I101 Noncompliant Conditions — 2025 California Fire Code

This appendix is intended to identify conditions that can occur where fire protection systems are not properly maintained or components have been damaged. This appendix is not intended to provide comprehensive inspection, testing and maintenance requirements, which are found in NFPA 10, NFPA 25 and NFPA 72. Rather, it is intended to identify problems that are readily observable during fire inspections.

The following conditions indicate noncompliant and impaired fire protection systems. An impaired system(s) shall require immediate action by the building owner to return the fire protection system back to service:

1. Valves in the shut or closed position: 1.1. Water supply valves, such as in riser rooms, yards and vaults. 1.2. Water supply floor control valves in multiple-story buildings. 1.3. Fuel supply valves for fire pumps. 1.4. Commercial kitchen hood suppression valves.
2. Impaired fire alarm systems: 2.1. Fire alarm systems with no power (primary or secondary). 2.2. No active communication path to the supervising/remote station (unless the system is local).

The following conditions shall be deemed noncompliant and shall cause the related component(s) to be replaced to comply with the provisions of this code:

1. Sprinklers having any of the following conditions: 1.1. Signs of leakage. 1.2. Paint or other ornamentation that is not factory applied. 1.3. Evidence of corrosion including, but not limited to, discoloration or rust. 1.4. Deformation or damage of any part. 1.5. Improper orientation of sprinkler. 1.6. Empty glass bulb. 1.7. Sprinklers manufactured prior to 1920. 1.8. Replacement sprinklers that do not match existing sprinklers in orifice size, K-factor temperature rating, coating or deflector type. 1.9. Sprinklers for the protection of cooking equipment that have not been replaced within one year.
2. Water pressure and air pressure gauges. 2.1. Installed for more than 5 years and have not been tested to within 3 percent accuracy. 2.2. Indicating zero pressure.

The following shall be deemed noncompliant conditions and shall cause the related component(s) to be repaired or replaced to comply with the provisions of this code:

1. Sprinkler and standpipe system piping and fittings having any of the following conditions: 1.1. Signs of leakage.

1.2. Evidence of corrosion.

1.3. Misalignment. 1.4. Mechanical damage.

APPENDIX I—FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS

2. Sprinkler piping support having any of the following conditions: 2.1. Materials resting on or hung from sprinkler piping. 2.2. Damaged or loose hangers or braces.
3. Class II and Class III standpipe systems having any of the following conditions: 3.1. No hose or nozzle, where required. 3.2. Hose threads incompatible with fire department hose threads.

3.3. Hose connection cap missing. 3.4. Mildew, cuts, abrasions and deterioration evident.

3.5. Coupling damaged. 3.6. Gaskets missing or deteriorated. 3.7. Nozzle missing or obstructed. 4. Hose racks and cabinets having any of the following conditions: 4.1. Difficult to operate or damaged. 4.2. Hose improperly racked or rolled. 4.3. Inability of rack to swing 90 degrees (1.57 rad) out of the cabinet. 4.4. Cabinet locked, except as permitted by this code. 4.5. Cabinet door will not fully open. 4.6. Door glazing cracked or broken. 5. Portable fire extinguishers having any of the following conditions: 5.1. Broken seal or tamper indicator. 5.2. Expired maintenance tag. 5.3. Pressure gauge indicator in “red.” 5.4. Signs of leakage or corrosion. 5.5. Mechanical damage, denting or abrasion of tank. 5.6. Presence of repairs such as welding, soldering or brazing. 5.7. Damaged threads. 5.8. Damaged hose assembly, couplings or swivel joints. 6. Fire alarm and detection control equipment, initiating devices and notification appliances having any of the following conditions:

6.1. Corroded or leaking batteries or terminals. 6.2. Smoke detectors having paint or other ornamentation that is not factory applied. 6.3. Mechanical damage to any fire alarm equipment, devices or appliances. 6.4. Tripped fuses. 6.5. Fire alarm systems not in “normal” (no alarm, supervisory or trouble) state. 7. Fire department connections having any of the following conditions: 7.1. Fire department connections are not visible or able to be accessed from the fire apparatus access road. 7.2. Couplings or swivels are damaged. 7.3. Plugs and caps are missing or damaged.

7.4. Gaskets are deteriorated.

7.5. Check valve is leaking. 7.6. Identification signs are missing. 8. Fire pumps having any of the following conditions: 8.1. Pump room temperature is less than 40°F (4.4°C). 8.2. Ventilating louvers are not freely operable. 8.3. Corroded or leaking system piping.

8.4. Diesel fuel tank is less than two-thirds full.

8.5. Battery readings, lubrication oil or cooling water levels are abnormal.

APPENDIX I-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

APPENDIX I—FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS