CFC · California Fire Code
What monitoring, supervision and waterflow alarm requirements apply to sprinkler systems?
For homeowners: California’s fire code requires that sprinkler system control valves, pumps and waterflow devices be electrically supervised so problems are detected, that alarm/trouble signals be sent to a supervising station (or an approved attended location), and that an exterior audible/visual waterflow alarm activate at the flow of the smallest sprinkler — except for one- and two‑family homes; see §§ 903.4.1–903.4.3 for the exact rules .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Automatic sprinkler systems must have specified electronic supervision, monitoring and waterflow alarm arrangements so that control valves, pumps, tanks and waterflow devices are supervised electrically and alarm/supervisory signals are transmitted to an approved location. The controlling provisions are § 903.4.1, § 903.4.2 and § 903.4.3 of the California Fire Code. These sections require electrical supervision by a listed fire alarm control unit, distinct alarm/trouble signals sent to a supervising station (or to a constantly attended location if approved), and an exterior audible/visual waterflow alarm that will actuate on the flow equivalent to a single smallest sprinkler in the system .
The single most important rule: control valves, pumps, tanks and waterflow switches that affect sprinkler readiness must be electrically supervised and sprinkler waterflow must initiate an approved exterior alarm at the flow of the system’s smallest sprinkler (see § 903.4.1, § 903.4.2, § 903.4.3) .
Requirements in detail
1) Electronic supervision — what devices are covered
- The code requires electrical supervision of valves that control the water supply, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems. This supervision must be provided by a listed fire alarm control unit (bolded term: § 903.4.1 is the controlling paragraph) .
- First mention definitions / key terms: electrically supervised, listed fire alarm control unit, waterflow switch.
2) Monitoring — how alarm/supervisory signals are handled
- Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals must be clearly distinct from one another and must be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station, or (if the fire code official approves) they may sound at a constantly attended location (see § 903.4.2) .
- Signals must be identifiable as alarm vs supervisory vs trouble (distinct annunciation).
3) Waterflow alarms — location, activation and power
- Each automatic sprinkler system must be connected to an approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device located on the exterior of the building in an approved location (see § 903.4.3) .
- The waterflow alarm device must be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system — that is the minimum actuation flow criterion (see § 903.4.3) .
- If a waterflow switch is required to be electrically supervised by § 903.4.1, the exterior sprinkler waterflow alarm device must be powered by a fire alarm control unit or the building fire alarm system (see § 903.4.3) .
- Where a fire alarm system is present, sprinkler actuation must actuate the building fire alarm system (see § 903.4.3) .
Decision table — quick reference
| Device / condition | Required action or threshold | Typical location / destination | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valves controlling water supply (main shutoff, riser valves, floor control valves) | Electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit | Supervision through the building fire alarm control unit | § 903.4.1 |
| Pumps, tanks, water levels/temperatures, critical air pressures | Electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit | Supervision and annunciation at FACP / supervising station | § 903.4.1 |
| Waterflow switches | Electrically supervised; initiate waterflow alarm | Waterflow switch activates exterior audible/visual alarm; if supervised, alarm device powered by FACP | § 903.4.1, § 903.4.3 |
| Alarm / supervisory / trouble signals | Distinct from each other; automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or a constantly attended location (if approved) | Supervising station or attended location | § 903.4.2 |
| Exterior sprinkler waterflow alarm device | Audible & visual; activated by flow equivalent to a single smallest-orifice sprinkler | Exterior of building, approved location | § 903.4.3 |
How this ties into the building fire alarm system
- If a fire alarm system is present, automatic sprinkler actuation must actuate that fire alarm system (see § 903.4.3). Fire alarm installation, wiring, power and annunciation requirements are handled in Chapter 9 and Section § 907.6 (installation and monitoring of fire alarm systems) .
Exceptions & special cases
- The code explicitly exempts automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings from the electronic supervision and alarm requirements in § 903.4.1 and the waterflow alarm requirement in § 903.4.3 (see the Exception) .
- Several items are also excepted from electrical supervision in § 903.4.1, including (but not limited to):
- Limited area sprinkler systems installed per § 903.3.8 (with special conditions for backflow device test valves) .
- NFPA 13R systems supplied from a common domestic main without a separate shutoff valve.
- Jockey pump control valves, control valves sealed or locked open (e.g., certain kitchen hood, paint spray booth valves), trim valves in dry/preaction/deluge systems that are sealed/locked, and underground gate valves in roadway boxes — see the enumerated exceptions in § 903.4.1 for full list .
- The fire code official may approve sending supervisory signals to a constantly attended location in lieu of a supervising station (see § 903.4.2) .
Common mistakes
- Treating the exterior waterflow bell as optional — the exterior audible/visual waterflow alarm is required for each automatic sprinkler system unless the dwelling exception applies (see § 903.4.3) .
- Assuming any flow will trip the waterflow alarm — the device must actuate at the flow equivalent to a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system (not an arbitrary low flow) § 903.4.3 .
- Failing to electrically supervise control valves and devices that affect the water supply—unless specifically excepted, those items must be supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit as required by § 903.4.1 .
- Powering an exterior waterflow device from a non‑FACP source when the waterflow switch is required to be supervised — § 903.4.3 requires the alarm device be powered by the FACP or the fire alarm system where the waterflow switch is supervised .
- Relying on local audible only at an unattended property — automatic transmission to an approved supervising station is required unless the fire code official approves a constantly attended location (see § 903.4.2) .
Worked example — concrete scenario (illustrative)
CFC requirement (what the code says): the exterior waterflow alarm must be activated by the flow equivalent to a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system (see § 903.4.3) .
Practical (illustrative) steps you would take to show compliance:
- Identify the smallest‑orifice sprinkler installed in the system (manufacturer model and orifice size). The CFC does not specify a gallons‑per‑minute number — it uses the sprinkler orifice as the criterion, so you must determine flow from the sprinkler performance data and system residual pressure (this numeric conversion is not specified in the CFC text) .
- Verify the waterflow switch and exterior alarm device will actuate at or below that flow. (Most designers use the sprinkler manufacturer K‑factor and the available residual pressure to compute the expected flow at a sprinkler opening.) The code requires the alarm actuate at that equivalent flow; the CFC text itself does not give a fixed GPM number — it ties actuation to the sprinkler orifice (see § 903.4.3) .
Important note: the numeric calculation (for example using Q = K × sqrt(P)) is an engineering step that is not written into the CFC sections provided — the CFC tells you the acceptance criterion (flow equal to one smallest sprinkler) but does not provide the K factors, pressures or exact GPM value in the section text . Consult the sprinkler manufacturer and your hydraulic calculations (NFPA 13 practice) to determine the numeric actuation flow.
Related provisions
- § 903.5 — Inspection, testing and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems (inspection frequency and requirements reference) .
- § 903.3.8 — Limited area sprinkler systems (supervision rules for this special case) .
- § 903.3.9 / § 903.3.10 — Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies (supervision at floors and risers) .
- § 907.6 — Fire alarm system installation and monitoring requirements (wiring, power, annunciation; ties to supervision/monitoring) .
- Chapter 9 (Fire protection systems) — general fire alarm and notification appliance requirements that interact with sprinkler supervision and waterflow alarms .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 903.4 High relevance — show source text
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.
903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
- Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-23
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- Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
- Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
- Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.
903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.
SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
CFC § 903.4 High relevance — show source text
[A] 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.
[F] 903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
- Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
- Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
- Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
- Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
[F] 903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
[F] 903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
[F] 903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .
SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
[F] 904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
[F] 904.2 Where permitted. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the fire code official.
CFC § 903.4.2 High relevance — show source text
- Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.
903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.
SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(2)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(2) Engineered and pre-engineered fixed extinguishing systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained at least semi-annually, and immediately after a system activation.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(c)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(c) Engineered and pre-engineered fixed extinguishing systems, regardless of installation date, shall be inspected, tested and main- tained within the time periods specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 904(a)(2) above.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.7(a) through (c)] Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Requirements for Engineered and Pre-engineered Fixed Extinguishing Systems.
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance shall be performed in accordance with:
(a) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 904(a)(2),
(b) the manufacturer’s written instructions, which are approved and on file with the Office of the State Fire Marshal; and
(c) the applicable standards adopted in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, (California Fire Code).
904.1.1 Certification of service personnel for fire-extinguishing equipment. Service personnel providing or conducting maintenance on automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall possess a valid certificate issued by an approved governmental agency, or other approved organization for the type of system and work performed.
904.2 Where permitted. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the fire code official.
CFC § 903.3.8.3 High relevance — show source text
903.3.8.3 Piping arrangement. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building with an automatic wet standpipe system, sprinklers shall be supplied by the standpipe system. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building without an automatic wet standpipe system, water shall be permitted to be supplied by the plumbing system provided that the plumbing system is capable of simultaneously supplying domestic and sprinkler demands.
903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.
903.3.8.5 Calculations. Hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided to demonstrate that the available water flow and pressure are adequate to supply all sprinklers installed in any single fire area with discharge densities corresponding to the hazard classification.
903.3.9 High-rise building floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
903.3.10 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur: 1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height. 3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.
903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
- Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-23
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
- Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
- Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
CFC § 903.3.8.4 High relevance — show source text
[F] 903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.
[F] 903.3.8.5 Calculations. Hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided to demonstrate that the available water flow and pressure are adequate to supply all sprinklers installed in any single fire area with discharge densities corresponding to the hazard classification.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
[F] 903.3.9 High-rise building floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in high-rise buildings.
[F] 903.3.10 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur: 1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height. 3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.
[A] 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.
[F] 903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
- Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
- Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
- Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
- Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
- Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
CFC § 903.4.2 High relevance — show source text
Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
[F] 903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
[F] 903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
[F] 903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .
SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
[F] 904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.
[F] 904.2 Where permitted. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the fire code official.
[F] 904.2.1 Restriction on using automatic sprinkler system exceptions or reductions. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall not be considered alternatives for the purposes of exceptions or reductions allowed for automatic sprinkler systems or by other requirements of this code.
[F] 904.2.2 Commercial hood and duct systems. Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 606 of the California Fire Code or Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code to have a Type I hood shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code.
[F] 904.3 Installation. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with this section.
[F] 904.3.1 Electrical wiring. Electrical wiring shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
[F] 904.3.2 Actuation. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation in accordance with Section 904.13.1. Where more than one hazard could be simultaneously involved in fire due to their proximity, all hazards shall be protected by a single system designed to protect all hazards that could become involved.
Exception: Multiple systems shall be permitted to be installed if they are designed to operate simultaneously.
CFC § 5704.2.9.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
False Alarm
Defined 202
Fees 108 Fill Pipe Connections 5704.2.9.5.2 Film, Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture 306 Projection rooms 306.1 Storage 306.2 Fines (in woodworking operations) (see Violation Penalties) Defined (in woodworking operations) 202 Storage and processing (in woodworking operations) 2808 Finished Products 2909.6 Fire, Recreational (see Recreational Fire) Fire, Reporting of Unwanted 401.3.1, 3310 Fire, Unwanted (see Unwanted Fire) Fire Alarm
Defined 202
Reporting 401.3.2, 3310 Fire Alarm Box (see Manual Fire Alarm Box) Fire Alarm Control Unit
Alarm activation 907.5.1
Defined 202 Emergency alarm interface 908.3 Fire safety function 907.3 Protection of control unit 907.4.1 Sprinkler system supervision 903.4.1 Fire Alarm Signal Defined 202 Fire Alarm System Annunciation 907.6.3.1, 907.6.4.1 Defined 202 Existing buildings 907.9, 1103.7 Maintenance 907.8
Monitoring 907.6.6 Notification appliances 907.5 Out of service 901.7
Permit 105.6.7 Power supply 907.6.2 Presignal feature Telephone dialing devices 907.6.6.1 Testing 907.8 Where required, existing buildings 1103.7 Where required, new buildings 907.2 Zones 907.6.4
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INDEX
Commercial cooking 904.14 Fire alarm system interconnection 904.3.5, 907.6 Flammable and combustible liquids 5704.3.7.5.1, 5704.3.8.4 Flammable finishing 2404.6, 2405.4.1, 2406.4, 2407.4 Hazardous materials 5005.1.8
Monitoring 904.3.5 Permit 105.6.1
Required 904.2 Firefighters Air replenishment systems Appendix l Emergency responder enhancement communications systems (ERCES) 510, 1103.2 Hazards to 316
Pitfalls 316.3 Safety 101.3 Fire-Flow Requirements 507.3 Fireplaces, Portable Outdoor (see Portable Outdoor Fireplaces) Fire-Resistance Rating Defined 202
Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction 701.2 Fire-Resistant Joint System Defined 202 Fire-Retardant Coatings 803.4 Treatments for natural cut trees
806.1.4
Fireworks (see Explosives and Fireworks) Defined 202
CFC § 12-72 Medium relevance — show source text
Electrical supervision of the main operating power, power supply to the oscillator or tone generator shall be provided under the conditions set forth in Sections 12-72-103 (e), Items 2 through 4. The above requirements do not apply to the following type of circuits: A. The audible alarm signaling circuits of combination signaling system of the clock-bell program or sound reproducing type, provided all portions of the circuits are used for normal program or signaling purposes not less than once each hour.
B. Local system circuits intended for use only with sprinkler waterflow alarm or sprinkler-supervisory circuits. C. Current and circuits for trouble signals. D. Current for alternate operation when source of main power supply is interrupted. E. Current supply and circuits for supplementary signal devices, or optional equipment not necessary for the transmission of a fire alarm signal, provided that a break or ground fault will not affect operation of the system for required fire alarm signals. F. Circuit for register or indicating device provided as a part of the control unit.
2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 115
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PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
G. Audible alarm circuits, provided there are suitable terminal facilities for the connection of either multiple circuits, so that a break or ground fault prevents operation of only one of the circuits; or a return loop circuit so that a break or ground fault does not prevent operation of any alarm signal sounding device or appliance with means provided for testing the continuity of the circuit conductors. H. Circuit for an alarm-indicating device in the same room as the control unit, provided the circuit conductors are installed in a metallic raceway or equivalent to prevent mechanical injury or tampering. 2. Electrical supervision of the main source of operating power. Supervision of a control unit using a rectifier for battery charging shall include supervision of the power supply to the rectifier and the fuse in the load circuit of the battery. 3. Electrical supervision of the power supply to the oscillator or tone generator of a combination signaling system when the signal and its related amplifiers are used for normal room signaling service. The supervisory circuit may be so arranged as to sound the fire alarm control unit trouble signal. 4. Electrical supervision of the signal output of a combination signaling system when the alarm signal oscillator or tone generator and its related amplification devices and circuits are not used for normal signaling. 5. A single break or ground fault in an alarm initiating or indicating circuit, or failure and restoration of the power supply to the control unit, shall not cause transmission of an alarm signal. 6. To determine conformance of a control unit or combination signaling system with the performance and tests requirements of Items 1 through 5, the investigation is to start with the representative system combination in the normal supervisory condition indicated in Section 12-72-103 (b), Item 5; each type of fault to be detected shall be separately introduced in each circuit conductor.
- If the off-normal position of any normally preset mechanism or any similar part of the control unit or control equipment requires manual restoration to normal position for proper signaling operation of the control equipment, such off-normal position shall be indicated by a trouble signal. Compliance is to be determined by observation during the normal operation test.
- While the control unit or control equipment is in the supervisory condition, any operation of any manual-switching part that may interfere with normal operation of the equipment of transmission of an alarm signal shall be indicated by a trouble signal. The control unit or equipment shall be operated for transmission of signals in each position of the manual-switching parts.
CFC § 12-72 Medium relevance — show source text
- For the test specified in Section 12-72-103 (c), Item 1, the audio-input connections of each amplifier of the system are to be connected to an oscillator adjusted to supply a 1,000-cycle signal. All volume and tone controls are to be at their maximum settings, and normal operating condition is considered to be operational with the audio-input-signal potential adjusted to produce audio-output rating of the amplifier. The tests are to be conducted throughout the range of impedance taps with load impedance of the amplifier.
(d) Fire alarm signal precedence.
- Control units designed to serve more than one type of alarm-initiating device or to utilize the audible alarm devices for more than one type of signaling service shall provide priority for manual box signals, and for fire alarm signals in combination signaling systems.
- A coded system control unit shall be actuated by one or more initiating devices other than a manual box and by a manual box simultaneously. The manual box signal shall take precedence over other signals.
- Combination signaling system shall be actuated to transmit a program or sound signal. A fire alarm initiating device shall be actuated while the program or sound signal is being transmitted. The fire alarm signal shall take priority without any interference or garbling of the alarm signal. Each separate type of program, or sound signal, including all-call or individual room signals shall be actuated without interfering with the fire alarm signal.
- Fault conditions shall be introduced in each piece of optional equipment or device and during such fault conditions a fire alarm initiating device shall be actuated. The fire alarm signal shall be transmitted without interference or garbling of the alarm signal.
(e) Electrical supervision.
- Unless otherwise provided, the circuits formed by conductors extended from the terminals of the control unit or combination signaling system shall be so electrically supervised that a trouble signal will be promptly indicated upon the occurrence of a signal break or ground fault condition of its circuits which would prevent normal operation of the combination, control unit, actuating devices and indicating devices. Electrical supervision of the main operating power, power supply to the oscillator or tone generator shall be provided under the conditions set forth in Sections 12-72-103 (e), Items 2 through 4. The above requirements do not apply to the following type of circuits: A. The audible alarm signaling circuits of combination signaling system of the clock-bell program or sound reproducing type, provided all portions of the circuits are used for normal program or signaling purposes not less than once each hour.
B. Local system circuits intended for use only with sprinkler waterflow alarm or sprinkler-supervisory circuits. C. Current and circuits for trouble signals. D. Current for alternate operation when source of main power supply is interrupted. E. Current supply and circuits for supplementary signal devices, or optional equipment not necessary for the transmission of a fire alarm signal, provided that a break or ground fault will not affect operation of the system for required fire alarm signals. F. Circuit for register or indicating device provided as a part of the control unit.
2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 115
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
G. Audible alarm circuits, provided there are suitable terminal facilities for the connection of either multiple circuits, so that a break or ground fault prevents operation of only one of the circuits; or a return loop circuit so that a break or ground fault does not prevent operation of any alarm signal sounding device or appliance with means provided for testing the continuity of the circuit conductors.
CFC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than three stories in height with not more than 20 dwelling units or sleeping units in aggregate and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where the following conditions are met: 3.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
3.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 3.3. Not less than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location. 1103.7.5.1.1 Group R-1 hotel and motel automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-1 hotels and motels throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping rooms not equipped with an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units or sleeping units and where each dwelling unit or 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.
11-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1103.7.5.2 Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses 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 existing Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses.
Exception: Buildings less than two stories in height where all sleeping units, attics and crawl spaces are separated by 1hour fire-resistance-rated construction and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has direct access to a public way, egress court or yard.
1103.7.5.2.1 Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses throughout all interior corridors serving dwelling units or sleeping units not equipped with an approved, supervised sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.
Exception: Buildings equipped with single-station smoke alarms meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 907.2.11.1 and where the fire alarm system includes not less than one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to initiate the alarm.
1103.7.6 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-2 occupancies more than three stories in height or with more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.
Exceptions:
- Where each living unit is separated from other contiguous living units by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour, and where each living unit has either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging at grade.
CFC § 8-3 Medium relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
802 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 804 Interior Wall and Ceiling Trim and Interior Floor Finish in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 805 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 806 Natural Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 807 Decorative Materials and Artificial Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . 8-10 808 Furnishings Other than Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses or Decorative Materials in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
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
CFC § 12.3.8.1 Medium relevance — show source text
12.3.8.1 The outgoing and return (redundant) circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable assembly (i.e., multiconductor cable), enclosure or raceway only under the following conditions:
(1) For a distance not to exceed 10 feet (3.0 m) where the outgoing and return conductors enter or exit the initiating device, notification appliance, or control unit enclosures. (2) Single drops installed in the raceway to individual devices or appliances. (3) *In a single room not exceeding 1000 feet [2] (93 m [2] ) in area, a drop installed in the raceway to multiple devices or appliances that does not include any emergency control function devices. (4) Where the vertically run conductors are contained in a 2-hour rated cable assembly, or enclosed (installed) in a 2-hour rated enclosure or a listed circuit integrity (C.I.) cable, which meets or exceeds a 2-hour fire-resistive rating.
Revise Section 14.4.6.1 as follows:
14.4.6.1 Testing. Household fire alarm systems shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions according to the methods of Table 14.4.3.2.
Revise Section 17.16 as follows:
17.16 Fire Extinguisher Electronic Monitoring Device . A fire extinguisher electronic monitoring device shall indicate those conditions for a specific fire extinguisher required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 1, Section 574.2(c) and California Fire Code to a fire alarm control unit.
Revise Section 12.3.8 as follows:
12.3.8 (4) Where the vertically run conductors are contained in a 2-hour rated cable assembly, or enclosed (installed) in a 2-hour rated enclosure or a listed circuit integrity (C.I.) cable, which meets or exceeds a 2-hour fire resistive rating.
Revise Section 23.8.5.1.2 as follows:
23.8.5.1.2* Where connected to a supervising station, fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices shall include a manual fire alarm box to initiate a signal to the supervising station.
Exception: Fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control, supervisory service and fire sprinkler monitoring as permitted in Section 17.15 of NFPA 72.
Revise Section 23.8.5.4.1 as follows:
23.8.5.4.1 Systems equipped with alarm verification features shall be permitted under the following conditions:
(1) The alarm verification feature is not initially enabled unless conditions or occupant activities that are expected to cause nuisance alarms are anticipated in the area that is protected by the smoke detectors. Enabling of the alarm verification feature shall be protected by password or limited access.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 16-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
REFERENCED STANDARDS
Frequently asked questions
Who must be electrically supervised under § 903.4.1?
Control valves that control the water supply, pump/tank conditions, water levels/temperatures, critical air pressures, and waterflow switches must be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit, unless an explicit exception applies (e.g., one‑ and two‑family dwellings) .
Where do alarm, supervisory and trouble signals go under § 903.4.2?
They must be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station, or — if approved by the fire code official — sound at a constantly attended location on the premises .
How much flow will trigger the exterior sprinkler waterflow alarm under § 903.4.3?
The alarm must activate at water flow equivalent to a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. The CFC sets the actuation criterion by sprinkler orifice, not by a fixed gallons‑per‑minute value; determine the numeric flow by applying the sprinkler manufacturer data and system hydraulic conditions .
Are one‑ and two‑family homes required to have these supervised alarms?
No — automatic sprinkler systems protecting one‑ and two‑family dwellings are excepted from these supervision and exterior waterflow alarm requirements per the exceptions in § 903.4.1 and § 903.4.3 .
If the waterflow switch is supervised, what power source must the exterior alarm use?
If the waterflow switch is required to be supervised per § 903.4.1, the exterior sprinkler waterflow alarm devices must be powered by the fire alarm control unit or the building fire alarm system (see § 903.4.3) .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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