automatic means. Automatic fire
detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace
rooms, trash-collection rooms, shops, laundry
rooms, common kitchens, locker rooms, lounges, mechanical and electrical rooms, storage rooms and
similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be
provided in all common areas and interior corridors
serving as a required means of egress.
Exception:
System fire and smoke detectors are
not required when an approved automatic fire-extinguishing
system is installed throughout the
building.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a general evacuation signal.
Dwelling
unit smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10 shall
not be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exception:
Connection of such alarms for
annunciation only.
A fire alarm system shall
be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.9.2.1
through 907.2.9.2.3 in Group R-4 occupancies.
Exceptions:
- 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.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic
fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace
rooms, shops, laundry rooms and soiled linen rooms,
mechanical and electrical rooms, common kitchens,
lounges, mechanical and electrical rooms, trash-collection
rooms, storage rooms, gift shops, locker
rooms, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors
shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors
serving as required means of egress.
Exception:
System fire and smoke detectors are
not required when an approved automatic fire-extinguishing
system is installed in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3.
Activation of the fire
alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall
initiate a general evacuation signal.
Single- and multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance
with Section 907.2.10.
Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.10.1 through 907.2.10.7 and 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 sleeping units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1 regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:
- On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
- In each room used for sleeping purposes.
- In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
Smoke alarms shall not be installed in the following locations unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm in a location required by Section 907.2.10.1 or 907.2.10.2:
- Ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.
- Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm-silencing switch shall not be installed less than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.
- Photoelectric smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 6 feet (1829 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance.
Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by Section 907.2.10.1 or 907.2.10.2.
Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R or I-1 occupancies, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery back-up shall be connected to an emergency electrical system in accordance with Section 1203. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exception: Smoke alarms are not required to be equipped with battery backup where they are connected to an emergency electrical system that complies with Section 604.
Smoke detectors listed in accordance with UL 268 and provided as part of the building fire alarm system shall be an acceptable alternative to single- and multiple-station smoke alarms and shall comply with the following:
- The fire alarm system shall comply with all applicable requirements in Section 907.
- Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall initiate alarm notification in the dwelling unit or sleeping unit in accordance with Section 907.5.2.
- Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall not activate alarm notification appliances outside of the dwelling unit or sleeping unit, provided that a supervisory signal is generated and monitored in accordance with Section 907.6.6.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in special amusement buildings in accordance with Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.2.11.3.
Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic sprinkler system or any other automatic fire detection device shall immediately activate an audible and visible alarm at the building at a constantly attended location from which emergency action can be initiated, including the capability of manual initiation of requirements in Section 907.2.11.2.
The activation of two or more smoke detectors, a single smoke detector equipped with an alarm verification feature, the automatic sprinkler system or other approved fire detection device shall automatically do all of the following:
- Cause illumination of the means of egress with light of not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at the walking surface level.
- Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visual distractions.
- Activate an approved directional exit marking that will become apparent in an emergency.
- Activate a prerecorded message, audible throughout the special amusement building, instructing patrons to proceed to the nearest exit. Alarm signals used in conjunction with the prerecorded message shall produce a sound that is distinctive from other sounds used during normal operation.
An emergency voice/alarm communication system, which is allowed to serve as a public address system, shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 and be audible throughout the entire special amusement building.
High-rise buildings shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
Exceptions:
- Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.21 of this code and Section 412 of the International Building Code.
- Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the International Building Code.
- Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1 of the International Building Code.
- Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 of the International Building Code.
- Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415 of the International Building Code.
- In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.
Automatic smoke detection in high-rise buildings shall be in accordance with Sections 907.2.12.1.1 and 907.2.12.1.2.
Area smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation of any detector required by this section shall activate the emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. In addition to smoke detectors required by Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.9, smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
- In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room that is not provided with sprinkler protection.
- In each elevator machine room, machinery space, control room and control space and in elevator lobbies.
Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located as follows:
- In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s). Such detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
- At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air-inlet openings.
Where a wired communication system is approved in lieu of an emergency responder radio coverage system in accordance with Section 510, the wired fire department communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and shall operate between a fire command center complying with Section 508, elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency and standby power rooms, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge and inside interior exit stairways. The fire department communication device shall be provided at each floor level within the interior exit stairway.
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In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, voice evacuation systems for high-rise buildings shall be multiple-channel systems.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects more than two stories, with smoke detection in locations required by a rational analysis in Section 909.4 and in accordance with the system operation requirements in Section 909.17. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5. Such occupancies in Group A, E or M shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system complying with the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout high-piled combustible storage areas where required by Section 3206.5.
Aerosol product rooms and general-purpose warehouses containing aerosol products shall be provided with an approved manual fire alarm system where required by this code.
Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system.
Where a smoke control system is installed in an underground building in accordance with the International Building Code, automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.17.1.
Not fewer than one smoke detector listed for the intended purpose shall be installed in all of the following areas:
- Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or similar rooms.
- Elevator lobbies.
- The main return and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system serving more than one story and located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
- Each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more floors from return air ducts or plenums of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, except that in Group R occupancies, a listed smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air inlet openings.
Activation of the smoke control system shall activate an audible alarm at a constantly attended location.
Where the lowest level of a structure is more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge, the structure shall be equipped throughout with a manual fire alarm system, including an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
Where the total floor area exceeds 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) within either a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building, an emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided. Access to emergency voice/alarm communication systems serving a mall, required or otherwise, shall be provided for the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
Not fewer than one single-station smoke alarm shall be installed within a residential aircraft hangar as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code and shall be interconnected into the residential smoke alarm or other sounding device to provide an alarm that will be audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling.
An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be provided in airport control towers in accordance with Sections 907.2.21.1 and 907.2.21.2.
Exception: Audible appliances shall not be installed within the control tower cab.
Airport traffic control towers with multiple exits and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided with smoke detectors in all of the following locations:
- Airport traffic control cab.
- Electrical and mechanical equipment rooms.
- Airport terminal radar and electronics rooms.
- Outside each opening into interior exit stairways.
- Along the single means of egress permitted from observation levels.
- Outside each opening into the single means of egress permitted from observation levels.
Airport traffic control towers with a single exit or where sprinklers are not installed throughout shall be provided with smoke detectors in all of the following locations:
- Airport traffic control cab.
- Electrical and mechanical equipment rooms.
- Airport terminal radar and electronics rooms.
- Office spaces incidental to the tower operation.
- Lounges for employees, including sanitary facilities.
- Means of egress.
- Utility shafts where access to smoke detectors can be provided.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in areas containing stationary storage battery systems as required in Section 1206.2.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in areas containing capacitor energy storage systems as required by Section 1206.3.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.24.1 and 907.2.24.2 in residential hospices. When automatic sprinkler systems or automatic fire detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by manual and automatic means. Approved automatic fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms, kitchens, laboratories, shops, gift shops, commissaries, laundry and soiled linen rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, locker rooms, storage rooms, custodial closets, trash-collection rooms, lounges, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in sleeping rooms, corridors, and spaces open to the corridors.
Exception:
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required at exits if manual fire alarm boxes are located at all nurses' stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such fire alarm boxes are visible and continuously accessible and that travel distances required by Section 907.4.2 are not exceeded.
Activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general evacuation signal. In addition, the fire alarm system shall be monitored by an approved central station service in accordance with Section 903.4.1.
Exception:
In lieu of audible notification appliances, visible notification appliances shall be allowed to be used in sleeping areas.
Automatic fire detectors
required by Section 907.2 and Chapter 11 are to activate notification
appliances in accordance with those sections. When
automatic fire detectors are installed for other fire safety
functions, they shall perform the intended function upon activation.
When automatic detectors are installed for fire safety
functions and the building has a fire alarm system, the detectors
shall activate supervisory signals at the fire alarm control
panel or at a constantly attended location. When the building
does not have a fire alarm system, the detectors shall activate
a visual and audible supervisory signal at an approved location,
which shall indicate the source of the signal.
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Smoke detectors installed to shut down the air distribution
or air-handling system shall, upon activation, perform the
intended function. Air distribution or air-handling equipment
that is part of a smoke-control system shall switch to
smoke-control mode upon activation of a detector.
Smoke detectors
that are installed in air distribution or air-handling
systems for shutdown purposes and that are connected
to a fire alarm system shall not sound a general evacuation
signal.
Smoke detectors that
are installed to control or recall elevators or to control
doors for elevators, elevator lobbies, or elevator shafts and
that are connected to a fire alarm system shall not sound a
general evacuation signal. Elevator recall and firefighter's
emergency operation for elevators shall only be controlled
by elevator smoke detectors and shall not initiate upon
other building fire detectors or evacuation signals.
Smoke detectors that
are installed to hold open fire doors under nonemergency
conditions and that are connected to a fire alarm system
shall sound a general evacuation signal when the doors
being held open are part of the means of egress corridor or
stair system. Door hold-open smoke detectors are not
required to activate a visual or audible signal.
The wiring to the auxiliary devices and equipment used to accomplish the fire safety functions shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72.
Where manual or automatic alarm initiation is required as part of a fire alarm system, the initiating devices shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.4.1 through 907.4.3.1.
In areas that are not continuously occupied, a single smoke detector shall be provided at the location of each fire alarm control unit, notification appliance circuit power extenders and supervising station transmitting equipment.
Exception: Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of smoke detector, a heat detector shall be permitted.
Where a manual fire alarm system is required by another section of this code, it shall be activated by fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Sections 907.4.2.1 through 907.4.2.6.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit. In buildings not protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that the distance of travel to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).
The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) and not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured vertically, from the floor level to the activating handle or lever of the box.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.
Where fire alarm systems are not monitored by a supervising station, an approved permanent sign shall be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box that reads: WHEN ALARM SOUNDS—CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Exception: Where the manufacturer has permanently provided this information on the manual fire alarm box.
The fire code official is authorized to require the installation of listed manual fire alarm box protective covers to prevent malicious false alarms or to provide the manual fire alarm box with protection from physical damage. The protective cover shall be transparent or red in color with a transparent face to permit visibility of the manual fire alarm box. Each cover shall include proper operating instructions. A protective cover that emits a local alarm signal shall not be installed unless approved. Protective covers shall not project more than that permitted by Section 1003.3.3.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided with ready access, unobstructed, unobscured and visible at all times.
Where an automatic smoke detection system is required it shall utilize smoke detectors unless ambient conditions prohibit such an installation. In spaces where smoke detectors cannot be utilized due to ambient conditions, approved automatic heat detectors shall be permitted.
For conditions other than specific fire safety functions noted in Section 907.3, in areas where ambient conditions prohibit the installation of smoke detectors, an automatic sprinkler system installed in such areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and that is connected to the fire alarm system shall be approved as automatic heat detection.
A fire alarm system shall annunciate at the fire alarm control unit and shall initiate occupant notification upon activation, in accordance with Sections 907.5.1 through 907.5.2.3.3. Where a fire alarm system is required by another section of this code, it shall be activated by:
- Automatic fire detectors.
- Automatic sprinkler system waterflow devices.
- Manual fire alarm boxes.
- Automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
Exception: Where notification systems are allowed elsewhere in Section 907 to annunciate at a constantly attended location.
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A presignal feature shall not be installed unless approved by the fire code official. Where a presignal feature is provided, a signal shall be annunciated at a constantly attended location approved by the fire code official, so that occupant notification can be activated in the event of fire or other emergency.
Alarm notification appliances shall be provided and shall be listed for their purpose.
Audible alarm notification appliances shall be provided and emit a distinctive sound that is not to be used for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm.
Exceptions:
- Audible alarm notification appliances are not required in critical care areas of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
- A visible alarm notification appliance installed in a nurses' control station or other continuously attended staff location in a Group I-2, Condition 2 suite shall be an acceptable alternative to the installation of audible alarm notification appliances throughout the suite in Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
- Where provided, audible notification appliances located in each enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobby in accordance with Section 3008.9.1 of the International Building Code shall be connected to a separate notification zone for manual paging only.
The audible alarm notification appliances shall provide a sound pressure level of 15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound level or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level having a duration of not less than 60 seconds, whichever is greater, in every occupiable space within the building.
Fire alarm
system audibility levels shall not exceed 35 dB
above the average ambient sound level described in
Section 907.5.2.1.1 or 35 dB above the peak ambient
sound level.
The maximum sound pressure level for audible alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. Where the average ambient noise is greater than 95 dBA, visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification appliances shall not be required.
Emergency voice/alarm communication systems required by this code shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72. The operation of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler waterflow device or manual fire alarm box shall automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved information and directions for a general or staged evacuation in accordance with the building's fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404. In high-rise buildings, the system shall operate on at least the alarming floor, the floor above and the floor below. Speakers shall be provided throughout the building by paging zones. At a minimum, paging zones shall be provided as follows:
- Elevator groups.
- Interior exit stairways.
- Each floor.
- Areas of refuge as defined in Chapter 2.
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A manual override for emergency voice communication shall be provided on a selective and all-call basis for all paging zones.
The emergency voice/ alarm communication system shall be allowed to be used for other announcements, provided that the manual fire alarm use takes precedence over any other use.
Where stadiums, arenas and grandstands have 15,000 fixed seats or more and provide audible public announcements, the emergency/voice alarm communication system shall provide pre-recorded or real-time captions. Prerecorded or live emergency captions shall be from an approved location constantly attended by personnel trained to respond to an emergency.
Emergency voice/ alarm communications systems shall be provided with emergency power in accordance with Section 1203. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 24 hours, as required in NFPA 72.
Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.3.1 through 907.5.2.3.3.
Exceptions:
- Visible alarm notification appliances are not required in alterations, except where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed.
- Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in exits as defined in Chapter 2.
- Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in elevator cars.
- Visual alarm notification appliances are not required in critical care areas of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
Exception: Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the notification appliance circuits serving the employee work areas shall be initially designed with not less than 20-percent spare capacity to account for the potential of adding visible notification appliances in the future to accommodate hearing-impaired employee(s).
Habitable spaces in dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-1 and R-1 occupancies in accordance with Table 907.5.2.3.2 shall be provided with visible alarm notification. Visible alarms shall be activated by the in-room smoke alarm and the building fire alarm system.
VISIBLE ALARMS
| NUMBER OF SLEEPING UNITS | SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS WITH VISIBLE ALARMS |
| 6 to 25 | 2 |
| 26 to 50 | 4 |
| 51 to 75 | 7 |
| 76 to 100 | 9 |
| 101 to 150 | 12 |
| 151 to 200 | 14 |
| 201 to 300 | 17 |
| 301 to 400 | 20 |
| 401 to 500 | 22 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 5% of total |
| 1,001 and over | 50 plus 3 for each 100 over 1,000 |
In Group R-2 occupancies required by Section 907 to have a fire alarm system, each story that contains dwelling units and sleeping units shall be provided with the future capability to support visible alarm notification appliances in accordance with Chapter 11 of ICC A117.1. Such capability shall accommodate wired or wireless equipment. The future capability shall include one of the following:
- The interconnection of the building fire alarm system with the unit smoke alarms.
- The replacement of audible appliances with combination audible/visible appliances.
- The future extension of the existing wiring from the unit smoke alarm locations to required locations for visible appliances.
A fire alarm system shall be installed and monitored in accordance with Sections 907.6.1 through 907.6.6.2 and NFPA 72.
Wiring shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 70 and NFPA 72. Wireless protection systems utilizing radio-frequency transmitting devices shall comply with the special requirements for supervision of low-power wireless systems in NFPA 72.
The primary and secondary power supply for the fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception: Backup power for single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms as required in Section 907.2.10.6.
The fire alarm system shall identify the specific initiating device address, location, device type, floor level where applicable and status including indication of normal, alarm, trouble and supervisory status, as appropriate.
Exceptions:
- Fire alarm systems in single-story buildings less than 22,500 square feet (2090 m2) in area.
- Fire alarm systems that only include manual fire alarm boxes, waterflow initiating devices and not more than 10 additional alarm-initiating devices.
- Special initiating devices that do not support individual device identification.
- Fire alarm systems or devices that are replacing existing equipment.
In high-rise buildings, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for each of the following types of alarm-initiating devices where provided:
- Smoke detectors.
- Sprinkler waterflow devices.
- Manual fire alarm boxes.
- Other approved types of automatic fire detection-devices or suppression systems.
Access shall be provided to each fire alarm device and notification appliance for periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.
Automatic telephone-dialing devices used to transmit an emergency alarm shall not be connected to any fire department telephone number unless approved by the fire chief.
Termination of fire alarm monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 901.9.
Upon completion of the installation, the fire alarm system and all fire alarm components shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 72.
When the installation of the alarm devices is complete, each device and interconnecting wiring for multiple-station alarm devices shall be tested in accordance with the smoke alarm provisions of NFPA 72.
Operating, testing and maintenance instructions and record drawings ("as builts") and equipment specifications shall be provided at an approved location.
The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with Sections 907.8.1 through 907.8.5 and NFPA 72. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.
Where required for compliance with the provisions of this code, devices, equipment, systems, conditions, arrangements, levels of protection or other features shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with applicable NFPA requirements or as directed by the fire code official.
Fire alarm systems shall be inspected and
tested at least annually in accordance with NFPA 72 or more frequently where required by the code official.
Exception:
Devices or equipment that are inaccessible for safety considerations shall be tested during scheduled shutdowns where approved by the code official, but not less than every 18 months.
Smoke detector sensitivity shall be checked within one year after installation and every alternate year thereafter. After the second calibration test, where sensitivity tests indicate that the detector has remained within its listed and marked sensitivity range (or 4-percent obscuration light gray smoke, if not marked), the length of time between calibration tests shall be permitted to be extended to not more than 5 years. Where the frequency is extended, records of detector-caused nuisance alarms and subsequent trends of these alarms shall be maintained. In zones or areas where nuisance alarms show any increase over the previous year, calibration tests shall be performed.
To verify that each smoke detector is within its listed and marked sensitivity range, it shall be tested using one of the following methods:
- A calibrated test method.
- The manufacturer's calibrated sensitivity test instrument.
- Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose.
- A smoke detector/control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at the control unit where the detector's sensitivity is outside its acceptable sensitivity range.
- Another calibrated sensitivity test method acceptable to the fire code official.
Detectors found to have a sensitivity outside the listed and marked sensitivity range shall be cleaned and recalibrated or replaced.
Exceptions:
- Detectors listed as field adjustable shall be permitted to be either adjusted within the listed and marked sensitivity range and cleaned and recalibrated or they shall be replaced.
- This requirement shall not apply to single-station smoke alarms.
Smoke detector sensitivity shall not be tested or measured using a device that administers an unmeasured concentration of smoke or other aerosol into the detector.
The building owner shall be responsible to maintain the fire and life safety systems in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NFPA 72 for inspection, testing and maintenance of such systems. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.
An approved fire alarm system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.
Smoke alarms shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests, or when they exceed 10 years from the date of manufacture, unless an earlier replacement is specified in the manufacturer's published instructions.
Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided as required in Chapter 50.
Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as required in Section 2703.12.
This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems when they are required for new buildings or portions thereof by provisions of this
code or the Building Code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation, and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants and for fire suppression and overhaul
efforts. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents or the timely restoration of operations.
Buildings, structures, or parts thereof required by the International Building Code or this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the generally accepted and well-established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to describe adequately the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied with sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions.
In addition to the ordinary inspection and test requirements that buildings, structures and parts thereof are required to undergo, smoke control systems subject to the provisions of Section 909 shall undergo special inspections and tests sufficient to verify the proper commissioning of the smoke control design in its final installed condition. The design submission accompanying the construction documents shall clearly detail procedures and methods to be used and the items subject to such inspections and tests. Such commissioning shall be in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice and, where possible, based on published standards for the particular testing involved. The special inspections and tests required by this section shall be conducted under the same terms as in Section 1704 of the International Building Code.
A rational analysis supporting the types of smoke control systems to be employed, the methods of their operations, the systems supporting them and the methods of construction to be utilized shall accompany the construction documents submission and include, but not be limited to, the items indicated in Sections 909.4.1 through 909.4.7.
Buoyancy and expansion caused by the design fire in accordance with Section 909.9 shall be analyzed. The system shall be designed such that these effects do not adversely interfere with the system's capabilities.
The design shall consider the adverse effects of wind. Such consideration shall be consistent with the wind-loading provisions of the International Building Code.
The design shall consider the effects of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems on both smoke and fire transport. The analysis shall include all permutations of systems status. The design shall consider the effects of the fire on the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.
The design shall consider the effects of low temperatures on systems, property and occupants. Air inlets and exhausts shall be located so as to prevent snow or ice blockage.
All portions of the active
or passive smoke control system shall be capable of continued
operation after detection of the fire event for a period of not less than 20 minutes. System design shall be
for 20 minutes; however, fans shall continue to operate
after 20 minutes and shall continue to operate automatically
for smoke removal during fire suppression and overhaul
efforts for a minimum of 5 minutes for every 10 feet
vertically of protected space.
The design shall consider the interaction effects of the operation of multiple smoke control systems for all design scenarios.
With any of the design methods allowed by Section 909, the door opening force, latch release, and set-in-motion force shall comply with Section 1010.1.3 requirements when the system is in smoke control mode.
Smoke barriers required for passive smoke control and a smoke control system using the pressurization method shall comply with Section 709 of the International Building Code. The maximum allowable leakage area shall be the aggregate area calculated using the following leakage area ratios:
- Walls: A/Aw = 0.00100
- Interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways: A/Aw = 0.00035
- Enclosed exit access stairways and ramps and all other shafts: A/Aw = 0.00150
- Floors and roofs: A/AF = 0.00050
where:
| A | = | Total leakage area, square feet (m2). |
| AF | = | Unit floor or roof area of barrier, square feet (m2). |
| Aw | = | Unit wall area of barrier, square feet (m2). |
The leakage area ratios shown do not include openings due to gaps around doors and operable windows. The total leakage area of the smoke barrier shall be determined in accordance with Section 909.5.1 and tested in accordance with Section 909.5.2.
Total leakage area of the barrier is the product of the smoke barrier gross area multiplied by the allowable leakage area ratio, plus the area of other openings such as gaps around doors and operable windows.
Compliance with the maximum total leakage area shall be determined by achieving the minimum air pressure difference across the barrier with the system in the smoke control mode for mechanical smoke control systems utilizing the pressurization method. Compliance with the maximum total leakage area of passive smoke control systems shall be verified through methods such as door fan testing or other methods, as approved by the fire code official.
Openings in smoke barriers shall be protected by automatic-closing devices actuated by the required controls for the mechanical smoke control system. Door openings shall be protected by fire door assemblies complying with Section 716 of the International Building Code.
Exceptions:
- Passive smoke control systems with automatic-closing devices actuated by spot-type smoke detectors listed for releasing service installed in accordance with Section 907.3.
- Fixed openings between smoke zones that are protected utilizing the airflow method.
- In Group I-1, Condition 2; Group I-2; and ambulatory care facilities, where a pair of opposite-swinging doors are installed across a corridor in accordance with Section 909.5.3.1, the doors shall not be required to be protected in accordance with Section 716 of the International Building Code. The doors shall be close-fitting within operational tolerances and shall not have a center mullion or undercuts in excess of 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) louvers or grilles. The doors shall have head and jamb stops and astragals or rabbets at meeting edges and, where permitted by the door manufacturer's listing, positive-latching devices are not required.
- In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, where such doors are special-purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding door assemblies installed in accordance with Section 1010.1.4.3 and are automatic closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6 of the International Building Code.
- Group I-3.
- Openings between smoke zones with clear ceiling heights of 14 feet (4267 mm) or greater and bank-down capacity of greater than 20 minutes as determined by the design fire size.
In Group I-1, Condition 2; Group I-2; and ambulatory care facilities, where doors are installed across a corridor, the doors shall be automatic closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6 of the International Building Code and shall have a vision panel with fire-protection-rated glazing materials in fire-protection-rated frames, the area of which shall not exceed that tested.
Ducts and air transfer openings are required to be protected with a minimum Class II, 250°F (121°C) smoke damper complying with Section 717 of the International Building Code.
The primary mechanical means of controlling smoke shall be by pressure differences across smoke barriers. Maintenance of a tenable environment is not required in the smoke-control zone of fire origin.
The pressure difference across a smoke barrier used to separate smoke zones shall be not less than 0.05-inch water gage (0.0124 kPa) in fully sprinklered buildings.
In buildings permitted to be other than fully sprinklered, the smoke control system shall be designed to achieve pressure differences not less than two times the maximum calculated pressure difference produced by the design fire.
The maximum air pressure difference across a smoke barrier shall be determined by required door-opening or closing forces. The actual force required to open exit doors when the system is in the smoke control mode shall be in accordance with Section 1010.1.3. Opening and closing forces for other doors shall be determined by standard engineering methods for the resolution of forces and reactions. The calculated force to set a side-hinged, swinging door in motion shall be determined by:
(Equation 9-1)where:
| A | = | Door area, square feet (m2). |
| d | = | Distance from door handle to latch edge of door, feet (m). |
| F | = | Total door opening force, pounds (N). |
| Fdc | = | Force required to overcome closing device, pounds (N). |
| K | = | Coefficient 5.2 (1.0). |
| W | = | Door width, feet (m). |
| ΔP | = | Design pressure difference, inches of water (Pa). |
Where stairways or elevator hoistways are pressurized, such pressurization systems shall comply with Section 909 as smoke control systems, in addition to the requirements of Section 909.21 of this code and Section 909.20 of the International Building Code.
Where approved by the fire code official, smoke migration through openings fixed in a permanently open position, which are located between smoke control zones by the use of the airflow method, shall be permitted. The design airflow shall be in accordance with this section. Airflow shall be directed to limit smoke migration from the fire zone. The geometry of openings shall be considered to prevent flow reversal from turbulent effects. Smoke control systems using the airflow method shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 92.
This method shall not be employed where either the quantity of air or the velocity of the airflow will adversely affect other portions of the smoke control system, unduly intensify the fire, disrupt plume dynamics or interfere with exiting. Airflow toward the fire shall not exceed 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s). Where the calculated airflow exceeds this limit, the airflow method shall not be used.
Where approved by the fire code official, mechanical smoke control for large enclosed volumes, such as in atriums or malls, shall be permitted to utilize the exhaust method. Smoke control systems using the exhaust method shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 92.
The design fire shall be based on a rational analysis performed by the registered design professional and approved by the fire code official. The design fire shall be based on the analysis in accordance with Section 909.4 and this section.
The engineering analysis shall include the characteristics of the fuel, fuel load, effects included by the fire and whether the fire is likely to be steady or unsteady.
Determination of the design fire shall include consideration of the type of fuel, fuel spacing and configuration.
A documented engineering analysis shall be provided for conditions that assume fire growth is halted at the time of sprinkler activation.
Equipment including, but not limited to, fans, ducts, automatic dampers and balance dampers shall be suitable for their intended use, suitable for the probable exposure temperatures that the rational analysis indicates, and as approved by the fire code official.
Components of exhaust fans shall be rated and certified by the manufacturer for the probable temperature rise to which the components will be exposed. This temperature rise shall be computed by:
(Equation 9-2)Exception:
Reduced Ts as calculated based on the assurance of adequate dilution air.
Duct materials and joints shall be capable of withstanding the probable temperatures and pressures to which they are exposed as determined in accordance with Section 909.10.1. Ducts shall be constructed and supported in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. Ducts shall be leak tested to 1.5 times the maximum design pressure in accordance with nationally accepted practices. Measured leakage shall not exceed 5 percent of design flow. Results of such testing shall be a part of the documentation procedure. Ducts shall be supported directly from fire-resistance-rated structural elements of the building by substantial, noncombustible supports.
Exception: Flexi