N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 912: Section FC 912: Fire Department Connections

912.1 Installation.

Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code.

912.2 Location.

The location of fire department connections shall be in accordance with the Building Code.

912.2.1 Visible location.

Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings, fully visible and recognizable from the street or nearest point of fire department apparatus access, or as otherwise approved by the commissioner.

912.2.2 Distance from hydrant.

Fire department connections shall be located at a distance from the nearest fire hydrant as required by the Building Code.

912.3 Access.

Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times, without obstruction by fences, posts, bushes, trees, rubbish containers, vehicles, walls or other objects.

Exception: Access to fire department connections may be obstructed by a fence, provided that such fence has an approved access gate complying with the design, installation, operation and maintenance requirements of FC 912, including signage complying with FC 912.4, and a means of emergency operation.

912.3.1 Locking fire department connection caps.

The commissioner may require locking caps on fire department connections for sprinkler and standpipe systems.

912.3.2 Clear space around connections.

A working space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and around wall-mounted and free-standing fire department connections, except as otherwise required or approved.

912.3.3 Physical protection.

Where fire department connections are subject to impact by a motor vehicle whose normal operation brings it into proximity with such connections, such as when fire department connections are located curbside or adjacent to loading or parking areas, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with FC 312.

912.4 Signs and markings.

Fire department connections shall be marked in accordance with FC 912.4.1 and 912.4.2.

912.4.1 Identification of fire department connections.

Fire department connections serving:

1. only a standpipe system shall be provided with caps painted red and identified by markings and signage that reads "STANDPIPE";

2. only an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided with caps painted green and identified by markings or signage that reads "SPRINKLER," provided, however, that if the automatic sprinkler system only serves a portion of the building, a sign shall additionally identify the portion of the building protected;

3. only a non-automatic (manually activated) sprinkler system shall be provided with caps painted silver and identified by markings or signage that reads "SPRINKLER", provided, however, that if the non-automatic sprinkler system only serves a portion of the building, a sign shall additionally identify the portion of the building protected;

4. combination standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be provided with caps painted yellow and identified by markings or signage that reads "COMBINATION STANDPIPE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS";

5. in addition to the foregoing, a standpipe, sprinkler or combination system in a building other than the building upon which the fire department connection is mounted shall be provided with a sign identifying the address of the other building served by the fire department connection; and

6. in addition to the foregoing, a standpipe, sprinkler or combination system serving more than one zone in a single building shall be provided with a sign identifying each zone served by the fire department connection. Such sign shall specify the maximum height (in feet) above grade of each zone and any other necessary identifying information.

912.4.2 Design of signs and markings.

Cap markings on fire department connections shall be deep cast in the body of the cap in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) deep. Alternatively, fire department connections may be identified by a durable non-ferrous metal plate secured to the connections or conspicuously mounted on the wall.

912.5 Reserved.

912.6 Maintenance.

Sprinkler system and standpipe system fire department connections shall be periodically inspected, tested, serviced and otherwise maintained in accordance with FC 901.6 and NFPA 25. Upon order of the commissioner, but at least once every 5 years, such fire department connections shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test to demonstrate their suitability for department use. The test shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and at the owner's risk, by his or her representative before a representative of the department.