Section 1206 — STATIONARY FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEMS

Stationary fuel cell power systems in new and existing occupancies shall comply with this section.

Exception: The temporary use of a fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 building while parked shall comply with Section 1206.13.

Permits shall be obtained for stationary fuel cell power systems as set forth in Section 105.6.10.

1. Prepackaged fuel cell power systems shall be listed and labeled in accordance with CSA FC 1.
2. The modules and components in a preengineered fuel cell power system shall be listed and labeled in accordance with CSA FC 1 and interconnected to complete the assembly of the system at the job site in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the module and component listings.
3. Field-fabricated fuel cell power systems shall be approved based on a review of the technical report provided in accordance with Section 104.2.2. The report shall be prepared by and bear the stamp of a registered design professional and shall include:

3.1. A fire risk evaluation.

3.2. An evaluation demonstrating that modules and components in the fuel cell power system comply with applicable requirements in CSA FC 1. 3.3. Documentation of the fuel cell power system’s compliance with applicable NFPA 2 and NFPA 853 construction requirements.

Stationary fuel cell power systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code and NFPA 853, the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and the listing. Stationary fuel cell power systems fueled by hydrogen shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 2 and the California Electrical Code, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the listing.

Stationary fuel cell power systems shall not be installed in Group R-3 and R-4 buildings, or dwelling units associated with Group R-2 buildings unless they are specifically listed for residential use.

Exception: The temporary use of a fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 building while parked shall comply with Section 1206.13.

Stationary fuel cell power systems installed in indoor locations shall comply with Sections 1206.6 through 1206.6.2. For purposes of this section, an indoor location includes a roof and 50 percent or greater enclosing walls.

1206.6.1 Listed. Stationary fuel cell power systems installed indoors shall be specifically listed and labeled for indoor use.

1206.6.2 Separation. Rooms containing stationary fuel cell power systems shall be separated from the following occupancies by fire barriers or horizontal assemblies, or both, constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

1. Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
2. Group A, E, I and R occupancies by 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

Exception: Stationary fuel cell power systems with an aggregate rating less than 50 kW shall not be required to be separated from other occupancies provided that the systems comply with Section 9.3 of NFPA 853.

1206.6.3 Gas detection systems. Stationary fuel cell power systems shall be provided with a gas detection system. Detection shall be provided in approved locations in the fuel cell power system enclosure, the exhaust system or the room that encloses the fuel cell power system. The system shall be designed to activate at a flammable gas concentration of not more than 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL).

1206.6.3.1 System activation. The activation of the gas detection system shall automatically:

1. Close valves between the gas supply and the fuel cell power system.
2. Shut down the fuel cell power system.
3. Initiate local audible and visible alarms in approved locations.

Where stationary fuel cell power systems are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

ENERGY SYSTEMS

Stationary fuel cell power systems located outdoors shall be separated by not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:

1. Lot lines.

2. Public ways.

3. Buildings.

4. Stored combustible materials.

5. Hazardous materials.

6. High-piled stock.

7. Any portion of a designated means of egress system.

8. Other exposure hazards.

The design, location and installation of the fuel supply for stationary fuel cell power systems shall comply with Chapter 53, Chapter 58 and the International Fuel Gas Code, based on the particular fuel being supplied to the system.

Access to a manual shutoff valve shall be provided for the fuel piping within 6 feet (1829 mm) of any fuel storage tank serving the fuel cell and within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the power system. If the fuel tank and the stationary fuel cell power system are less than 12 feet (3658 mm) apart, a single shutoff valve shall be permitted. If the stationary fuel cell power system is located indoors, the shutoff valve shall be located outside of the room in which the system is installed, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

Ventilation and exhaust for stationary fuel cell power systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.

Fire protection systems for stationary fuel cell power system installations shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.

The temporary use of the dwelling unit owner or occupant’s fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 dwelling while parked in an attached or detached garage or outside shall comply with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and the California Electrical Code .