CFC · California Fire Code

When must fire alarm, detection or automatic sprinkler systems be added or upgraded?

Summary for a homeowner: The California Fire Code requires existing buildings to meet the minimum items listed in **Table 1103.1** (see **§1103.1**) — if that table or the sections it points to show an alarm, detection or sprinkler system as required for your building or a change of use, you must install or upgrade that system. Separately, any required system must be kept working and repaired promptly if it becomes defective under **§901.6**. **§1103.1** ; **§901.6** .

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Existing buildings must meet the minimum fire-protection construction and equipment requirements listed in §1103.1 — specifically the mandatory items shown in Table 1103.1 and the related provisions in §§1103.2–1103.10. §901.6 requires that fire protection and life‑safety systems be maintained in an operative condition and repaired or replaced when defective. In short: consult Table 1103.1 to determine whether a particular existing building or change of use requires a new or upgraded fire alarm, detection, or automatic sprinkler system, and keep any required system operable and promptly restore it if diminished or out of service. §1103.1 ; §901.6 .

The single most important rule: check Table 1103.1 — if the table (or the referenced Section numbers in it) shows a system as required (R) for your occupancy or condition, that system must be provided or upgraded in the existing building under §1103.1. §1103.1

Requirements in detail

Scope and trigger

  • The starting point for whether systems must be added or upgraded in an existing building is §1103.1: existing buildings “shall comply with not less than the minimum provisions specified in Table 1103.1 and as further enumerated in Sections 1103.2 through 1103.10.” §1103.1 .
  • That means you must: (1) determine the building’s occupancy/use and applicable row(s) in Table 1103.1; (2) read the referenced section numbers in the table (for example sections that call out alarms, detection or sprinklers); and (3) comply with those sections. §1103.1 .

Maintenance, repair and restoration (when systems are already present)

  • All required fire alarm, detection and automatic sprinkler systems “shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective” per §901.6. When the protective capability is disrupted or diminished, immediate action must be taken to restore the system. §901.6 .
  • The CFC incorporates the California Title 19 maintenance/testing framework and NFPA scheduling for inspection, testing and maintenance; follow those provisions when restoring or testing systems. §901.6 .

How other code provisions interact (decision workflow)

  • Table 1103.1 commonly points you to the specific system sections to follow (for example the automatic sprinkler chapter §903 or fire alarm/detection chapter §907); those sections define thresholds (occupant load, area, number of stories, hazard type) that determine when an alarm or sprinkler system is required for new construction and are used by Table 1103.1 to determine retrofit requirements for existing buildings. See related provisions §903 and §907 for details. §1103.1 ; §903/§907 .

Quick decision table (decision‑relevant dimensions)

Decision dimension Typical values / thresholds What it affects Code reference
Occupancy / Use group Group R, M, F, H, I, etc. Whether alarm/sprinkler is listed as required (R) in Table 1103.1 for that occupancy §1103.1
Change of occupancy / use Any change that brings a building into a different group May trigger retrofit per Table 1103.1 and referenced sections §1103.1
Systems out of service / defective Any disruption or diminishment Must be repaired/replaced immediately to restore operability §901.6
Occupant-load thresholds (fire alarm triggers in referenced sections) 500 persons, or >100 persons above/below lowest level of exit discharge (examples used by §907) Manual/automatic fire alarm requirements may be triggered — used by Table 1103.1 references §907.2.7.1
Zone / area thresholds (alarm zoning) 22,500 ft² per annunciation zone (typical device‑identification exception cut‑off) System annunciation and device identification requirements §907.6.4 / §907.6.3
Sprinkler supervision & waterflow alarms All required sprinklers; exceptions for one‑ and two‑family dwellings Electrical supervision and remote alarm transmission requirements §903.4.1 – §903.4.3

(Notes: the table above shows the decision inputs you must check. The controlling retrofit requirement is §1103.1 — it points you to the specific system sections for thresholds and system detail.) §1103.1 ; §901.6 .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Exceptions in §1103.1: Table-based requirements do not apply where a change in fire-resistance rating has been approved under the procedures referenced (for example per Section 501.2 or 802.6 of the California Existing Building Code), and Group U occupancies are excepted. See §1103.1 for the explicit exceptions. §1103.1 .
  • One- and two-family dwellings: many sprinkler and supervising-station rules have explicit exceptions for detached one- and two‑family dwellings in the sprinkler and alarm chapters; consult the referenced sections (e.g., sprinkler supervision exceptions and R‑code rules) when the building is a single- or two-family dwelling. See §903 and the residential code references. §903 ; R‑Code references .
  • Systems provided for equivalency: in some cases systems may be allowed as an alternative method of providing an equivalent level of safety; the fire code and the authority having jurisdiction may approve alternate solutions — but that approval process is separate from the baseline Table 1103.1 obligation. §1103.1 .

If a specific retrofit or alteration raises questions about whether Table 1103.1 requires a system, the code official may require construction documents and a plan showing compliance under the schedule and approval process set out in Chapter 11. §1101.4 / §1103.1 .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that “existing” means “no upgrades ever required.” The correct rule is that existing buildings must meet the minimum items in Table 1103.1; many occupancies do require upgrades when the table or referenced sections say R. §1103.1 .
  • Confusing maintenance obligations with retrofit obligations. §901.6 requires prompt repair/restore of systems already required or installed; it does not itself create retrofit triggers — those come from §1103.1 and the table. §901.6 .
  • Ignoring referenced chapters. Table 1103.1 will point to the specific system chapters (e.g., §903, §907) where the detailed thresholds and equipment requirements live — you must consult those sections once the table indicates a requirement. §1103.1 .
  • Thinking every tenant improvement forces a full retrofit. Alteration level and the specific table entry matter — not every small work requires system addition. Always check Table 1103.1 and the referenced sections. §1103.1 .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A pre‑code retail store (Group M) in an existing building is being converted to a new retail tenant; the planned occupant load for the new layout is 600 persons.

Step 1 — consult Table 1103.1 to find the row for Group M and note any system callouts (sprinkler, alarm, detection) for existing buildings or upon change of use. §1103.1 .
Step 2 — Table 1103.1 commonly references the fire alarm chapter where occupant‑load thresholds are specified; §907.2.7.1 says a manual fire alarm system that activates occupant notification is required in Group M where the combined occupant load of all floors is 500 or more. Because the projected load is 600, the Group M tenant would meet that threshold and therefore the owner must provide the fire alarm system called out by the table and implement the referenced alarm provisions. §907.2.7.1 .
Step 3 — if a sprinkler system is also called out by Table 1103.1 for the same occupancy/condition, provide the sprinkler system per §903 (and supervise/monitor per the sprinkler supervision and alarm provisions). §903 ; §903.4.1–3 .
Step 4 — once systems are installed or if existing systems are present, ensure ongoing operability and follow the inspection, testing and maintenance duty in §901.6 so the systems remain operative. §901.6 .

In plain terms: because the occupant load (600) exceeds the 500‑person threshold found in the alarm chapter, and because §1103.1 ties existing‑building retrofit obligations to those system chapters, the owner will have to add the required fire alarm system; then keep it maintained under §901.6. §1103.1 ; §907.2.7.1 ; §901.6 .

Related provisions (read these next)

  • Chapter 11 — Construction requirements for existing buildings: §1101.1–§1103.10 (start with §1103.1) §1103.1
  • Automatic sprinkler systems: §903 (design/install/where required; supervision & waterflow alarm rules §903.4.1–3) §903 ; §903.4.1–3
  • Fire alarm and detection systems: §907 (occupancy thresholds, detector locations, annunciation and notification requirements) §907 ; §907.2.7.1 (Group M occupant-load threshold)
  • Inspection, testing and maintenance details (California Title 19 references) tied into §901.6
  • Existing Building Code cross‑references for alterations levels (Level 2/3) and where system requirements apply beyond the work area (see California Existing Building Code Sections cited by §1103.1 and the Existing Building Code chapters) (see Chapter 8/Section 803 etc.)

Code references

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

  • CFC § 802.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    802.5.2 Design. Where there are no guards or where existing guards must be replaced, the guards shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Building Code .

    802.6 Fire-resistance ratings. Where approved by the code official, buildings where an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 of the California Building Code has been added, and the building is now sprinklered throughout, the required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and materials shall be permitted to meet the requirements of the current building code. The building is required to meet the other applicable requirements of the California Building Code .

    Plans, investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall be submitted indicating which building elements and materials the applicant is requesting the code official to review and approve for determination of applying the current building code fire-resistance ratings. Any special construction features, including fire-resistance-rated assemblies and smoke-resistive assemblies, conditions of occupancy, means-of-egress conditions, fire code deficiencies, approved modifications or approved alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment applying to the building that impact required fire-resistance ratings shall be identified in the evaluation reports submitted.

    SECTION 803—FIRE PROTECTION

    803.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.

    803.1.1 Corridor ratings. Where an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed throughout the story, the required fire-resistance rating for any corridor located on the story shall be permitted to be reduced in accordance with the California Building Code . In order to be considered for a corridor rating reduction, such system shall provide coverage for the stairway landings serving the floor and the intermediate landings immediately below.

    803.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.

    803.3 Reserved.

    803.4 Fire alarm and detection. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 907 and 1103.7.

    803.4.1 Systems out of service. Existing fire alarm and detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code. Site fire protection during construction shall be in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.

    SECTION 804—MEANS OF EGRESS

    804.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area in which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.

    804.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where the work area and the means of egress serving it complies with NFPA 101.
    2. Means of egress complying with the requirements of the building code under which the building was constructed shall be considered to be compliant means of egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life.

    804.3 Reserved.

  • CFC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Notes. The “Notes” column can be used for many purposes, but it might be a good idea to make specific references to other field notes or drawings.

    After the building survey is completed, the data collected must be analyzed. A suggested work sheet for organizing this information is given as Table 2.1(2).

    RESOURCE A-6 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE

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

    RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES

    TABLE 2.1(1)
    PRELIMINARY EVALUATION FIELD NOTES    		 Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6
    BUILDING ELEMENT BUILDING ELEMENT MATERIALS THICKNESS CONDITION NOTES
    Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls
    Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls
    Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls
    Interior Nonbearing
    Walls or Partitions    		 A
    Interior Nonbearing
    Walls or Partitions    		 B
    Structural Frame:
    Columns    		 Structural Frame:
    Columns
    Beams Beams
    Other Other
    Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
    Spanning    		 Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
    Spanning
    Roofs Roofs
    Doors (including frame and hardware):
    a)
    Enclosed vertical exitway    		 Doors (including frame and hardware):
    a)
    Enclosed vertical exitway
    b)
    Enclosed horizontal exitway    		 b)
    Enclosed horizontal exitway
    c)
    Other    		 c)
    Other

    The required fire resistance and flame spread for each building element are normally established by the local building or rehabilitation code. The fire performance of the existing materials and assemblies should then be estimated, using one of the techniques described below. If the fire performance of the existing building element(s) is equal to or greater than that required, the materials and assemblies may remain. If the fire performance is less than required, then corrective measures must be taken.

    The most common methods of upgrading the level of protection are to either remove and replace the existing building element(s) or to repair and upgrade the existing materials and assemblies. Other fire protection measures, such as automatic sprinklers or detection and alarm systems, also could be considered, though they are beyond the scope of this guideline. If the upgraded protection is still less than that required or deemed to be acceptable, additional corrective measures must be taken. This process must continue until an acceptable level of performance is obtained. TABLE 2.1(2) PRELIMINARY EVALUATION WORKSHEET

    BUILDING ELEMENT Col2 REQUIRED
    FIRE
    RESISTANCE    		 REQUIRED
    FLAME
    SPREAD    		 ESTIMATED
    FIRE
    RESISTANCE    		 ESTIMATED
    FLAME
    SPREAD    		 METHOD OF
    UPGRADING    		 ESTIMATED
    UPGRADED
    PROTECTION    		 NOTES
    Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls
    Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls
    Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls
    Interior Nonbearing
    Walls or
  • CFC § 9-7 Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY

    SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66

    911 Explosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69 913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70 914 Fire Protection Based on Special Detailed Requirements of Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . 9-71 915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-75 916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-77 917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • CFC § 907.2.6.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    907.2.6.3.4 System annunciation. A staff alerting fire alarm shall sound at all staff control stations on the floor of activation and an audible and visual signal shall be indicated on an annunciator at the facility control center upon activation of any automatic extin- guishing system, automatic detection system or any smoke detector or manual actuating or initiating device. In addition, where there are staff-control stations on the floor, an audible, visual and manual alarm shall be located in each staff control station.

    Fire and trouble signals of fire alarm systems and sprinkler water-flow and supervisory signals of extinguishing systems shall be annunciated in an area designated as the facility control center which shall be constantly attended by staff personnel. All such signals shall produce both an audible signal and visual display at the facility control center indicating the building, floor zone or other designated area from which the signal originated, in accordance with Section 907.6.4.

    All local detention facilities within the scope of Section 6031.4 of the Penal Code shall have an automatic smoke detection system. A manual fire alarm-initiating device shall be installed in all guard control stations and shall be capable of alerting personnel in a central control point to the presence of fire or smoke within the facility.

    907.2.6.4 Group I-4 occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout the Group I-4 occupancies, including contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces and other common spaces normally occupied by the clients. Group I-4 facil- ities located above the first story shall comply with the provisions of Section 436.1.

    907.2.6.5 Large family day care. Every large family day-care home shall be provided with at least one manual fire alarm box at a location approved by the enforcing agency. Such device shall actuate a fire alarm signal, which shall be audible throughout the facility at a minimum level of 15 db above ambient noise level. These devices need not be interconnected to any other fire alarm device, have a control panel or be electrically supervised or provided with emergency power. Such device or devices shall be attached to the structure and must be a device that is listed and approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-43

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    907.2.7 Group M. Fire alarm systems shall be required in Group M occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.7.1 and 907.2.7.2.

    907.2.7.1 Occupant load. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

    1. The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.
    2. The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

    Exceptions:

    1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in covered or open mall buildings complying with Section 402 of the California Building Code .
    2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.
  • CFC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    horizontal exitway|b)
    Enclosed horizontal exitway||||| |c)
    Other|c)
    Other|||||

    The required fire resistance and flame spread for each building element are normally established by the local building or rehabilitation code. The fire performance of the existing materials and assemblies should then be estimated, using one of the techniques described below. If the fire performance of the existing building element(s) is equal to or greater than that required, the materials and assemblies may remain. If the fire performance is less than required, then corrective measures must be taken.

    The most common methods of upgrading the level of protection are to either remove and replace the existing building element(s) or to repair and upgrade the existing materials and assemblies. Other fire protection measures, such as automatic sprinklers or detection and alarm systems, also could be considered, though they are beyond the scope of this guideline. If the upgraded protection is still less than that required or deemed to be acceptable, additional corrective measures must be taken. This process must continue until an acceptable level of performance is obtained. TABLE 2.1(2) PRELIMINARY EVALUATION WORKSHEET

    BUILDING ELEMENT Col2 REQUIRED
    FIRE
    RESISTANCE    		 REQUIRED
    FLAME
    SPREAD    		 ESTIMATED
    FIRE
    RESISTANCE    		 ESTIMATED
    FLAME
    SPREAD    		 METHOD OF
    UPGRADING    		 ESTIMATED
    UPGRADED
    PROTECTION    		 NOTES
    Exterior Bearing Walls Exterior Bearing Walls
    Interior Bearing Walls Interior Bearing Walls
    Exterior Nonbearing Walls Exterior Nonbearing Walls
    Interior Nonbearing
    Walls or Partitions    		 A
    Interior Nonbearing
    Walls or Partitions    		 B
    Structural Frame:
    Columns    		 Structural Frame:
    Columns
    Beams Beams
    Other Other
    Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
    Spanning    		 Floor/Ceiling Structural System:
    Spanning
    Roofs Roofs
    Doors (including frame and
    hardware):
    a)
    Enclosed vertical exitway    		 Doors (including frame and
    hardware):
    a)
    Enclosed vertical exitway
    b)
    Enclosed horizontal
    exitway    		 b)
    Enclosed horizontal
    exitway
    c)
    Others    		 c)
    Others

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-7

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

    RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES

    2.2 FIRE RESISTANCE OF EXISTING BUILDING ELEMENTS

    The fire resistance of the existing building elements can be estimated from the tables and histograms contained in the Appendix. The Appendix is organized first by type of building element: walls, columns, floor/ceiling assemblies, beams and doors. Within each building element, the tables are organized by type of construction (e.g., masonry, metal, wood frame) and then further divided by minimum dimensions or thickness of the building element.

  • CFC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION R309—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

    R309.1 Townhouse automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.

    Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic sprinkler system installed.

    R309.1.1 Design and installation. Automatic sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R309 or NFPA 13D.

    R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.

    Exceptions:

    1. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with a sprinkler system. 2. Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met: 2.1. The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2. 2.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers. 2.3. The accessory detached dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size. 2.4. The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.

    R309.2.1 Design and installation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R309 or NFPA 13D.

    R309.3 Dwelling unit automatic sprinkler systems.

    R309.3.1 General. The design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section R309.3, which shall be considered to be equivalent to NFPA 13D. Partial automatic sprinkler systems shall be permitted to be installed only in buildings not required to be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. Section R309.3 shall apply to standalone and multipurpose wet-pipe sprinkler systems that do not include the use of antifreeze. A multipurpose automatic sprinkler system shall provide domestic water to both fire sprinklers and plumbing fixtures. A stand-alone automatic sprinkler system shall be separate and independent from the water distribution system.

    R309.3.1.1 Backflow protection. A backflow preventer shall not be required to separate a sprinkler system from the water distri- bution system, provided that: 1. The system complies with NFPA 13D or Section R309; 2. Piping materials are suitable for potable water in accordance with the California Plumbing Code; and 3. The system does not contain antifreeze or have a fire department connection.

    R309.3.1.2 Required sprinkler locations. Sprinklers shall be installed to protect all areas of a dwelling unit.

  • CFC § 907.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    In occupancies housing nonambulatory persons where restraint is practiced, staff and attendants shall be provided and housed or located in such a manner that such supervisory personnel will also be alerted upon activation of the fire alarm system or any detector required by this section.

    [F] 907.6 Installation and monitoring. A fire alarm system shall be installed and monitored in accordance with Sections 907.6.1 through 907.6.6.4 and NFPA 72.

    [F] 907.6.1 Wiring. Wiring shall comply with the requirements of the California Electrical Code and NFPA 72. Wireless protection systems utilizing radio-frequency transmitting devices shall comply with the special requirements for supervision of low-power wireless systems in NFPA 72.

    907.6.1.1 High-rise buildings. Wiring for fire alarm network communication circuits between multiple-control units shall be in accordance with the following:

    1. Class A or Class X in accordance with NFPA 72.

    2. Installed in enclosed continuous metallic raceways or raceways encased in not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

    [F] 907.6.2 Power supply. The primary and secondary power supply for the fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72.

    Exception: Back-up power for single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms as required in Section 907.2.11.6.

    [F] 907.6.3 Initiating device identification. The fire alarm system shall identify the specific initiating device address, location, device type, floor level where applicable and status including indication of normal, alarm, trouble and supervisory status, as appropriate.

    Exceptions:

    1. Fire alarm systems in single-story buildings less than 22,500 square feet (2090 m [2] ) in area.
    2. Fire alarm systems that only include manual fire alarm boxes, waterflow initiating devices and not more than 10 additional alarm-initiating devices.
    3. Special initiating devices that do not support individual device identification.
    4. Fire alarm systems or devices that are replacing existing equipment.

    [F] 907.6.3.1 Annunciation. The initiating device status shall be annunciated at an approved on-site location.

    [F] 907.6.4 Zones. Fire alarm systems shall be divided into zones where required by this section. For the purposes of annunciation and notification, zoning shall be in accordance with the following: 1. Where the fire-protective signaling system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered as a separate

    zone.

    2. Each floor of a building shall be considered as a separate zone. 3. Each section of floor of a building that is separated by fire walls or by horizontal exits shall be considered as a separate zone. 4. Each zone shall not exceed 22,500 square feet (2090 m [2] ). The length of any zone shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in any direction.

    Exception: Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not exceed the area permitted by NFPA 13. 5. For Group I-3 occupancies each cell complex shall be considered a separate zone. 6. For Group H and L occupancies on the 11th story and above, each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier shall be considered a separate zone. 7. Annunciation shall be further divided into zones where deemed necessary by the enforcing agency.

  • CFC § 914.3.1.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

    914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

    914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.

    914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

    914.3.8 Smoke control.

    914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.

    914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.

    Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.

    914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.

    914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

  • CFC § 901.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    901.5.1 Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire protection and life safety systems have been tested and approved.

    901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance with Section 901.8.

    All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment, material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.14] Maintenance.

    Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire-resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and with their intended use.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.24] Maintenance of Equipment.

    All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equip- ment, material or systems required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  • CFC § 901.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code.

    SECTION 901—GENERAL

    901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.

    901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Fire Code .

    Any fire protection or life safety system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

    Exception: Any fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed for partial or complete protection provided that such system meets the requirements of this code.

    901.3 Modifications. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the California Fire Code without approval by the building official.

    901.4 Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections to automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the local fire department.

    901.5 Administration of installation acceptance tests. Fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the California Fire Code . Where required, the tests shall be conducted in the presence of the building official. Tests required by this code, the California Fire Code and the standards listed in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.

    901.6 Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

    901.6.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.

    Exceptions:

    1. A supervising station is not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
    2. Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.

    901.6.2 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Sections 907.2 and 907.9 of the California Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6 of this code.

    Exceptions:

    1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
    2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
    3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

    901.6.3 Group H. Supervision and monitoring of emergency alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems in Group H occupancies shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  • CFC § 9-43 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-43

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    907.2.7 Group M. Fire alarm systems shall be required in Group M occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.7.1 and 907.2.7.2.

    907.2.7.1 Occupant load. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

    1. The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.
    2. The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

    Exceptions:

    1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in covered or open mall buildings complying with Section 402 of the California Building Code .
    2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

    907.2.7.1.1 Occupant notification. During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a waterflow switch shall not be required to activate the alarm notification appliances when an alarm signal is activated at a constantly attended location from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    907.2.7.2 Storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an air-sampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries in accordance with Section 320.

    907.2.8 Group R-1. Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.3.

    907.2.8.1 Manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.

    Exceptions:

    1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
    2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.

    907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.

  • CFC § 9-29 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-29

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    1. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

    [F] 907.2.7.1.1 Occupant notification. During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a waterflow switch shall not be required to activate the alarm notification appliances when an alarm signal is activated at a constantly attended location from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    [F] 907.2.7.2 Storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an air-sampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries in accordance with Section 320 of the California Fire Code .

    [F] 907.2.8 Group R-1. Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.3.

    [F] 907.2.8.1 Manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R- 1 occupancies.

    Exceptions:

    1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
    2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.

    [F] 907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.

    Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.

    [F] 907.2.8.3 Smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11.

  • CFC § 9-1 High relevance — show source text

    SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8

    904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17

    905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20

    906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22

    907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25

    908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43

    910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

    911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53

    912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

    913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

    914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    xxii 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58

    917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

  • CFC § 907.2.3.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    Concession Stand

    Press Box Restroom Facility Shade Structure

    Snack Bar Storage Building Ticket Booth

    907.2.3.8 Private schools. An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in new buildings of private schools.

    Exception: Automatic detection devices are not required where an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accor- dance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

    907.2.3.9 Day-care, Group E.

    907.2.3.9.1 An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in all buildings used as or containing a Group E day-care.

    Exception: Automatic detection devices are not required where an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

    907.2.3.9.2 Smoke detectors shall be installed in every room used for sleeping or napping.

    907.2.3.10 Day-care, Group E or Group I-4 located on a public school campus. An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in all buildings used as or containing a Group E or Group I-4 day-care.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-27

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] 907.2.4 Group F. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group F occupancies where both of the following conditions exist:

    1. The Group F occupancy is two or more stories in height.
    2. The Group F occupancy has a combined occupant load of 500 or more above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

    Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

    [F] 907.2.4.1 Manufacturing involving lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an airsampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed throughout the entire fire area where lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries are manufactured; and where the manufacturer of vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries when the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.

    [F] 907.2.5 Group H. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 60, 62 and 63, respectively, of the California Fire Code .

    907.2.5.1 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be required on each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier and at each exit on the 11th story and above.

  • CFC § 907.2.3.9 Medium relevance — show source text

    907.2.3.9 Day care, Group E.

    907.2.3.9.1 An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in all buildings used as or containing a Group E day care.

    Exception: Automatic detection devices are not required where an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

    907.2.3.9.2 Smoke detectors shall be installed in every room used for sleeping or napping.

    907.2.3.10 Day care, Group E or Group I-4 located on a public school campus. An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in all buildings used as or containing a Group E or Group I-4 day care.

    907.2.4 Group F. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group F occupancies where both of the following conditions exist:

    1. The Group F occupancy is two or more stories in height.
    2. The Group F occupancy has a combined occupant load of 500 or more above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

    Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

    907.2.4.1 Manufacturing involving lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an air-samplingtype smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed throughout the entire fire area where lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries are manufactured; and where the manufacturer of vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries where the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.

    907.2.5 Group H. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 60, 62 and 63, respectively.

    907.2.5.1 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be required on each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier and at each exit on the 11th story and above.

    907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1, 907.2.6.2 and 907.2.6.3.3.

    Exceptions:

    1. Large family day care.
    2. Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is approved by the fire code official and staff evacuation responsibilities are included in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404.

    907.2.6.1 Reserved.

  • CFC § 415.11.9 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 415.11.9 Manual fire alarm system. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group H-5. Activation of the alarm system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. The fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 907.

    [F] 415.11.10 Emergency control station. An emergency control station shall be provided in accordance with Sections 415.11.10.1 through 415.11.10.3.

    [F] 415.11.10.1 Location. The emergency control station shall be located on the premises at an approved location outside the fabrication area.

    [F] 415.11.10.2 Staffing. Trained personnel shall continuously staff the emergency control station.

    [F] 415.11.10.3 Signals. The emergency control station shall receive signals from emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems. Such emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems shall include, but not be limited to, the following where such equipment or systems are required to be provided either in this chapter or elsewhere in this code:

    1. Automatic sprinkler system alarm and monitoring systems.

    2. Manual fire alarm systems.

    3. Emergency alarm systems.

    4. Gas detection systems.

    5. Smoke detection systems.

    6. Emergency power system.

    7. Automatic detection and alarm systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the California Fire Code .

    8. Exhaust ventilation flow alarm devices for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the California Fire Code .

    [F] 415.11.11 Emergency power system. An emergency power system shall be provided in Group H-5 occupancies in accordance with Section 2702. The emergency power system shall supply power automatically to the electrical systems specified in Section 415.11.11.1 when the normal electrical supply system is interrupted.

    [F] 415.11.11.1 Required electrical systems. Emergency power shall be provided for electrically operated equipment and connected control circuits for the following systems:

    1. HPM exhaust ventilation systems.

    2. HPM gas cabinet ventilation systems.

    3. HPM exhausted enclosure ventilation systems.

    4. HPM gas room ventilation systems.

    5. HPM gas detection systems.

    6. Emergency alarm systems.

    7. Manual and automatic fire alarm systems.

    8. Automatic sprinkler system monitoring and alarm systems.

    9. Automatic alarm and detection systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the California Fire Code .

    10. Flow alarm switches for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the California Fire Code .

    11. Electrically operated systems required elsewhere in this code or in the California Fire Code applicable to the use, storage or handling of HPM.

    [F] 415.11.11.2 Exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust ventilation systems are allowed to be designed to operate at not less than one-half the normal fan speed on the emergency power system where it is demonstrated that the level of exhaust will maintain a safe atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

When do I always have to restore a fire alarm or sprinkler system?

If a required fire alarm, detection or automatic sprinkler system is out of service or its protective capability is diminished, §901.6 requires it be repaired or replaced and re‑established to operative condition immediately (and inspected/tested per Title 19/NFPA schedules). §901.6

Does every tenant improvement automatically trigger a full building sprinkler retrofit?

No. The controlling starting point is §1103.1 and Table 1103.1; only where the table (or the referenced system sections) requires sprinklers for that occupancy/change of use will a retrofit be required. Check the specific table row and referenced sections. §1103.1

If my building already has sprinklers but not a supervising station, do I need one?

Sprinkler supervision requirements are spelled out in the sprinkler chapter (for example §903.4.1–3) and supervising‑station requirements appear in the alarm/monitoring provisions. Some limited exceptions exist (for example certain one‑ and two‑family dwellings). Consult §903 and the monitoring sections. §903 ; §903.4.1–3

Who decides if an alternate system or equivalency is acceptable instead of a retrofit?

The local code official (authority having jurisdiction) approves alternate methods or equivalent systems; §1101.4 and the approval/extension processes in Chapter 11 cover the schedule and documentation for compliance. §1103.1

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