FIRE PROTECTION IN THE 2008 NEW YORK CITY BUILDING CODE

FIRE PROTECTION IN THE

2008 NEW YORK CITY BUILDING CODE

New York Society of Architects

24 January 2008

Presented by

Joseph Razza, PE Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.

John Lee, RA NYC Department of Buildings

Copyright © 2007 by NYC Department of Buildings

“The New York Society of Architects” is a Registered

Provider with the American Institute of Architects

Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on

completion of this program will be reported to CES

Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion

for non-AIA members are available on request.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for

continuing professional education. As such, it does not

include content that may be deemed or construed to be

an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material

of construction or any method or manner of handling,

using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Questions related to specific materials, methods, and

services will be addressed at the conclusion of the

presentation.

Learning Objectives

This forum will discuss in general the fire protection requirements in

the 2008 New York City Building Code in the following areas:

• Participants will be able to understand the various types of fire-resistance-rated

construction required by the code

• Participants will be able to apply fire-resistive and smoke-resistive requirements to

construction practices

• Participants will be able to understand the conditions that require installation of

automatic fire extinguishing systems

• Participants will be able to apply standpipe design standards to building

construction

• Participants will be able to understand the conditions that require installation of fire

alarm systems

• Participants will be able to apply fire alarm system design standards to buidling

construction

Local Law 99 of 2005

Local Law 33 of 2007

Timeline

• For 1 year between the Effective date (’08) and the Mandated date

(’09), either the new code or current code may be elected, i.e.12-

month grace period

Enactment

July

2007

Mandated

July

2009

Effective

July

2008 12-Month

Grace Period

The New York City Construction Codes

The organization of the Title 28 of the Administrative Code of the City

of New York, New York City Construction Codes, is as follows:

Fuel Gas Code (Including Chapters 1-13 of Fuel Gas Code)28-900s

Mechanical Code (Including Chapters 1-15 of Mechanical Code)28-800s

Building Code (Including Chapters 1-35 of the Building Code)28-700s

Plumbing Code (Including Chapters 1-13 of the Plumbing Code)28-600s

Outdoor Signs28-500s

Licensing and Registration28-400s

Building Maintenance28-300s

Enforcement28-200s

Administration28-100s

The 2008 New York City Building Code contains 34 chapters and 11

appendices that address building code requirements by subject.

Title 27 Subchapter 5Exterior WallsChapter 14

NYS Energy Conservation

Construction Code

Energy EfficiencyChapter 13

HMC, MDL, Title 27 Subchapter

12

Interior EnvironmentChapter 12

Title 27 Subchapter 4AccessibilityChapter 11

Title 27 Subchapter 6, 8Means of EgressChapter 10

Title 27 Subchapter 7, 17Fire Protection SystemsChapter 9

Title 27 Subchapter 5Interior FinishesChapter 8

Title 27 Subchapter 5Fire-Resistance-Rated ConstructionChapter 7

Title 27 Subchapter 3, 5Types of ConstructionChapter 6

Title 27 Subchapter 4General Building Heights and AreasChapter 5

Title 27 Subchapter 7Special Detailed Requirements Based on

Use and Occupancy

Chapter 4

Title 27 Subchapter 3Use and Occupancy ClassificationsChapter 3

Title 27 Subchapter 2DefinitionsChapter 2

Title 26 Subchapter 1-4

Title 27 Subchapter 1

Title 28-Administration

(Including Plumbing Code’s Chapter 1, Mechanical Code’s

Chapter 1, Fuel Gas Code’s Chapter 1)

1968 Building Code2008 Building Code

New York City Building Code Chapter Organization


Title 27 Subchapter 3, 4Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-WayChapter 32

Title 27 Subchapter 4, 7Special ConstructionChapter 31

Title 27 Subchapter 18Elevators and Conveying SystemsChapter 30

Title 27 Subchapter 16Plumbing SystemsChapter 29

Title 27 Subchapter 13, 14, 15Mechanical SystemsChapter 28

Title 27 Subchapter 6, 7, NYC

Electrical Code

ElectricalChapter 27

Title 27 Subchapter 5PlasticChapter 26

Title 27 Subchapter 10Gypsum Board and PlasterChapter 25

Title 27 Subchapter 10Glass and GlazingChapter 24

Title 27 Subchapter 10WoodChapter 23

Title 27 Subchapter 10SteelChapter 22

Title 27 Subchapter 10, 15MasonryChapter 21

Title 27 Subchapter 10AluminumChapter 20

Title 27 Subchapter 10, 19ConcreteChapter 19

Title 27 Subchapter 1, 11, 19Soils and FoundationsChapter 18

Title 27 Subchapter 1,10,11Structural Tests and Special InspectionsChapter 17

Title 27 Subchapter 9,10Structural DesignChapter 16

Title 27 Subchapter 5Roof Assemblies and Rooftop StructuresChapter 15



RS 5-16Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panel Ceiling

Suspension Systems

Appendix R

RS 17-1, 17-2, 17-2A, 17-2B, 17-5Modified National Standards for

Automatic Sprinkler, Standpipe, and Fire

Alarm Systems

Appendix Q

Title 27 Subchapter 4, RS 4-6,

TPPN 8/88, 15/88, 22/88

Toilet & Bathing Facilities in R-2

Occupancies

Appendix P

Title 27 Subchapter 4, RS 4-6Assistive Listening SystemsAppendix N

Directive 6 of 1979Supplementary Requirements for One- and

Two-Family Dwellings

Appendix M

RS 18.1ElevatorsAppendix K

Title 27 Subchapter 7Outdoor SignsAppendix H

Title 27 Subchapter 4Flood-Resistant ConstructionAppendix G

MDL §80.6, RS 16Rodent ProofingAppendix F

Title 27 Subchapter 4Supplementary AccessibilityAppendix E

Title 27 Subchapter 3, 4, 5Fire DistrictsAppendix D

Appendix to Title 27, Chapter 1Referenced StandardsChapter 35

Title 27 Subchapter 19Safeguards During ConstructionChapter 33


Chapter 3 –Use and Occupancy Classification

D-1semiconductor fabrication facilities using hazardous production materials (HPM) in excess of the permitted

aggregate quantity.H-5

nonematerials that are health hazards.H-4

Amaterials that readily support combustion or present a physical hazard.H-3

Auses present a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning.H-2

Amaterials that present a detonation hazard. H-1

AHigh Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, and H-5H

D-2involve non-combustible, non-flammable materials, or low-hazardous production. F-2

D-1moderate-hazard.F-1

DFactory and industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2F

GEducational:

5 or more persons at any time for educational purposes. E

EBusiness:

office, professional, service-type transaction, public or civic services.B

F-2participation in or viewing outdoor activities.A-5

F-1bindoor sporting events with spectator seating.A-4

F-3, F-1b, F-4worship, recreation or amusement (physically active), and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere

in Group A.A-3

F-4food and/or drink consumption.A-2

F-1awith fixed seating, intended for production and viewing of the performance arts or motion pictures.A-1

FAssembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5A

Chapter 3 –Use and Occupancy Classification

KUtility and Miscellaneous:

structures of an accessory character, or not classified in any specific occupancy.U

B-2low-hazard storage occupancy for non-combustible materials.S-2

B-1moderate-hazard storage occupancy for any flammable or combustible materials.S-1

BStorage: Groups S-1, and S-2 S

J-3not more than 2 apartments on a long term basis (for a month or more).R-3

J-2more than 2 dwelling units on a long term basis (for a month or more).R-2

J-1occupied transiently (for less than one month) and student dormitories. R-1

JResidential: Groups R-1, R-2, and R-3R

CMercantile:

display and sale of merchandise.M

H-2 day care facilities, occupied by persons of any age who receive custodial care (without overnight) by

individuals other than parents, guardians, or relatives in a place other than at the home.I-4

H-1more than 5 persons who are detained under restraint or security reason.I-3

H-2

medical, surgical, nursing or custodial care, on a 24-hour basis, of more than 3 persons, who are not

capable of self-preservation or responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from

staff. I-2

J-2 housing persons, on a 24-hour basis, capable of self-preservation and responding to an emergency situation

without physical assistance from staff.I-1

H, J-2Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4I

Chapter 5 Separated Occupancies

Table 508.3.3

Chapter 5 Incidental Use Areas

Table 508.2

Chapter 7

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

Chapter 7 – Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

• Exterior walls (Section 704)

– Designed to contain the fire to the building of origin and prevent

its spread to adjoining buildings.

– For Fire Rating, refer to:

• Table 601 Protection based on Construction Type

• Table 602 Fire Separation Distance based on

– Distance between buildings

– Construction Type and

– Occupancy

Chapter 6 – Types of Construction



– Table 704.8 prescribes the area limitations, as a percentage of

exterior wall area, for both unprotected and protected openings,

based upon separation distances, irrespective of construction

class.

• Compare to current code Table 3-4

– Table 704.8 permits unprotected openings within separation

distance of 15 feet

• current code permits the equivalent only for construction

classes II-D and II-E



– Both protected and unprotected openings are permitted within

the same exterior wall, limited in area through a formulary

(Equation 7-2)

– the amount of unprotected openings in exterior walls is permitted

to equal the permitted amount of protected openings in fully

sprinklered buildings

– fully sprinklered buildings are not required to provide vertical

separation of openings


Elements of Fire and Smoke Separation

• Fire Separation of Occupied Spaces

– FIRE WALL

– FIRE BARRIER

– FIRE PARTITION

• Smoke Separation of Occupied Spaces

– SMOKE BARRIER

– SMOKE PARTITION

• Separation of Concealed Spaces

– FIRESTOPPING

– FIREBLOCKING

– DRAFT STOP


FIRE WALL (Section 705)

A fire resistance rated wall, with protected openings, extending

continuously from the foundation through or to a roof assembly

– Each portion of a building separated by fire walls shall be considered a

separate building.

– Similar to (but not same as) current code definition of FIRE DIVISION

– Fire ratings based on occupancy, refer to Table 705.4

• Minimum rating 2 hours

• If mixed occupancy, most restrictive rating used



MATERIALS

– Materials are non-combustible

• Only Exception: Type V Construction

OPENINGS

– Unsprinklered buildings

• Each opening shall not exceed 120 sq ft

• Aggregate width of openings at any floor level not to exceed 25% of

length of wall

– Both buildings sprinklered

• Individual openings not limited to 120 sq ft

• Aggregate width of openings at any floor level not to exceed 25% of

length of wall



PARTY WALLS

– All party walls, which are built on property lines between

adjoining buildings, are to be constructed as fire walls

(Section 503.2)

– Attached one-and two-family dwellings shall be separated by

walls constructed in accordance with Section 705 or

Appendix M (one- and two-family dwellings not more than 3

stories in height)


FIRE BARRIER (Section 706)

• Subdivides single and mixed use occupancies within a single

building.

• Fire Rating based on occupancy

– Mixed Use Occupancies refer Table 508.3.3.

– Single Occupancies refer Table 706.3.7.



A fire resistance rated horizontal or vertical assembly with

protected openings. A fire barrier wall must extend from the

floor below, through any concealed spaces, to the underside of

the floor or roof slab above.



• Both vertical and Horizontal Continuity

• Vertical

– Continuous from top of fire rated floor/ceiling assembly below

to underside of floor/roof assembly above

– No circumstances where top of a fire barrier is permitted to

terminate at ceiling level

– Hollow spaces firestopped at every floor level

• Horizontal

– Continuous without openings except as permitted



• For separating

– Fire Areas

– Public corridors

– Incidental Use Areas

– Shafts

– Hazardous Material Control Areas



Hazardous Materials Control Area

• Design alternative for handling HM

• Enclosed spaces within a building bounded by exterior walls, fire

walls, fire barriers, roofs and/or a combination thereof

– Compartmentation and separation of HM’s into pre-defined

quantities based on properties and physical/health hazards as

per Table 307.1 &2

• Permits non-hazard occupancies to keep their occupancy

designation without being classified as H


• Shaft enclosures (Section 707)

– shaft enclosure materials as permitted by the building type of

construction,

• except Groups I-1, R-1 and R-2 buildings require shafts of

noncombustible materials.

– 2-hour fire-resistance rating required, or 1 hour if connecting

fewer than 4 stories

– Impact resistant stair and elevator shaft requirement for high-rise

buildings of any occupancy


FIRE PARTITION (Section 708)

– 1 hour fire-resistance-rated

– A vertical assembly with protected openings. A fire partition need

not extend through any concealed spaces provided that the

partition intersects a fire-rated ceiling assembly and the concealed

space is fire blocked or draft stopped at the partition line


FIRE PARTITION (Section 708)

• For separating

– Interior corridors

– Tenant separations in fully sprinklered covered mall buildings


FIRE BARRIER vs. FIRE PARTITION

• Horizontal and Vertical

• Vertical assembly continuous through concealed spaces

• Rating is occupancy dependent and starts at 2 hours for other than U occupancies

• Materials used by

Construction Type

• Vertical only

• Continuous through concealed ceiling space or stop at rated ceiling

– Blocking required in concealed spaces of combustible constructions

• Rated for 1 hour regardless of occupancy

• Materials used by

Construction Type


Smoke separation of occupied spaces

• SMOKE BARRIER (Section 709)

– Either vertical or horizontal

– A 1 hour fire-resistance-rated membrane, designed to restrict the movement of smoke.

• SMOKE PARTITION (Section 710)

– A vertical membrane designed to restrict the movement of smoke.

– Not necessarily required to be fire-resistance rated


SMOKE BARRIER (Section 709)

• Create ‘smoke compartments’

as horizontal areas of refuge in

special use buildings covered

in Chapter 4

– I-2 – hospitals, nursing

homes

– I-3 - prisons, jails,

detention centers

– Underground buildings –

building spaces for human

occupancy more than 30 ft

below lowest level of exit

discharge

SMOKE BARRIER, WALL SECTION


SMOKE PARTITION (Section 709)

• No fire rating required because occupancy is required to be

protected by auto sprinklers

• For use in corridors in special in I-2 Occupancies

• For use in constructing smokeproof elevator lobbies in high-rise

construction


Separation of concealed spaces(Section 717)

• FIRESTOPPING– A fire-resistance-rated assembly of

materials installed to resist the free passage of flame or hot gases

– generally applied to penetrations of fire-resistance rated construction (Section 712)

• FIREBLOCKING– An assembly of materials installed to resist

the free passage of flame or hot gases.

– Not necessarily required to be fire-resistance rated

• DRAFT STOP– An assembly of materials installed to resist

the free passage of air in concealed spaces.

– Not required to be fire-resistance rated– Horizontal Only

– Relies on the insular capacity of large open spaces to retard smoke and gas travel

EXAMPLES OF FIRESTOPPING


Separation of concealed spaces (Section 717): DRAFTSTOPPING

DRAFTSTOPPING,

EXAMPLE A

DRAFTSTOPPING,

EXAMPLE B

Chapter 9

Fire Protection Systems

Chapter 9

Fire Protection Systems

• Sprinkler Systems

• Alternative Systems

• Standpipe Systems

• Fire Alarm Systems

• Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Smoke Control Systems

• Post-Fire Smoke Purge Systems

Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

As per the DOB’s summary of the NYC’s New Construction Code:

•This section is organized by Occupancy Group and establishes the conditions that require installation of an automatic sprinkler system, based upon occupant load, fire area and building area.

•For nearly all Occupancy Groups, this section is more restrictive than the current code and will require sprinkler systems in spaces and buildings where such systems are currently not required.


•This section also the provides the requirements for locations that are exempt from the provisions of this section and are protectedby alternative fire extinguishing systems. The current code does not provide an equivalent provision, although alternative systems have been approved for use in New York City in the past. This section codifes the practice.

•This section requires all residential occupancies to be equippedwith an automatic sprinkler system, with exceptions for one- and two-family homes and townhouses. The current code requires sprinkler systems only in residential occupancies J-1 and J-2 and does not extend the requirement to all residential occupancies.


•This section provides specific locations for quick-response automatic sprinklers in spaces and buildings that require automatic sprinkler system protection. The equivalent does not appear in the current code.

•This section requires high rise buildings to provide secondary on-site water supply equal to the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand. The equivalent does not appear in the current code.

•All other provisions of this section are equivalent to the current code.


Sprinkler systems

Where required - Section 903

Based on:

• Building Use Group/size

– i.e. Use Group A-1, A-3 or A-4 exceeding 12,000 s.f.

– or O.L. = 300 or more

– or fire area on floor other than level of exit discharge

• Specific occupancies

– i.e. high-rise, atrium, underground structures

• To meet height/area for desired construction type per Chapter 5


Automatic Sprinklers

• Groups A-1 thru A-4

• Group A – 5 (accessory)

• Group E

• Group F – 1

• Group H

• Group I

• Group M

• Group R

• Group S


Automatic sprinkler system required for:

Assembly Groups A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 occupancies, throughout the floor area where located, and in all floors between the Group A occupancy and the level of exit discharge where:

• Fire area > 12,000 sq. ft. (5,000 sq. ft. in A-2).

• Fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

• The aggregate occupant load of all fire areas by Group A, located on any given floor other than level of exit discharge, is 300 or more.

• Group A-1 fire area contains a multi-theater complex.

• Group A-2 occupancy used as a cabaret.


Automatic sprinkler system required in all enclosed

areas of Assembly Group A-5 (outdoor assembly)

structures including but not limited to:

• Concession concourse and stands

• Retail areas

• Press Boxes

• Other accessory areas in excess of 1,000 sq. ft.


Automatic sprinkler system required for

Educational Group E (through 12th grade)

• Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 sq. ft.

• Throughout every portion of educational buildings below level of exit discharge


Automatic sprinkler system required throughout all buildingscontaining a Group F occupancy where any one of the following conditions exists:

• Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 sq. ft.;

• Group F-1 fire area is located more than 3 stories above grade; or

• Combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including mezz., exceeds 24,000 sq. ft.; or

• Where required by Section 280 of NYS Labor Law.


Automatic sprinkler system required throughout any

Group F-1 fire area where any one of the following

conditions exists:

• The fire area exceeds 7,500 sq. ft.

• The fire area of any size is located more than 3 stories above grade.


Automatic sprinkler system required throughout

buildings containing a Groups M occupancy where

any one of the following conditions exists:

• Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 sq. ft.

• Combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including mezz., exceeds 24,000 sq. ft.



any Group M occupancy fire area where any one of

the following conditions exists:

• Fire area exceeds 7,500 sq. ft.

• Fire area of any size is located more than 3 stories above grade.

• Fire area of any size is located in a high-rise building.

• Fire area of any size contains an unenclosed stair or escalator connecting two or more floors.


Automatic sprinkler system required throughout all

buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where

any one of the following conditions exists:

• Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 sq. ft.

• The building is greater than 1,000 sq. ft. in area, and the main use or dominant occupancy is Group S-1.

• The combined area of all S-1 fire areas on all floors, including mezz., exceeds 24,000 sq. ft.


Automatic sprinkler system required throughout any

Group S-1 occupancy fire area where any one of the

following conditions exists:

• The fire area exceeds 500 sq. ft.

• The fire area of any size is located more than 3 stories above grade.



buildings greater than 5,000 sq. ft. in area where the

main use or dominant occupancy is Group S-2, and

throughout:

• Commercial parking garages greater than 5,000 sf. used for storage of commercial trucks or buses.

• Group S-2 occupancy fire area greater than 5,000 sq. ft.

• Enclosed parking garages and where an open or enclosed garage is located beneath other groups.



all occupancies and buildings with a main use or

dominant occupancy of:

• High-Hazard Group H occupancies

• Institutional Group I fire area

• Residential Group R fire area

• Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provided such structures are not more than 3 stories above grade plane and have separate means of egress.


Buildings Over 55 Feet in Height

Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.


Additional Required Suppression Systems

Covered malls Special amusement buildings

High-rise buildings Group H-2

Atriums Flammable Finishes

Underground buildings Unlimited area buildings

Group I-2 NFPA 13 as modified for NYC

Stages


Sprinkler systems designed, installed and

maintained in accordance with:

• NFPA 13 – 2002, as modified for NYC

• NFPA 13R – 2002, as modified for NYC

• NFPA 13D – 2002, as modified for NYC

Testing and maintenance per NYC Fire Code


Where automatic sprinkler systems are required, Quick-response and residential sprinklers are required to be installed in the following areas:

• Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing patient dwelling units in Group I-2.

• Dwelling units in Group R and I-1 occupancies.

• Light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13.


SECTION 903.5.2 Secondary Water Supply

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 greater than 300 feet in height. 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.

Section 904 Alternative Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems

Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the New York City Fire Code and the applicable reference standards.

Except: Commercial cooking systems are required to be protected by carbon dioxide extinguishing systems or wet-chemical extinguishing systems

Section 904 Alternative Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems

Standards as per the NYC Fire Code:

• Dry-chemical NFPA 17

• Wet-chemical NFPA 17A

• Foam systems NFPA 11 and NFPA 16

• Carbon dioxide NFPA 12

• Halon systems NFPA 12A

• Clean-agent NFPA 2001

• Water-mist NFPA 750

Section 905 Standpipe Systems

This section provides the conditions under which standpipe systems are required for buildings and the locations for hose connections. This section permits combined standpipe systems for all installations. The current code only permits such systems for certain buildings. This is an improvement that resolves a peculiarity of the current code.

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

Standpipe systems are permitted to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.


Applicability. Standpipe systems shall be installed throughout the following buildings:

- Buildings 2 stories or more in height with floor area of 10,000 sq. ft. or greater on any story;

- Buildings 3 stories or more in height with floor area of 7,500 sq. ft. or greater on any story;

- Buildings of any area with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

- Buildings of any area, constructed in accordance with Section 403 (High Rise), with occupied floors located 75 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.


Applicability. Standpipe systems shall be installed throughout the following buildings:

- Nonsprinklered Group A buildings having an occupant load exceeding 1,000 persons.

- Covered mall buildings

- Stages

- Underground buildings

- Helistops and heliports

Section 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

907.1 General. 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.



•This section is organized by Occupancy Group and establishes the conditions that require installation of fire alarm systems, based upon occupant load, fire area and building area.

•For nearly all Occupancy Groups, this section is more restrictive than the current code and will require fire alarm systems in spaces and buildings where such systems are currently not required.”


• New Code requires mechanical and electrical equipment rooms

of any size to be equipped with smoke detectors connected to a

fire alarm system vs. current (only if the room is greater than 75

sq. ft.)

• New Code requires smoke detectors to be installed in elevator

lobbies.


907.1 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 and notification appliances.

3. Alarm control and trouble signaling equipment.

4. Annunciation.

5, Power connection.

6. Fire alarm riser diagram and 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.


907.1 Construction Documents shall include, but not

be limited to, all of the following: (continued)

7. Copies of any variances granted by the department or the Fire

Department.

8. Legend of all fire alarm symbols and abbreviations.

9. Design criteria for fire alarm audibility in various occupancies

indicated on plans.

10. Fire alarm sequence of operation for the fire alarm control

panel and the central station transmitter.

11. The interface of fire safety control functions.


Where required:

– Section 907.2.Fire alarm & detection

Based on:

• Building use group/size

– i.e. Alarm in Use Group B with O.L. > 500…

• Specific occupancies

– i.e. high-rise, smoke control systems, underground

structures

71


Fire Detection and Alarm

• Group A

• Group B

• Group E

• Group F

• Group H

• Group I

• Group M

• Group R – 1 and R –2


Fire Detection and Alarm

• High rise buildings

• Buildings with an atrium

• Covered mall buildings

• Underground buildings

• Special amusement buildings

• Others

907.2 Where required. An approved manual, automatic or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.21. Where automatic sprinkler protection is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be require. An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code, the New York City Mechanical Code, and NFPA 72…


907.2 (continued) 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 shall be

installed in:

• Group A with occupant load of 300 or more

• Group B and M with an occupant load of 500 or more persons, or more than 100 persons above or below lowest level of exit discharge

• Group E occupancies

• Group F occupancies that are 2 or more stories in height and have an occupant load of [500] 100 or more, or when 25 persons or more are above or below lowest level of exit discharge


A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be

installed in:

• High-Hazard Group H

• Institutional Group I

• Mercantile Group M

• Residential Group R


Smoke detectors within dwelling units in R-1 occupancies

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

1. In sleeping areas.

2. In every room in the path of means of egress from the sleeping area to the door leading from the dwelling unit.

3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including below-grade stories.


Group R-2

An automatic fire alarm system without alarm notification in Group R-2 occupancies, other than student apartments.

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

1. Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment or similar room greater than 75 sq. ft.

2. In air distribution systems per NYC Mechanical Code.

3. In elevator machine rooms and in elevator lobbies.


Group R-2 student apartments

Where the main use of dominant occupancy of a building is classified as R-2 student apartment, fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with the requirements for R-1 occupancies.

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:

Manual fire alarm system installed throughout all public corridors serving student apartments and student related uses including recreation rooms, lounges, dining rooms, laundry rooms and storage rooms.


Single- and Multiple-Station Smoke Alarms

Required in Groups R-2, R-3 and I-1 located as follows:

1.On the ceiling or wall outside of each room used for sleeping purposes within 15 feet from the door to room.

2.In each room used for sleeping purposes.

3.In each story within a dwelling unit, including below-grade stories and penthouses of any area.

Where more than one smoke alarm or detector is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit, the smoke alarms or detectors shall be interconnected in such a manner that activation of one alarm activates all alarms.



An emergency voice/alarm communications

system required in:

• Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more

• Special amusement buildings

• High-rise buildings

• Atriums

• Covered mall buildings


Emergency voice/alarm communications system

Operation of initiating devices shall automatically sound an alarm tone followed by live voice instructions giving approved information and directions on a general or selective basis to the following areas on a minimum of the alarming floor, floor above and floor below:

1.Elevator lobbies.

2.Corridors.

3.Rooms and tenant spaces exceeding 1,000 sq. ft.

4.Dwelling units in R-1 occupancies.

5.Areas of rescue assistance.


Emergency voice/alarm communications system

Exceptions:

1. Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies.

2. Group R-2 occupancies 125 feet or less in height.

3. Group R-2 occupancies greater than 125 feet.

Section 908 – Emergency Alarm Systems

This section provides the requirements for:

• Emergency alarms to detect and notify of emergency conditions in Group H occupancies.

• Emergency alarms in a Hazardous Production Material facility.

• Gas detection systems in spaces storing or using highly toxic and toxic gases.

• Gas detection systems in ozone gas-generator rooms.

Section 908 – Emergency Alarm Systems

(continued):

• Flammable-gas detection systems in repair garages.

• Refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm in machinery rooms.

Incorporates the location and installation requirements

for carbon monoxide alarms to an equivalent extent as

the current code as amended by Local Law #7/2004.

Section 909 Smoke Control Systems

• Atrium buildings

• Covered malls

• Stages

• Underground buildings

• Smokeproof enclosures

Design F ire 22 ,000 B tu /sec (2,108 kW )

Ele

vat

or Shaf

t

Z = 9 .66 ft (2.94 m )l

Smoke Production R ateV = 261,500 c fm (124 ,430 L /s)

T = 68 F (20 C )amb ien t

T = 71 F (22 C ).smoke laye r

Section 909.20 Smokeproof Enclosures

– Smokeproof enclosures in high-

rise buildings consisting of an

enclosed interior exit stairways,

each provided with one of the

following:

• An open exterior balcony

• A naturally ventilated

vestibule (2 hr rated)

• A mechanically ventilated

vestibule (2 hr rated)

• Pressurization within the

stairway

Section 912 Post-fire Smoke Purge Systems

Required in:

• High-rise buildings subject to Section 403

• Buildings with any story exceeding 50,000 sq. ft.

• Buildings with spaces exceeding 100 feet from natural ventilation openings.

• High piled stock or rack storage in accordance with the NYC Fire Code.

Section 912 Post-fire Smoke Purge Systems


•This section provides the requirements for the design and installation of post-fire smoke purge systems intended for the timely restoration of operations and overhaul activities once a fire has been extinguished. This section is equivalent to the current code, with the exception that R-2 occupancies are not required to provide a smoke purge system if the building is provided with smokeproof enclosures.

Appendix Q – Modified National Standards for Automatic Sprinkler,

Standpipe, and Fire Alarm Systems

Q101 Scope. This appendix provides the modifications to

the nationally recognized standards NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R, NFPA 14 and NFPA 72, governing the installation and maintenance requirements of automatic sprinkler, standpipe and hose systems, and fire alarm systems.



Q102. Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Provides the NYC modifications of the nationally recognized standard NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2002 edition. The current code references ANSI/NFiPA No. 13 – 1989, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Though the majority of the modifications are equivalent in scope, the referenced standard in this section is up-to-date and more relevant to current technologies and practices




The requirements for sprinklers in commercial cooking applications are deleted in their entirety from NFPA 13 since the proposed code does not permit the use of water sprinkler systems in such applications. The current code permits such system in the modifications of ANSI/NFiPA No. 13.




The current code modifications to ANSI/NFiPA No. 13 require approval by the Department of specified devices and systems. The modifications to NFPA 13 by the proposed code do not require Department approval and wholly accept devices and systems listed for their use by nationally recognized testing entities.



Q103. Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes

Provides the NYC modifications of the nationally recognized standard NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2002 edition. The current code references ANSI/NFiPA No. 13 – 1994, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. Though the majority of the modifications are equivalent in scope, the referenced standard in this section is up-to-date and more relevant to current technologies and practices.



Q104. Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Six Stories in Height

Provides the NYC modifications of the nationally recognized standard NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height, 2002 edition. The current code references ANSI/NFiPA No. 13R – 1994, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height. Though the majority of the modifications are equivalent in scope, the referenced standard in this section is up-to-date and more relevant to current technologies and practices.



Q105. Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

Provides the NYC modifications of the nationally recognized standard NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2003 edition. The current code does not modify a nationally recognized standard, and instead provides requirements in Subchapter 17 of the Building Code and the Reference Standards. Furthermore, systems and devices that are listed in accordance with this standard are permitted as-of-right and do not require Department approval as per the current code.



Q105. Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

The modifications of NFPA 14 are equivalent to the current code in most applications. However, the modifications provided by this section differ from the current code for those regulations that apply to very tall buildings.

-Manual Fire Pumps no longer required

-Redundant automatic and gravity-fed water supplies required

-Design requirements exceed the requirements of the current codes through the requirement for much larger tank sizes for on-site storage of water for fire-fighting purposes, through the requirement for a dedicated high pressure siamese riser, and through a zoned system that improves fire fighting capabilities.



Q106. Installation and Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems

Provides the NYC modifications of the nationally recognized

standard NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2002 edition.

The current code references ANSI/NFiPA No. 72 – 1993,

National Fire Alarm Code. Though the majority of the

modifications are equivalent in scope, the referenced

standard in this section is up-to-date and more relevant to

current technologies and practices. Furthermore, systems

and devices that are listed in accordance with this standard

are permitted as-of-right and do not require Department

approval as per the current code.

International Fire Code

Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practicefor providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

Proposed New York City Fire Code

Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish reasonable minimum requirements and standards for life safety and property protection, to accomplish the purposes set forth in Section 101.2.

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