N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 505: Section EBC 505: Limited Sprinkler Alterations

505.1 Filing.

Limited alterations made to sprinkler systems shall be filed and performed by a master fire suppression piping contractor, meeting the requirements of Article 410 of the Administrative Code.

505.2 Categories of work.

Limited sprinkler alterations shall be limited to the types of work set forth in Sections 505.2.1 through 505.2.3.

505.2.1 Category 1.

An alteration to an existing sprinkler system where the total cost of the proposed Category 1 work in the building does not exceed $50,000 in any 12-month period, the fire rating of the area where the new sprinkler heads are being installed is not being altered and the proposed work is limited to the installation of up to 5 new sprinkler heads off of an existing sprinkler system.

505.2.2 Category 2.

An alteration, repair or replacement of an existing sprinkler system or combined sprinkler standpipe system that is not subject to cost or duration limitations and that is limited to:

1. Replacement of sprinkler heads, provided that orifice sizes, type and deflector positions remain the same;

2. Replacement of parts required for the operation of a sprinkler system or combined sprinkler standpipe system;

3. Changes that do not alter the type of sprinkler system;

4. Repair, replacement or relocation of piping that does not affect the operation of the sprinkler system provided that orifice sizes, type and deflector positions remain the same;

5. Rearrangement of not more than 30 sprinkler heads in areas classified in light hazard occupancy, as such term is defined in NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, provided such areas are already sprinklered and such areas will remain in such occupancy;

6. Rearrangement of not more than 30 sprinkler heads in restaurant service areas classified in Group 1 ordinary hazard occupancy, as such term is defined in NFPA 13 as amended by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, provided such areas are already sprinklered and such areas will remain in such occupancy;

7. Rearrangement of not more than 30 sprinkler heads in mercantile areas classified in Group 2 ordinary hazard occupancy, as such term is defined by NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, provided such areas are already sprinklered and such areas will remain in such occupancy;

8. Rearrangement of sprinkler heads in a storage area under 200 square feet classified as Group 1 ordinary hazard, as defined by NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, provided such areas are already sprinklered and such areas will remain in such occupancy;

9. Unlimited cut and cap of an existing sprinkler system associated with a permitted demolition or gut renovation;

10. Relocation of a fire department connection as part of a combined system; and

11. Relocation of class II auxiliary hose connections and cabinets within 10 feet (3048 mm) of their original location, provided that the existing covered area is not affected.

505.2.3 Category 3.

An alteration, repair or replacement of components of an existing sprinkler system that may be performed without the requirement of associated department inspections and that is limited to:

1. Direct replacement of drain piping;

2. Direct replacement of water flow, valve tamper, high-low pressure and similar switches, provided that any electrical wiring is performed in accordance with the provision of the New York City Electrical Code and this code;

3. Direct replacement of fire suppression related valves, gauges and controls; and

4. Repair or replacement of fire pump system components of same type and capacity including seals and repacking of pump shafts. This allowance does not include the full replacement of a fire pump.