N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC Q102: Section BC Q102: Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Q102.1 General.

Sprinkler systems, where required by this code, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition, modified for New York City as follows. Refer to the rules of the department for any subsequent additions, modifications or deletions that may have been made to this standard in accordance with Section 28-103.19 of the Administrative Code.

Chapter 1 Administration No changes.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 Add at end the following: "Where a referenced publication has been modified for the City of New York by the New York City Building Code or the rules of the Department of Buildings, every reference to such publication shall be deemed to include all such modifications. Where the edition of a publication referenced within this standard differs from the edition provided for the same standard in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code, the edition provided for in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code shall govern."

Chapter 3 Definitions No changes.

Chapter 4 General Requirements No changes.

Chapter 5 Classification of Occupancies and Commodities No changes.

Chapter 6 System Components and Hardware

6.3.1.1.1 Delete after the word wall and replace with the following: "in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code."

Add the following at the end of section 6.3.9.1.1: "The use of pipe or tube other than that described above must involve consideration of many factors, including but not limited to the following:

1. Pressure rating.

2. Beam strength (hangers).

3. Corrosion (chemical and electrolytic).

4. Resistance to failure when exposed to elevated temperatures.

5. Methods of joining (strength, permanence, fire hazard).

6. Availability of fittings (for sprinkler outlets and proper routings).

7. Physical characteristics relating to integrity during earthquakes.

8. Toxicity.

9. Combustibility.

10. Movement during sprinkler operation (water distribution)."

Add Section 6.3.9.9 Non-metallic piping and fittings are permitted to be used only in Group R occupancies 6 stories or less in height.

6.7.1.3 Delete.

6.7.3 Delete.

Add Section 6.8.2.2.3 The alarm apparatus for a dry-pipe system shall also consist of approved low and high air pressure alarm attachments to the dry-pipe valve.

6.8.5 Change "8.16.2.6" to "8.17.1.9".

Chapter 7 System Requirements

7.1.5 Delete.

7.1.5.1 Delete.

Add 7.2.6.3.4 to read as follows: "High / Low air pressure in the system shall be monitored so that either condition sends a supervisory signal. Such signal shall trigger an audible notification signal and shall report to a supervising station if the system is required otherwise to do so."

7.2.6.8.3 Delete and replace with the following: "High / Low air pressure in the system shall be monitored so that either condition sends a supervisory signal. Such signal shall trigger an audible notification signal and shall report to a supervising station if the system is required otherwise to do so."

7.6.3.1 Delete.

Figure 7.6.3.1 Delete.

7.6.3.2 Add the following sentence at the end: "Backflow prevention device relief discharge shall be piped to a safe location.

7.9 Delete entire section, including subsections.

Chapter 8 Installation Requirements

8.2.1 Delete the first sentence and replace with the following: "The maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected by a single riser from a control and alarm device shall be as follows:"

8.15.3.2.1 Delete the words after "is" and replace with the following: "permanently blocked off so that storage cannot occur."

8.15.4.1* Delete the reference to 8.15.4.4 and add the following at the end: "when required by other sections of this standard or the New York City Building Code."

8.15.4.4 Delete.

8.15.5.3 Delete the words "in NFPA 101, or the applicable building code" and replace with the following: "in accordance with the New York City Building Code."

8.15.5.4* Delete the words "in elevator machine rooms or".

8.15.7.4 Delete.

8.15.7.5 Delete.

8.15.8.1.2 Delete all words after and including "as defined".

8.15.8.2* Delete and replace with the following: "Closets and Pantries. Sprinklers are not required in clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries within:

(1) Dwelling units in hotels and motels where the area of the closet or pantry does not exceed 24 square feet (2.2 m), the least dimension does not exceed 3 feet (0.9 m), and the walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited-combustible materials; and

(2) Dwelling units in Group R occupancies other than hotels and motels where the area of the closet or pantry does not exceed 12 square feet (1.1 m), the room or space upon which the closet or pantry opens is equipped with sprinklers designed to afford protection to the opening of the closet or pantry, and the walls and ceilings of the closet or pantry are surfaced with noncombustible or limited-combustible materials."

8.15.9 Add the following after the word "closets": "without solid doors".

8.15.16 Delete.

8.15.20.4.4 Delete and replace with the following: "In altering existing sprinkler systems which contain 3/4-inch (19 mm) pipe, the existing 3/4-inch (19 mm) pipe shall be removed and replaced with pipe having a minimum diameter of 1-inch (25 mm) except as provided for in 8.15.20.4.1, 8.15.20.4.2, 8.15.20.4.3 and 8.15.20.4.5."

Add 8.15.20.4.5 "Where nipples used are less than 1 in. (25 mm) diameter, nipples shall be schedule 80 and no longer than shoulder length."

8.15.20.5.4 Delete and replace with the following: "Where nipples used are less than 1 in. (25 mm) diameter, nipples shall be schedule 80 and no longer than shoulder length."

8.15.23.3 Delete.

8.15.26 Delete and replace with the following: "Sprinkler Interior Protected Glazing. Where sprinklers are used in combination with glazing as an alternative to a required fire-rated wall or window assembly, the sprinkler-protected assembly shall be approved by the commissioner and shall comply with the following:

"(1) Sprinklers shall be listed as specific application window sprinklers unless standard spray sprinklers are specifically permitted by the commissioner."

"(2) Sprinklers shall be supplied by a wet-pipe system."

"(3) Where the assembly is required to be protected from both sides, sprinklers shall be installed on both sides of the glazing."

"(4) The use of sprinkler protected glazing shall be limited to non-load-bearing walls."

"(5) The water supply duration for the design area that includes the window sprinklers shall not be less than the required rating of the assembly."

Add 8.16.1.1.1.4 to read as follows: "An approved indicating shutoff valve may be used in lieu of an O.S.&Y. gate valve wherever referred to in these modifications except such valve shall not be part of the pressure reducing valve. The indicator shall be readily visible from the floor."

Add 8.16.1.1.1.5 to read as follows: "A connection from public water system shall not extend into or through a building unless such connection is under the control of an outside indicator post or O.S.&Y. gate or under the control of an inside O.S.&Y. gate valve located near the outside wall of the building."

Add 8.16.1.1.1.6 to read as follows: "All gate valves controlling water supplied for sprinklers shall be located where readily accessible and when necessary, permanent ladders, clamped treads on risers, chains and wheels, or other accepted means shall be provided."

Add 8.16.1.1.1.7 to read as follows: "Floor control valves shall be provided where required or in special cases where area or height or number of tenants is excessive, both in manufacturing and mercantile buildings, or where contents are more than ordinarily susceptible to damage. Floor valves shall be located where they are readily accessible. They are to be O.S.&Y. or indicating type located ahead of the inlet of any pressure reducing valve."

Add 8.16.1.1.1.8 to read as follows: "Valves controlling sprinkler supplied from the standpipe system shall be listed for standpipe service in the pressure zone in which it is installed. They shall be O.S.&Y. or indicating valves, and shall be located ahead of the inlet of any pressure reducing valve installed."

8.16.1.1.2.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Floor control valves in high-rise buildings shall comply with 8.16.1.1.2.1(1) or 8.16.1.1.2.1(2)."

8.16.1.1.2.5 Delete.

8.16.1.1.3.5 Delete and replace with the following: "Where there is one water supply connection a check valve shall be installed. Such check valve may be a swing check, alarm check, an approved fire meter or an approved detector check."

Add 8.16.1.1.3.6 to read as follows: "Where a system having only one dry-pipe valve is supplied with city water and Fire Department connection, it will be satisfactory to install the main check valve in the water supply connection in a vertical position immediately inside of the building after the main indicating valve."

Add 8.16.1.1.3.7 to read as follows: "Check valves on tank or pump connections, when located underground, may be placed inside of buildings and at a safe distance from the tank riser or pump, except in cases where the building is entirely of one fire area, in which case the check valve may be located over-head in the lowest level."

Add 8.16.1.1.4.5 to read as follows: "Where either a wet or dry pipe sprinkler system is supplied by city water and a Fire Department connection and has more than one riser with O.S.&Y. gate valve in each, and the whole system is controlled by one outside post indicator valve, the main check valve in the water supply connection may be installed immediately inside building. If the supply is controlled by an underground gate valve with a Department of Environmental Protection standard curb, roadway or sidewalk flush box, the main check valve in the water supply connection shall be installed immediately after the O.S.&Y. gate valve inside the building."

Add 8.16.1.1.4.6 to read as follows: "A gate valve shall be installed on each side of each check valve under conditions other than described in 8.16.1.1.4.1, 8.16.1.1.4.2, 8.16.1.1.4.3 and 8.16.1.1.4.4. However, this shall not apply to two-way Fire Department check valves."

Add 8.16.1.1.4.7 to read as follows: "In a city connection serving as one source of supply, the city valve in the connection may serve as one of the required gate valves. An O.S.&Y. valve or an indicator post valve shall be installed on the systems (water supply) side of the check valve."

8.16.1.1.5 Delete and replace with the following: "Where a gravity tank is located on a tower in the yard, the gate valve on the tank side of the check valve shall be of O.S.&Y. type; the other shall be either an O.S.&Y. valve or other listed indicating valve. Where a gravity tank is located on a building, both gate valves shall be the O.S.&Y. type; and all fittings inside the buildings, except the drain tee fill line, and heater connections, shall be under the control of a gate valve."

8.16.1.2.4 Delete all words after and including the word "unless."

8.16.1.2.5 Delete all words after and including the word "at."

Add 8.16.1.3.4 to read as follows: "Where sprinklers are supplied from a yard main, a listed outside indicator post gate valve shall be placed in the connecting pipe at a safe distance from the building. Indicator post valves shall be located not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) from buildings; but where necessary to place a valve close to a building, it shall be located at a blank part of the wall."

Add 8.16.1.3.5 to read as follows: "When a building has no basement, and an outside post indicator control cannot be furnished, a short post indicator may be installed in a horizontal position in riser with handwheel projecting outside of wall."

Add 8.16.1.4.2.7 to read as follows: "Pits for underground valves, except those located at the base of a tank riser, are described in the Standard for Outside Protection (ANSI/NFPA No. 24-2010). For pits protecting valves located at the base of a tank riser, refer to 8.15.1.4.2.6."

8.16.2.3.2 Add at the end the following: "unless the system is installed utilizing schedule 40 steel piping for sizes 1" to 6" and a minimum of schedule 30 steel piping for sizes 8" and larger."

Table 8.16.2.4.2 Delete and replace with the following:

TABLE 8.16.2.4.2 SECTIONAL OR FLOOR VALVE SIZE MINIMUM SIZE OF DRAIN CONNECTION

Up to 2 in.

1 in.

2 1/2 in. to 4 in.

1 1/4 in.

5 in. and larger

2 in.

8.16.4.1.5 Delete.

8.16.6 Delete.

Add 8.17.1.5.3 to read as follows: "Identification signs shall be provided for outside alarm devices. The sign shall be located near the device in a conspicuous position and shall be worded as follows: "SPRINKLER FIRE ALARM –WHEN BELL RINGS NOTIFY FIRE DEPARTMENT OR POLICE"."

8.17.1.6 Add at end a new item 4 as follows: "(4) Refer to NFPA 72 for further requirements."

Add 8.17.1.8 to read as follows: "Dry Pipe System Alarms."

Add 8.17.1.8.1 to read as follows: "The alarm apparatus for a dry-pipe system shall consist of approved low and high air pressure alarm attachments as well as waterflow pressure type alarm attachments to the dry-pipe valve. When a dry-pipe valve is located on the system side of an alarm valve, the actuating device of the alarms for the dry-pipe valve may be connected to the alarms on the wet-pipe system."

Add 8.17.1.9 to read as follows: "Drains for Alarm Devices."

Add 8.17.1.9.1 to read as follows: "Where vents are necessary for satisfactory electric alarm switch operations, such vents shall be properly piped to a drain."

Add 8.17.1.9.2 to read as follows: "Drains from alarm devices shall be so arranged that there will be no danger of freezing, and so that there will be no overflowing at the alarm apparatus, at domestic connections or elsewhere with the sprinkler drains wide open and under pressure."

Add 8.17.1.9.3 to read as follows: "Drain from retarding chamber and electric alarm switch shall be permitted to discharge through an open cone and be run separate from main system drains to a safe and visible point of free discharge or to sewer or ground drain. Drain from water-motor-operated alarm device may run separately to sewer or ground drain or may be connected to drain from retarding chamber at a point between such sewer and a check valve on this drain, a union or plug being inserted in the drain from the alarm device to permit inspection. Where checks are used, they shall be so located as to have the equivalent of at least a four-foot (1219 mm) head and shall not be installed in a vertical position."

Add 8.17.1.9.4 to read as follows: "Where drains are conveyed to a sewer, a proper trap shall be provided."

Add 8.17.1.9.5 to read as follows: "Where it is necessary to drain alarm valves outside the wall, an open discharge cone shall be provided inside to break the pipe line so that cold air will not conduct directly into the retarding chamber. Alternately, all drains shall have at least 4 feet (1219 mm) of pipe beyond the valves, in a warm area."

8.17.2.2 Delete items 1 –3 and add the following:

"(1) Systems with sprinklered areas not exceeding 2000 square feet (186 m

2

)."

"(2) Systems containing 36 or fewer sprinkler heads except as otherwise required by other sections of this referenced standard."

8.17.2.3 Delete items 1 –3 and add the following:

"(1) Minimum size of two-way Fire Department connection is 5 inches (127 mm) except for two-way Fire Department connections supplying a single system with a riser smaller than 5 inches (127 mm) where a 4 inch (102 mm) two-way Fire Department connection may be used."

8.17.2.4.6 Delete.

Add 8.17.4.2.1.1 to read as follows: "This test pipe shall be not less than 1-inch in diameter, located in the upper story, and the connection shall be permitted to be piped from the end of the most remote branch line. The discharge shall be at a point where it can be readily observed. In locations where it is not practical to terminate the test pipe outside the building, the test pipe may terminate in a drain. In such case, the test connection shall be made using a sight test connection containing a smooth bore corrosion resistant orifice giving a flow equivalent to one sprinkler. The test valve shall be located at an accessible point, and not over seven feet above the floor. The control valve on the test connection shall be located at a point not exposed to freezing."

8.17.5 Delete.

Chapter 9 Hanging, Bracing, and Restraint of System Piping

9.2.1.3.3 Delete all subsections and replace with the following:

"9.2.1.3.3.1 Listed flexible hose fittings and their anchoring components intended for use in installations connecting the sprinkler system piping to sprinklers shall be rigidly fixed to the building structure at the sprinkler end of the flexible hose, independent of the ceiling suspension and support system in accordance with ASTM C 635, Section 3.1.1.10, as modified by Appendix R of the New York City Building Code."

9.3.4.11 Delete.

9.3.4.11.1 Delete.

Chapter 10 Underground Requirements

10.10.1 Delete and replace with the following: "The installing contractor shall perform all required inspections and acceptance tests in accordance with this chapter prior to scheduling an inspection."

Figure 10.10.1 Delete.

Chapter 11 Design Approaches

11.1.4.2* Delete and replace with the following: "The minimum water supply requirements for a pipe schedule designed sprinkler system shall be per the requirements of 11.2.2. The minimum water supply requirement for a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system shall be the calculated sprinkler system demand only, for the duration indicated in Table 11.2.3.1.2. Where gravity tanks are used as the supply or a portion of the supply to a hydraulically designed sprinkler system, it shall not be required to balance the calculated sprinkler flow and pressure demand to the outlet pressure of the gravity tank for the calculation of the water supply duration. The total water supply required shall be the product of the calculated system flow only, multiplied by the required water supply duration."

Add 11.1.4.2.1 to read as follows: "In fully sprinklered buildings, where an Automatic Wet Standpipe System is not required by Section 905 of the New York City Building Code, the storage capacity of the fire reserve in the tank supplying water to the sprinkler system shall be as required for the sprinkler demand, at a minimum."

11.1.6 Delete.

Add 11.2.2.10 to read as follows: "Where the water supply to a system sized in accordance with the pipe sizing schedules is taken from a water storage tank, the adequacy of the tank capacity shall be verified with a hydraulic calculation."

Table 11.2.3.1.2 Delete hose stream allowances.

11.2.3.1.5.2 (10) Delete.

Add 11.2.3.2.3.4 to read as follows: "Reductions in the size of the calculated area of operation shall not be taken for the use of quick response sprinklers in the design of systems in existing buildings employing fixed duration stored water supplies of less than 5,000 gallons."

Chapter 12 General Requirements for Storage

12.2 Delete.

12.7.2 Delete the following: "the hose stream allowance and".

12.7.4 Delete the following: "adding the hose stream allowance from 12.8 to".

12.8 Delete the following: "Hose Stream Allowance and".

12.8.4 Delete.

12.8.5 Delete.

12.8.6 Delete the following: "adding the hose stream allowance from Table 12.8.6 to".

Table 12.8.6 Remove the column(s) titled "Hose Stream Allowance" and all of its corresponding requirements.

12.12.1.2 Delete the following: "existing with a hose stream demand of at least 250 gpm (950 L/min)".

Chapter 13 Protection of Miscellaneous and Low-Piled Storage

13.1.2 Delete.

Table 13.2.1 Remove the column(s) titled "Inside Hose" and all of its corresponding requirements.

Chapter 14 Protection for Palletized, Solid-Piled, Bin Box, Shelf, or Back-to-Back Shelf Storage of Class I through Class IV Commodities

14.3.4 Delete the following: "Hose stream allowance and".

Chapter 15 Protection for Palletized, Solid-Piled, Bin Box, Shelf, or Back-to-Back Shelf Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities No changes.

Chapter 16 Protection of Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

Table 16.3.3.1 Remove Hose Stream Allowance Requirements.

Chapter 17 Protection of Rack Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities

17.3.1.17 Delete the following: "adding the hose stream allowance from Table 17.3.1.17 to".

Table 17.3.1.17 Delete.

Chapter 18 Protection of Rubber Tire Storage

18.3 Delete the following: "hose streams".

Chapter 19 Protection of Roll Paper

19.1.1.1 Delete the following: "plus the hose stream allowance".

Chapter 20 Special Designs of Storage Protection

20.3.1 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.3.2 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.3.3 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.3.4 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.3.5 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.3.6 Delete the following: "with 500 GPM (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance".

20.4.1.1 Delete the following: "plus a minimum of 500 gpm (1900 L/min) for hose streams".

20.4.1.2 Delete the following: "and hose streams".

Table 20.5.6.2 Remove the row(s) titled "Hose Allowance" and all of its corresponding requirements.

Chapter 21 Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Chapters Through 20

21.1.7(5) Delete.

21.4 Delete the following: "Hose Stream Allowance and".

21.4.1 Delete the following: "adding the hose stream allowance from Table 21.4.1 to".

Table 21.4.1 Remove the column(s) titled "Hose Stream Allowance" and all of its corresponding requirements.

Chapter 22 Special Occupancy Requirements

Add 22.1.1.3 to read as follows: "The application of the requirements of this chapter are subject to the approval of the Fire Commissioner."

22.12.1.2 Delete.

22.12.1.3 Delete the following: "to augment hand hose streams".

22.13.1 Delete the following: "plus an allowance of 1,000 gpm (63 L/sec) for hand hose streams for not less than 2 hours".

22.15.2.2.1 Gravity Waste and Linen Chutes. Add the following after the heading: "Sprinklers shall be provided in chute vestibules on all floors; if no vestibule exists, sprinklers shall be provided above chute doors and shall be located no more than 1-foot (25 mm) horizontally from face of chute door. All building service chute sprinkler systems shall be provided with a local water flow and valve supervisory alarm with supervising station annunciation. In high rise buildings where sprinklers in chutes are supplied by a chute riser(s), such riser(s) shall be zoned to coincide with the zoning of the standpipe riser(s)."

22.15.2.2.1.5 Delete.

22.21.1.7.3 Delete.

22.21.7.4 Delete the following: "plus the hose stream demand specified in 22.21.1.7.3".

22.25.1.4 Delete the following: "plus a minimum of 500 gpm (1893 L/min) for hose streams".

22.26.1.2 Delete the following: "plus hose stream demand".

22.26.1.2.1 Delete.

22.27.1.1(1) Delete the following: "500 gpm (1892.5 L/min) for manual hose streams plus".

22.28.1(2)(a) Delete the following: "500 gpm (1892.5 L/min) for manual hose streams plus".

Table 22.37.1.4.4.1(B) Remove the row titled "hose stream demand" and all of its corresponding requirements.

Table 22.37.1.4.4.3 Remove the row titled "hose stream demand" and all of its corresponding requirements.

Chapter 23 Plans and Calculations

23.1.3(35) Delete the following: "and the water required for hose streams both inside and outside."

23.3.2(9) Delete "inside hose".

23.3.4(3) Delete and renumber (4) to (3).

23.3.5.2(16) Delete "inside hose."

23.3.5.3(3) Delete and renumber (4) and (5) to (3) and (4), respectively.

23.3.5.5(4) Delete.

23.4.4.2.5 Delete "not including hose stream allowance".

Chapter 24 Water Supplies

24.1.1 Add the following at the end of the section:

"(a) Two automatic sources of water supply shall be provided for sprinklers in:"

"(1) Buildings classified in occupancy group H."

"(2) Buildings classified in occupancy group M when the area on one floor exceeds 20,000 square feet (1858 m

2

)."

"(3) Buildings classified in occupancy group A-1 with stages larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m

2

) in floor area or with a stage height greater than 40 feet (15 240 mm)."

"(b) The domestic water supply may be used to supply any sprinklers required by Section 903 of the New York City Building Code when installed in buildings classified in occupancy groups B, E, I and R, and not classified as a high-rise building, provided that all the requirements stated in subdivision (d) of this section are met."

"(c) The domestic water supply may be used to supply water to sprinklers in cooling towers if provision is made to automatically stop the use of water through the domestic supply lines and provided that all of the requirements stated in subdivision (d) of this section are met."

"(d) When the domestic water is used to supply sprinklers as permitted in subdivisions (b) and (c) of this section, all of the following conditions shall be met:"

"(1) The domestic water supply line from the tank or street supply shall be at least the size of the sprinkler line and the capacity available shall be at least equal to the capacity required for the sprinklers."

"(2) The domestic water supply line from the tank or street shall have the required pressure as provided in this referenced standard."

"(3) The domestic water supply line shall be of non ferrous material except when the domestic water supply is four inches (102 mm) or more."

"(4) An O.S.&Y. valve or other listed valve having visual indication, and sealed open, shall be installed in the sprinkler supply branch, or such other valve arrangement as may be provided in this referenced standard and in referenced standards NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D as modified for New York City, as applicable."

"(5) The pipe connecting the domestic water supply and the sprinkler control valve shall be of nonferrous material and not less than twelve inches (305 mm) long."

"(6) The number of heads in each fire section shall not exceed six, except that the number of heads in each fire section may exceed six in buildings classified in occupancy group R-2, or R-3 not exceeding six stories or 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height and in spaces classified in occupancy group R-2, or R-3 in buildings not exceeding six stories or 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height, provided that no more than three heads are supplied from any one domestic water riser."

"(7) The connection shall be made at the supply or riser side of any domestic branch control valves."

"(8) In connection with the above conditions, the number of fire sections having 6 or fewer heads may be unlimited; and the installation of alarms in branches supplying fire sections shall be at the option of the owner, except that such alarms shall be provided where required by referenced standards NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D as modified for New York City."

"(9) A check valve shall be installed on the sprinkler supply branch."

24.1.3.2(1) Delete the words "or Class II Standpipes".

Add 24.2.3.1 to read as follows: "Combined Use. In light hazard occupancies with only limited ordinary hazard areas, an automatic fire pump serving the lower 300 feet (91 440 mm) of the standpipe system may be used as the primary supply to the sprinkler system, provided that an automatic switching secondary power supply is available to drive the pump, where secondary power is required by other provisions of this code, and that the pump is fully supervised as to pump running and power loss. The supervisory attachments shall be directly connected to an office where maintenance personnel are in attendance twenty-four hours a day; or, in lieu thereof, the supervisory attachment may be directly connected to the supervising station of an approved operating fire alarm company."

Add 24.2.3.2 to read as follows: "In hydraulically designed sprinkler systems supplied from a gravity tank, the pressure may be increased by means of an automatic, special service fire pump. The pump shall be sized to satisfy the water supply requirements of this section and the New York City Building Code and shall be arranged with a bypass to permit the portion of the system so supplied to be served by the system's two-way Fire Department connections.

If the pump is not supplied from the street side of the building service switch, the electrical service and pump operation shall be fully supervised and an automatic switching secondary power supply provided to drive the pumps, where secondary power is required by other provisions of this code."

Add 24.2.3.3 to read as follows: "Wiring for Fire Pumps. When the fire pump feeder conductors are routed through the building(s), they shall be enclosed by 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete or an assembly that has a minimum of 2-hour fire resistive rating. Wiring for all fire and sprinkler pumps shall be in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code."

Add 24.2.3.4 to read as follows: "Sprinkler Booster Pumps. Where the pressure from the city water main is insufficient to comply with the requirements of this referenced standard, but is sufficient to provide at least 5 PSI (34 kPa) at the highest level of sprinklers as determined by test, an automatic, electrically driven pump installed for the purpose of boosting or increasing the city water pressure in the sprinkler system may be used subject to the following requirements:"

"(a) Pumps shall be of approved centrifugal type, capable of delivering at least 200 gpm (757 L/m), and shall be capable of supplying the calculated flow and pressure demand of the sprinkler system."

"(b) Pumps shall be maintained under approved automatic control with closed circuit supervisory attachment. The supervisory attachments shall be directly connected to an office where maintenance personnel are in attendance twenty-four hours a day; or, in lieu thereof, the supervisory attachment may be directly connected to the supervising station of an approved operating fire alarm company. The supervisory alarm services shall be arranged so as to provide positive indication at an approved central office or sprinkler alarm panel board that the pump has operated or that the source of electrical supply has failed."

"(c) Such pumps shall also comply with the applicable provisions of this referenced standard and the New York City Building Code pertaining to fire pumps, except that only one water supply shall be required."

"(d) Power to such pumps shall be supplied from the street side of the building service switch. Secondary power shall be provided where required by other provisions of this code."

"(e) If a secondary power supply is provided to drive the pump and such power supply is automatic switching, the 5 psi (34 kPa) requirement in 23.2.2.4 and the requirements of paragraph (d), for power to be supplied from the street side of the building service switch, may be waived."

24.2.4.1 through 24.2.4.3, including all subsections Delete.

Add 24.2.4.1 to read as follows: "A pressure tank providing water supply in accordance with Table 11.2.2.1 or section 11.2.3 is an acceptable water supply source. The total available quantity of water in pressure tanks need not exceed 15,000 gallons (56 781 L) when there is a secondary source of water supply available from a gravity tank or a street connection. The maximum gross capacity of a single pressure tank shall be 9,000 gallons (34 069 L) and shall include the needed extra capacity to fill dry-pipe or preaction systems when installed."

Add 24.2.4.1.1 to read as follows: "Each tank shall be kept at a maximum of 2/3 full of water and a minimum of 1/3 full of air maintained under a minimum pressure of 75 psig (517 kPa). The water-to-air ratio shall be so proportioned and the tank so located that a minimum pressure of 15 psig (103 kPa) will be available on the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof when all the water has been discharged from the tank."

Add 24.2.4.1.2 to read as follows: "The tank supports shall be designed on the basis of a full tank. The tanks shall be supplied with water through a fixed pipe, independent of the sprinkler piping and at least 2 inch (51 mm) in size. The water supply shall be capable of supplying the tank at a rate of at least 65 gpm (4 L/s) without decreasing the pressure in the tank. The tank shall have a fixed water level plate on the end of the tank opposite the gage glass, or equivalent devices, to indicate the level of the water in the tank."

Add 24.2.4.1.3 to read as follows: "The air compressor shall be provided with automatic controls for maintaining the air pressure. The capacity of the compressor shall be sufficient to build up the tank pressure to 75 psig (517 kPa) within 3 hr. or less."

Add 24.2.4.1.4 to read as follows: "Pressure tanks shall be provided with closed circuit high and low water and high and low air pressure alarms."

Add 24.2.4.1.5 to read as follows: "Pressure tanks shall be located at or above the top level of sprinklers."

24.2.5 Add at end the following: "If any of the sprinkler heads are supplied from domestic water tanks, the combined water supply in the tank shall be at least 5,000 gallons (18 927 L). Further, the sprinkler water supply shall be taken from the lowest level of the tank."

Add 24.2.5.1 to read as follows: "Combined Use. In A, B, E, I and R Occupancies, with only limited ordinary hazard areas, the sprinkler and standpipe reserve may be common to both. The Reserve shall be sized for the greater demand, in accordance with NFPA 14, 7.10.1.3. For purposes of this section, limited shall be defined as less than 30 percent of the floor area on the given floor. Buildings whose occupancies are more than 85 percent light hazard may have a light hazard water supply, provided the ordinary hazard areas are designed for ordinary hazard requirements with respect to sprinkler spacing and pipe sizing."

Add 24.2.5.2 to read as follows: "Combined standpipe and sprinkler systems may be used in Occupancies A, B, E, F, I, M, R and S. If an automatic fire pump is used as the primary supply, the requirements of 23.2.2.1 shall apply."

Chapter 25 Systems Acceptance

25.1 Delete and replace with the following: "The installing contractor shall inspect and test the installation in accordance with the procedures of this chapter prior to scheduling an inspection."

25.2.1.1 Delete the words "2 hours" and replace with "1 hour".

25.2.1.4.1 Delete the words "2 hours" and replace with "1 hour".

25.2.1.7 Delete the words "150 psi (10.3 bar)" and replace with "200 psi (13.8 bar)".

25.3 Delete entire section, including subsections.

25.3.1 Delete.

25.3.2 Delete.

25.3.3 Delete.

25.3.4 Delete.

25.5.2(5) Delete.

25.6.2 (13) Delete item 13 and renumber remainder of items accordingly.

Chapter 26 Marine Systems No changes.

Chapter 27 System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

27.1 Delete and replace with the following: "General. A sprinkler system installed in accordance with this standard shall be properly inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems and the New York City Fire Code, to provide at least the same level of performance and protection as designed."

ANNEXES

The annexes are not a part of the requirements of this Referenced Standard but are included for informational purposes only. These annexes contain explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs. In the event of any conflict between the Annexes and the body of the Referenced Standard, particularly where modifications have been made for New York City, the body of the Referenced Standard will govern.

Annex A Explanatory Material

Annex B Miscellaneous Topics

Annex C Explanation of Test Data and Procedures for Rack Storage

Annex D Sprinkler System Information from the 2012 Edition of the Life Safety Code

Annex E Development of the Design Approach to Conform with SEI/ASCE 7

Annex F Informational References