N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 804: Section EBC 804: Fire Protection

804.1 Scope.

The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas in which Level 1 alterations are being performed, except that, where specified, they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.

804.2 Automatic sprinkler systems.

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Sections 804.2.1 through 804.2.8 of this code. Installation requirements, materials and methods shall be in accordance with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code.

804.2.1 High-rise buildings.

In high-rise buildings, work areas that have exits or corridors shared by more than 1 tenant or that have exits or corridors serving an occupant load greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic sprinkler protection in the entire work area where the work area is located on a floor that has a sufficient sprinkler water supply from an existing standpipe, combined standpipe or a sprinkler riser serving that floor.

Exception: If a building does not have sufficient water supply for design of a fire sprinkler system available to the floor without installation of a new fire pump or new water source connection, work areas shall be protected throughout all occupiable spaces not including those in sleeping units or individual dwelling units, and throughout common areas and work spaces such as corridors, lobbies, storage rooms, and equipment rooms, by a partial coverage smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Sections 907.4, 907.5 and 907.6 of the New York City Building Code.

804.2.1.1 Supplemental automatic sprinkler system requirements.

Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, Section 804.2.1 shall apply to the entire floor on which the work area is located.

Exception: Occupied spaces under separate tenancy that are entirely outside the work area.

804.2.2 Occupancy Groups A, B, E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, S-1 and S-2.

In buildings with occupancies in Occupancy Groups A, B, E, F-1, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, S-1 and S-2, work areas that have exits or corridors shared by more than 1 tenant or that have exits or corridors serving an occupant load greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic sprinkler protection where both of the following conditions apply:

1. The work area is required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with the New York City Building Code as applicable to new construction; and

2. The work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area and is located on a floor that has a sufficient sprinkler water supply from an existing standpipe, combined standpipe or a sprinkler riser serving that floor.

Exception: If a building does not have sufficient water supply for design of a fire sprinkler system available to the floor without installation of a new fire pump or new water source connection, work areas shall be protected throughout all occupiable spaces not including those in sleeping units or individual dwelling units, and throughout common areas and work spaces such as corridors, lobbies, storage rooms, and equipment rooms, by a partial coverage smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Sections 907.4, 907.5 and 907.6 of the New York City Building Code.

804.2.2.1 Mixed uses.

In work areas containing mixed uses, 1 or more of which requires automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with Section 804.2.2, such protection shall not be required throughout the work area provided that the uses requiring such protection are separated from those not requiring protection by fire-resistance-rated construction having a minimum 2-hour rating for Occupancy Group H and a minimum 1-hour rating for all other occupancy groups.

804.2.3 Sprinkler protection required.

Work areas located in above or below grade stories where such stories are required to be sprinklered in accordance with Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.3 of the New York City Building Code shall be sprinklered where the building has a sufficient water supply without installation of a new fire pump.

804.2.3.1 Supplemental automatic sprinkler system requirements.

Where the work area on any above or below grade story exceeds 50 percent of the area of that story, Section 804.2.3 shall apply to the entire story on which the work area is located.

Exception: Occupied spaces under separate tenancy that are entirely outside the work area.

804.2.4 Other required automatic sprinkler systems.

In buildings and areas listed in Table 903.2.11.10 of the New York City Building Code, work areas that have exits or corridors shared by more than 1 tenant or that have exits or corridors serving an occupant load greater than 30 shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system where both of the following conditions apply:

1. The work area is required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the New York City Building Code applicable to new construction; and

2. The building has sufficient water supply available to the floor for the design of an automatic sprinkler system without installation of a new fire pump or new water service connection.

804.2.5 Supervision.

Automatic sprinkler systems required by this section shall be supervised in accordance with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code.

804.2.6 Corridor ratings.

Where an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed throughout the story, and throughout the stories immediately above and below the work area, the required fire-resistance rating for any corridor located on the story of the work area shall be permitted to be reduced in accordance with the New York City Building Code.

Exception: Where the dead-end corridor length exceeds that permitted by the New York City Building Code, the required fire-resistance rating for the entire corridor shall not be permitted to be reduced.

804.2.7 Protection of lot line air shaft openings.

Where a sprinkler system is being installed in a building, lot line shaft openings shall be protected in the manner described by Section 803.8.

804.2.8 Special provisions for prior code buildings.

In addition to compliance with Sections 804.2.1 through 804.2.7, existing sprinkler system and components in prior code buildings may comply with Sections 804.2.8.1 and 804.2.8.2.

804.2.8.1 Existing single compartment fire reserve tanks.

Existing single compartment fire reserve tanks with a volume of 15,000 gallons (56781 L) or more that are to be replaced shall be compartmented and sized in conformance with the New York City Building Code.

Exception: Existing single compartment fire reserve tanks, with a volume of 15,000 gallons (56781 L) or more, constructed in accordance with the prior codes, shall be permitted to remain.

804.2.8.2 Automatic sprinkler existing water supply.

The water supply demand for a sprinkler system shall be calculated in accordance with the New York City Building Code and shall include the demand incurred by any new sprinkler heads installed and any existing sprinklers that shall remain. The existing water supply shall be permitted to remain provided that the newly calculated sprinkler system water supply demand does not exceed the existing system water supply capacity.

Exception: Where the existing sprinkler system water supply demand is calculated by taking the reduction in size of the calculated remote area of operation as permitted by NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, and such system is supplied by a fixed duration water supply of less than 5,000 gallons (18927 L), a supplemental water supply demand calculation shall be made without taking the area reduction.

804.2.8.2.1 Existing water supply insufficient to meet newly calculated demand.

Where the newly calculated water supply demand exceeds the existing system water supply capacity, the existing water supply shall be modified to provide the newly required sprinkler system demand. Where the addition or modification of water reserve tanks is impracticable, a reduction of storage to a 20-minute duration in light hazard occupancies shall be permitted, as approved by the department, provided that the reduction in size of the calculated remote area of operation as described in the exception to Section 804.2.8.2 is not taken, and that mechanical automatic means of makeup to the storage tank are installed in accordance with the following:

1. Automatic means of makeup for a tank fire reserve shall be capable of pumping water into the tank, for a period of 20 minutes, at a rate sufficient to equal the difference between the normal 30-minute demand and the alternate 20-minute demand. The demand required shall be calculated for the most demanding remote area from the riser without taking the reduction in size of the remote area otherwise permitted by NFPA 13 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code;

2. Where the domestic water house pumps are used for makeup, at least 2 pumps, each of sufficient capacity to meet the makeup requirement, shall be provided; and

3. A low water alarm, listed for its use, shall be located at a point 500 gallons (1893 L) above the fire level reserve.

804.3 Standpipes.

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

804.3.1 Connection of fire pumps to emergency power system.

The installation of new or replacement of existing fire pumps shall comply with Section 308.4 relating to connection to emergency power system in existing buildings.

804.4 Fire alarm and detection.

An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 804.4.1 through 804.4.7. An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 as modified by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms, where products of combustion are present during normal operation in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

804.4.1 Occupancy requirements.

A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 804.4.1.1 through 804.4.1.5. Existing alarm-notification appliances shall be automatically activated in accordance with the building’s existing approved fire alarm sequence of operations.

Exception: Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire alarm system.

804.4.1.1 Occupancy Group E and Group I-4.

Where the work area exceeds 10 percent of the portion of the building occupied by occupancy Groups E or I-4 or 25 percent of the area of the floor in which the work area is located, a manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the floor. The installation shall be in accordance with the New York City Building Code and the fire alarm control unit shall be designed to accommodate expansion for the entire occupancy. Once the fire alarm coverage exceeds 50 percent of the entire occupancy, the fire alarm installation shall be extended throughout the occupancy.

Exception: Where a fire alarm system cannot be installed in accordance with the New York City Building Code, the system shall be approved by both the Commissioner and the Fire Commissioner.

804.4.1.2 Occupancy Group I-1.

Where the work area exceeds 10 percent of the portion of the building occupied by occupancy Group I-1 residential care/assisted living facilities or 25 percent of the area of the floor in which the work area is located, a manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the floor in accordance with the

New York City Building Code

and the fire alarm control unit shall be designed to accommodate expansion for the entire occupancy for existing Group I-1 occupancies. Once the fire alarm coverage exceeds 50 percent of the entire occupancy, the fire alarm installation shall be extended throughout.

Exception: Where a fire alarm system cannot be installed in accordance with the New York City Building Code, the system shall be approved by both the Commissioner and the Fire Commissioner.

804.4.1.3 Occupancy Group I-2.

A fire alarm system shall be installed throughout Group I-2 occupancies in accordance with the New York City Building Code.

804.4.1.4 Occupancy Group I-3.

Where the work area exceeds 10 percent of the portion of the building occupied by occupancy Group I-3 or 25 percent of the area of the floor in which the work area is located, a manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout the floor. The installation shall be in accordance with the New York City Building Code and the fire alarm control unit shall be designed to accommodate expansion for the entire occupancy. Once the fire alarm coverage exceeds 50 percent of the entire occupancy, the fire alarm installation shall be extended throughout.

Exception: Where a fire alarm system cannot be installed in accordance with the New York City Building Code, the system shall be approved by both the Commissioner and the Fire Commissioner.

804.4.1.5 Occupancy Group R-1.

A fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies in accordance with the requirements of the New York City Building Code for Group R-1 occupancies.

804.4.2 Control Units.

Where the capacity of the existing fire alarm system is not sufficient to support the alteration work in accordance with this section, and a new distributed control panel is added to the system, such new panel may be installed in a similar manner with installation and wiring comparable to the existing, approved fire alarm system. Such control panels shall comply with NFPA 72 as modified by

Appendix

Q of the

New York City Building Code

with respect to alarm reset capabilities, and any addressable initiating devices connected to the new distributed control panel shall report individually to the primary fire alarm control unit within the building.

804.4.3 Smoke detection.

Smoke detection shall be provided in work areas in accordance with Sections 804.4.3.1 and 804.4.3.3.

804.4.3.1 Smoke detection in individual sleeping and dwelling units.

Individual sleeping units and individual dwelling units in any work area in Group R and I-1 occupancies, where applicable, shall be provided with smoke detection in accordance with the New York City Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Interconnection of smoke alarms outside of the work area to those installed inside the work area in accordance with this code shall not be required.

2. Existing I-1 occupancies that utilize smoke alarms for individual sleeping units or individual dwelling units are permitted to install smoke alarms in the work area in lieu of smoke detectors.

804.4.3.1.1 Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units during alterations involving removal of existing interior finishes in prior code buildings.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms complying with the location, interconnection and power source requirements of Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code 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.

804.4.3.2 Smoke detection in other spaces.

Where required by Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code, in buildings that have an existing approved fire alarm system, smoke detection shall be provided in the following spaces when such spaces are included within the work area:

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.

804.4.3.3 Smoke detectors in elevator lobbies and elevator landings of Group R-2 occupancies.

Where a new or upgraded fire alarm system is installed in a Group R-2 occupancy building in accordance with

Chapter 9

of the

New York City Building Code

, the smoke detectors required to be installed at elevator lobbies, elevator landings, elevator machine rooms, or elevator hoistways shall be programmed to initiate Phase I emergency operations.

804.4.4 Location of fire alarm control equipment.

Fire alarm equipment and associated wiring shall be located in spaces within buildings in accordance with the New York City Building Code.

Exception. In prior code buildings, fire alarm control equipment and associated wiring may be installed in exit enclosures provided that such installations do not reduce the egress width below that required by code and a smoke detector need not be installed at the location of such fire alarm control unit.

804.4.5 Existing Mini class “E” and Advisory class “E” systems in prior code buildings.

Replacement of existing Mini class E and Advisory class E systems shall be made to comply with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code for that building or space.

804.4.6 Existing fire alarm systems in prior code places of assembly used as a cabaret.

Replacement of existing fire alarm systems in cabarets shall be made to comply with Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code for that building or space.

804.4.7 Fire alarm system alterations and replacements in existing buildings.

Existing, approved fire alarm systems undergoing alterations or being replaced shall comply with the requirements of Section 804.4.7.1 through 804.4.7.5. For the purpose of applying the following sections, alteration applications that have not been signed off shall be cumulatively considered.

804.4.7.1 Replacement of the Fire Command Center (FCC), Fire Command Station (FCS) or Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

Where the scope of work constitutes the replacement in kind of the FCC, FCS or FACP, full replacement of the fire alarm system shall not be required provided that the following conditions are met:

1. The sequence of operations shall match that of the existing system.

2. Where the existing power capacity is not adequate, a new connection that complies with the New York City Electrical Code shall be provided to the replacement equipment.

804.4.7.2 Relocation of the Fire Command Center (FCC), Fire Command Station (FCS) or Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

Where the scope of work constitutes the relocation of the FCC, FCS, or FACP, the work shall comply with Section 804.4.7.1 and the following additional requirements:

1. The new proposed location shall be approved by the fire commissioner.

2. Existing power wiring and existing fire alarm system wiring may be utilized. Splicing of existing power wiring and existing fire alarm system wiring is prohibited.

3. Where an FCC, FCS or FACP is relocated, proximity requirements for related systems and controls shall be maintained including, but not limited to, elevator control panels and mechanical fan control panels.

804.4.7.3 System technology upgrade.

A system technology upgrade to an existing, approved fire alarm system shall comply with Sections 804.4.7.3.1 through 804.4.7.3.8. Where the scope of work includes upgrade or replacement of the Fire Command Center (FCC), Fire Command Station (FCS), or Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), and also includes the upgrade, replacement or addition of fire alarm control unit(s), a system replacement is not required provided that no more than 2 of the following thresholds are exceeded:

1. More than 75 percent of existing notification appliances are replaced in kind.

2. Power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) wiring between control unit(s) and initiating devices or notification appliances is replaced in more than 25 percent of the building's floor area.

3. More than 75 percent of the sum of existing initiating devices and existing emergency control function interface equipment are altered or replaced in kind. The percentage calculation shall not include any initiating devices being added to comply with selective coverage smoke detection requirements of Section 907.2 of the New York City Building Code.

4. More than 75 percent of the sum of existing warden telephone stations and firefighter telephones are replaced in kind.

804.4.7.3.1 Control units.

New or upgraded control units may be located in the same room or location as the existing control units.

804.4.7.3.2 Circuits.

Fire alarm system wiring used to interconnect control units shall meet the class and survivability requirements of the New York City Building Code applicable to new systems.

804.4.7.3.3 Smoke detection.

Selective coverage smoke detection as required by Section 907.2 of the New York City Building Code shall be installed.

804.4.7.3.4 Notification appliance circuits.

All notification appliance circuits shall be supervised upon completion of the system technology upgrade.

804.4.7.3.5 Operation sequence.

The system’s operation sequence shall be modified to comply with that required for a new building of the same characteristics.

804.4.7.3.6 Power connections.

Where the existing power capacity serving the existing fire alarm system is not adequate to power the upgraded fire alarm system, new AC power connections shall be provided for all upgraded fire alarm control equipment in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

804.4.7.3.7 Wiring.

Existing wiring not affected by the upgrade shall be permitted to remain.

804.4.7.3.8 Existing to remain.

Existing, functional initiating devices and notification appliances not affected by the upgrade shall be permitted to remain.

804.4.7.4 System replacement.

Where the scope of work includes a full replacement of the existing, approved fire alarm system, the system shall be installed in accordance with Section 907 of the New York City Building Code and in accordance with the applicable sections of the New York City Electrical Code.

804.4.7.5 Emergency and standby power for fire alarm upgrades and replacements in prior code buildings.

Where a fire alarm system is being altered or replaced in accordance with Section 804.4.7, and where the existing building does not have an on-site generator for emergency or standby power loads, installation of a generator to provide secondary power to the fire alarm system shall not be required. However, where the existing building does have an on-site generator for emergency or standby power loads, connection of the upgraded fire alarm system to the existing generator in accordance with Chapter 27 of the New York City Building Code shall be required.