N.Y.C. Admin. Code § MC 810: Section MC 810: Test Run and Smoke Test

810.1 Test run.

All new and altered chimneys, and chimneys to which a new appliance has been connected, shall be test run under operating conditions to demonstrate fire safety and the complete exhausting of smoke and the products of combustion to the outer air. The test run shall be conducted by a registered design professional or special inspector responsible for the test, and the results of such test run shall be certified as correct by such professional or special inspector and submitted in writing to the department. Refer to Section 1705.32 of the New York City Building Code for additional requirements.

Exception: A test run in accordance with this section may be conducted and certified to the department by the permit-holder when the work is performed as part of a limited alteration application, as defined in Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code. The test run shall not require a registered design professional or special inspector.

810.2 Requirement of a smoke test.

A smoke test shall be made as outlined in Section 810.3. Any faults or leaks found shall be corrected. Such smoke test shall be witnessed by a representative of the commissioner. In lieu thereof, the commissioner may accept the test report of a registered design professional or special inspector responsible for the test that shall be submitted in writing to the department.

Exception: A smoke test may be performed by or under the supervision of a permit-holder when the work is performed as part of a limited alteration application, as defined in Section 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code. Such test shall not be required to be witnessed by the department, registered design professional or special inspector.

810.3 Smoke test.

To determine the tightness of chimney construction, a smoke test shall be made in accordance with the following conditions and requirements:

1. The equipment, materials, power and labor necessary for such test shall be furnished by, and at the expense of, the owner or holder of the work permit.

2. If the test shows any evidence of leakage or other defects, such defects shall be corrected in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, and the test shall be repeated until the results are satisfactory.

3. The chimney shall be filled with a thick penetrating smoke produced by one or more smoke machines, or smoke bombs, or other equivalent method. As the smoke appears at the stack opening on the roof, such opening shall be tightly closed and a pressure equivalent to 1/2- inch (13 mm) column of water measured at the base of the stack, shall be applied. The test shall be applied for a length of time sufficient to permit the inspection of the chimney.

4. Refer to Section 1704.32 of the New York City Building Code for requirements for existing and new negative pressure chimneys and vents.