Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)

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

• CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.

  SECTION 701—GENERAL

  701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the inspection and maintenance of the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance, fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. New buildings shall comply with the California Building Code.

  701.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. The fire-resistance rating of the following fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained:

  1. Structural members.

  2. Exterior walls.

  3. Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.

  4. Horizontal assemblies.

  5. Shaft enclosures.

  701.2.1 Hanging displays. The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall be prohibited.

  701.3 Smoke barriers. The fire-resistance rating and smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke barriers shall be maintained.

  701.4 Smoke partitions. The smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke partitions shall be maintained.

  701.5 Maintaining protection. Materials, systems and devices used to repair or protect breaches and openings in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703 through 707.

  701.6 Owner’s responsibility. The owner shall maintain an inventory of all required fire-resistance-rated construction, construction installed to resist the passage of smoke and the construction included in Sections 703 through 707 and Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 of the California Building Code . Such construction shall be visually inspected by the owner annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Where concealed, such elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry to the space.

• CFC § 5-8 High relevance — show source text

  505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

  506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

  507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

  508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

  509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

  510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

  CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

  601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

  602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

  603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

  CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1

  701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

  702 Multiple-Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

  703 Fire-Resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

  704 Fire-Resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 7-4

  705 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

  706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

  707 Fire Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

  708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

  709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

  710 Smoke Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

  711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

• CFC § 714.3 High relevance — show source text

  714.3 Sleeves. Where sleeves are used, they shall be securely fastened to the assembly penetrated and installed in accordance with the sleeve manufacturer’s installation instructions. Where listed systems are used, the sleeve shall be installed in accordance with the listing criteria for the system. The space between the item contained in the sleeve and the sleeve itself and any space between the sleeve and the assembly penetrated shall be protected in accordance with this section. Insulation and coverings on or in the penetrating item shall not penetrate the assembly unless the specific material used has been tested as part of the assembly in accordance with this section.

  714.4 Fire-resistance-rated walls. Penetrations into or through fire walls, fire barriers, smoke barrier walls and fire partitions shall comply with Sections 714.4.1 through 714.4.3. Penetrations in smoke barrier walls shall also comply with Section 714.5.4.

  714.4.1 Through penetrations. Through penetrations of fire-resistance-rated walls shall comply with Section 714.4.1.1 or 714.4.1.2.

  Exception: Where the penetrating items are steel, ferrous or copper pipes, tubes or conduits, the annular space between the penetrating item and the fire-resistance-rated wall is permitted to be protected by either of the following measures:

  1. In concrete or masonry walls where the penetrating item is a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter and the area of the opening through the wall does not exceed 144 square inches (0.0929 m [2] ), concrete, grout or mortar is permitted where installed the full thickness of the wall or the thickness required to maintain the fire-resistance rating.
  2. The material used to fill the annular space shall prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to ASTM E119 or UL 263 time-temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  differential of 0.01 inch of water (2.49 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the fireresistance rating of the construction penetrated.

  714.4.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated assemblies. Through penetrations shall be protected using systems installed as tested in the approved fire-resistance-rated assembly.

  714.4.1.2 Through-penetration firestop system. Through penetrations shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water (2.49 Pa) and shall have an F rating of not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated.

  714.4.2 Membrane penetrations. Membrane penetrations shall comply with Section 714.4.1. Where walls or partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

  Exceptions: 1.

• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

  PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

  Chapter 3 General Requirements

  General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.

  Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

  Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.

  PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

  The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.

  Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems

  Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

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  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish 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 CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC

• CFC § 701.6.1 High relevance — show source text

  701.6.1 Recordkeeping. Records of all required system inspections, testing, repairs and maintenance shall be maintained in accordance with Section 110.3.

  701.7 Unsafe conditions. Where any components in this chapter are not maintained and do not function as intended or do not have the fire resistance or the resistance to the passage of smoke required by the code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered, such component(s) or portion thereof shall be deemed an unsafe condition, in accordance with Section 115.1.1. Components or portions thereof determined to be unsafe shall be repaired or replaced to conform to that code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered or this chapter, as deemed appropriate by the fire code official.

  Where the condition of components is such that any building, structure or portion thereof presents an imminent danger to the occupants of the building, structure or portion thereof, the fire code official shall act in accordance with Section 115.2.

  SECTION 702—DEFINITIONS

  702.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

  DRAFTSTOP.

  FIREBLOCKING.

  MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM.

  OPENING PROTECTIVE.

  SMOKE BARRIER.

  SMOKE PARTITION.

  THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM.

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  SECTION 703—PENETRATIONS

  703.1 Maintaining protection. Materials and firestop systems used to protect membrane and through penetrations in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained. The materials and firestop systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the construction being penetrated with no openings visible through or into the cavity of the construction. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

  703.2 Repair of penetrations. Where damaged, materials used to protect membrane- and through-penetrations shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.

  SECTION 704—JOINTS AND VOIDS

  704.1 Maintaining protection. Where required when the building was originally constructed, materials and systems used to protect joints and voids in the following locations shall be maintained. The materials and systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the adjacent construction, without openings visible through the construction.

  1. Joints in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floors or floor/ceiling assemblies and roof or roof/ceiling assemblies.

  2. Joints in smoke barriers.

  3. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

  4. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

  5. Voids at the intersection of a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

  6. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

  7. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly.

  Unprotected joints and voids do not need to be protected where such joints and voids were not required to be protected when the building was originally constructed. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

• CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

  CHAPTER 7 – FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

  Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	Col5	HCD	Col7	Col8	DSA	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
  Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
  Adopt Entire Chapter
  Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
  Adopt only those sections that are listed below
  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]
  Chapter / Section
  709			X

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.

  SECTION 701—GENERAL

• CFC § 92.9 High relevance — show source text

  (See the California Fire Code.) Actuation of an initiating_ device shall sound an audible alarm throughout the entire story. When a building fire alarm system is required by other provisions of this code or the Fire Code, the alarm system shall be connected to the building alarm system. An approved alarm signal shall sound at an approved location in the Group I-4 facility to indicate a fire alarm or sprin- kler flow condition in other portions of the building; and 2.3. Group I-4 child-care center or adult day care, if more than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m [2] ) in area, is divided into at least two compartments of approximately the same size by a smoke barrier with door openings protected by smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Smoke barriers shall have a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. In addition to the requirements of Section 508.3.3 of the California Building Code, occupancy separations between Group I-4 child-care center or adult day care and other occupan- cies shall be constructed as smoke barriers. Door openings in the smoke barrier shall be tightfittinq, with gaskets installed as required by Section 710 of the California Building Code, and shall be automatic closing by actuation of the automatic sprinklers, fire alarm or smoke-detection system. 2.4. Each compartment formed by the smoke barrier has not less than two exits or exit access doors, one of which is permitted to pass through the adjoining compartment; and 2.5. Where two or more exits or exit access are required, at least one shall not share a common path of travel. The egress system shall comply with the requirements of Section 709 for smoke barriers. 2.6. The building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout.

  436.1.1 Egress. Rooms used for Group I-4 child-care or adult day care on the first floor shall have one exit door directly to the exterior.

  Exception: One-hour rated corridors with a minimum width of 60 inches (1524 mm).

  SECTION 452—SCHOOL FACILITIES FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12TH GRADE AND GROUP E CHILD-CARE

  452.1 General provisions . School facilities for Kindergarten through 12th grade and Group E day care shall comply with the provisions of this section and other applicable provisions of this code including requirements for specific occupancies.

  452.1.1 Location on property. All buildings housing Group E occupancies shall front directly on a public street or an exit discharge not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width. The exit discharge to the public street shall be a minimum 20-foot-wide (6096 mm) right-of-

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  APPENDIX CHAPTER 4—SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

  way, unobstructed and maintained only as access to the public street. At least one required exit shall be located on the public street or on the exit discharge.

• CFC § 708.5 High relevance — show source text

  708.5 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire-resistance-rated separation, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls, and the fire-resistance-rated separation requirements shall not apply.

  Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and ramps.

  708.6 Openings. Openings in a fire partition shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

  708.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire partitions shall comply with Section 714.

  708.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire partitions shall comply with Section 715.

  708.9 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a fire partition by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.

  SECTION 709—SMOKE BARRIERS

  709.1 General. Vertical and horizontal smoke barriers shall comply with this section.

  709.2 Materials. Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

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  709.3 Fire-resistance rating. A 1-hour fire-resistance rating is required for smoke barriers.

  Exception: Smoke barriers constructed of minimum 0.10-inch-thick (2.5 mm) steel in Group I-3 buildings.

  709.4 Continuity. Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane continuous from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above, including continuity through concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction. Smoke-barrier walls used to separate smoke compartments shall comply with Section 709.4.1. Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4 or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2 shall comply with Section 709.4.2.

  Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings or exterior walls that provide resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by the smoke-barrier walls.

  709.4.1 Smoke-barrier assemblies separating smoke compartments. Smoke-barrier assemblies used to separate smoke compartments shall form an effective membrane enclosure that is continuous from an outside wall or smoke barrier wall to an outside wall or another smoke barrier wall and to the horizontal assemblies.

• CFC § 716.1.2.3. High relevance — show source text

  5|1/3|OH-20 or W-30| |Party wall|All|NP|Not Applicable| |NP = Not Permitted.
  a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
  b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
  c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
  glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.|NP = Not Permitted.
  a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
  b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
  c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
  glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.|NP = Not Permitted.
  a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
  b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
  c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
  glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.|NP = Not Permitted.
  a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
  b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
  c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
  glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.|

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

• CFC § 709.3 High relevance — show source text

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  709.3 Fire-resistance rating. A 1-hour fire-resistance rating is required for smoke barriers.

  Exception: Smoke barriers constructed of minimum 0.10-inch-thick (2.5 mm) steel in Group I-3 buildings.

  709.4 Continuity. Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane continuous from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above, including continuity through concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction. Smoke-barrier walls used to separate smoke compartments shall comply with Section 709.4.1. Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4 or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2 shall comply with Section 709.4.2.

  Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings or exterior walls that provide resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by the smoke-barrier walls.

  709.4.1 Smoke-barrier assemblies separating smoke compartments. Smoke-barrier assemblies used to separate smoke compartments shall form an effective membrane enclosure that is continuous from an outside wall or smoke barrier wall to an outside wall or another smoke barrier wall and to the horizontal assemblies.

  709.4.2 Smoke-barrier walls enclosing areas of refuge or elevator lobbies. Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4, or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2, shall form an effective membrane enclosure that terminates at a fire barrier wall having a fire resistance rating not less than 1 hour, another smoke barrier wall or an outside wall. A smoke and draft control door assembly as specified in Section 716.2.2.1.1 shall not be required at each elevator hoistway door where protected by an elevator lobby, at each exit door opening into a protected lobby or at each exit doorway between an area of refuge and the exit enclosure.

  709.5 Openings. Openings in a smoke barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

  Exceptions:

  1. In Group I- 2, R-2.1 and ambulatory care facilities, where a pair of opposite-swinging doors are installed across a corridor in accordance with Section 709.5.1, the doors shall not be required to be protected in accordance with Section 716. The doors shall be close fitting within operational tolerances, and shall not have a center mullion or undercuts in excess of [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm), louvers or grilles. The doors shall have head and jamb stops, and astragals or rabbets at meeting edges. Positive latching devices are not required. Factory-applied or field-applied protective plates are not required to be labeled. Doors installed across corridors shall comply with Section 1010.1.1.
• CFC § 715.7 High relevance — show source text

  715.7 Exterior wall/vertical fire barrier intersections. Voids created at the intersection of nonfire-resistance-rated exterior wall assemblies and vertical fire barriers shall be filled with an approved material or system to retard the interior spread of fire and hot

  gases.

  715.8 Curtain wall spandrels. Height and fire-resistance requirements for curtain wall spandrels shall comply with Section 705.9.5. Where Section 705.9.5 does not require fire-resistance-rated curtain wall spandrels, the requirements of Sections 715.4 and 715.5 shall still apply to the intersection between the curtain wall spandrels and the floor.

  715.9 Joints and voids in smoke barriers. Fire-resistant joint systems protecting joints in smoke barriers, and perimeter fire containment systems protecting voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall, shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 2079 for air leakage. The L rating of the joint system shall not exceed 5 cubic feet per minute per linear foot (0.00775 m [3] /s m) of joint at 0.30 inch of water (74.7 Pa) for both the ambient temperature and elevated temperature

  tests.

  SECTION 716—OPENING PROTECTIVES

  716.1 General. Opening protectives required by other sections of this code shall comply with the provisions of this section and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80.

  TABLE 716.1(1)—MARKING FIRE-RATED GLAZING ASSEMBLIES	Col2	Col3
  FIRE TEST STANDARD	MARKING	DEFINITION OF MARKING
  ASTM E119 or UL 263	W	Meets wall assembly criteria.
  ASTM E119 or UL 263	FC	Meets floor/ceiling criteriaa
  NFPA 257 or UL 9	OH	Meets fire window assembly criteria including the hose stream test.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	D	Meets fire door assembly criteria.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	H	Meets fire door assembly hose stream test.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	T	Meets 450°F temperature rise criteria for 30 minutes
  —	XXX	The time in minutes of the fire resistance or fire protection rating of the glazing assembly.
  For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1	For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1	For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 7-27

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

  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  |TABLE 716.1(2)—OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES,

• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

  xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish 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 CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.

  Chapter 10 Means of Egress

  The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

  Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.

  Chapter 12 Energy Systems