Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems

The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection systems.

Where this code makes reference to the nationally recognized standards NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, or NFPA 72, such standard shall be as modified for New York City in accordance with Appendix Q.

Fire protection systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the New York City Fire Code. Any fire protection system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

No person shall remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the New York City Fire Code without approval by the commissioner.

Threads provided for Fire Department connections to sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the Fire Department.

Fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the New York City Fire Code. When required, the tests shall be conducted in the presence of the department or an approved agency. Tests required by this code, the New York City Fire Code and the standards listed in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner's representative. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.

Where required, fire protection systems shall be monitored by a central supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by a central supervising station.

Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and the New York City Fire Code shall be monitored by a central supervising station in accordance with Section 907.14.

Manual fire alarm, automatic fire-extinguishing and emergency alarm systems in Group H occupancies shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.

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 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both, having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that determined in accordance with Section 707.3.9.

Construction documents shall comply with Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code, Section 107 and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to alterations and changes of use or occupancy to prior code buildings in accordance with Sections 901.9.1 through 901.9.6.

Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to existing systems shall conform to that required for new systems without requiring the existing system to comply with all of the requirements of this code, except as otherwise required in Sections 901.9.2 through 901.9.6. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing installation to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded.

Minor additions, alterations, renovations and repairs to existing systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous and is approved.

Fire protection systems governed by this chapter shall be provided:

1. To the entire building as if the building were hereafter erected, where a change is made in the main use or dominant occupancy of such building.
2. Throughout a space, where a change is made in the occupancy group classification or usage of the space.

Fire protection systems shall be provided in enlarged portions of a building and where this chapter would require such systems in new construction for a space or building.

Fire protection systems shall be provided to buildings and spaces in accordance with the provisions of Sections 901.9.4.1 through 901.9.4.3.

If the value of alterations to the building equals or exceeds 60 percent of the value of the existing building, or, in the case of a building containing 4 or more dwelling units, 50 percent of the value of the existing building, the entire building shall be made to comply with the fire protection requirements of this chapter as if it were hereafter erected.

If the value of alterations of a space is between 30 percent and 60 percent of the value of the existing building, or, in the case of a building containing 4 or more dwelling units, if the value of alterations of a space is between 30 percent and 50 percent of the value of the existing building, those portions of the building being altered shall be made to comply with the fire protection requirements of this chapter.

For buildings containing 4 or more dwelling units, if the value of alterations to an existing space classified in Occupancy Group R-1 or R-2 exceeds 50 percent of the value of the space, such space shall be made to comply with the fire protection requirements of this chapter.

In buildings or spaces not otherwise required to provide fire protection systems in accordance with this chapter, fire protection systems shall be provided for the types of alterations described in Sections 901.9.5.1 through 901.9.5.4.

Smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms complying with the location, interconnection and power source requirements of this chapter shall be provided throughout a dwelling unit when alteration work results in the removal of existing and/or installation of new interior wall or ceiling finishes permitting the installation of concealed wiring for all the required alarms throughout the dwelling unit.

Where an alteration includes the addition or replacement of an entire exit stair shaft that is a required means of egress, the entire shaft shall be equipped with a standpipe in accordance with Section 905.

Where the alteration involves the addition of stories to a building with an existing standpipe system, and one or more stair shafts are not currently equipped with standpipes, standpipes shall be provided to all stair shafts in accordance with this chapter.

Where the alteration involves the addition of stories to a building with no existing standpipe system, standpipes shall be provided to all stair shafts in accordance with this chapter.

The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration shall be made in accordance with the 1968 Building Code and interpretations by the department relating to such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requirements shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of this code or the 1968 Building Code and Reference Standard RS 9-6 of such code.

The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter, and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light or text display that provides audible, tactile or visible outputs, or any combination thereof.

ALARM SIGNAL. A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire.

ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE. A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period, after being automatically reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm-initiation signal.

ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays or other equivalent means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition or location.

AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing.

AUTOMATIC. As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products, without the necessity for human intervention.

AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. An approved system of devices and equipment that automatically detects a fire and discharges an approved fire-extinguishing agent onto or in the area of a fire.

AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM. A fire alarm system that has initiation devices that utilize smoke detectors for protection of an area such as a room or space with detectors to provide early warning of fire.

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automatic sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.

AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL. The root mean square, A-weighted sound pressure level measured over a 24-hour period, or the time any person is present, whichever time period is less.

CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS. A system supplying carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles. The system includes a manual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm responsive to carbon monoxide.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses carbon monoxide.

CARBON MONOXIDE PRODUCING EQUIPMENT. Any furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, cooking appliance, gas clothes dryer, apparatus, appliance or device that burns coal, kerosene, oil, wood, fuel gases and other petroleum products including, but not limited to, methane, natural gas, liquefied natural gas and manufactured fuel gases.

CEILING LIMIT. The maximum concentration of an air-borne contaminant to which one may be exposed, as published in DOL 29 CFR Part 1910.1000.

CLEAN AGENT. Electrically nonconducting, volatile or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon evaporation.

COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEM. A system consisting of commercial cooking equipment, exhaust hood, filters, exhaust duct system, fire suppression system and other related appurtenances designed to capture grease-laden cooking vapors and exhaust them safely to the outdoors.

CONSTANTLY ATTENDED LOCATION. A designated location at a facility staffed by trained personnel on a continuous basis where alarm or supervisory signals are monitored and facilities are provided for notification of the Fire Department or other emergency services.

DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEM. A sprinkler system employing open sprinklers attached to a piping system connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached thereto.

DETECTOR, HEAT. A fire detector that senses heat— either abnormally high temperature or rate of rise, or both.

DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT. A powder composed of small particles, usually of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, urea-potassium-based bicarbonate, potassium chloride or monoammonium phosphate, with added particulate material supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking) and the proper flow capabilities.

EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM. A system to provide indication and warning of emergency situations involving hazardous materials.

EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS. Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.

FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL. See "Manual Fire Alarm Box."

FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT. A system component that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may be capable of supplying power to detection devices and transponder(s) or off-premises transmitter(s). The control unit may be capable of providing a transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices.

FIRE ALARM SIGNAL. A signal initiated by a fire alarm-initiating device such as a manual fire alarm box, automatic fire detector, water flow switch, or other device whose activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or fire signature.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.

FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls and/or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above.

FIRE COMMAND CENTER. The principal attended or unattended location where the status of detection, alarm communications and control systems is displayed, and from which the system(s) can be manually controlled.

FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC. A device designed to detect the presence of a fire signature and to initiate action.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices, equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.

FIRE PUMP. A pump used exclusively for fire protection. A pump used only to fill a tank is not a fire pump.


FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS. Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire.

FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A special system discharging foam made from concentrates, either mechanically or chemically, over the area to be protected.

HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A fire-extinguishing system using one or more atoms of an element from the halogen chemical series: fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

INITIATING DEVICE. A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box or supervisory switch.

LIMITED AREA SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automatic sprinkler system serving fewer than 20 sprinkler heads on any single connection.

LISTED. See Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX. A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal.

MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. Two or more single-station alarm devices that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of one causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate. It also can consist of one single-station alarm device having connections to other detectors or to a manual fire alarm box.

MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. Two or more single-station alarm devices that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of one causes the appropriate alarm signal to operate in all interconnected alarms.

POST-FIRE SMOKE PURGE SYSTEM. A mechanical or natural ventilation system intended to move smoke from the smoke zone to the exterior of the building. Such systems are intended for the timely restoration of operations and overhaul activities once a fire is extinguished. Post-fire smoke purge systems are not intended or designed to be life safety systems.

PRESIGNAL SYSTEM. A fire alarm system having a feature that allows initial fire alarm signals to sound in a constantly attended central location and for which a human action is subsequently required to achieve a general alarm, or a feature that allows the control equipment to delay the general alarm by more than 1 minute after the start of the alarm processing.

RECORD DRAWINGS. Drawings ("as builts") that document the location of all devices, appliances, wiring sequences, wiring methods and connections of the components of a fire alarm system as installed.

SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.

SMOKE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm responsive to smoke.

SMOKE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion.

SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURE. An exit stairway designed and constructed so that the movement of the products of combustion produced by a fire occurring in any part of the building into the enclosure is limited.

STANDPIPE SYSTEM. Piping installed in a building or structure that serves to transfer water from a water supply to hose connections at one or more locations in a building or structure for fire-fighting purposes.

STANDPIPE, TYPES OF. Standpipe types are as follows:


STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF. Standpipe classes are as follows:


SUPERVISING STATION. A facility that receives signals from protected premises' fire alarm systems and at which personnel are in attendance at all times to respond to these signals.


SUPERVISORY SERVICE. The service required to monitor performance of guard tours and the operative condition of fixed suppression systems or other systems for the protection of life and property.

SUPERVISORY SIGNAL. A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment, fire alarm systems, or the maintenance features of related systems.

SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE. An initiation device, such as a valve supervisory switch, water-level indicator or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipe sprinkler system, whose change of state signals an off-normal condition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection or life safety system, or a need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment, fire alarm systems, or the maintenance features of related systems.

TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires where the area available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m³).

TROUBLE SIGNAL. A signal initiated by the fire alarm system or device indicative of a fault in a monitored circuit or component.

VALUE (OF ALTERATIONS TO DETERMINE REQUIRED FIRE PROTECTION). The value of alterations shall be determined by adding the estimated cost of the proposed alteration, excluding minor alterations and ordinary repairs, computed as of the time of submitting the application for construction document approval, to the actual cost of any and all alterations made in the preceding 12-month period. Where the proposed alteration includes an enlargement, the value of such alteration shall include the cost of the enlargement.

VALUE (OF EXISTING BUILDING OR SPACE). See Section 202.

VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of sight.

WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A solution of water and potassium-carbonate-based chemical, potassium-acetate-based chemical or a combination thereof, forming an extinguishing agent.

WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or a part of a system that can transmit and receive signals without the aid of wire.

ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a form of control can be executed.

ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section. Installation of automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with the special inspection requirements of Chapter 17.

Where permitted by the New York City Fire Code, the Fire Department may approve the installation of alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with this code and the New York City Fire Code in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection.

*Section BC 903.1.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Construction documents for automatic sprinkler systems shall contain plans that include the following data and information:

1. The location and size of water supplies and the location, spacing, number, and type of sprinkler heads to be used, with approximate location and size of all feed mains, valves and other essential features of the system. For hydraulically calculated systems, hydraulic data substantiating pipe sizes shown shall be submitted and hydraulic reference points and areas must be indicated on the plan.
2. A diagram showing the proposed sprinkler system in relation to principal construction features of the building, such as its size, walls, columns, and partitions; and such other information as may be necessary for the evaluation of the system.
3. The location, number, and type of any electrical or automatic devices or alarms to be used in the system.
4. In buildings where a new separate fire sprinkler system is required, the available water pressure at the top and bottom floors of each zone shall be shown on the riser diagram.
5. For street pressure-fed systems and fire pumps, a statement from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, giving the minimum water pressure in the main serving the building.

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor area where the Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy is located, and in all floors between the Group A occupancy and the level of exit discharge. For Group A-5 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the spaces indicated in Section 903.2.1.5. In all Group A occupancies providing live entertainment, dressing rooms and property rooms used in conjunction with such assembly occupancy shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system. Stages shall comply with Section 410.6.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The aggregate occupant load of all fire areas occupied by Group A, located on any given floor other than the level of exit discharge, is 300 or more.
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5 m²).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The aggregate occupant load of all fire areas occupied by Group A, located on any given floor other than the level of exit discharge, is 300 or more.
4. The A-2 occupancy is used as a cabaret.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The aggregate occupant load of all fire areas occupied by Group A, located on any given floor other than the level of exit discharge, is 300 or more.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The aggregate occupant load of all fire areas occupied by Group A, located on any given floor other than the level of exit discharge, is 300 or more.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all enclosed areas of the structure, including but not limited to the concession concourse, concession stands, retail areas, press boxes and other accessory occupancies, in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m²).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for Group B occupancies as provided in Sections 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2.

*Section 903.2.2 was amended by Local Law 78 of 2015. This law has an effective date of December 31, 2015.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all fire areas containing a Group B ambulatory health care facility occupancy when either of the following conditions exists at any time:

1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.
2. One or more care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such an occupancy.

*Section 903.2.2.1 was added by Local Law 78 of 2015. This law has an effective date of December 31, 2015.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for animal service facilities. This provision shall be retroactive and shall apply to all such facilities in existence on the effective date of this provision, and such facilities shall achieve compliance no later than December 31, 2016.
*Section 903.2.2.2 was added by Local Law 78 of 2015. This law has an effective date of December 31, 2015.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 square feet (1858 m²) in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F occupancy where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where a Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²);
2. Where a Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade; or
3. Where the combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m²); or
4. Where required by Section 280 of the New York State Labor Law for "factory buildings" defined in Section 2 of such law.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any Group F-1 occupancy fire area that contains wood working operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m²) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406, as follows:

1. Buildings two or more stories in height, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m²).
2. One-story buildings with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 12,000 square feet (1115 m²).
3. A Group F-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial trucks or buses where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²).
4. Buildings with a repair garage servicing vehicles parked in the basement.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any Group F-1 occupancy fire area where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 7,500 square feet (697 m²).
2. The fire area of any size is located more than three stories above grade.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3 and the New York City Fire Code.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a main use or dominant occupancy of Group H.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system shall not be less than that required by this code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2. Where the design area of the sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is 13.

TABLE 903.2.5.2 GROUP H-5 SPRINKLER DESIGN CRITERIA

LOCATION	OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
Fabrication areas	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Service corridors	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Storage rooms without dispensing	Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Storage rooms with dispensing	Extra Hazard Group 2
Corridors	Ordinary Hazard Group 2

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).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in Group I occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a main use or dominant occupancy of Group I.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where a Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²);
2. Where a Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m²).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with the New York City Fire Code in all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any Group M occupancy fire area where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 7,500 square feet (697 m²).
2. The fire area of any size contains an unenclosed stair or escalator connecting two or more floors.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group R fire areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a main use or dominant occupancy of Group R.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provided that such structures are not more than three stories above grade plane in height and have separate means of egress.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²);
2. The building is greater than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m²) in area and the main use or dominant occupancy is Group S-1; or
3. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
4. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m²).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any Group S-1 occupancy fire area where the fire area exceeds 500 square feet (16 m²).

Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 500 square feet (47 m²) or 7,500 cubic feet (212 m³) shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings greater than 5,000 square feet (465 m²) in area where the main use or dominant occupancy is Group S-2.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial trucks or buses where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m²).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any Group S-2 occupancy fire area greater than 5,000 square feet (465 m²).

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.4 or where an open or enclosed parking garage is located beneath other occupancy groups.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.13.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every above- or below-grade story of all buildings where the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m²) and where there is not provided at least one of the following types of exterior wall openings:

1. Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1009 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1010. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior walls facing onto a street, public way or frontage space, in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).
2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling at least 20 square feet (1.86 m²) in each 50 linear feet (15 240 mm), or fraction thereof, of exterior walls facing onto a street, public way or frontage space, in the story on at least one side. The required openings shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

Such openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm). Such openings shall be accessible to the Fire Department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that fire fighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.

Where such openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of such story is more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) from such openings, the story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified above shall be provided on at least two sides of the story.

Where any portion of a below-grade story is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, the below-grade story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every above-grade story of buildings below a height of 100 feet (30 480 mm), other than the first story or ground floor, on which access is not provided directly from the outdoors by at least one window or readily identifiable access panel within each 50 feet (15 240 mm) or fraction thereof of horizontal length of every wall that fronts on a street or frontage space required pursuant to Section 501.3.1.

Such windows shall be openable from the inside or breakable from both the inside and the outside, and shall have a size when open of at least 24 inches by 36 inches (610 mm by 914 mm). Such panels shall be openable from both the inside and outside and shall have a height when open of 48 inches (1219 mm) and a width of at least 32 inches (813 mm). The sill of the window or panel shall not be higher than 36 inches (914 mm) above the inside floor. Where not all of the windows are openable or breakable, the windows intended to satisfy the requirements of this section shall be readily identifiable.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every first basement or cellar story below grade of buildings on which access is not provided directly from the outdoors within each 100 feet (30 480 mm) or fraction thereof of horizontal length of every wall that fronts on a street or frontage space required pursuant to Section 501.3.1.

Such access shall be by stairs, doors, windows or other means that provide an opening 48 inches (1219 mm) high and 32 inches (813 mm) wide, the sill of which shall not be higher than 36 inches (914 mm) above the inside floor. If an areaway is used to provide below grade access, the minimum horizontal dimension shall be at least one-third the depth of the areaway or 6 feet (1829 mm), whichever is less.

Where wall signs are erected to cover doors or windows of existing buildings, access panels shall be provided as necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 903.2.11.

Nothing in Section 903.2.11 shall be construed so as to supersede any applicable provisions of Section 54 of the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law relating to access to cellars or basements in multiple dwellings.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish and linen chutes, in chute access rooms, and in their terminal rooms. Chutes extending through three or more floors shall have additional sprinkler heads installed within such chutes at alternate floors. Chute sprinklers shall be accessible for servicing.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access.

Where required by the New York City Mechanical Code, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in ducts conveying hazardous exhaust, or flammable or combustible materials.

Exception: Ducts in which the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than 10 inches (254 mm).

An automatic sprinkler system shall not be installed in a commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system. Fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in commercial cooking systems in accordance with this code and the New York City Fire Code.

*Section BC 903.2.11.9 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.10 also require the installation of a suppression system for certain buildings and areas. Suppression systems shall also be required as provided for in other sections of this code, the New York City Fuel Gas Code, and the New York City Mechanical Code.

TABLE 903.2.11.10
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Occupancy Group, specified use, materials  or equipment (in alphabetical order)	Code Section
Aerosol warehouses	FC 2804.4.1
Atriums	BC 404.3
Automated storage; buildings with	FC 2309.2
Chutes; refuse and laundry	BC 708.13
Chute vestibules	BC Appendix Q 21.16.2.1.1
Cold storage buildings: ice plants, food plants and food processing rooms with foam insulation up to 10 inches in thickness	BC 2603.3
Combustible fibers; storage at waterfront structures	FC 2906.6
Combustible fibers, loose; storage of more than 1,000 sq ft of	FC 2904.5
Commercial cooking systems	BC 904.11 FC 904.11
Commercial cooking systems with solid fuel storage	FC 904.11.7
Commercial cooking system with Type I hood	BC 904.2.1 MC 509.1
Covered mall and open mall buildings	BC 402.9
Dead end public streets; buildings on	FC 503.8.1
Dip tank rooms	FC 1505.1
Dip tanks	FC 1505.6.1
Dry cleaning machines	FC 1208.3
Dry cleaning plants	FC 1208.2
Drying rooms	BC 417.4
Elevator lobbies	BC 708.14.1
Exhausted enclosures	FC 2703.8.5.3
Extra-high-rack combustible storage; buildings with	FC 2308.5.1
Flammable and combustible liquid in Group H-2 or H-3 areas	FC 3405.3.7.3
Flammable and combustible liquid storage rooms	FC 3404.3.7.5.1
Flammable and combustible liquid storage warehouses	FC 3404.3.8.4
Flammable finishes	BC 416.5
Fuel-oil tanks and fuel-oil burning equipment; rooms containing	MC 1305.13.3
Furnaces: Class A and B	FC 2106.1
Furnaces: Class C and D	FC 2106.2
Gas rooms	FC 2703.8.4
Glazing in smoke partition	BC 711.2
Group H-2	BC 415.6.2.4
Group H-5, including but not limited to: workstations, gas cabinet, exhausted enclosures, pass-throughs in exit access corridors and exhaust ducts	BC 415.8
Group I-2	BC 407.5
Hardening and tempering tanks	FC 1505.8.4
Hazardous exhaust system ducts	MC 510.7
Hazardous materials; indoor handling or use of	FC 2705.1.8
Hazardous materials; indoor storage of	FC 2704.5
Hazardous Production Material ("HPM") corridors	FC 1803.10.3
Hazardous Production Material ("HPM") exhaust ducts	FC 1803.10.4
Hazardous Production Material ("HPM") facilities	FC 1803.10
Hazardous Production Material ("HPM") gas cabinets	FC 1803.10.2
Hazardous Production Material ("HPM") work station exhaust	FC 1803.10.1.1
High Pressure Gas Installations; buildings with	FGC G.2.3
Highly toxic and toxic compressed gases; exhausted enclosures for	FC 3704.1.3
Highly toxic and toxic compressed gases; gas cabinets containing	FC 3704.1.2
Highly toxic and toxic compressed gases; gas rooms utilizing	FC 3704.2.2.6
Highly toxic and toxic compressed gases; outdoor storage of	FC 3704.3.3
High-rise buildings	BC 403.3
Incidental uses	BC 509.4.2
Equipment platforms	BC 505.5.2
Kiosks in covered mall buildings	BC 402.11
Kiosks, displays, booths, or concession stands; covered	FC 314.5.1
Laboratory units; non-production	BC 424.6.1
Liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") within buildings accessible to the public; storage of	FC 3809.9
Liquids, Class II and III, below grade storage of	FC 3404.3.5.1
Liquids, Class II and III, below grade storage of, accessory to retail	BC 414.2.5.1
Medical gas; storage of	FC 3006.2.1
Organic coatings; manufacturing of	BC 418.1
Oxidizer, solid and liquid; storage areas	FC 4004.1.4
Plastic light diffusing system	BC 2606.7.4
Pyroxylin plastic; areas with	FC 4204.1.1
Pyroxylin plastic; storage and manufacturing	FC 4204.2
Pyroxylin plastic; storage vaults	FC 4204.1.3
Rack storage	FC 2308.2
Radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment; uses and occupancies involving	BC 425.3.4
Resin application areas	FC 1511.3
Silane gas; exhausted enclosures or gas cabinets for	FC 4106.2.2
Small arms ammunition and primers, black powder or smokeless propellant; storage of	FC 3306.7
Solid-piled and shelf storage	FC 2307.2
Smoke-protected assembly seating	BC 1028.6.2.3
Special amusement buildings	BC 411.4
Spray booths and rooms	FC 1504.6
Spray booths involving the use of organic peroxide coatings	FC 1509.6
Spray finishing in Group A, E, I or R	FC 1504.1
Stages	BC 410.6
Sterilization systems; rooms with	FC 3506.3.2
Storage	FC Table 2306.2 FC 2306.4
Substandard width public streets; buildings on	FC 503.8.2
Textile ceiling finish	BC 803
Textile wall coverings	BC 803
Underground buildings and spaces	BC 405.3
Unlimited area buildings	BC 507

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all steel-plated or similarly reinforced or secured vault-like occupancies regardless of area.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all areas used for the storage and sorting of refuse and recyclables.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in spaces in which two or more clothes drying machines are installed. Sprinkler heads shall be spaced to cover the areas 5 feet (1524 mm) on all sides of the drying machines.

Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 33 and the New York City Fire Code.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.6.

Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

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 as modified in Appendix Q except as provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.2.

When approved by the Fire Department, automatic sprinklers shall not be required rooms or areas protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion, and an alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with this code and the New York City Fire Code. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment. This exemption shall not apply to a generator or transformer room unless, in addition to the above requirements, such room is 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, and the generator in such room shall not use high pressure flammable gas in excess of 15 psig (103 kPa gauge).

*Section BC 903.3.1.1.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Where allowed in buildings of Group R, up to and including six stories in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as modified in Appendix Q.

Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground-floor patios of dwelling units where the building is of Type V construction and automatic sprinkler protection is required for the Group R occupancy. Side wall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inches (152 mm) below the structural members, and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D as modified.

Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:

1. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing patient dwelling units in Group I-2 in accordance with this code.
2. Dwelling units in Group R and I-1 occupancies.
3. Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.

Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with due regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.


*Section BC 903.3.3 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless otherwise specifically provided 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 back flow in accordance with the requirements of this section, the New York City Plumbing Code, and Rules of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with NFPA 13.

Limited area sprinkler systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers on any single connection are permitted to be connected to the domestic service where a wet automatic standpipe is not available. Limited area sprinkler systems connected to domestic water supplies shall comply with NFPA 13.

The domestic service shall be capable of supplying the simultaneous domestic demand and the sprinkler demand required to be hydraulically calculated by NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D.

A single combination water supply shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 13R.

A secondary on-site water supply equal to the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings in Seismic Design Category C or D as determined by this code, and in any high-rise building with occupied floors located more than 300 feet (91 440 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access. The secondary water supply shall have a duration not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13.

Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be approved and compatible with Fire Department hose threads.

The location of Fire Department connections shall be installed in accordance with Sections 905 and 912.

All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water-flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by the fire alarm system where a fire alarm system is required by Section 907.

Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to a central supervising station or when approved by the Fire Department, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

Approved audible devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location or in a location approved by the Fire Department, except in buildings equipped with a fire alarm 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 the New York City Fire Code.

Dedicated sprinkler piping shall be painted and such painting certified in accordance with Sections 903.6.1 through 903.6.5. In addition to painting, sprinkler piping may also be identified by lettered legend in accordance with ANSI A13.1. Where the piping is required to be listed and labeled such painting shall not obscure such labeling.

Cross connections and risers in new buildings, including buildings constructed pursuant to Section 28-101.4.2 of the Administrative Code, shall be painted red and the handles of valves serving dedicated sprinklers shall be painted green prior to the hydrostatic pressure test regardless of whether they will be enclosed at a later point in time.

Cross connections and risers for independent (stand-alone) existing sprinkler systems that are exposed during alterations, including alterations pursuant to Section 28-101.4.2 of the Administrative Code, shall be painted red and the handles of valves serving such existing sprinkler systems shall be painted green. Where the alteration requires a hydrostatic pressure test such painting shall be completed prior to such test.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all exposed risers and cross connections of completed buildings in existence on March 2, 2010 shall be painted red by June 2, 2010, and all handles of valves serving such sprinkler system shall be painted green.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where construction documents were approved and permits issued for the construction of a new building or alteration of an existing building prior to March 2, 2010 and the work is not signed off by the department prior to such date, all exposed cross connections and risers in any such building shall be painted red prior to the hydrostatic pressure test, including cross connections and risers that will be enclosed at a later point in time, and handles of valves serving such sprinkler system shall be painted green.

For all buildings where sprinkler and combination sprinkler and standpipe systems are not subject to a special inspection pursuant to Section 1704.23 of this code, a licensed master plumber, licensed master fire suppression piping contractor, registered design professional or an individual holding an appropriate certificate of fitness from the Fire Department for the operation and/or maintenance of such system shall certify on forms provided by the department that all required painting has been completed in accordance with Section 903.6. Such certification shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by the department and the Fire Department.

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, the New York City Fire Code, and the applicable referenced standards.

Construction documents for alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be approved by the Fire Department and shall contain plans that include at least the following data and information:

Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the Fire Department. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall not be considered alternatives for the purposes of exceptions or reductions allowed by other requirements of this code.

*Section BC 904.2 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Chapter 5 of the New York City Mechanical Code to have a Type I hood shall be protected with an automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code and the New York City Fire Code.

*Section BC 904.2.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with this section.

Electrical wiring shall be in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation in accordance with Section 904.11.1.

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 and 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 907.5.2.1.

Where a fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the 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 and the New York City Fire Code prior to acceptance.

Prior to conducting final acceptance tests, the following items shall be inspected:

1. Hazard specification for consistency with design hazard.
2. Type, location and spacing of automatic- and manual-initiating devices.
3. Size, placement and position of nozzles or discharge orifices.
4. Location and identification of audible and visible alarm devices.
5. Identification of devices with proper designations.
6. Operating instructions.

Notification appliances, connections to fire alarm systems and connections to central supervising stations shall be tested in accordance with this section and Section 907 to verify proper operation.

The audibility and visibility of notification appliances signaling agent discharge or system operation, where required, shall be verified.

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.

Wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Dry-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. New dry-chemical extinguishing systems are not permitted for the protection of kitchen equipment.

Foam-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Halogenated extinguishing systems shall not be permitted. However, existing systems shall be maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

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. Pre-engineered automatic wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be approved by the fire commissioner, tested in accordance with UL 300, and listed and labeled for the intended application. The protected area shall include the area under the hood and over the cooking equipment, the area above or behind the filters and the opening of the hood into the branch duct. Where a preengineered system is installed and the size of the protected area exceeds that allowed for a single preengineered system, additional preengineered systems arranged for simultaneous operation shall be provided. 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, its listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems of the following types shall be installed in accordance with the New York City Fire Code and the referenced standard indicated, as shown:

1. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.
2. Wet-chemical extinguishing systems, in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

A manual actuation device shall be located at or near a means of egress from the cooking areas, a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) and a maximum of 20 feet (6096 mm) from the kitchen exhaust system. The manual actuation device shall be installed not more than 48 inches (1200 mm) or less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the floor and shall clearly identify the hazard protected. The manual actuation device 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.

The actuation of the fire suppression system shall automatically shut down the fuel or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.

When 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 against 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.

Water-mist fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Standpipe systems shall be provided in buildings and structures in accordance with this section. Fire hose threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall be approved by the fire commissioner. Standpipe systems in buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. Installation of standpipe systems shall comply with the special inspection requirements of Chapter 17.

Any space or room that contains equipment of such nature that the use of water would be ineffective in fighting a fire therein, or would be otherwise hazardous, shall have a conspicuous sign on each door opening on such space or room stating the nature of the use and the warning: "IN CASE OF FIRE, USE NO WATER."

Construction documents for standpipe systems shall contain plans that include at least the following data and information:

1. The locations and sizes of all risers, cross-connections, hose racks, valves, Fire Department connections, sources of water supply, piping, and other essential features of the system;
2. A floor plan for each group of floors that have typical riser locations and no special features within such group of floor levels, with the indication in title block of such plan indicating clearly the floors to which the arrangement is applicable;
3. A riser diagram showing the essential features of the system, including the risers, cross-connections, valves, Fire Department connections, tanks, pumps, sources of water supply, pipe sizes, capacities, floor heights, zone pressures, and other essential data and features of the system; and
4. The available water pressure at the top and bottom floors of each zone, and at each floor where the weight pipe fittings change, shall be shown on the riser diagram;
5. For street pressure-fed systems and fire pumps, a statement from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, giving the minimum water pressure in the main serving the building.

Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14 as modified in Appendix Q.

Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.6 and in the locations indicated in Sections 905.4, 905.5 and 905.6. Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.

Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout the following buildings:

1. In buildings two stories or more in height with floor area of 10,000 square feet (929 m²) or greater on any story;
2. In buildings three stories or more in height with floor area of 7,500 square feet (697 m²) or greater on any story;
3. In buildings of any area with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet (16 764 mm) or more above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access;
4. In buildings of any area, constructed in accordance with Section 403, with occupied floors located 75 feet (22 860 mm) or more above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access.

Class I automatic wet standpipes shall be provided in nonsprinklered Group A buildings having an occupant load exceeding 1,000 persons.

Covered mall buildings and buildings connected thereto shall be equipped throughout with a Class I automatic wet standpipe system, except as permitted by Sections 905.3.3.1 through 905.3.3.3.

Covered-mall buildings where the highest occupied floor level is located not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of the Fire Department vehicle access shall be permitted to be provided with Class I hose connections connected to the mall sprinkler system in accordance with Section 8.17.5.2 of NFPA 13 regarding hose connections for Fire Department use and under the following conditions:

1. Any individual outlet shall be capable of delivering water flow at a rate of 250 gallons per minute (946 L/m) while concurrently supplying the mall sprinkler demand; and
2. Each of the two most hydraulically remote outlets shall be capable of concurrently delivering 250 gallons per minute (946 L/m) at a pressure of 100 pounds per square inch (689.4 kPa) with no mall sprinkler demand, based on a supply pressure at the system Fire Department connection of not more than 175 pounds per square inch (1207 kPa). Adequacy of the water supply available to the Fire Department to meet the hydraulic calculations shall be demonstrated by the registered design professional.

Hose connections shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.4 and at each of the following locations:

1. Within the mall at the entrance to each exit passageway or exit.
2. At each floor-level landing within enclosed stairways opening directly on the mall.
3. At exterior public entrances to the mall.
4. At other locations as necessary so that the distance to reach all portions of a tenant space does not exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm) from a hose connection.

Except as provided in Sections 905.3.3.1 and 905.3.3.2, the Class I hose connections and Fire Department connections shall be designed in conformance with NFPA 14.

Stages greater than 1,000 square feet in area (93 m²) and any assembly occupancy with a stage and an occupant load of 1,000 or greater shall be equipped with a Class III wet standpipe system with 1¹/₂-inch and 2¹/₂-inch (38 mm and 64 mm) hose connections on each side of the stage.

The 1¹/₂-inch (38 mm) hose connections shall be equipped with sufficient lengths of 1¹/₂-inch (38 mm) hose to provide fire protection for the stage area. Hose connections shall be equipped with an approved adjustable fog nozzle and be mounted in a cabinet or on a rack.

Underground buildings shall be equipped throughout with a Class I automatic wet or manual wet standpipe system.

Buildings with a helistop or heliport that are equipped with a standpipe shall extend the standpipe to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. All portions of the helistop and heliport area shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of a 2¹/₂-inch (64 mm) outlet on a Class I or III standpipe, in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

Standpipes in marinas and boatyards shall comply with the New York City Fire Code or other requirements of the Fire Department.

Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:

1. In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be readily accessible and located at the riser on each floor-level landing and on the entrance floor above the standpipe riser control valve. Nonrequired enclosed stairways are not required to have hose connections. Stairways without hose connections shall have a sign on the door to the stairway stating, "No standpipe connections in stairway."
2. 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 exit stairway hose connections 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.
3. In every exit passageway at the entrance from the exit passageway to the other areas of a building.
   
   Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to an exit passageway are reachable from exit stairway hose connections 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.
4. In covered mall buildings, in accordance with Section 905.3.3.2.
5. Where the roof has a slope of less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a hose connection located either on the roof or at the highest landing of stairways with stair access to the roof. An additional hose connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically remote standpipe for testing purposes.
6. Where the most remote portion of a floor or story is more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from a hose connection, additional hose connections shall be provided in approved locations. For the purposes of this section, a penthouse with an occupant load greater than 10 shall be considered a story.

Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within an enclosed stairway or pressurized enclosure shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located. No standpipe riser shall be placed in any shaft containing a gas or fuel pipeline.

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 accessible and located in accordance with Section 905.3.4.

Fire-resistance-rated protection of risers and laterals of Class II standpipe systems is not required.

Class III standpipe systems shall have hose connections located as required for Class I standpipes in Section 905.4 and shall have Class II hose connections as required in Section 905.5.

Risers and laterals of Class III standpipe systems shall be protected as required for Class I systems in accordance with Section 905.4.1.

In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected in accordance with NFPA 14.

Cabinets containing fire-fighting equipment such as standpipes, fire hoses, 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 white letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high and a red background color, indicating the equipment contained therein.

Cabinets shall be unlocked.

Dry standpipes shall not be installed.

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 central supervising station required by Section 903.4. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall also be transmitted to the fire alarm system.

Standpipe systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3303.8.

Dedicated standpipes and the handles of valves serving standpipes shall be painted and such painting certified in accordance with Sections 905.11.1 through 905.11.6. In addition to painting, standpipe piping may also be identified by lettered legend in accordance with ANSI A13.1. Where the piping is required to be listed and labeled such painting shall not obscure such labeling.

All portions of a standpipe system and the handles of valves serving the standpipe system in new buildings, including buildings constructed pursuant to Section 28-101.4.2 of the Administrative Code, shall be painted red prior to the hydrostatic pressure test whether or not they are intended to be enclosed at the end of construction.

Existing handles of valves serving existing standpipe systems and existing unpainted standpipe risers that are exposed during alterations, including alterations pursuant to Section 28-101.4.2 of the Administrative Code shall be painted red. Where the alteration requires a hydrostatic pressure test such painting shall be completed prior to such test.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all portions of exposed standpipe systems and handles of valves serving the standpipe system of completed buildings in existence March 2, 2010 shall be painted red by June 2, 2010.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where construction documents were approved and permits issued for the construction of a new building or alteration of an existing building prior to March 2, 2010 and the work is not signed off by the department prior to such date, all exposed portions of the standpipe system and handles of valves serving the standpipe system shall be painted red prior to the hydrostatic pressure test, including portions that will be enclosed at a later point in time.

Where a standpipe system that is used as a combination standpipe and sprinkler system is required to be painted pursuant to Section 905.11.1, 905.11.2, 905.11.3 or 905.11.4, the sprinkler risers and cross connections that are also used for the standpipe system shall be painted red, and the handles of valves serving such combination standpipe and sprinkler system shall be painted yellow.

For all buildings where standpipe and combination sprinkler and standpipe systems are not subject to a special inspection pursuant to Section 1704.24 of this code, a licensed master plumber, licensed master fire suppression piping contractor, registered design professional or an individual holding an appropriate certificate of fitness from the Fire Department for the operation and/or maintenance of such system shall certify on forms provided by the department that all required painting has been completed in accordance with Section 905.11. Such certification shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by the department and the Fire Department.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in occupancies and locations as required by the New York City Fire Code.

This section covers the application, installation, performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 as modified in Appendix Q and the New York City Electrical Code. Systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with this code and the New York City Fire Code.

*Section BC 907.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval to the Fire Department prior to system installation. Construction documents shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

1. A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms.
2. Locations of alarm-initiating devices.
3. Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances.
4. Location of fire command center, fire alarm control units, transponders and notification power supplies.
5. Location of remote annunciators.
6. Location of all primary, secondary and local sources of power.
7. Fire alarm riser diagram showing all fire alarm devices indicated on the floor plans. Quantities of devices on the floor plans shall match the quantities indicated on the riser diagram. Riser diagram shall include class and style of circuits and levels of survivability. The riser diagram shall show the interface of fire safety control functions.
8. Copies of any variances granted by the department or the Fire Department.
9. Legend of all fire alarm symbols and abbreviations used.
10. Design criteria for fire alarm audibility in various occupancies indicated on plans.
11. Fire alarm sequence of operation for the fire alarm system in a matrix format.
12. Classification of the central supervising station.

*Section BC 907.1.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Amendments to approved construction documents shall be submitted, and approved by the Fire Department before the final inspection of the work or equipment is completed, and such amendments when approved shall be deemed part of the original construction documents. The Fire Department may allow minor revisions of construction documents to be made and submitted to the Fire Department after the completion of work but prior to sign-off of the work in accordance with rules promulgated by the Fire Department regarding such amendments.

*Section BC 907.1.1.1 was amended by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Systems and their components shall be listed for the purpose for which they are installed. The fire alarm control unit shall meet the requirements of the Fire Department.

An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 as modified by Appendix Q shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.22 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.

A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.
In all occupancies where an automatic fire alarm system is required by this section, selective coverage smoke detectors shall be located as follows, unless partial or total coverage automatic detection is specified.

1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room, in elevator machine rooms, and in elevator lobbies.
2. In air distribution systems in accordance with Section 606 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.

Activation of the fire alarm in Group A-1 occupancies with an occupant load of 300 or more, and in all other Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more, shall initiate a presignal system in accordance with NFPA 72 as amended by Appendix Q at a constantly attended location from which the Fire Department shall be notified and live voice evacuation instructions shall be initiated using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group B occupancies that are protected by an automatic sprinkler system where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The combined Group B occupant load of all floors is 500 or more.
2. The Group B occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
3. The Group B fire area contains a Group B ambulatory health care facility.

Where such occupancies meeting any one of the above conditions are not protected by an automatic sprinkler system, a partial coverage automatic smoke detection system or automatic heat detection system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 in addition to the manual and automatic fire alarm system.

Fire areas containing Group B ambulatory health care facilities shall be provided with an electronically supervised automatic partial-coverage smoke detection system installed within the ambulatory health care facility and in public use areas outside of tenant spaces and along the path of egress, including public corridors and elevator lobbies.

Group B occupancies having a total gross area exceeding 100,000 square feet (9290 m²) located in buildings where the highest occupied floor is less than 75 feet above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access shall be provided with automatic smoke detection connected to an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1 and emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 that initiates a total evacuation signal.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group F occupancies that are two or more stories in height and have an occupant load of 100 or more, or when 25 persons or more are above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings. In addition to the automatic fire alarm system requirements of Section 907.2, an automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with the New York City Fire Code, and shall be connected to a central supervising station.

Exceptions: A smoke detection system shall not be required in detached storage buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system and used only to store the following:

1. Organic peroxides.
2. Liquid or solid oxidizers.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1. 907.2.6.2 and 907.2.6.3.3.

An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than sleeping units and kitchens. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5.

Smoke detectors and notification appliances shall be installed in dwelling units and such notification appliances shall activate only in the unit in which the alarm originates. Such detectors and appliances shall be annunciated by a dwelling unit at a constantly attended location from which the fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated. Smoke detectors are required in the following areas:

1. Sleeping areas;
2. Every room in the path of the means of egress from the sleeping area to the door leading from the dwelling unit;
3. Each story within the unit, including below-grade stories. For dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level.

An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate-care and skilled nursing facilities), corridors in detoxification facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by Section 407.2. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5. Hospitals shall be equipped with smoke detection as required in Section 407. A one-way voice communication system activated in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 shall be provided at the fire command center for use by Fire Department personnel.

Group I-2 hospital buildings where the highest occupied floor is less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access shall be provided with partial coverage automatic smoke detection connected to an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

Group I-3 occupancies shall be equipped with a manual and automatic fire alarm system and automatic smoke detection system installed for alerting staff.

Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, a manual fire alarm box or a smoke detector shall initiate an approved alarm signal that automatically notifies staff.

Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be located in accordance with Section 907.4.2 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 allowed 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 automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout resident housing units, including sleeping areas and contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces and other common spaces normally accessible to residents.

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group M occupancies where any one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where a Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m²);
2. Where a Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade;
3. Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m²); or
4. Where a Group M fire area in a below-grade story exceeds 1,500 square feet (139 m²).

Where such occupancies are not protected by an automatic sprinkler system, a manual fire alarm and partial coverage automatic smoke detection or automatic heat detection system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

Group M occupancies having a total gross area exceeding 100,000 square feet (9290 m²) located in buildings where the highest occupied floor is less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access and covered mall buildings having a total gross area exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m²) shall be provided with automatic smoke detection connected to an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 initiating a total evacuation signal.

Fire alarm systems shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.4.

A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.

An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in all public corridors serving dwelling units and in accordance with Section 907.2.8.3.

Smoke detectors and audible notification appliances shall be installed in dwelling units and shall be annunciated by dwelling unit at a constantly attended location from which the fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated. Smoke detectors are required in the following areas:

1. In sleeping areas.
2. In every room in the path of the means of egress from the sleeping area to the door leading from the dwelling unit.
3. In each story within the unit, including below-grade stories. For 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.

Group R-1 occupancies with a total of more than 50 sleeping rooms above street level located in buildings where the highest occupied floor is less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access, or communal sleeping facilities above street level occupied or designed to be occupied by more than 50 lodgers, shall be provided with automatic smoke detection connected to an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 that initiates a total evacuation signal.

A fire alarm system without alarm notification appliances and smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with this section in Group R-2 occupancies, other than student apartments, where such occupancy satisfies any one of the following conditions:

1. Any dwelling unit is located three or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge, including dwelling units in penthouses of any area;
2. Any dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit; or
3. The building contains more than 16 dwelling units.

Actuation of smoke detectors shall not initiate a signal to alarm notification appliances. The activation of any detector required by this section shall initiate a signal at a central station or a constantly attended location. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room, greater than 75 square feet (6.96 m²) in area.
2. In air distribution systems in accordance with Section 606 of the New York City Mechanical Code.
3. In elevator machine rooms and in elevator lobbies.

Where the main use or dominant occupancy of a building is classified as R-2 student apartments, as defined in Section 310.2, fire alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.8. Where the main use or dominant occupancy of a building is not classified as R-2 student apartments and the building is occupied partially by Group R-2 student apartments, fire alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.9.1.1 through 907.2.9.2.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed throughout all public corridors serving student apartments and student-related uses. Student-related uses shall include common spaces such as recreation rooms, lounges, dining rooms, laundry rooms and storage rooms.

An automatic fire alarm system without alarm notification appliances shall be installed in accordance with this section in Group R-2 student apartments and student-related uses. The activation of any smoke detector required by this section shall initiate a signal at a central station or a constantly attended location. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room, in elevator machine rooms, and in elevator lobbies.
2. In air distribution systems in accordance with Section 606 of the New York City Mechanical Code.
3. Throughout all public corridors serving student apartments and student-related uses. Student-related uses shall include common spaces such as recreation rooms, lounges, dining rooms, laundry rooms and storage rooms. However, smoke detectors shall not be required in such public corridors in buildings containing fewer than 15 student apartments.

Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11.

Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.2.11.4 and NFPA 72.

Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1, regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations within all dwelling units:

1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each room used for sleeping purposes within 15 feet (4572 mm) from the door to such room.
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.
   
   Exception: Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms in Group I-1 shall not be required where smoke detectors are provided in the sleeping rooms as part of an automatic smoke detection system.
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including below-grade stories and penthouses of any area, 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.

Required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting, and shall be equipped with a battery backup. 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 over-current protection.

Where more than one smoke alarm or detector is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in Group I-1, R-2, R-3, or within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms or detectors shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm or detector will activate all of the alarms or detectors in the individual unit. The alarm or detector shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

Smoke alarms shall be provided with the capability to support visible alarm notification appliances in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1.

On and after January 1, 2021, smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed or replaced in an individual dwelling or sleeping unit, including dwellings or units in prior code buildings, within an area of exclusion determined by a 20 foot (6.0 m) radial distance along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance, unless listed in accordance with the 8^th edition of UL 217 for smoke alarms or the 7^th edition of UL 268 for smoke detectors.

*Section 907.2.11.5 was added by: Local Law 113 of 2018. This law has an effective date of June 9, 2018.

An automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in special amusement buildings in accordance with Sections 907.2.12.1 through 907.2.12.3.

Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic sprinkler system or any other automatic fire detection device shall immediately sound an 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 907.2.12.2.

The following minimum system actuations and responses shall be required upon approval by the department and the Fire Department. The activation of two or more smoke detectors, a single smoke detector with alarm verification, the automatic sprinkler system or other approved fire detection device shall automatically:

1. Cause illumination of the means of egress with light of not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at the walking surface level;
2. Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visual distractions; and
3. Activate an approved directional exit marking that will become apparent in an emergency; and
4. Activate a prerecorded message, clearly 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 also 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.

In addition to the requirements of Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.12, buildings constructed in accordance with Section 403 and having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access shall be provided with automatic smoke detection connected to an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a Fire Department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2, a two-way communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.3, and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

In addition to smoke detection otherwise required by this code, automatic smoke detection in high-rise buildings shall be in accordance with Sections 907.2.13.1.1 and 907.2.13.1.2.

Exception for Group R-2 occupancies: In R-2 occupancies, the activation of smoke detectors shall initiate a signal at a central supervising station or a constantly attended location and shall not initiate a signal to an alarm notification appliances.

Automatic 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 operate the emergency voice/alarm communication system. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:

1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room.
2. In each elevator machine room and in elevator lobbies.

Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located in air distribution systems in accordance with Section 606 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

A Fire Department Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS), which shall be in accordance with Section 917, shall be required in all high-rise buildings.

A two-way voice communication system (warden) phone that complies with the requirements of NFPA 72 shall be provided in the following locations and shall comply with the following requirements. Such phones shall communicate with the fire command center.

1. In Group B high-rise and large area office buildings, there shall be a minimum of two phones located on every floor accessible to all occupants, with each phone located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of a different exit stair.
2. Where elevator lobbies are permitted to be locked, the phones provided are permitted to be connected to the fire alarm system.
3. If phones are provided in areas of rescue assistance and refuge areas, the phones are permitted to be connected to the fire alarm system.
4. Where phones are provided to meet the requirements for stairway communication systems in Section 403.5.3.1, the phones are permitted to be connected to the fire alarm system.

A fire alarm system shall be installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects more than two stories, with smoke detection installed throughout the atrium. 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 fire detection system shall be installed throughout high-piled combustible storage areas where required by the New York City Fire Code.

Aerosol storage rooms and general-purpose warehouses containing aerosols shall be provided with an approved manual fire alarm system where required by the New York City Fire Code.

Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system.

Where a compartment smoke control system is installed in an underground building as required by Section 405, automatic fire detectors shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.18.1.

A minimum of one smoke detector listed for the intended purpose shall be installed in the following areas:

1. Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or similar rooms.
2. Elevator lobbies.
3. The main supply and return and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system serving more than one story and located in a serviceable area downstream from filters on supply ducts and in return/exhaust ducts downstream of the last duct inlet.
4. 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 exhaust system shall activate an audible alarm at a constantly attended location.

In underground buildings complying with Section 405 where the lowest level of a structure is more than 30 feet (18 144 mm) below the lowest level of exit discharge, the structure shall be equipped throughout with a manual and automatic fire alarm system, including an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

Covered mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m²) in total floor area shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system serving a mall, required or otherwise, shall be accessible to the Fire Department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in areas containing stationary storage battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189.3 L). Where the battery room is located in a building or space that is provided with a fire alarm system or subsystem, the smoke detectors shall be connected to such building fire alarm system or subsystem. The detection system shall be supervised by a central supervising station, or a local alarm that will sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

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 all occupiable and equipment spaces.

Automatic fire detectors utilized for the purpose of performing fire safety functions shall be connected to the building's fire alarm control unit where a fire alarm system is required by Section 907.2. Detectors shall, upon actuation, perform the intended function and activate the alarm notification appliances or activate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location.

Smoke detectors installed in ducts shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity present in the duct. Duct smoke detectors shall be connected to the building's fire alarm control unit when a fire alarm system is required by Section 907.2. Activation of a duct smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location and shall perform the intended fire safety function in accordance with this code and the New York City Mechanical Code. Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute for required open area detection.

Where delayed egress locks are installed on means of egress doors in accordance with Section 1008.1.9.7, an automatic smoke or heat detection system shall be installed as required by that section.

Automatic fire detectors installed for elevator emergency operation shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 30 of this code, ASME A17.1 and NFPA 72.

The wiring to the auxiliary devices and equipment used to accomplish the above fire safety functions shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72 and the New York City Electrical Code.

All hold-open devices used in automatic-closing doors pursuant to the exception to Section 708.7 shall be electrically supervised to monitor the integrity of the wiring connections among the fire alarm system, the smoke detection system, and the hold-open devices.

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.

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.

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 907.4.2.5.

Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that travel distance to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).

The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 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 required to be monitored by a supervising station, an approved permanent sign that reads: WHEN ALARM SOUNDS—CALL 911 shall be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box.

The Fire Department is authorized to require the installation of listed manual fire alarm box protective covers to prevent malicious false alarms or 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.

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.

Where a fire alarm system is required by another section of this code or is otherwise installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed in accordance with Section 904 shall be monitored by the fire alarm system.

A fire alarm system shall annunciate at the panel 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:

1. Automatic fire detectors.
2. Sprinkler waterflow devices.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

A presignal feature shall not be installed unless approved by the Fire Department. Where a presignal feature is provided, a signal shall be annunciated at a constantly attended location approved by the Fire Department, in order 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.

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 at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, in every occupiable space within the building. The minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 75 dBA in occupancies in Groups R and I-1; 90 dBA in mechanical equipment rooms and 60 dBA in other occupancies.

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 the New York City Fire Code. In high-rise buildings, the system shall operate on a minimum of 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:

1. Each exit stairway.
2. Each floor.
3. Refuge areas as defined in Section 1002.1.

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 have multi-channel capability to broadcast live voice messages by paging zones on a selective and all-call basis without automatic interruption of the alarm tones on the floor of incidence, floor above or floor below.

When approved by the fire commissioner, the emergency voice/alarm communication system may be allowed to be used for other announcements.

Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided with an approved emergency power source in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.3.1 through 907.5.2.3.3.

Exceptions:

1. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in exits.
2. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in elevator cars.

Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in public areas and common areas.

Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the notification appliance circuits serving the employee work areas shall be initially designed with a minimum of 20-percent spare capacity to account for the potential of adding visible notification appliances in the future to accommodate hearing impaired employee(s).

Group I-1 and R-1 dwelling units or sleeping units in accordance with Table 907.5.2.3.3 shall be provided with a visible alarm notification appliance, activated by both the in-room smoke detector and the building fire alarm system.

TABLE 907.5.2.3.3
VISIBLE ALARMS

NUMBER OF UNITS	UNITS 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

A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 72 as modified by Appendix Q.

Wiring shall comply with the requirements of the New York City Electrical Code and NFPA 72 as modified by Appendix Q. Wireless protection systems utilizing radio-frequency transmitting devices shall comply with the special requirements for supervision of low-power wireless systems in NFPA 72 as modified by Appendix Q.

The primary and secondary power supply for the fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

For non-addressable systems, each floor shall be zoned separately and a zone shall not exceed 22,500 square feet (2090 m²). The length of any zone shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in any direction.

A zoning indicator panel and the associated controls shall be provided at the main building entrance accessible to responding Fire Department personnel and in other locations approved by the department and the Fire Department. The visual zone indication shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be canceled by the operation of an audible-alarm silencing switch.

In high-rise buildings constructed in accordance with Section 403, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for each of the following types of alarm-initiating devices where provided:

1. Smoke detectors.
2. Sprinkler waterflow devices.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. 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.

Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the New York City Fire Code shall be monitored by a central supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 and approved by the fire commissioner.

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 Commissioner.

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.

A record of completion in accordance with NFPA 72 verifying that the system has been installed and tested in accordance with the approved construction documents and specifications shall be provided.

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 the New York City Fire Code.

Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided in accordance with Section 414.7 of this code and the New York City Fire Code.

Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as required in Section 415.8.4.6. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided for HPM gases in accordance with Section 415.8.7 of this code and the New York City Fire Code.

A gas detection system shall be provided to detect the presence of highly toxic or toxic gas at or below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) or ceiling limit of the gas for which detection is provided. The system shall be capable of monitoring the discharge from the treatment system at or below one-half the immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) limit and shall comply with the New York City Fire Code.

The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to a constantly attended control station when a short-term hazard condition is detected. The alarm shall be both visible and audible and shall provide warning both inside and outside the area where gas is detected. The audible alarm shall be distinct from all other alarms.

The gas detection system shall automatically close the shutoff valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being monitored for whichever gas is detected.

The automatic closure of shutoff valves shall be in accordance with the following:

1. When the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valve in the gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.
2. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas room and compressed gas containers are not in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures, the shutoff valves on all gas lines for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.
3. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a piping distribution manifold enclosure, the shutoff valve for the compressed container of specific gas detected supplying the manifold shall automatically close.

Ozone gas-generator rooms shall be equipped with a continuous gas-detection system that will shut off the generator and sound a local alarm when concentrations above the PEL occur and shall comply with the New York City Fire Code.

A flammable-gas detection system shall be provided in repair garages for vehicles fueled by enumerated gases in accordance with Section 406.6.6 and the New York City Fire Code.

Machinery rooms shall contain a refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm. The detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to the detector, shall be located in an area where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate. The alarm shall be actuated at a value not greater than the corresponding TLV-TWA values for the refrigerant classification indicated in the New York City Mechanical Code. Detectors and alarms shall be placed in approved locations. Refrigerant detectors shall initiate all functions as required by the New York City Mechanical Code and New York City Fire Code.

Carbon monoxide alarms and detectors shall be provided and installed in accordance with Sections 908.7.1 through 908.7.4.

Listed carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be installed as follows:

1. Group R-1 and Group R-2 where the main use or dominant occupancy of a building is classified as Group R-2 student apartments. Carbon monoxide detectors and audible notification appliances shall be installed in affected dwelling units as per Section 908.7.1.1 and shall be annunciated by dwelling unit at a constantly attended location from which the fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated.
2. Groups I-1, R-2 (other than occupancies covered by Item 1) and R-3. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in affected dwelling units as per Section 908.7.1.1.

Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be required within the following dwelling units:

1. Units on the same story where carbon monoxide-producing equipment or enclosed parking is located.
2. Units on the stories immediately above and below the floor where carbon monoxide-producing equipment or enclosed parking is located.
3. Units in a building containing a carbon monoxide-producing furnace, boiler, or water heater as part of a central system.
4. Units in a building served by a carbon monoxide-producing furnace, boiler, or water heater as part of a central system that is located in an adjoining or attached building.

Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be located within dwelling units as follows:

1. Outside of any room used for sleeping purposes, within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the entrance to such room.
2. In any room used for sleeping purposes.
3. On any story within a dwelling unit, including below-grade stories and penthouses of any area, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.

Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall comply with the power source, interconnection and acceptance testing requirements as required for smoke alarms in accordance with Sections 907.2.11.2 through 907.2.11.2 and Section 907.2.11.3.

Means of exhausting carbon monoxide from garages shall be provided when a carbon monoxide alarm or detector is activated in a Group R-3 occupancy, provided such garage is attached within the Group R-3 occupancy. Such exhaust system shall be arranged to operate automatically upon detection of a concentration of carbon monoxide of 35 parts per million (ppm) or greater by approved automatic detection device. The system shall be capable of producing an exhaust rate of 1.5 cfm per square foot of floor area of the garage. Removal of sensor, interruption of power or cut wires shall cause the relay circuit to open and start fan. The relay contact shall close and the fan may shut off when the carbon monoxide level is below 35 ppm. Carbon monoxide exhausting means shall be connected to a separate circuit and provided with a lock and identified at the power source. Such circuit shall not be connected to a power source through an arc-fault or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices. Additionally, when the carbon monoxide exhausting means is connected to the plug-in-type overcurrent protection device, such device shall be secured in place by an additional fastener.

Listed carbon monoxide detectors with built-in sounder bases shall be transmit a signal to a central supervising station and shall be permitted to initiate an audible and visual supervisory alarm at a constantly attended location.

1. Carbon monoxide detectors with built-in sounder bases shall be installed within any room containing carbon monoxide-producing equipment.
   
   Exception: Kitchens or laboratories.
2. Carbon monoxide detectors with built-in sounder bases shall be installed in corridors on the story where carbon monoxide-producing equipment unit is located, as well as one story above and one story below.
3. Carbon monoxide detectors with built-in sounder bases shall be installed in all corridors on the story where enclosed parking is located, as well as one story above and one story below.

Listed carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in buildings that are equipped with a fire alarm system and that contain Group A-1, A-2 or A-3, Group B or Group M occupancies. Such carbon monoxide detectors installed pursuant to this section shall have built-in sounder bases, shall transmit a signal to a central supervising station and shall be permitted to initiate an audible and visual supervisory alarm at a constantly attended location. The department shall adopt rules and/or reference standards (i) governing the installation and location of carbon monoxide detectors, provided such detectors shall be required within rooms containing carbon-monoxide producing equipment and (ii) addressing the installation of such detectors or any alternative means of compliance in existing buildings.
*Section BC 908.7.3 was amended by Local Law 191 of 2018. This law has an effective date of August 28, 2019.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, listed carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in existing buildings that are equipped with a fire alarm system and that contain group A-1, A-2, A-3, Group B or Group M occupancies in accordance with Section 908.7.3 by July 1, 2021.

Carbon monoxide alarms and detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034 and UL 2075.

Medical gas pressure monitoring and alarm systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 99 and NFPA 99C.

Rooms and spaces containing flammable gas distribution piping operating at levels above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa) shall be provided with an approved flammable gas detection-alarm system.

Construction documents for emergency alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval to the Fire Department prior to system installation.

*Section BC 908.10 was added by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

Acceptance testing and maintenance of emergency alarm systems shall be performed in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

*Section BC 908.11 was added by Local Law 195 of 2018. This law has an effective date of May 30, 2019.

This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems when they are required by other provisions of this code. A smoke control system is a life safety system, and, where required, facilitates the evacuation of the occupants. 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. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-venting provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this section and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meaning shown herein.

PRESSURIZATION. Creation and maintenance of pressure levels in zones of a building, including elevator shafts and stairwells, that are higher than the pressure level at the smoke source, such pressure levels being produced by positive pressures of a supply of uncontaminated air; by exhausting air and smoke at the smoke source; or by a combination of these methods.

SMOKE. Air-borne solid and liquid particulates and gases evolved when a material undergoes pyrolysis or combustion, including the quality of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass.

SMOKE BARRIER. See Section 702.1.

SMOKE CONTROL MODE. A predefined operational configuration of a system or device for the purpose of smoke control.

SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM, MECHANICAL. An engineered system that uses mechanical fans to produce pressure differences across smoke barriers or that establishes airflows to limit and direct smoke movement.

SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM, PASSIVE. A system of smoke barriers arranged to limit the migration of smoke.

SMOKE CONTROL ZONE. A space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers.

SMOKE DAMPER. See Section 702.1.

STACK EFFECT. Vertical airflow within buildings caused by temperature differences.

TENABLE ENVIRONMENT. An environment in which the concentration and location of smoke is limited or otherwise restricted to allow for ready evacuation through the space.

Buildings, structures or parts thereof required by 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 adequately describe the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied by 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 in Section 1704. A record of the special inspection including pressure differences, flow measurements, detection and control shall be maintained on the premises as a baseline against which future tests can be compared.

Smoke control systems shall be verified weekly through the automatic control system in accordance with Section 909.12 and shall be tested annually to ensure proper operation of detection devices, dampers, fans and controls in accordance with the requirements of Sections 909.18.1, 909.18.3, 909.18.5 and 909.18.7. Full testing of smoke control systems in accordance with Sections 909.18 through 909.18.7 shall be conducted at 5-year intervals by an inspector qualified in accordance with Section 909.18.8.2. Test reports shall include all information required by Section 909.18.8.3 and shall be compared against the baseline special inspection report. Causes for any significant deviations from the baseline report shall be identified and corrected. A record of each inspection and test shall be maintained on the premises by the owner or lessee, and the records for at least the last 5 years of operation shall be made available for inspection by the department and the fire commissioner.

A rational analysis supporting the types of smoke control systems to be employed, their methods of operation, the systems supporting them and the methods of construction to be utilized shall accompany the submitted construction documents and shall include, but not be limited to, the items indicated in Sections 909.4.1 through 909.4.6. The basis of design and design analysis of the smoke control system shall be submitted to the department.

The system shall be designed such that the maximum probable normal or reverse stack effect will not adversely interfere with the system's capabilities. In determining the maximum probable stack effect, altitude, elevation, weather history and interior temperatures shall be used.

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 Chapter 16.

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 HVAC 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 active or passive smoke control systems shall be capable of continued operation after detection of the fire event for a period of not less than 20 minutes or 1.5 times the calculated egress time, whichever is more.

Smoke barriers shall comply with Section 710, and shall be constructed and sealed to limit leakage areas exclusive of protected openings. The maximum allowable leakage area shall be the aggregate area calculated using the following leakage area ratios:

1. Walls: A/A_w = 0.00100
2. Exit enclosures: A/A_w = 0.00035
3. All other shafts: A/A_w = 0.00150
4. Floors and roofs: A/A_F = 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 doors, operable windows or similar gaps. These shall be included in calculating the total leakage area.

The 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 and operable windows. Compliance 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. Passive smoke control systems tested using other approved means such as door fan testing shall be approved by the department and the fire commissioner.

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 door assemblies complying with Section 715.4.3.

Ducts and air transfer openings are required to be protected with a minimum Class II, 250°F (121°C) smoke damper complying with Section 716.

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 minimum pressure difference across a smoke barrier shall be 0.05-inch water gage (0.0 124 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 at least two times the maximum calculated pressure difference produced by the design fire, but in no case less than the values indicated in Table 909.6.1:

TABLE 909.6.1
MINIMUM PRESSURE DIFFERENCES ACROSS SMOKE BARRIERS

CEILING HEIGHT	MINIMUM DESIGN PRESSURE DIFFERENCE
Less than 15 feet (4572 mm)	0.10-inch water gage (0.0259 kPa)
Equal to or greater than 15 feet (4572 mm), but less than 21 feet (6401 mm)	0.14-inch water gage (0.0349 kPa)
Equal to or greater than 21 feet (6401 mm)	0.18-inch water gage (0.0448 kPa)

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 1008.1.3. 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 aside-hinged, swinging door in motion shall be determined by:



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).

When approved by the department, 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 air flow shall be in accordance with this section. Air flow 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.

The minimum average velocity through a fixed opening shall not be less than:

v = 217.2 [h (Tf - To)/(Tf + 460)]1/2	(Equation 9-2)
For SI: v = 119.9 [h (Tf - To)/Tf]1/2

where:

h	=	Height of opening, feet (m).
T f	=	Temperature of smoke, °F (°K).
To	=	Temperature of ambient air, °F (°K).
v	=	Air velocity, feet per minute (m/minute).

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. In no case shall airflow toward the fire exceed 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s). Where the formula in Section 909.7.1 requires airflow to exceed this limit, the airflow method shall not be used.

When approved by the department, mechanical smoke control for large enclosed volumes, such as in atriums or malls, shall be permitted to utilize the exhaust method. The design exhaust volumes shall be in accordance with NFPA 92B.

The height of the lowest horizontal surface of the accumulating smoke layer shall be maintained at least 6 feet (1829 mm) above any walking surface that forms a portion of a required egress system within the smoke zone.

The design fire shall be based on a Q of not less than 5,000 Btu/s (5275 kW) unless a rational analysis performed by the registered design professional and approved by the department. 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.

The analysis shall make use of best available data from approved sources and shall not be based on excessively stringent limitations of combustible material.

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 its intended use, suitable for the probable exposure temperatures that the rational analysis indicates, and as approved by the department.

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:

where:

c	=	Specific heat of smoke at smoke layer temperature, Btu/lb°F (kJ/kg • K).
m	=	Exhaust rate, pounds per second (kg/s).
Qc	=	Convective heat output of fire, Btu/s (kW).
Ta	=	Ambient temperature, °F (°K).
Ts	=	Smoke temperature, °F (°K).

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 New York City 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.

Equipment shall be located so as not to expose uninvolved portions of the building to an additional fire hazard. Outside air inlets shall be located so as to minimize the potential for introducing smoke or flame into the building. Exhaust outlets shall be located so as to minimize reintroduction of smoke into the building and to limit exposure of the building or adjacent buildings to an additional fire hazard.

Automatic dampers, regardless of the purpose for which they are installed within the smoke control system, shall be listed for their use.

In addition to other requirements, belt-driven fans shall have 1.5 times the number of belts required for the design duty, but not less than two. Fans shall be selected for stable performance based on normal temperature and, where applicable, elevated temperature. Calculations and manufacturer's fan curves shall be part of the documentation procedures. Fans shall be supported and restrained by noncombustible devices in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 16. Motors driving fans shall not be operated beyond their nameplate horsepower (kilowatts), as determined from measurement of actual current draw, and shall have a minimum service factor of 1.15.

Smoke control systems covered by Section 909 are life safety systems and are required to function after an earthquake. Such smoke control systems shall be seismically designed in accordance with Section 1613 and ASCE 7-10. The component importance factor, Ip, shall be taken as 1.5 in accordance with ASCE 7-10, Section 13.1.3. The smoke control system includes all components required for its operation, including but not limited to fans, ducts, electrical power, switchboards, motor control centers, starters, and controls.

The smoke control system shall be supplied with two sources of power. Primary power shall be from the normal building power systems. Secondary power shall be from a standby source complying with Section 2702.1.

Elements of the smoke management system relying on volatile memories or similar systems shall be supplied with uninterruptable power sources of sufficient duration to span a 15-minute primary power interruption. Elements of the smoke management system susceptible to power surges shall be suitably protected by conditioners, suppressors or other approved means.

Fire detection systems providing control input or output signals to mechanical smoke control systems or elements thereof shall comply with the requirements of Section 907. Such systems shall be equipped with a control unit complying with UL 864 and listed as smoke control equipment.

Control systems for mechanical smoke control systems shall include provisions for verification. Verification shall include positive confirmation of actuation, testing, manual override, the presence of power downstream of all disconnects and, through a preprogrammed weekly test sequence report, abnormal conditions audibly, visually and by printed report.

In addition to meeting requirements of the New York City Electrical Code, all wiring, regardless of voltage, shall be fully enclosed within continuous raceways.

Smoke control systems shall be activated in accordance with this section.

Mechanical smoke control systems using the pressurization, airflow or exhaust method shall have completely automatic control.

Passive smoke control systems actuated by spot-type detectors listed for releasing service shall be permitted.

Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls that are readily accessible to the Fire Department and any smoke detectors required by engineering analysis. See Section 909.16 for manual control requirements.

Automatic and manual operation of the smoke control system may alternately be done through a Building Management System (BMS) that meets the following requirements and is approved by the Fire Department:

1. The BMS system shall be listed for UL 864 UUKL Smoke Control.
2. The BMS Control Center shall be staffed 24 hours a day by operators trained in the building's smoke control systems and their operation. In buildings where Fire Safety Directors are required, they shall operate the smoke control system.
3. The control room shall be 2-hour rated construction.
4. BMS annunciation and additional control station locations shall be located in the fire command center in accordance with Section 909.16.

Control air tubing shall be of sufficient size to meet the required response times. Tubing shall be flushed clean and dry prior to final connections and shall be adequately supported and protected from damage. Tubing passing through concrete or masonry shall be sleeved and protected from abrasion and electrolytic action.

Control air tubing shall be hard drawn copper, Type L, ACR in accordance with ASTM B 42, ASTM B 43, ASTM B 68, ASTM B 88, ASTM B 251 and ASTM B 280. Fittings shall be wrought copper or brass, solder type, in accordance with ASME B 16.18 or ASME B 16.22. Changes in direction shall be made with appropriate tool bends. Brass compression-type fittings shall be used at final connection to devices; other joints shall be brazed using a BCuP5 brazing alloy with solidus above 1,100°F (593°C) and liquids below 1,500°F (816°C). Brazing flux shall be used on copper-to-brass joints only.