Section 912 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be¶

installed in accordance with the NFPA standard applicable to the system design and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.7.

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912.2 Location.¶

With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

912.2.1 Visible location. Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings or facing approved fire apparatus access roads, fully visible and recognizable from the street, fire apparatus access road or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.

912.2.2 Existing buildings. On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the letters “FDC” not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. Such signs shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.

9-66 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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912.3 Fire hose threads.¶

Fire hose threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall be approved and shall be compatible with fire department hose threads.

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912.4 Access.¶

Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other fixed or moveable object. Access to fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

Exception s :

1 . Fences, where provided with an access gate equipped with a sign complying with the legend requirements of Section 912.5 and a means of emergency operation. The gate and the means of emergency operation shall be approved by the fire code official and maintained operational at all times.

TABLE 911.1 EXPLOSION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ^f

MATERIAL	CLASS	EXPLOSION CONTROL METHODS
MATERIAL	CLASS	Barricade construction	Explosion (deflagration) venting or explosion (deflagration) prevention systems
Hazard Category	Hazard Category	Hazard Category	Hazard Category
Combustible dustsa	—	Not required	Required
Cryogenic fluids	Flammable	Not required	Required
Explosives	Division 1.1	Required	Not required
Explosives	Division 1.2	Required	Not required
Explosives	Division 1.3	Not required	Required
Explosives	Division 1.4	Not required	Required
Explosives	Division 1.5	Required	Not required
Explosives	Division 1.6	Required	Not required
Flammable gas	Gaseous	Not required	Required
Flammable gas	Liquefied	Not required	Required
Flammable liquids	IAb	Not required	Required
Flammable liquids	IBc	Not required	Required
Organic peroxides	Unclassified detonable	Required	Not permitted
Organic peroxides	I	Required	Not permitted
Oxidizer liquids and solids	4	Required	Not permitted
Pyrophoric	Gases	Not required	Required
Unstable (reactive)	4	Required	Not permitted
Unstable (reactive)	3 detonable	Required	Not permitted
Unstable (reactive)	3 nondetonable	Not required	Required
Water-reactive liquids and solids	3	Not required	Required
Water-reactive liquids and solids	2e	Not required	Required
Special Uses	Special Uses	Special Uses	Special Uses
Acetylene generator rooms	—	Not required	Required
Electrochemical energy storage systemsg	—	Not required	Required
Energy storage systemsg	—	Not required	Required
Grain processing	—	Not required	Required
Liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities	—	Not required	Required
Where explosion hazards existd	Detonation	Required	Not permitted
Where explosion hazards existd	Deflagration	Not required	Required

a. Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on

information prepared in accordance with Section 104.8.2. See definition of “Combustible dust” in Chapter 2. b. Storage or use. c. In open use or dispensing. d. Rooms containing dispensing and use of hazardous materials where an explosive environment can occur because of the characteristics or nature of the

hazardous materials or as a result of the dispensing or use process. e. A method of explosion control shall be provided where Class 2 water-reactive materials can form potentially explosive mixtures. f. Explosion venting is not required for Group H-5 Fabrication Areas complying with Chapter 27 and the California Building Code . g. Where explosion control is required in Section 1207.6.3.

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

2. When acceptable to the fire enforcing agency, fire department connections for Group I-3 detention facilities may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.

912.4.1 Locking fire department connection caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems where the responding fire department carries appropriate key wrenches for removal.

912.4.2 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 to the sides of wall-mounted fire department connections and around the circumference of free-standing fire department connections, except as otherwise required or approved by the fire code official.

912.4.3 Physical protection. Where fire department connections are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.

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912.5 Signs. A metal sign with raised letters not less than 1¶

inch (25 mm) in size shall be mounted on all fire department connections serving automatic sprinklers, standpipes or fire pump connections. Such signs shall read: “AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS” or “STANDPIPES” or “TEST CONNECTION” or a combination thereof as applicable. Where the fire department connection does not serve the entire building, a sign shall be provided indicating the portions of the building served.

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912.6 Backflow protection. The potable water supply to¶

automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be protected against backflow as required by the Health and Safety Code Section 13114.7 .

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912.7 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire department¶

connections shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 . Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.

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