CFC · California Fire Code
Special & Alternative Systems (standpipes, extinguishing, CO, pumps)
This page orients readers to the CFC rules for standpipes, alternative and fixed extinguishing systems, CO detection and fire pumps, with pointers to the key sections and testing/maintenance rules.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This hub covers the California Fire Code (CFC) requirements for standpipe systems, fixed and portable fire‑extinguishing systems (including engineered and preengineered alternatives), carbon monoxide (CO) detection, fire pumps and associated fire‑department connections and controls. These topics live in Chapter 9 of the CFC—most notably §903 (automatic sprinkler systems), §904 (alternative/automatic extinguishing systems), §905 (standpipe systems), §906 (portable extinguishers), §912 (fire department connections) and the fire‑pump and high‑rise provisions in §913–§914—alongside CO detection in §915 .
Standpipes and risers are installed and protected in accordance with §905 and NFPA 14 as adopted/amended by California; the code sets location, class, supervision and during‑construction requirements for standpipes . Alternative and fixed extinguishing systems (engineered and pre‑engineered) are addressed in §904, with California Title 19 inspection, testing and maintenance obligations and certification requirements layered on top of the CFC provisions . Fire pumps and redundancy/secondary water supply requirements (including special high‑rise rules) are covered in §913 and §914; these explain installation standards, protection against service interruption and when redundant pumps or secondary supplies are required file. Routine inspection, testing and maintenance standards for these systems are tied to the referenced standards in Table 901.6.1 and the California regulations (Title 19 / NFPA references) .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 9-7 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
911 Explosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69 913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70 914 Fire Protection Based on Special Detailed Requirements of Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . 9-71 915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-75 916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-77 917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CFC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text
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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 § 8-1 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
801 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
802 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
805 Combustible Materials in Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
807 Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE
SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
CFC § 9-1 Medium relevance — show source text
SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55
914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
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916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58
917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
CFC § 902.9 Medium relevance — show source text
(b) Engineered Fixed Extinguishing System. A system which is custom designed for a particular hazard, using components which are approved or listed only for their broad performance characteristics. Components may be arranged into a variety of configurations. These systems shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Dry chemical systems
(2) Carbon dioxide systems
(3) Halogenated agent systems
(4) Steam systems
(5) High expansion foam systems
(6) Foam extinguishing systems
(7) Liquid agent systems (8) Clean agent systems
FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL.
FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT.
FIRE ALARM SIGNAL.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM.
FIRE APPLIANCE [SFM] is apparatus or equipment provided or installed for use in the event of an emergency.
FIRE AREA.
FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM.
FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS.
FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO).
FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
GAS DETECTION SYSTEM.
HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR.
INITIATING DEVICE.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.9(a)] “I” Definitions.
(a) Inspection. A visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.
LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS.
MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX.
MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE.
MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.12(a)] “M” Definitions.
(a) Maintenance. Work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.
NOTIFICATION ZONE.
NUISANCE ALARM.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.15(a)] “P” Definitions.
(a) Pre-engineered Fixed Extinguishing System. A system where the number of components and their configurations are included in the description of the systems approval and listing. These systems shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Dry chemical systems
(2) Carbon dioxide systems
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
(3) Halogenated agent systems
(4) Liquid agent systems
(5) Clean agent systems
PRIVATE GARAGE.
RECORD DRAWINGS.
SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM.
SLEEPING UNIT.
SMOKE ALARM.
SMOKE DETECTOR.
STANDPIPE, TYPES OF.
Automatic dry.
Automatic wet.
Manual dry.
Manual wet.
Semiautomatic dry.
STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF.
Class I system.
Class II system.
Class III system.
SUPERVISING STATION.
SUPERVISORY SERVICE.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §902.18(a)] “S” Definitions.
(a) Service. The performance of testing and maintenance on an automatic fire extinguishing system.
TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF.
TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT.
CFC § 904.14.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 904.14.3.1 Ventilation system. Commercial-type cooking equipment protected by an automatic carbon dioxide-extinguishing system shall be arranged to shut off the ventilation system upon activation.
[F] 904.14.4 Special provisions for automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting commercial-type cooking equipment shall be supplied from a separate, indicating-type control valve that is identified. Access to the control valve shall be provided.
[F] 904.14.4.1 Listed sprinklers. Sprinklers used for the protection of fryers shall be tested in accordance with UL 199E, listed for that application and installed in accordance with their listing.
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[F] 904.15 Domestic cooking facilities. Cooktops and ranges installed in the following occupancies shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.1:
- In Group R-2.1 occupancies where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.9.
- In Group I-2 occupancies where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 407.2.7.
- In Group R-2 college dormitories where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.11.
[F] 904.15.1 Protection from fire. Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.1.1 or 904.15.1.2.
[F] 904.15.1.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing system. The domestic recirculating or exterior vented cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with the following:
The automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 300A and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be provided in accordance with Section 904.14.1.
Interconnection of the fuel and electric power supply shall be in accordance with Section 904.14.2.
[F] 904.15.1.2 Ignition prevention. Cooktops and ranges shall include burners that have been tested and listed to prevent ignition of cooking oil with burners turned on to their maximum heat settings and allowed to operate for 30 minutes.
SECTION 905—STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
[F] 905.1 General. Standpipe systems shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 905.2 through 905. 10 . In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 905.2 Installation standard. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14 as amended in Chapter 35. Fire department connections for standpipe systems shall be in accordance with Section 912.
[F] 905.3 Required installations. Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.10 . Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.
Exceptions:
CFC § 904.2 Medium relevance — show source text
[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.
(a) All testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13195 shall be performed by those licensed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13196.5.
Exceptions:
(1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, licensing of fire departments which conduct fire sprinkler and standpipe system testing and maintenance.
(2) Service on fire alarm systems and industrial systems as specified in Health and Safety Code Sections 13196.5(b) and (c) may be conducted without a license.
(3) Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.
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[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.
Exceptions:
(1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accor- dance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.
(2) If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.
(A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
CFC § 904.7 Medium relevance — show source text
(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.
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.
904.2.2 Commercial hood and duct systems. Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 606 to have a Type I hood shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code.
904.3 Installation. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with this section.
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904.3.1 Electrical wiring. Electrical wiring shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
904.3.2 Actuation. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation in accordance with Section 904.14.1. 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.
904.3.3 System interlocking. Automatic equipment interlocks with fuel shutoffs, ventilation controls, door closers, window shutters, conveyor openings, smoke and heat vents and other features necessary for proper operation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be provided as required by the design and installation standard utilized for the hazard.
CFC § 905.8 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Visual identification panels of glass or other approved transparent frangible material that is easily broken and allows
access.
- Approved locking arrangements.
- Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas of Group I-2 occupancies.
905.8 Dry standpipes. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.
Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.
905.9 Valve supervision. Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change in the normal position of the valve will generate a supervisory signal at the supervising station required by Section 903.4.1. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall be transmitted to the control unit.
Exceptions:
- Valves to underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes do not require supervision.
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- Valves locked in the normal position and inspected as provided in this code in buildings not equipped with a fire alarm system.
905.10 During construction. Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3307.
905.11 Locking standpipe outlet caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.
905.12 Existing buildings. Where required in Chapter 11, existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905.
SECTION 906—PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:
In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exceptions:
In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1A:10-B:C.
In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.
In storage areas of Group S occupancies where forklift, powered industrial truck or powered cart operators are the primary occupants, fixed extinguishers, as specified in NFPA 10, shall not be required where in accordance with all of the following: 3.1. Use of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be approved by the fire code official. 3.2. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a 10-pound, 40A:80B:C extinguisher affixed to the vehicle using a mounting bracket approved by the extinguisher manufacturer or the fire code official for vehicular use. 3.3. Not less than two spare extinguishers of equal or greater rating shall be available on-site to replace a discharged extinguisher. 3.4. Vehicle operators shall be trained in the proper operation, use and inspection of extinguishers. 3.5. Inspections of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be performed daily.
CFC § 901.6.1 Medium relevance — show source text
17— 24 : Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems Table 901.6.1, 904.6, 904.14
17A— 24 : Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems Table 901.6.1, 904.5, 904.14
20— 25 : Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
913.1, 913.2, 913.5.1
22—23: Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection
507.2.2
24— 25 : Standard for Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, as amended*
507.2.1, 2809.5, 3109F
*NFPA 24, Amended Sections as follows:
Amend Section 4.2.1 as follows:
Section 4.2.1. Installation work shall be done by fully experienced and responsible contractors. Contractors shall be appropriately licensed in the State of California to install private fire service mains and their appurtenances.
Revise Section 4.2.2 as follows:
4.2.2 Installation or modification of private fire service mains shall not begin until plans are approved and appropriate permits secured from the authority having jurisdiction.
Add Section 4.2.2.1 as follows:
4.2.2.1 As approved by the authority having jurisdiction, emergency repair of existing system may start immediately, with plans being submitted to the authority having jurisdiction within 96 hours from the start of the repair work.
Revise Section 5.9.5.1 as follows:
5.9.5.1 Fire department connections shall be on the street side of buildings and as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
Add Sections 6.6.1.1, 6.6.1.2, 6.6.1.3 and 6.6.1.4 as follows:
6.6.1.1 Sectional control valves are not required when the fire service main system serves less than six fire appurtenances.
6.6.1.2 Sectional control valves shall be indicating valves in accordance with NFPA 13, Section 6.7.1.3.
6.6.1.3 Sectional control valves shall be located so that no more than five fire appurtenances are affected by shut-down of any single portion of the fire service main. Each fire hydrant, fire sprinkler system riser and standpipe riser shall be considered a separate fire appurtenance. In-rack sprinkler systems shall not be considered as a separate appurtenance.
6.6.1.4 The number of fire appurtenances between sectional control valves is allowed to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction.
Revise Section 10.4.3.1.1 as follows:
10.4.3.1.1 Pipe joints shall not be located under foundation footings. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall not contain mechanical joints.
Exceptions:
1. Where allowed in accordance with 10.4.3.2.
CFC § 904.2 Medium relevance — show source text
(A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(h) At the time of testing and maintenance, building management shall be consulted to avoid unnecessary disturbance of normal building operation.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(i)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(i) The licensee shall contact the local fire authority having jurisdiction prior to testing and maintenance of a system when required by the local fire authority having jurisdiction to do so.
901.6.1 Standards. Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapters 3 and 5.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(a)] Inspection Requirements.
(a) A license shall not be required to perform inspections. Inspections may be conducted by any person designated by the building owner or occupant who has developed competence through training and experience.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(g)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(g) Prior to activating any fire alarm component of an automatic fire extinguishing system, the licensee shall ensure that the licensee is capable of restoring the fire alarm system.
TABLE 901.6.1—FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Col2 SYSTEM STANDARD Portable fire extinguishers California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3 Carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 12 Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 12A Dry-chemical extinguishing systems NFPA 17 Wet-chemical extinguishing systems NFPA 17A Water-based fire protection systems California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 Fire alarm systems NFPA 72 Fire dampers NFPA 80 Smoke dampers NFPA 105 Smoke and heat vents NFPA 204 Water-mist systems NFPA 750 Clean-agent extinguishing systems NFPA 2001 Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 2010 901.6.2 Integrated testing. Where two or more fire protection or life safety systems are interconnected, the intended response of subordinate fire protection and life safety systems shall be verified when required testing of the initiating system is conducted. In addition, integrated testing shall be performed in accordance with Sections 901.6.2.1 and 901.6.2.2.
CFC § 914.3.1.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
914.3.1.1.1 Buildings 420 feet or less in height. In buildings 420 feet (128 m) or less in height, sprinkler systems shall be supplied by a single standpipe or sprinkler express riser within each vertical water supply zone.
914.3.1.1.2 Buildings over 420 feet in height. In buildings more than 420 feet (128 m) in height, not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers shall supply automatic sprinkler systems within each vertical water supply zone. Each standpipe or sprinkler express riser shall supply automatic sprinkler systems on alternating floors within the vertical water supply zone such that two adjacent floors are not supplied from the same riser.
914.3.1.1.3 Riser location. Standpipe or sprinkler express risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-71
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
914.3.1.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In all buildings having an occupied floor that is more than 120 feet ( 36 576 mm ) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.
Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be permitted provided that the main is valved such that an interruption can be isolated so that the water supply will continue without interruption through not fewer than one of the connections.
914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.
914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.
914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.
Frequently asked questions
When are standpipes required in a building?
Standpipe requirements and where they must be provided are set out in §905; standpipes must be installed per the section and NFPA 14 (as amended), with specific rules for riser protection, valve supervision, hose‑connection spacing and construction‑phase needs spelled out in §905.1–§905.12 .
What counts as an "alternative" or fixed extinguishing system and how often must it be tested?
Alternative systems include engineered and pre‑engineered fixed extinguishing systems (dry chemical, CO2, clean agents, wet/dry chemical, foam, etc.) under §904; California also imposes Title 19 inspection, testing and maintenance frequencies and certification requirements for service personnel, and semiannual inspection for engineered/pre‑engineered systems (and immediately after activation) file.
When are fire pumps or redundant pumps required?
Fire pump installation, protection and installation standards are in §913 (with NFPA 20 as the installation standard); high‑rise and other special‑use provisions in §914 establish when redundant pump systems or secondary on‑site water supplies are required (for example, redundant pumps for certain very tall high‑rise buildings) file.
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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