CFC · California Fire Code

What operation, maintenance, testing and recordkeeping requirements apply to ESS?

Before an ESS can operate, it must be acceptance-tested and commissioned; the owner must keep a manufacturer-backed operation & maintenance manual and service log on-site, perform ongoing inspections and tests per the manual, and retain those records (usually for at least three years) for the fire code official.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Energy storage systems (ESS) must be commissioned and acceptance-tested before being placed in service, be provided with an operation & maintenance (O&M) manual and a service log, be inspected and tested ongoing per the manufacturer and the O&M manual, and have records retained and made available to the fire code official. The primary CFC requirements for these activities are in § 1207.2 (commissioning, operation and maintenance, decommissioning) and the general recordkeeping rule in § 110.3.

The single most important rule: do the required commissioning and keep the commissioning report plus the on-site O&M manual and service log available for inspection. § 1207.2 requires acceptance testing, documentation and an on-site manual; § 110.3 requires retention of inspection/test/maintenance records.

Requirements in detail

1) Acceptance testing and commissioning

  • Initial acceptance testing must be performed during commissioning to verify proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the approved commissioning plan. See § 1207.2.1.1.
  • A commissioning report documenting the results of the initial acceptance tests must be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on‑site location. See § 1207.2.1.2.

2) Operation & maintenance documentation (what the manual must contain)

An operation and maintenance manual must be delivered to the owner/authorized agent and operator before the ESS is placed in service and must be kept at an approved on‑site location. The manual must include at least the following items (summary below is condensed from the code): § 1207.2.2.

  • Manufacturer operation and maintenance manuals for each component requiring maintenance.
  • Contact info for the contracted service agency (name, address, phone).
  • Maintenance and calibration data: wiring diagrams, control drawings, schematics, programming and control sequences.
  • Permanently recorded control set points (on control devices or in programming).
  • Inspection/recalibration schedule for controls.
  • A service record log form (schedule + space to record completed service and retention on site).

3) Ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance

  • Systems that monitor and protect the ESS (battery management, safety systems, detection, ventilation, suppression tied to the ESS, etc.) must be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the O&M manual; inspection and testing records must be maintained in the O&M manual. See § 1207.2.2.1.

4) Decommissioning (pre-notification and plan)

  • The fire code official must be notified prior to decommissioning an ESS. Decommissioning must be performed according to a decommissioning plan that describes removal from service, contingencies (including for damaged ESS), and safe shutdown procedures. See § 1207.2.3.

5) Recordkeeping and retention

  • Records of inspections, tests, servicing and other O&M activities must be maintained on the premises or at an approved location for not less than 3 years, unless another retention period is specified elsewhere; records must be made available to the fire code official and provided on request. See § 110.3.

6) Retrofits and replacements

  • Retrofits must follow permit and listing requirements; retrofitted systems must be commissioned in accordance with § 1207.2.1 and retrofits shall be documented in the service records log. Replacements of ESS are considered new installations and must comply with Section 1207; replaced ESS must be decommissioned per § 1207.2.3. See § 1207.3.7, § 1207.3.8.

Decision table — who must do what, when, and where records live

Decision / item Required action / value Code reference
Initial acceptance testing Commissioning acceptance testing per manufacturer & approved plan before final approval § 1207.2.1.1
Commissioning report Submit to fire code official prior to final inspection; keep on-site § 1207.2.1.2
O&M manual contents Manufacturer manuals, service agency contact, wiring/control docs, set points, inspection schedule, service log § 1207.2.2
Ongoing inspection/testing Per manufacturer & O&M manual; record tests in manual § 1207.2.2.1
Decommissioning Notify code official; follow decommissioning plan with contingencies § 1207.2.3
Record retention Maintain inspection/test/service records on-site for not less than 3 years (or as otherwise required) § 110.3
Retrofits Obtain permit, list new components, commission retrofit, document in service log § 1207.3.7

Exceptions & special cases

  • Some lead‑acid and nickel‑cadmium battery systems in telecommunications or utility control applications operating at less than 50 VAC or 60 VDC may be exempted from full commissioning requirements or permitted to follow alternative commissioning plans when specifically allowed by the code and NFPA 76 (see the exceptions in the commissioning section). See § 1207.2.1 exceptions.
  • Existing electrochemical ESS may keep legacy signage if permitted by the code; signage rules also require contact info for service and fire mitigation personnel, which affects who must be listed in the O&M documentation. See § 1207.4.8.

If a retrofit consists only of replacing lead‑acid or nickel‑cadmium batteries with the same chemistry and there is no increase in system size or energy capacity greater than 10 percent, certain applications may be treated as a repair rather than a new installation—see § 1207.3.7.1 for the limited conditions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating the manufacturer’s paperwork as optional. The code requires manufacturer O&M manuals and control documentation to be part of the delivered O&M manual (§ 1207.2.2).
  • Failing to perform or document acceptance testing and provide the commissioning report to the fire official before final approval (§ 1207.2.1.1 & § 1207.2.1.2).
  • Not keeping the O&M manual and service log at an approved on‑site location and available for inspection (records belong on-site and records retention rules under § 110.3 apply).
  • Assuming “manufacturer’s recommendations” satisfy code when the O&M manual or approved commissioning plan calls for additional integrated testing or schedules—follow the approved plan and the O&M manual (§ 1207.2.1, § 1207.2.2.1).

Worked example

Scenario: A commercial site installs a 100 kWh lithium‑ion ESS.

  1. Commissioning & acceptance testing: The commissioning team performs acceptance tests per the manufacturer instructions and the approved commissioning plan and verifies thermal management, BMS actions, and integrated fire/safety system response. This fulfills § 1207.2.1.1. The commissioning report documenting all tests and results is submitted to the fire code official before final inspection/approval and kept on-site per § 1207.2.1.2.

  2. O&M manual & service log: The owner receives an O&M manual that includes the manufacturer manuals, wiring/schematics, the desired control set points recorded at the controllers, a calibration/inspection schedule for the controls, and a service record log form. The ESS is put into operation only after the owner/operator has the manual on-site, per § 1207.2.2.

  3. Ongoing testing & records: The site performs periodic inspections and tests of the ESS monitoring and protective systems according to the manufacturer and the O&M manual; test results are logged in the on‑site manual. Records are kept for at least 3 years and are produced for the fire code official on request in accordance with § 110.3.

  4. If later a vendor retrofits new battery modules, the owner obtains the required construction permit, confirms listed components, commissions the retrofit per § 1207.2.1, and documents the retrofit in the service records log as required by § 1207.3.7.

Related provisions (CFC sections)

  • § 1207.2 — Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance (general).
  • § 1207.2.1.1 — Initial acceptance testing (commissioning).
  • § 1207.2.1.2 — Commissioning report submission and on‑site retention.
  • § 1207.2.2 — Operation and maintenance manual contents and on‑site retention.
  • § 1207.2.2.1 — Ongoing inspection and testing; recordkeeping in O&M manual.
  • § 1207.2.3 — Decommissioning and requirement to notify code official.
  • § 1207.3.7 — Retrofits (permit, listing, commissioning and documentation in records).
  • § 1207.4.8 — Signage requirements (includes contact info for service/fire mitigation personnel).
  • § 110.3 — Recordkeeping: retain inspection/test/service records for not less than 3 years and make them available to the fire code official.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CFC § 1207.2.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.2.1.1 Initial acceptance testing. During the commissioning process an ESS shall be evaluated for proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the commissioning plan prior to final approval.

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    ENERGY SYSTEMS

    1207.2.1.2 Commissioning report. A report describing the results of the system commissioning, including the results of the initial acceptance testing required in Section 1207.2.1.1, shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on-site location. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.2.2 Operation and maintenance. An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to both the ESS owner or their authorized agent and the ESS operator before the ESS is put into operation and shall include the following:

    1. Manufacturer’s operation manuals and maintenance manuals for the entire ESS, or for each component of the system requiring maintenance, that clearly identify the required routine maintenance actions.
    2. Name, address and phone number of a service agency that has been contracted to service the ESS and its associated safety systems.
    3. Maintenance and calibration information, including wiring diagrams, control drawings, schematics, system programming instructions and control sequence descriptions, for all energy storage control systems.
    4. Desired or field-determined control set points that are permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions.
    5. A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all ESS controls.
    6. A service record log form that lists the schedule for all required servicing and maintenance actions and space for logging such actions that are completed over time and retained on-site.

    The ESS shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manual and a copy of the manual shall be retained at an approved on-site location.

    1207.2.2.1 Ongoing inspection and testing. Systems that monitor and protect the ESS installation shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the operation and maintenance manual. Inspection and testing records shall be maintained in the operation and maintenance manual.

    1207.2.3 Decommissioning. The code official shall be notified prior to the decommissioning of an ESS. Decommissioning shall be performed in accordance with the decommissioning plan that includes the following:

    1. A narrative description of the activities to be accomplished for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located.

    2. A listing of any contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3 Equipment. ESS equipment shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.3.1 through 1207.3.9.

    1207.3.1 Energy storage system listings. ESS shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.

  • CFC § 1207.2.2.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. Desired or field-determined control set points that are permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions.
    2. A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all ESS controls.
    3. A service record log form that lists the schedule for all required servicing and maintenance actions and space for logging such actions that are completed over time and retained on-site.

    The ESS shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manual and a copy of the manual shall be retained at an approved on-site location.

    1207.2.2.1 Ongoing inspection and testing. Systems that monitor and protect the ESS installation shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the operation and maintenance manual. Inspection and testing records shall be maintained in the operation and maintenance manual.

    1207.2.3 Decommissioning. The code official shall be notified prior to the decommissioning of an ESS. Decommissioning shall be performed in accordance with the decommissioning plan that includes the following:

    1. A narrative description of the activities to be accomplished for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located.

    2. A listing of any contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3 Equipment. ESS equipment shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.3.1 through 1207.3.9.

    1207.3.1 Energy storage system listings. ESS shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.

    Exceptions:

    1. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 VAC, 60 VDC in telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations that are in compliance with NFPA 76.
    2. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations.
    3. Lead-acid battery systems in uninterruptable power supplies listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1778 and utilized for standby power applications.

    (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.2 Equipment listing. Chargers, inverters and energy storage management systems shall be covered as part of the UL 9540 listing or shall be listed separately.

    1207.3.3 Utility interactive systems. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741. Only inverters listed and labeled for utility interactive system use and identified as interactive shall be allowed to operate in parallel with the electric utility power system to supply power to common loads.

    1207.3.4 Energy storage management system. Where required by the ESS listing, an approved energy storage management system that monitors and balances cell voltages, currents and temperatures within the manufacturer’s specifications shall be provided. The system shall disconnect electrical connections to the ESS or otherwise place it in a safe condition if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short circuits, over voltage or under voltage are detected. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.5 Enclosures. Enclosures of ESS shall be of noncombustible construction. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  • CFC § 109.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 109.3 Concealed work. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Where any installation subject to inspection prior to use is covered or concealed without having first been inspected, the fire code official shall have the authority to require that such work be made visible and able to be accessed for inspection. Neither the fire code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

    [A] 109.4 Approvals. Approval as the result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

    SECTION 110—MAINTENANCE

    [A] 110.1 Maintenance of safeguards. Where any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this code, or otherwise installed, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with this code and applicable referenced standards.

    [A] 110.2 Testing and operation. Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be tested or operated as specified in this code.

    [A] 110.2.1 Reinspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the fire code official for inspection and testing.

    [A] 110.3 Recordkeeping. A record of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years, or a different period of time where specified in this code or referenced standards. Records shall be made available for inspection by the fire code official, and a copy of the records shall be provided to the fire code official on request.

    The fire code official is authorized to prescribe the form and format of such recordkeeping. The fire code official is authorized to require that certain required records be filed with the fire code official.

    [A] 110.4 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code.

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    110.5 Rendering equipment inoperable. Portable or fixed fire-extinguishing systems or devices, and fire-warning systems, shall be provided with ready access and shall not be rendered inoperative, except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing.

    [A] 110.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, on finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or on finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.

    SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

  • CFC § 1207.2.1. High relevance — show source text

    A decommissioning plan for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located. The plan shall include details on providing a safe, orderly shutdown of energy storage and safety systems with notification to the code officials prior to the actual decommissioning of the system. The decommissioning plan shall include contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event.

    Exceptions:

    1. Commissioning shall not be required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC. A decommissioning plan shall be provided and maintained where required by the fire code official.
    2. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 VAC, 60 VDC that are in telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and are located outdoors or in building spaces or walk-in units used exclusively for such installations that are in compliance with NFPA 76, shall be permitted to have a commissioning plan in compliance with recognized industry practices in lieu of complying with Section 1207.2.1.
    3. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utilities, and are located in building spaces or walk-in units used exclusively for such installations, shall be permitted to have a commissioning plan in compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations in lieu of developing a commissioning plan in accordance with Section 1207.2.1. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.2.1.1 Initial acceptance testing. During the commissioning process an ESS shall be evaluated for proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the commissioning plan prior to final approval.

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    ENERGY SYSTEMS

    1207.2.1.2 Commissioning report. A report describing the results of the system commissioning, including the results of the initial acceptance testing required in Section 1207.2.1.1, shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on-site location. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.2.2 Operation and maintenance. An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to both the ESS owner or their authorized agent and the ESS operator before the ESS is put into operation and shall include the following:

    1. Manufacturer’s operation manuals and maintenance manuals for the entire ESS, or for each component of the system requiring maintenance, that clearly identify the required routine maintenance actions.
    2. Name, address and phone number of a service agency that has been contracted to service the ESS and its associated safety systems.
    3. Maintenance and calibration information, including wiring diagrams, control drawings, schematics, system programming instructions and control sequence descriptions, for all energy storage control systems.
    4. Desired or field-determined control set points that are permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions.
    5. A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all ESS controls.
  • CFC § 12-11 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 12-11

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    ENERGY SYSTEMS

    1207.1.8 Fire remediation. Where a fire or other event has damaged the ESS and ignition or re-ignition of the ESS is possible, the system owner, agent or lessee shall take the following actions, at their expense, to mitigate the hazard or remove damaged equipment from the premises to a safe location.

    1207.1.8.1 Fire mitigation personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety that trained personnel be on-site to respond to possible ignition or re-ignition of a damaged ESS, the system owner, agent or lessee shall dispatch within 15 minutes one or more fire mitigation personnel to the premise, as required and approved, at their expense. These personnel shall remain on duty continuously after the fire department leaves the premise until the damaged energy storage equipment is removed from the premises, or earlier if the fire code official indicates the public safety hazard has been abated. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.1.8.2 Duties. On-duty fire mitigation personnel shall have the following responsibilities:

    1. Keep a diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards.

    2. Immediately contact the fire department if their assistance is needed to mitigate any hazards or extinguish fires.

    3. Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards in accordance with the decommissioning plan per Section 1207.2.3.

    4. Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.2 Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance. Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with this section.

    1207.2.1 Commissioning. Commissioning of newly installed ESS and existing ESS that have been retrofitted, replaced or previously decommissioned and are returning to service shall be conducted prior to the ESS being placed in service in accordance with a commissioning plan that has been approved prior to initiating commissioning. The commissioning plan shall include the following:

    1. A narrative description of the activities that will be accomplished during each phase of commissioning, including the personnel intended to accomplish each of the activities.
    2. A listing of the specific ESS and associated components, controls and safety-related devices to be tested, a description of the tests to be performed and the functions to be tested.
    3. Conditions under which all testing will be performed, which are representative of the conditions during normal operation of the system.
    4. Documentation of the owner’s project requirements and the basis of design necessary to understand the installation and operation of the ESS.
    5. Verification that required equipment and systems are installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
    6. Integrated testing for all fire and safety systems.
    7. Testing for any required thermal management, ventilation or exhaust systems associated with the ESS installation.
    8. Preparation and delivery of operation and maintenance documentation.
    9. Training of facility operating and maintenance staff.
    10. Identification and documentation of the requirements for maintaining system performance to meet the original design intent during the operation phase.
    11. Identification and documentation of personnel who are qualified to service, maintain and decommission the ESS, and respond to incidents involving the ESS, including documentation that such service has been contracted for./p>
  • CFC § 1207.3.7 High relevance — show source text

    1207.3.7 Retrofits. Retrofitting of an existing ESS shall comply with the following:

    1. A construction permit shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.6.
    2. New batteries, battery modules, capacitors and similar ESS components shall be listed.
    3. Battery management and other monitoring systems shall be connected and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 12-13

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    ENERGY SYSTEMS

    1. The overall installation shall continue to comply with UL 9540 listing requirements, where applicable.
    2. Systems that have been retrofitted shall be commissioned in accordance with Section 1207.2.1.
    3. Retrofits shall be documented in the service records log. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.7.1 Retrofitting lead acid and nickel cadmium. Changing out or retrofitting of lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries with other lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries in the following applications shall be considered repairs where there is no increase in system size or energy capacity greater than 10 percent of the original design.

    1. At facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC.

    2. Battery systems used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations.

    3. Batteries in uninterruptible power supplies listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1778 and used for standby power applications only.

    (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.8 Replacements. Replacements of ESS shall be considered new ESS installations and shall comply with the provisions of Section 1207 as applicable to new ESS. The ESS being replaced shall be decommissioned in accordance with Section 1207.2.3. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.9 Reused and repurposed equipment. Equipment and materials shall only be reused or reinstalled as permitted in Section 104.9.1. Storage batteries previously used in other applications, such as electric vehicle propulsion, shall not be reused in applications regulated by Chapter 12 unless approved by the fire code official and unless the equipment is refurbished by a battery refurbishing company approved in accordance with UL 1974. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.4 General installations requirements. Stationary and mobile ESS shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1207.4.1 through 1207.4.12.

    1207.4.1 Electrical disconnects. Where the ESS disconnecting means is not within sight of the main electrical service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main electrical service disconnecting means indicating the location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Electrical Code .

    Exception: Electrical disconnects for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be permitted to have electrical disconnects signage in accordance with NFPA 76.

  • CFC § 1207.1.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    1207.1.6.1 Fault condition. The hazard mitigation analysis shall evaluate the consequences of the following failure modes. Only single failure modes shall be considered.

    1. A thermal runaway condition in a single electrochemical ESS unit.

    2. A mechanical failure of a nonelectrochemical ESS unit.

    3. Failure of any battery (energy) management system or fire protection system within the ESS equipment that is not covered by the product listing failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).

    4. Failure of any required protection system external to the ESS, including but not limited to ventilation (HVAC), exhaust ventilation, smoke detection, fire detection, gas detection or fire suppression system. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.1.6.2 Analysis approval. The fire code official is authorized to approve the hazardous mitigation analysis provided that the consequences of the hazard mitigation analysis demonstrate:

    1. Fires will be contained within unoccupied ESS rooms or areas for the minimum duration of the fire-resistance-rated separations identified in Section 1207.7.4.
    2. Fires involving the ESS will allow occupants or the general public to evacuate to a safe location. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.1.6.3 Additional protection measures. Construction, equipment and systems that are required for the ESS to comply with the hazardous mitigation analysis, including but not limited to those specifically described in Section 1207, shall be installed, maintained and tested in accordance with nationally recognized standards and specified design parameters.

    1207.1.7 Large-scale fire test. Where required elsewhere in Section 1207, large-scale fire testing shall be conducted on a representative ESS in accordance with UL 9540A. The testing shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory and show that a fire involving one ESS will not propagate to an adjacent ESS, and where installed within buildings, enclosed areas and walk-in units will be contained within the room, enclosed area or walk-in unit for the duration of the test. The test report shall be provided to the fire code official for review and approval in accordance with Section 104.2.2. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 12-11

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    ENERGY SYSTEMS

    1207.1.8 Fire remediation. Where a fire or other event has damaged the ESS and ignition or re-ignition of the ESS is possible, the system owner, agent or lessee shall take the following actions, at their expense, to mitigate the hazard or remove damaged equipment from the premises to a safe location.

    1207.1.8.1 Fire mitigation personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety that trained personnel be on-site to respond to possible ignition or re-ignition of a damaged ESS, the system owner, agent or lessee shall dispatch within 15 minutes one or more fire mitigation personnel to the premise, as required and approved, at their expense. These personnel shall remain on duty continuously after the fire department leaves the premise until the damaged energy storage equipment is removed from the premises, or earlier if the fire code official indicates the public safety hazard has been abated. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  • CFC § 907.7.3 High relevance — show source text

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    907.7.3 Instructions. Operating, testing and maintenance instructions and record drawings (“as builts”) and equipment specifications shall be provided at an approved location.

    907.8 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with Sections 907.8.1 through 907.8.4 and NFPA 72. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.

    907.8.1 Maintenance required. Where required for compliance with the provisions of this code, devices, equipment, systems, conditions, arrangements, levels of protection or other features shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with applicable NFPA requirements or as directed by the fire code official.

    907.8.2 Testing. Testing shall be performed in accordance with the schedules in NFPA 72 or more frequently where required by the fire code official. Records of testing shall be maintained.

    Exception: Devices or equipment that are inaccessible because of safety considerations shall be tested during scheduled shutdowns where approved by the fire code official, but not less than every 18 months.

    907.8.3 Smoke detector sensitivity. Smoke detector sensitivity shall be checked within one year after installation and every alternate year thereafter. After the second calibration test, where sensitivity tests indicate that the detector has remained within its listed and marked sensitivity range (or 4-percent obscuration light gray smoke, if not marked), the length of time between calibration tests shall be permitted to be extended to not more than 5 years. Where the frequency is extended, records of detectorcaused nuisance alarms and subsequent trends of these alarms shall be maintained. In zones or areas where nuisance alarms show any increase over the previous year, calibration tests shall be performed.

    907.8.4 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The building owner shall be responsible to maintain the fire and life safety systems in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NFPA 72 for inspection, testing and maintenance of such systems. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.

    907.9 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.

    907.10 Smoke alarm maintenance. Smoke alarms shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc tions and this code.

    907.10.1 Smoke alarm replacement. Smoke alarms shall be replaced when any of the following apply:

    1. The smoke alarm fails to respond to operability tests.

    2. The smoke alarm exceeds 10 years from the date of manufacture marked on the unit, unless an earlier replacement is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

    3. The smoke alarm end-of-life signal is sounded.

    4. The smoke alarm date of manufacture cannot be determined.

    Where the replacement of smoke alarms is required by this section, smoke alarms shall not be required to include the 520-Hz signal unless the smoke alarms to be replaced include that signal.

    SECTION 908—EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS

  • CFC § 904.3.5 High relevance — show source text

    904.3.5 Monitoring. Where a building fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72.

    904.4 Inspection and testing. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the provisions of this section prior to acceptance.

    904.4.1 Inspection. Prior to conducting final acceptance tests, all of the following items shall be inspected:

    1. Hazard specification for consistency with design hazard.

    2. Type, location and spacing of automatic- and manual-initiating devices.

    3. Size, placement and position of nozzles or discharge orifices.

    4. Location and identification of audible and visible alarm devices.

    5. Identification of devices with proper designations.

    6. Operating instructions.

    904.4.2 Alarm testing. Notification appliances, connections to fire alarm systems and connections to approved supervising stations shall be tested in accordance with this section and Section 907 to verify proper operation.

    904.4.2.1 Audible and visible signals. The audibility and visibility of notification appliances signaling agent discharge or system operation, where required, shall be verified.

    904.4.3 Monitor testing. Connections to protected premises and supervising station fire alarm systems shall be tested to verify proper identification and retransmission of alarms from automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

    904.5 Wet-chemical systems. Wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 17A and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

    904.5.1 System test. Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at six-month intervals. Tests shall include a check of the detection system, alarms and releasing devices, including manual stations and other associated equipment. Extinguishing system units shall be weighed and the required amount of agent verified. Stored pressure-type units shall be checked for the required pressure. The cartridge of cartridge-operated units shall be weighed and replaced at intervals indicated by the manufacturer.

    904.5.2 Fusible link maintenance. Fixed temperature-sensing elements shall be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system.

    904.6 Dry-chemical systems. Dry-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 17 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

    904.6.1 System test. Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at six-month intervals. Tests shall include a check of the detection system, alarms and releasing devices, including manual stations and other associated equipment. Extinguishing system units shall be weighed, and the required amount of agent verified. Stored pressure-type units shall be checked for the required pressure. The cartridge of cartridge-operated units shall be weighed and replaced at intervals indicated by the manufacturer.

    904.6.2 Fusible link maintenance. Fixed temperature-sensing elements shall be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system.

    904.7 Foam systems. Foam-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 11 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

  • CFC § 1207.3.8 High relevance — show source text

    (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.8 Replacements. Replacements of ESS shall be considered new ESS installations and shall comply with the provisions of Section 1207 as applicable to new ESS. The ESS being replaced shall be decommissioned in accordance with Section 1207.2.3. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.3.9 Reused and repurposed equipment. Equipment and materials shall only be reused or reinstalled as permitted in Section 104.9.1. Storage batteries previously used in other applications, such as electric vehicle propulsion, shall not be reused in applications regulated by Chapter 12 unless approved by the fire code official and unless the equipment is refurbished by a battery refurbishing company approved in accordance with UL 1974. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

    1207.4 General installations requirements. Stationary and mobile ESS shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1207.4.1 through 1207.4.12.

    1207.4.1 Electrical disconnects. Where the ESS disconnecting means is not within sight of the main electrical service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main electrical service disconnecting means indicating the location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Electrical Code .

    Exception: Electrical disconnects for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be permitted to have electrical disconnects signage in accordance with NFPA 76.

    1207.4.2 Working clearances. Access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment in accordance with the California Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

    1207.4.3 Fire-resistance-rated separations. Rooms and other indoor areas containing ESS shall be separated from other areas of the building in accordance with Section 1207.7.4. ESS shall be permitted to be in the same room with the equipment they support.

    1207.4.4 Seismic and structural design. Stationary ESS shall comply with the seismic design requirements in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code, and shall not exceed the floor loading limitation of the building.

    1207.4.5 Vehicle impact protection. Where ESS are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, including forklifts, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.

    1207.4.6 Combustible storage. Combustible materials shall not be stored in ESS rooms, areas or walk-in units. Combustible materials in occupied work centers covered by Section 1207.4.10 shall be stored at least 3 feet (914 mm) from ESS cabinets.

    1207.4.7 Toxic and highly toxic gases. ESS that have the potential to release toxic and highly toxic gas during charging, discharging and normal use conditions shall be provided with a hazardous exhaust system in accordance with Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code .

  • CFC § 907.6.5 High relevance — show source text

    5. Upon approval by the fire code official in buildings which are sprinklered throughout, specific notification zoning shall be permitted where the activated initiating device or fire extinguishing system is separated from any nonactive notifi- cation zones by a minimum of 300-foot horizontal distance. The system shall have the capability to activate all other notification zones by automatic and manual means. 6. Where a Group H or L occupancy is located above the 10th story, each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier shall be considered a separate zone.

    907.6.5 Access. Access shall be provided to each fire alarm device and notification appliance for periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.

    907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the California Building Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 and this section.

    Exception: Monitoring by a supervising station is not required for:

    1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
    2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.
    3. Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

    907.6.6.1 Transmission of alarm signals. Transmission of alarm signals to a supervising station shall be in accordance with NFPA 72.

    907.6.6.2 MIY monitoring. Direct transmission of alarms associated with monitor it yourself (MIY) transmitters to a public safety answering point (PSAP) shall not be permitted unless approved by the fire code official.

    907.6.6.3 Termination of monitoring service. Termination of fire alarm monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 901.9.

    907.6.6.4 Group E schools. Automatic fire alarm systems shall be monitored and shall transmit the alarm, supervisory and trou- ble signals to an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72. The supervising station shall be listed as either UUFX (Central Station) or UUJS (remote & proprietary) by the Underwriters Laboratory Inc. (UL) or other approved listing and testing laboratory or shall comply with the requirements of FM 3011. Termination of monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 907.6.6.3.

    907.7 Acceptance tests and completion. Upon completion of the installation, the fire alarm system and all fire alarm components shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 72.

    907.7.1 Single- and multiple-station alarm devices. When the installation of the alarm devices is complete, each device and interconnecting wiring for multiple-station alarm devices shall be tested in accordance with the smoke alarm provisions of NFPA 72.

    907.7.2 Record of completion. A record of completion in accordance with NFPA 72 verifying that the system has been installed and tested in accordance with the approved plans and specifications shall be provided.

    9-56 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    907.7.3 Instructions. Operating, testing and maintenance instructions and record drawings (“as builts”) and equipment specifications shall be provided at an approved location.

  • CFC § 707.1 High relevance — show source text

    Maintenance 707.1 Drainage Control 2903.10, 2905.3, 5004.2.2.6, 5705.3.8.1, 5706.2.6, 5706.4.9 Drains Dip-tank bottom 2405.3.2 Exhaust duct sprinkler system 2703.10.4.4.3 HPM liquids 2705.2.3.3 Magazines 5604.6.1 Outdoor cryogenic fluid storage containers 5504.3.1.1.5

    Portable containers 5504.3.1.2.3 Draperies 807.2, 1032.6 Drilling, Well 5706.3 Dry Cleaning Chapter 21 Classifications 2103.1

    Defined 202

    Fire protection 2108 Permit 105.5.13 Requirements, general 2104 Requirements, operating 2105 Solvent or liquid classifications 202 Spotting and pretreating 2106 Systems 2107 Dry Cleaning Plant 202 Dry Cleaning Room 202 Dry-Chemical Extinguishing Agent Defined 202 Drying Apparatus 2404.8.1.2 Drying Ovens (see Industrial Ovens) Drying Rooms 914.10 Duct Smoke Detectors 907.3.1

    Dumpsters 304.3 Dust Collection 3703.5, 5906.5.3 Dust Explosion Hazards Chapter 22, 2803 Explosion venting 2803.2.1

    Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinkler (ESFR) (see Automatic Sprinklers) Education Occupancy (Group E) 203 Alarms and detection 907.2.3 Means of egress Aisles 1018.2, 1018.5 Corridors 1020.3, 1020.2 Locking 1010.2.12, 1010.2.7 Panic hardware 1010.2.8

    Stairways, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1017.2, 1006.3.3,

    1006.2.1

    Sprinklers 903.2.3 Egress (see Means of Egress) Electrical Equipment 603 Aviation facilities 2006.14 Dust-producing machines 5906.5.5 Signs 603.4.1, 1207.4.8 Work space and clearance 603.4 Workstations in HPM facilities

    2703.7.2

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE INDEX-5

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

    INDEX

    Energy Storage System (ESS) 202, 1207 Cabinets 1207.4.10, 1207.4.8, 1207.6.3 Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance 202, 1207.2

    Fire remediation 1207.1.8 Hazard mitigation analysis 1207.1.6 Large-scale fire test 1207.1.7 Mobile ESS 202, 1207.1, 1207.1.2,

Frequently asked questions

Who must receive the O&M manual and when?

The ESS owner (or their authorized agent) and the ESS operator must receive the operation and maintenance manual before the ESS is put into operation, per § 1207.2.2.

What must be in the commissioning report and where is it kept?

The commissioning report must describe results of the system commissioning and initial acceptance testing; it must be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on‑site location (see § 1207.2.1.2).

How long do I have to keep inspection and test records?

Records of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other O&M must be maintained on the premises or an approved location for not less than 3 years, unless another period is specified elsewhere in the code. See § 110.3.

Are manufacturer instructions binding for periodic testing?

Yes. Systems that monitor and protect the ESS shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the O&M manual (see § 1207.2.2.1).

Do retrofits require documentation?

Yes. Retrofitted ESS must be commissioned per § 1207.2.1 and retrofits shall be documented in the service records log; certain retrofits may also require permits and listed components as stated in § 1207.3.7.

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California Fire Code