CFC · California Fire Code

What are the design, acceptance testing and maintenance requirements for smoke control systems?

In plain language: smoke control systems must have automatic, testable controls (including a weekly self-test), prove by formal acceptance tests (airflows, dampers, fans, pressures, controls) that they can reach the required operating state quickly (final status shown within 90 seconds), and be placed on a written maintenance and testing schedule (semiannual or annual depending on type), with records kept and reports filed with the authority. **§ 909.12.1**, **§ 909.17**, **§ 909.18**, **§ 909.22**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Smoke control control systems must provide automatic, verifiable actuation, fast response and documented acceptance testing, and then be placed on a routine maintenance and test program. The key verification and control requirements are in § 909.12.1; the required system response timing is in § 909.17; the acceptance‑test scope and required reports are in § 909.18; and the ongoing maintenance/test schedule and record requirements are in § 909.22.

The single most important rule: the smoke control system must prove, by weekly verification and documented acceptance testing, that its components actuate and the system reaches full operational mode within the code response time — and must remain on a documented maintenance/test program thereafter.

Requirements in detail

Control system verification and automatic testing (design)

  • Control systems for mechanical smoke control must include provisions for positive confirmation of actuation, testing, manual override, and verification of presence of power downstream of all disconnects. § 909.12.1 requires a preprogrammed weekly test that exercises all devices, equipment and components used for smoke control and reports abnormal conditions audibly, visually and by printed report.
  • Components status must be determined by appropriate sensing: dampers by limit or proximity switches (or grouped and linked permanently), and fans by downstream airflow sensing (pressure differential switches/transmitters or other approved positive proof). § 909.12.1.
  • Exception: components may be bypassed from the weekly test where operation would disrupt normal building operations, but only if (1) presence of power downstream of disconnects is verified weekly by a listed control unit and (2) bypassed components are tested per § 909.22.6. § 909.12.1.

System response time (operation/design sequencing)

  • Activation must begin immediately on receipt of an appropriate command and components must activate in a sequence that prevents equipment damage. The total response time must allow the system to reach full operational mode before conditions exceed the design smoke condition. § 909.17.
  • Explicit timing: upon receipt of an alarm at the fire alarm control panel, fans, dampers and automatic doors shall have achieved their proper operating states and the final status shall be indicated at the smoke control panel within 90 seconds. § 909.17.
  • The required rational analysis and final verification report must detail component response times and sequential relationships. § 909.17.

Acceptance testing (commissioning / pre-occupancy)

  • Devices, equipment, components and sequences shall be individually tested for function, sequence and where applicable, capacity in their installed condition. § 909.18.
  • Specific test items called out by § 909.18 include:
    • Detection devices — testing per Chapter 9 and verification of airflow where applicable (both minimum and maximum conditions). § 909.18.1.
    • Ducts — traversed to determine actual air quantities. § 909.18.2.
    • Dampers — functional test in installed condition in accordance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105. § 909.18.3.
    • Inlets/outlets — airflow readings using accepted practices. § 909.18.4.
    • Fans — check correct rotation; measure voltage, amperage, RPM and belt tension. § 909.18.5.
    • Smoke barriers — measure pressure differences across smoke barriers using inclined manometers or approved calibrated devices for each smoke control condition. § 909.18.6.
    • Controls — put each smoke zone into operation by actuating one initiating device; verify other devices in the zone cause the same sequence; verify firefighter panel override and simulate standby power conditions. § 909.18.7.
  • Testing by special inspector: smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector per the California Building Code (Section 1705.19); scope includes duct leakage tests before concealment and pressure/flow/detection verification prior to occupancy. Approved testing agencies must have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers. § 909.18.8 and subsections.
  • Reports and filing: the approved agency prepares a complete test report (manufacturer & nameplate data, design vs measured values, ID tags). The responsible registered design professional reviews and, if satisfied, signs/seals the report. A copy goes to the fire code official and one remains in an approved location at the building. § 909.18.8.3 and § 909.18.8.3.1.

Maintenance, testing and records (operations)

  • Routine maintenance and operational testing must begin immediately after acceptance tests; a written schedule must be established. Records of testing/maintenance (date, personnel, unsatisfactory conditions, corrective action, parts replaced) must be kept. § 909.22, § 909.22.1, § 909.22.2.
  • Operational testing must include all equipment such as initiating devices, fans, dampers, controls, doors and windows. § 909.22.3.
  • Frequency:
    • Dedicated smoke control systems — operate each control sequence semiannually and test under standby power conditions. § 909.22.4.
    • Nondedicated smoke control systems — operate each control sequence annually and test under standby power conditions. § 909.22.5.
    • Components bypassed from the weekly test (per the exception in § 909.12.1) must be tested semiannually and under standby power conditions. § 909.22.6.

Decision‑relevant table

Decision / value What to do Code reference
Weekly verification and automated test Implement a preprogrammed weekly test that exercises all smoke control devices and reports abnormalities audibly, visually and with printout; verify power downstream of disconnects. § 909.12.1
Component status sensing Use limit/proximity switches for dampers and downstream airflow sensing for fans (pressure switches/transmitters) as positive proof. § 909.12.1
Required system response System must reach full operational mode before design condition is exceeded; final status indicated at control panel within 90 seconds of alarm. § 909.17
Acceptance test items Test detection, ducts (air quantities), dampers (NFPA 80/105), inlets/outlets, fans (voltage/amps/RPM/belt), smoke barrier pressures, controls (zones & overrides). § 909.18 and subsections
Who does the testing Special inspector / approved agency with fire protection & mechanical engineering expertise and air balancing certification. § 909.18.8
Maintenance frequency Dedicated: semiannual; Nondedicated: annual; bypassed components: semiannual. All tests under standby power when required. § 909.22.4–909.22.6
Records & operations manual Maintain test/maintenance records; keep operation manual and final test report at approved building location (fire command center). § 909.18.8.3, § 909.22.2

Exceptions & special cases

  • Exception for weekly test interference: Individual components may be bypassed from the preprogrammed weekly test where weekly operation would produce unwanted building effects — but only if presence of power downstream of disconnects is verified weekly by a listed control unit and bypassed components are tested semiannually per § 909.22.6. § 909.12.1 and § 909.22.6.
  • Components that cannot be run in building‑occupied conditions must still be verified on the schedule required (semiannual for dedicated bypasses). § 909.22.6.
  • Firefighter’s control panel overrides and AUTO/NORMAL positions: control sequencing and the ability to override must be verified during acceptance testing. § 909.18.7.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming weekly test alone satisfies acceptance: the weekly verification does not replace the required acceptance testing and special inspector report prior to occupancy. § 909.18 and § 909.12.1.
  • Not testing under standby power: both dedicated and nondedicated systems and bypassed components must be tested under standby power conditions per § 909.22.
  • Relying on indicator lights alone for damper/fan status: code requires limit/proximity switches and positive proof of airflow (pressure differential) — not just motor run lights. § 909.12.1.
  • Poor documentation: failing to keep the signed/sealed final test report and operation manual on site (one copy must be filed with the fire code official and one kept in the building). § 909.18.8.3.1 and § 909.18.9.
  • Forgetting component‑level tests: dampers must be tested per NFPA 80/105, fans must have rotation/voltage/amp/RPM checks, and smoke barrier pressures measured — acceptance testing is granular. § 909.18.3–909.18.6.

Worked example — applying the rules with numbers

Scenario: A building owner installs a mechanical smoke control system for a new atrium. The design team and contractor must commission the system and put it on an ongoing maintenance program.

  1. Acceptance testing (pre‑occupancy): the special inspector (approved agency with air‑balancer certification) traverses the supply and exhaust ducts and records actual airflows; measures fan motor voltage/amperage/RPM; confirms correct fan rotation; exercises every damper and documents limit switch positions; measures pressure difference across the smoke barrier with an inclined manometer for the designed smoke condition. All these items are required by § 909.18.2–909.18.6 and the special inspector/reporting requirements of § 909.18.8.

  2. Response timing verification: on a simulated alarm the system must sequence so that fans, dampers and automatic doors reach their required state and the smoke control panel shows final status within 90 seconds of alarm — verify and log the elapsed time during the acceptance test (requirement from § 909.17). If a fan takes 40 seconds to spool and dampers take 30 seconds, total should be ≤ 90 s. § 909.17.

  3. Control verification & weekly test: the control engineer programs the preprogrammed weekly test to operate all components and produce audible/visual/printed reports and to verify power downstream of disconnects. If some large exhaust dampers would disrupt building HVAC if run weekly, the owner requests a bypass approval; the listed control unit still verifies downstream power weekly and the bypassed dampers are scheduled for semiannual tests per § 909.22.6. § 909.12.1 and § 909.22.6.

  4. Maintenance program: after acceptance, the owner starts a written schedule: the full system (dedicated sequences) is exercised semiannually under standby power; the records (date, personnel, unsatisfactory items, corrective action, parts replaced) are filed and one copy of the signed acceptance report and the operations manual is kept in the fire command center as required by § 909.18.8.3 and § 909.22.1–909.22.2.

Related provisions (CFC sections)

  • § 909.11 — Standby power requirements for smoke control systems (location and power‑quality provisions).
  • § 909.19 — System acceptance (certificate of occupancy tied to compliance and instruction to fire department).
  • § 909.21 — Special provisions for elevator hoistway pressurization systems (design, fan capacity, testing).
  • § 907 — Fire alarm system requirements and interfaces when providing input/output to smoke control.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 909.21.4.1 High relevance — show source text

    [BF] 909.21.4.1 Fire resistance. Where located within the building, the fan system that provides the pressurization shall be protected with the same fire-resistance rating required for the elevator shaft enclosure.

    [BF] 909.21.4.2 Smoke detection. The fan system shall be equipped with a smoke detector that will automatically shut down the fan system when smoke is detected within the system.

    [BF] 909.21.4.3 Separate systems. A separate fan system shall be used for each elevator hoistway.

    [BF] 909.21.4.4 Fan capacity. The supply fan shall be either adjustable with a capacity of not less than 1,000 cfm (0.4719 m [3] /s) per door, or that specified by a registered design professional to meet the requirements of a designed pressurization system.

    [BF] 909.21.5 Standby power. The pressurization system shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 1203.

    [BF] 909.21.6 Activation of pressurization system. The elevator pressurization system shall be activated upon activation of the elevator lobby smoke detectors.

    [BF] 909.21.7 Testing. Testing for performance shall be required in accordance with Section 909.18.8. System acceptance shall be in accordance with Section 909.19.

    [BF] 909.21.8 Marking and identification. Detection and control systems shall be marked in accordance with Section 909.14.

    [BF] 909.21.9 Control diagrams. Control diagrams shall be provided in accordance with Section 909.15.

    [BF] 909.21.10 Control panel. A control panel complying with Section 909.16 shall be provided.

    [BF] 909.21.11 System response time. Hoistway pressurization systems shall comply with the requirements for smoke control system response time in Section 909.17.

    909.22 Maintenance. Smoke control systems shall be maintained to ensure to a reasonable degree that the system is capable of controlling smoke for the duration required. The system shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Sections 909.22.1 through 909.22.6.

    909.22.1 Schedule. A routine maintenance and operational testing program shall be initiated immediately after the smoke control system has passed the acceptance tests. A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established.

    909.22.2 Records. Records of smoke control system testing and maintenance shall be maintained. The record shall include the date of the maintenance, identification of the servicing personnel and notification of any unsatisfactory condition and the corrective action taken, including parts replaced.

    909.22.3 Testing. Operational testing of the smoke control system shall include all equipment such as initiating devices, fans, dampers, controls, doors and windows.

    909.22.4 Dedicated smoke control systems. Dedicated smoke control systems shall be operated for each control sequence semiannually. The system shall be tested under standby power conditions.

    909.22.5 Nondedicated smoke control systems. Nondedicated smoke control systems shall be operated for each control sequence annually. The system shall be tested under standby power conditions.

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  • CFC § 910.4.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    910.4.3.1 Makeup air. Makeup air openings shall be provided within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the floor level. Operation of makeup air openings shall be manual or automatic. The minimum gross area of makeup air inlets shall be 8 square feet per 1,000 cubic feet per minute (0.74 m [2] per 0.4719 m [3] /s) of smoke exhaust.

    910.4.4 Activation. The mechanical smoke removal system shall be activated by manual controls only.

    910.4.5 Manual control location. Manual controls shall be located where they are able to be accessed by the fire service from an exterior door of the building and separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

    910.4.6 Control wiring. Wiring for operation and control of mechanical smoke removal systems shall be connected ahead of the main disconnect in accordance with Section 701.12E of the California Electrical Code and be protected against interior fire exposure to temperatures in excess of 1,000°F (538°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

    910.4.7 Controls. Where building air-handling and mechanical smoke removal systems are combined or where independent building air-handling systems are provided, fans shall automatically shut down in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . The manual controls provided for the smoke removal system shall have the capability to override the automatic shutdown of fans that are part of the smoke removal system.

    910.5 Maintenance and testing. Maintenance and testing of smoke and heat vents and mechanical smoke removal systems shall be in accordance with Sections 910.5.1 and 910.5.2. A written record of inspection, testing and maintenance that includes the date, identification of personnel involved, any unsatisfactory result, corrective action taken and replaced parts shall be maintained on the premises.

    910.5.1 Smoke and heat vents. Smoke and heat vents shall be maintained in an operative condition. Inspection, testing and maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 204 except as follows:

    1. Mechanically operated smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually and operationally tested not less than every 5

    years. 2. Gravity dropout smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually. 3. Fused, damaged or painted fusible links shall be replaced.

    910.5.2 Mechanical smoke removal systems. Mechanical smoke removal systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 204 and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions except as follows:

    1. Systems shall be inspected and operationally tested annually.
    2. Testing shall include the operation of all system components, controls and ancillary equipment, such as makeup air openings.
    3. A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established and testing shall be conducted in accordance with the schedule.

    SECTION 911—EXPLOSION CONTROL

    911.1 General. Explosion control shall be provided in the following locations:

    1. Where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving explosion hazards as identified in Table 911.1.
    2. Where quantities of hazardous materials specified in Table 911.1 exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 5003.1.1(1).
  • CFC § 907.8 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 907.8 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with Section 907.8 of the California Fire Code .

    SECTION 908—EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS

    [F] 908.1 Group H occupancies. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided in accordance with Section 415.5.

    [F] 908.2 Group H-5 occupancy. Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as required in Section 415.11.4.

    [F] 908.3 Fire alarm system interface. Where an emergency alarm system is interfaced with a building’s fire alarm system, the signal produced at the fire alarm control unit shall be a supervisory signal.

    SECTION 909—SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

    [F] 909.1 Scope and purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems where they are required by other provisions of this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-removal provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code .

    [F] 909.2 General design requirements. Buildings, structures or parts thereof required by this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the generally accepted and well-established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to adequately describe the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied by sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions.

    [F] 909.3 Special inspection and test requirements. In addition to the ordinary inspection and test requirements that buildings, structures and parts thereof are required to undergo, smoke control systems subject to the provisions of Section 909 shall undergo special inspections and tests sufficient to verify the proper commissioning of the smoke control design in its final installed condition. The design submission accompanying the construction documents shall clearly detail procedures and methods to be used and the items subject to such inspections and tests. Such commissioning shall be in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice and, where possible, based on published standards for the particular testing involved. The special inspections and tests required by this section shall be conducted under the same terms in Section 1704.

    [F] 909.4 Analysis. A rational analysis supporting the types of smoke control systems to be employed, their methods of operation, the systems supporting them and the methods of construction to be utilized shall accompany the submitted construction documents and shall include, but not be limited to, the items indicated in Sections 909.4.1 through 909.4.7.

    [F] 909.4.1 Stack effect. The system shall be designed such that the maximum probable normal or reverse stack effect will not adversely interfere with the system’s capabilities. In determining the maximum probable stack effect, altitude, elevation, weather history and interior temperatures shall be used.

  • CFC § 909.21.11 High relevance — show source text

    [BF] 909.21.11 System response time. Hoistway pressurization systems shall comply with the requirements for smoke control system response time in Section 909.17.

    909.22 Maintenance. Smoke control systems shall be maintained to ensure to a reasonable degree that the system is capable of controlling smoke for the duration required. The system shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Sections 909.22.1 through 909.22.6.

    909.22.1 Schedule. A routine maintenance and operational testing program shall be initiated immediately after the smoke control system has passed the acceptance tests. A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established.

    909.22.2 Records. Records of smoke control system testing and maintenance shall be maintained. The record shall include the date of the maintenance, identification of the servicing personnel and notification of any unsatisfactory condition and the corrective action taken, including parts replaced.

    909.22.3 Testing. Operational testing of the smoke control system shall include all equipment such as initiating devices, fans, dampers, controls, doors and windows.

    909.22.4 Dedicated smoke control systems. Dedicated smoke control systems shall be operated for each control sequence semiannually. The system shall be tested under standby power conditions.

    909.22.5 Nondedicated smoke control systems. Nondedicated smoke control systems shall be operated for each control sequence annually. The system shall be tested under standby power conditions.

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    909.22.6 Components bypassing weekly test. Where components of the smoke control system are bypassed by the preprogrammed weekly test required by Section 909.12.1, such components shall be tested semiannually. The system shall be tested under standby power conditions.

    SECTION 910—SMOKE AND HEAT REMOVAL

    910.1 General. Where required by this code, smoke and heat vents or mechanical smoke removal systems shall conform to the requirements of this section.

    910.2 Where required. Smoke and heat vents or a mechanical smoke removal system shall be installed as required by Sections 910.2.1 and 910.2.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Frozen food warehouses used solely for storage of Class I and II commodities where protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
    2. Smoke and heat removal shall not be required in areas of buildings equipped with early suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers.
    3. Smoke and heat removal shall not be required in areas of buildings equipped with control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50(m × s) [1/] 2 [ or less that are listed to control a fire in stored commodities with 12] or fewer sprinklers.
  • CFC § 909.18 High relevance — show source text

    Smoke control systems shall activate individual components (such as dampers and fans) in the sequence necessary to prevent physical damage to the fans, dampers, ducts and other equipment. For purposes of smoke control, the firefighter’s control panel response time shall be the same for automatic or manual smoke control action initiated from any other building control point. The total response time, including that necessary for detection, shutdown of operating equipment and smoke control system startup, shall allow for full operational mode to be achieved before the conditions in the space exceed the design smoke condition. Upon receipt of an alarm condition at the fire alarm control panel, fans, dampers and automatic doors shall have achieved their proper operating state and the final status shall be indicated at the smoke control panel within 90 seconds. The system response time for each component and their sequential relationships shall be detailed in the required rational analysis and verification of their installed condition reported in the required final report.

    909.18 Acceptance testing. Devices, equipment, components and sequences shall be individually tested. These tests, in addition to those required by other provisions of this code, shall consist of determination of function, sequence and, where applicable, capacity of their installed condition.

    909.18.1 Detection devices. Smoke or fire detectors that are a part of a smoke control system shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 9 in their installed condition. Where applicable, this testing shall include verification of airflow in both minimum and maximum conditions.

    909.18.2 Ducts. Ducts that are part of a smoke control system shall be traversed using generally accepted practices to determine actual air quantities.

    909.18.3 Dampers. Dampers shall be tested for function in their installed condition in accordance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105.

    909.18.4 Inlets and outlets. Inlets and outlets shall be read using generally accepted practices to determine air quantities.

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    909.18.5 Fans. Fans shall be examined for correct rotation. Measurements of voltage, amperage, revolutions per minute and belt tension shall be made.

    909.18.6 Smoke barriers. Measurements using inclined manometers or other approved calibrated measuring devices shall be made of the pressure differences across smoke barriers. Such measurements shall be conducted for each possible smoke control condition.

    909.18.7 Controls. Each smoke zone equipped with an automatic-initiation device shall be put into operation by the actuation of one such device. Each additional device within the zone shall be verified to cause the same sequence without requiring the operation of fan motors in order to prevent damage. Control sequences shall be verified throughout the system, including verification of override from the firefighter’s control panel and simulation of standby power conditions.

    909.18.8 Testing for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with Section 1705.19 of the California Building Code .

    909.18.8.1 Scope of testing. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the following:

    1. During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
    2. Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure-difference testing, flow measurements, and detection and control verification.

    909.18.8.2 Qualifications. Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.

  • CFC § 909.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 909—SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

    909.1 Scope and purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems where they are required for new buildings or portions thereof by provisions of the California Building Code or this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-removal provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code .

    909.2 General design requirements. Buildings, structures, or parts thereof required by the California Building Code or this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the generally accepted and well-established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to describe adequately the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied with sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions.

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    909.3 Special inspection and test requirements. In addition to the ordinary inspection and test requirements that buildings, structures and parts thereof are required to undergo, smoke control systems subject to the provisions of Section 909 shall undergo special inspections and tests sufficient to verify the proper commissioning of the smoke control design in its final installed condition. The design submission accompanying the construction documents shall clearly detail procedures and methods to be used and the items subject to such inspections and tests. Such commissioning shall be in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice and, where possible, based on published standards for the particular testing involved. The special inspections and tests required by this section shall be conducted under the same terms as in Section 1704 of the California Building Code .

    909.4 Analysis. A rational analysis supporting the types of smoke control systems to be employed, the methods of their operations, the systems supporting them and the methods of construction to be utilized shall accompany the construction documents submission and include, but not be limited to, the items indicated in Sections 909.4.1 through 909.4.7.

    909.4.1 Stack effect. The system shall be designed such that the maximum probable normal or reverse stack effect will not adversely interfere with the system’s capabilities. In determining the maximum probable stack effect, altitude, elevation, weather history and interior temperatures shall be used.

    909.4.2 Temperature effect of fire. Buoyancy and expansion caused by the design fire in accordance with Section 909.9 shall be analyzed. The system shall be designed such that these effects do not adversely interfere with the system’s capabilities.

    909.4.3 Wind effect. The design shall consider the adverse effects of wind. Such consideration shall be consistent with the windloading provisions of the California Building Code .

  • CFC § 9-62 High relevance — show source text

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    909.18.5 Fans. Fans shall be examined for correct rotation. Measurements of voltage, amperage, revolutions per minute and belt tension shall be made.

    909.18.6 Smoke barriers. Measurements using inclined manometers or other approved calibrated measuring devices shall be made of the pressure differences across smoke barriers. Such measurements shall be conducted for each possible smoke control condition.

    909.18.7 Controls. Each smoke zone equipped with an automatic-initiation device shall be put into operation by the actuation of one such device. Each additional device within the zone shall be verified to cause the same sequence without requiring the operation of fan motors in order to prevent damage. Control sequences shall be verified throughout the system, including verification of override from the firefighter’s control panel and simulation of standby power conditions.

    909.18.8 Testing for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with Section 1705.19 of the California Building Code .

    909.18.8.1 Scope of testing. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the following:

    1. During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
    2. Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure-difference testing, flow measurements, and detection and control verification.

    909.18.8.2 Qualifications. Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.

    909.18.8.3 Reports. A complete report of testing shall be prepared by the approved agency. The report shall include identification of all devices by manufacturer, nameplate data, design values, measured values and identification tag or mark. The report shall be reviewed by the responsible registered design professional and, when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the responsible registered design professional shall sign, seal and date the report.

    909.18.8.3.1 Report filing. A copy of the final report shall be filed with the fire code official and an identical copy shall be maintained in an approved location at the building.

    909.18.9 Identification and documentation. Charts, drawings and other documents identifying and locating each component of the smoke control system, and describing their proper function and maintenance requirements, shall be maintained on file at the building as an attachment to the report required by Section 909.18.8.3. Devices shall have an approved identifying tag or mark on them consistent with the other required documentation and shall be dated indicating the last time they were successfully tested and by whom.

    An approved operations manual describing the complete operations of the smoke control system and functioning of the fire- fighter’s smoke control panel shall be maintained at the fire command center.

    909.19 System acceptance. Buildings, or portions thereof, required by this code to comply with this section shall not be issued a certificate of occupancy until such time that the fire code official determines that the provisions of this section have been fully complied with and that the fire department has received satisfactory instruction on the operation, both automatic and manual, of the system and a written maintenance program complying with the requirements of Section 909.22.1 has been submitted and approved by the fire code official.

  • CFC § 909.16.1. High relevance — show source text

    Control actions shall not require the smoke control system to assume more than one configuration at any one time.

    Exception: Power disconnects required by the California Electrical Code. 2. Only the AUTO position of each three-position firefighter’s control panel switch shall allow automatic or manual control action from other control points within the building. The AUTO position shall be the NORMAL, nonemergency, building control position. Where a firefighter’s control panel is in the AUTO position, the actual status of the device (on, off, open, closed) shall continue to be indicated by the status indicator described in Section 909.16.1. Where directed by an automatic signal to assume an emergency condition, the NORMAL position shall become the emergency condition for that device or group of devices within the zone. Control actions shall not require the smoke control system to assume more than one configuration at any one time.

    [F] 909.17 System response time. Smoke-control system activation shall be initiated immediately after receipt of an appropriate automatic or manual activation command. Smoke control systems shall activate individual components (such as dampers and fans) in the sequence necessary to prevent physical damage to the fans, dampers, ducts and other equipment. For purposes of smoke control, the firefighter’s control panel response time shall be the same for automatic or manual smoke control action initiated from any other building control point. The total response time, including that necessary for detection, shutdown of operating equipment and smoke control system startup, shall allow for full operational mode to be achieved before the conditions in the space exceed the design smoke condition. Upon receipt of an alarm condition at the fire alarm control panel, fans, dampers and automatic doors shall have achieved their proper operating state and the final status shall be indicated at the smoke control panel within 90 seconds. The system response time for each component and their sequential relationships shall be detailed in the required rational analysis and verification of their installed condition reported in the required final report.

    [F] 909.18 Acceptance testing. Devices, equipment, components and sequences shall be individually tested. These tests, in addition to those required by other provisions of this code, shall consist of determination of function, sequence and, where applicable, capacity of their installed condition.

    [F] 909.18.1 Detection devices. Smoke or fire detectors that are a part of a smoke control system shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 9 in their installed condition. Where applicable, this testing shall include verification of airflow in both minimum and maximum conditions.

    [F] 909.18.2 Ducts. Ducts that are part of a smoke control system shall be traversed using generally accepted practices to determine actual air quantities.

    [F] 909.18.3 Dampers. Dampers shall be tested for function in their installed condition in accordance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105.

    [F] 909.18.4 Inlets and outlets. Inlets and outlets shall be read using generally accepted practices to determine air quantities.

    [F] 909.18.5 Fans. Fans shall be examined for correct rotation. Measurements of voltage, amperage, revolutions per minute (rpm) and belt tension shall be made.

    [F] 909.18.6 Smoke barriers. Measurements using inclined manometers or other approved calibrated measuring devices shall be made of the pressure differences across smoke barriers. Such measurements shall be conducted for each possible smoke control condition.

  • CFC § 907.6.5 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • CFC § 901.5.1 High 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 § 909.18.7 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 909.18.7 Controls. Each smoke zone equipped with an automatic-initiation device shall be put into operation by the actuation of one such device. Each additional device within the zone shall be verified to cause the same sequence without requiring the operation of fan motors in order to prevent damage. Control sequences shall be verified throughout the system, including verification of override from the firefighter’s control panel and simulation of standby power conditions.

    [F] 909.18.8 Testing for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with Section 1705.19.

    [F] 909.18.8.1 Scope of testing. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the following:

    1. During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.

    2. Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure-difference testing, flow measurements, and detection and control verification.

    [F] 909.18.8.2 Qualifications. Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.

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    [F] 909.18.8.3 Reports. A complete report of testing shall be prepared by the approved agency. The report shall include identification of all devices by manufacturer, nameplate data, design values, measured values and identification tag or mark. The report shall be reviewed by the responsible registered design professional and, when satisfied that the design intent has been achieved, the responsible registered design professional shall sign, seal and date the report.

    [F] 909.18.8.3.1 Report filing. A copy of the final report shall be filed with the fire code official and an identical copy shall be maintained in an approved location at the building.

    [F] 909.18.9 Identification and documentation. Charts, drawings and other documents identifying and locating each component of the smoke control system, and describing its proper function and maintenance requirements, shall be maintained on file at the building as an attachment to the report required by Section 909.18.8.3. Devices shall have an approved identifying tag or mark on them consistent with the other required documentation and shall be dated indicating the last time they were successfully tested and by whom.

    An approved operations manual describing the complete operations of the smoke control system and functioning of the firefight- ers smoke control panel shall be maintained at the fire command center.

    [F] 909.19 System acceptance. Buildings, or portions thereof, required by this code to comply with this section shall not be issued a certificate of occupancy until such time that the fire code official determines that the provisions of this section have been fully complied with and that the fire department has received satisfactory instruction on the operation, both automatic and manual, of the system and a written maintenance program complying with the requirements of Section 909.20.1 of the California Fire Code has been submitted and approved by the fire code official.

    Exception: In buildings of phased construction, a temporary certificate of occupancy, as approved by the fire code official, shall be allowed provided that those portions of the building to be occupied meet the requirements of this section and that the remainder does not pose a significant hazard to the safety of the proposed occupants or adjacent buildings.

  • CFC § 907.8.4 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    SECTION 908—EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS

    908.1 Group H occupancies. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided as required in Chapter 50. 908.2 Group H-5 occupancy. Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as required in Section 2703.12. 908.3 Fire alarm system interface. Where an emergency alarm system is interfaced with a building’s fire alarm system, the signal produced at the fire alarm control unit shall be a supervisory signal. 908.4 Carbon dioxide enrichment systems. A gas detection system shall be provided in rooms and indoor areas in which carbon diox- ide enrichment processes are located in accordance with Section 5307.3.2.

    SECTION 909—SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

    909.1 Scope and purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems where they are required for new buildings or portions thereof by provisions of the California Building Code or this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-removal provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code .

    909.2 General design requirements. Buildings, structures, or parts thereof required by the California Building Code or this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the generally accepted and well-established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to describe adequately the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied with sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions.

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Frequently asked questions

What must the weekly preprogrammed test report show?

It must operate all smoke control devices and report abnormal conditions audibly, visually and by printed report, and verify presence of power downstream of all disconnects. § 909.12.1.

Who can perform acceptance testing?

Testing must be performed by an approved agency/special inspector with fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and air balancing expertise as described in § 909.18.8.

How fast must the system reach full operational mode?

The system must achieve proper operating state and indicate final status at the smoke control panel within 90 seconds of alarm at the fire alarm control panel. § 909.17.

How often must dedicated vs nondedicated systems be exercised?

Dedicated systems: semiannually; nondedicated systems: annually — both tested under standby power conditions. § 909.22.4–909.22.5.

If a component is bypassed from the weekly test, how often must it be tested?

Bypassed components must be tested semiannually and under standby power conditions. § 909.22.6.

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