CFC · California Fire Code
What rules apply to alternative fixed fire‑extinguishing systems (CO2, clean agents, water mist)?
If you plan to use CO2, a clean‑agent, or a water‑mist system instead of sprinklers, the California Fire Code requires the system be designed/installed to the applicable NFPA standard, approved by the fire code official, and maintained/tested to strict intervals (container checks every 6 months, hose inspections annually, periodic pressure tests). Documentation, certified service personnel, and correct alarms/supervision are required — and the system cannot be treated as a sprinkler reduction unless explicitly approved.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Alternative fixed fire‑extinguishing systems (that is, systems other than automatic sprinklers) must be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with this Chapter and the applicable referenced standards and listings. The system type (for example carbon dioxide, clean‑agent, or automatic water mist) must meet its respective NFPA/State listing and be approved by the fire code official when used as an alternative to sprinklers. See § 904.1 and the specific system sections § 904.8, § 904.10 and § 904.11 for the detailed requirements.
The single most important rule: an alternative fixed extinguishing system must be installed, maintained and tested to the CFC and the referenced NFPA/State standards and be approved by the fire code official — you cannot substitute an unlisted system or ignore the required inspection schedule.
Requirements in detail
General rules (what applies to all alternatives)
- Systems other than automatic sprinklers are governed by § 904.1; they must be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with Section 904 and the referenced standards. Service personnel must be certified as required by § 904.1.1.
- When an alternative system is used in place of a required sprinkler, it must be approved by the fire code official; alternatives are not automatically allowed simply because they exist. § 904.2.
- Testing and maintenance frequencies are set by the code and by California Code of Regulations, Title 19 (these Title 19 inspection/testing frequencies apply to the systems referenced in Section 904). See the Title 19 cross‑references in § 904.1 and the State requirements for semi‑annual service on engineered / pre‑engineered systems.
Carbon dioxide systems (CO2) — what the CFC says
- Carbon dioxide systems must be installed, maintained, inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 12, the State regulations and their listing. § 904.8.
- Hoses and hose lines have specific test requirements: hoses are examined annually and tested at specified pressures (for CO2 high‑pressure hoses the minimum test is 2,500 psi; low‑pressure hoses 900 psi) — see the hose test procedure and intervals in the CO2/Halon provisions. § 904.8.4.1 and related subsections.
- Auxiliary components (switches, damper releases, interconnected valves, door/window releases, supplementary alarms) must be exercised at 12‑month intervals. § 904.8.5.
Clean‑agent systems — what the CFC says
- Clean‑agent fire‑extinguishing systems are covered by § 904.10 and must be installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 2001, Title 19 and their listing. § 904.10.
- Containers (agent cylinders) must have their agent quantity and pressure checked at six‑month intervals. If a container shows loss of more than 5 percent of original weight or more than 10 percent loss of original pressure (temperature‑adjusted), the container must be refilled or replaced and the condition recorded on a tag. § 904.10.2.
- Hoses for clean‑agent systems must be examined every 12 months and all hoses tested at 5‑year intervals. § 904.10.3.
- NFPA 2001 / the CFC also adds state amendments (for example alarm‑signal coordination and visual appliance lens color requirements); follow the listed standard as amended.
Automatic water mist systems — what the CFC says
- Automatic water mist systems are permitted where consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and must comply with § 904.11 (including Sections 904.11.1 — 904.11.3). § 904.11 requires design/installation per NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions. § 904.11.1.1 and § 904.11.1.2 require automatic actuation.
- Connections to potable water supplies must be protected against backflow per the California Plumbing Code. § 904.11.1.3.
- Where a secondary water supply is required for sprinklers, a water mist system must also have an approved secondary water supply. § 904.11.1.4.
- Supervision, monitoring and alarm requirements for water mist systems mirror those for automatic sprinklers (see § 904.11.2 referencing Section 903.4 series for supervision and monitoring). § 904.11.2, § 904.11.2.1–904.11.2.2.
Quick decision table (what you look at when choosing/approving a system)
| System | Primary standard / listing | Design & actuation | Typical inspection/test cadence | Key thresholds / values | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | NFPA 12; State Title 19; listing | Engineered per NFPA 12; automatic + manual actuation | Containers/checks 6 months; hoses examined 12 months; hoses pressure‑tested per spec | Hose test pressures: 2,500 psi (high) / 900 psi (low); see service intervals | § 904.8 |
| Clean‑agent (gaseous) | NFPA 2001; State Title 19; listing | Engineered per NFPA 2001; automatic + manual actuation | Container check 6 months; hoses examined 12 months; hose test 5 years | Refill/replace if weight loss > 5% or pressure loss > 10% (temp‑adjusted) | § 904.10 |
| Automatic water mist | NFPA 750; manufacturer listings/approvals | Designed per NFPA 750; automatic actuation required; backflow protection | Testing/maintenance per Title 19 and NFPA 750; supervision per sprinkler rules | Must be provided with a secondary water supply where sprinklers require one; backflow protection required | § 904.11 |
(Use the referenced NFPA editions and State Title 19 requirements shown in the code text for the precise design details and any State amendments noted in the referenced standards.)
Exceptions & special cases
- An alternative system used instead of a required sprinkler must be approved by the fire code official; approval is not automatic — plan reviewers will expect evidence of compliance with the referenced NFPA standard and, where required, large‑scale fire testing. § 904.2 and the energy storage alternative list are examples.
- Alternative systems cannot be used to claim exceptions or reductions that the Code grants specifically for sprinkler systems (i.e., you cannot use an alternative extinguishing system to obtain a sprinkler reduction unless the fire code official approves otherwise). § 904.2.1.
- State Title 19 contains mandatory inspection, testing and maintenance frequencies (for example, semi‑annual service of engineered/pre‑engineered systems and Title 19‑prescribed intervals for water‑based systems referencing NFPA 25) — local jurisdictions may require tighter schedules. See Title 19 cross‑references in § 904.1.
- Special hazards such as commercial cooking hoods require dedicated provisions (CO2 in ducts, nozzle placement and ventilation shutdown) — see § 904.14.3 for duct nozzle and ventilation interlock details when CO2 is used for cooking‑equipment protection.
Common mistakes
- Assuming “because it’s a gaseous system it’s automatically acceptable.” The system must be listed, meet the applicable NFPA standard and be approved by the fire code official (no automatic substitution). § 904.2.
- Missing the Title 19 inspection/testing requirements — many designers quote NFPA but overlook the California Title 19 requirement for semi‑annual service and the specific intervals for container checks and hose tests. § 904.1 and Title 19 cross‑references.
- Failing to tag cylinder checks or to record container weight/pressure changes — the code requires container checks and tags when weight/pressure loss thresholds are exceeded. § 904.10.2 and § 904.9.2.
- Using CO2 or other asphyxiant agents in occupied spaces without appropriate safeguards (notification, egress, detection and FCO approval). The code’s referenced standards and Title 19/other sections set safety/detection expectations.
Worked example — small IT/server room protected with a clean‑agent system
Scenario: A 1,200 ft² server room will be protected with a listed clean‑agent gaseous extinguishing system. The design team proposes a system per NFPA 2001 and a single cylinder bank of agent.
What the CFC requires and what you must document:
- Approval: The fire code official must approve using the clean‑agent system in lieu of automatic sprinklers (alternative protection per § 903.1.1 / § 904.2). Submit NFPA 2001 design documents and listing data.
- Design & actuation: System designed and installed to NFPA 2001; automatic actuation plus manual actuation provided (per § 904.3 and § 904.10).
- Cylinder checks: If a container’s original filled weight is 120 lb, a 5 percent loss = 6 lb. If during a 6‑month check the cylinder has lost more than 6 lb, it must be refilled or replaced and tagged. Likewise, if the cylinder’s original pressure (temperature‑adjusted) was 3,000 psi and it has fallen by more than 10% (i.e., 300 psi), it must be refilled/replaced. § 904.10.2.
- Hoses & fittings: Hoses are examined every 12 months and pressure/functional tests performed every 5 years (document inspection records and the 5‑year test). § 904.10.3.
- Alarms & monitoring: The system’s alarm notification must be coordinated so it does not interfere with the building fire alarm (conforming to State amendments to NFPA 2001) and monitoring/supervision per the applicable sprinkler‑like supervisory rules when required.
Recordkeeping: Keep inspection/test records and tags on containers as required by § 904.10 and Title 19; provide proof when requested by the authority having jurisdiction.
Related provisions (CFC sections you should check)
- § 904.1 — General requirements for alternative fixed extinguishing systems.
- § 904.2 — Approval and restrictions when used as an alternative to required sprinklers.
- § 904.8 — Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems (design, testing, maintenance).
- § 904.9 — Halogenated (Halon) systems and associated test/maintenance rules (hose tests, container checks).
- § 904.10 — Clean‑agent systems (NFPA 2001, container/hoses/test intervals).
- § 904.11 — Automatic water mist systems (NFPA 750; actuation; water supply/backflow/secondary supply).
- § 903.1.1 — When alternative protection is permitted instead of sprinklers (approval + standard recognition).
- Title 19, Division 1 (California Code of Regulations) — mandatory inspection/testing/maintenance frequencies referenced throughout Section 904.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 904.8 High relevance — show source text
[F] 904.8 Carbon dioxide systems. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, NFPA 12 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.9 Halon systems. Halogenated extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, NFPA 12A and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.10 Clean-agent systems. Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 2001 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.11 Automatic water mist systems. Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.
[F] 904.11.1 Design and installation requirements. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.
[F] 904.11.1.1 General. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
[F] 904.11.1.2 Actuation. Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.
[F] 904.11.1.3 Water supply protection. Connections to a potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .
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[F] 904.11.1.4 Secondary water supply. Where a secondary water supply is required for an automatic sprinkler system, an automatic water mist system shall be provided with an approved secondary water supply.
[F] 904.11.2 Water mist system supervision and alarms. Supervision and alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.1.
[F] 904.11.2.1 Monitoring. Monitoring shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.2.
[F] 904.11.2.2 Alarms. Alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.3.
[F] 904.11.2.3 Floor control valves. Floor control valves shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.9.
[F] 904.11.3 Testing and maintenance. Automatic water mist systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and California Fire Code .
[F] 904.12 Hybrid fire extinguishing systems. Hybrid fire extinguishing systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 770. Records of inspection and testing shall be maintained.
CFC § 904.4.2 High relevance — show source text
Location and identification of audible and visible alarm devices.
Identification of devices with proper designations.
Operating instructions.
[F] 904.4.2 Alarm testing. Notification appliances, connections to fire alarm systems and connections to approved supervising stations shall be tested in accordance with this section and Section 907 to verify proper operation.
[F] 904.4.2.1 Audible and visible signals. The audibility and visibility of notification appliances signaling agent discharge or system operation, where required, shall be verified.
[F] 904.4.3 Monitor testing. Connections to protected premises and supervising station fire alarm systems shall be tested to verify proper identification and retransmission of alarms from automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
[F] 904.5 Wet-chemical systems. Wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 17A and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.6 Dry-chemical systems. Dry-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 17 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.7 Foam systems. Foam-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 11 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.8 Carbon dioxide systems. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, NFPA 12 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.9 Halon systems. Halogenated extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, NFPA 12A and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.10 Clean-agent systems. Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 2001 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
[F] 904.11 Automatic water mist systems. Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.
[F] 904.11.1 Design and installation requirements. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.
[F] 904.11.1.1 General. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
[F] 904.11.1.2 Actuation. Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.
CFC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
** Rooms and areas within buildings and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall be protected by an automatic fire suppression system designed and installed in accordance with one of the following:
- Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) with a maximum stored energy capacity of 50 kWh, as described in Section 1207.5.1, shall be designed with a minimum density of 0.3 gpm/ft [2] (1.14 L/min) based over the area of the room or 2,500 square-foot (232 m [2] ) design area, whichever is smaller, unless a lower density is approved based on large-scale fire testing in accordance with Section 1207.1.7.
- Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) exceeding 50 kWh shall use a density based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.
- The following alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 904, provided that the installation is approved by the fire code official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7:
3.1. NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems . 3.2. NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection . 3.3. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems . 3.4. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 3.5. NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems . Exceptions:
- Fire suppression systems for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be provided where required by NFPA 76.
- Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations, shall not be required to have a fire suppression system installed.
- Lead-acid battery systems in uninterruptable power supplies listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1778, utilized for standby power applications, which is limited to not more than 10 percent of the floor area on the floor on which the ESS is located, shall not be required to have a fire suppression system. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)
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1207.5.5.1 Water-reactive systems. Electrochemical ESS that utilize water-reactive materials shall be protected by an approved alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904, where the installation is approved by the fire code official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7. 1207.5.6 Maximum enclosure size. Outdoor walk-in units housing ESS shall not exceed 53 feet by 8 feet by 9.5 feet high (16 154 mm × 2438 mm × 2896 mm), not including bolt-on HVAC and related equipment, as approved.
CFC § 565.2. High relevance — show source text
FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
(d) Extinguishers for protection of Class C hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water mist types rated for Class C. Carbon dioxide extinguishers equipped with metal horns are not considered safe for use on fires in energized electrical equipment and, therefore, are not classified for use on Class C hazards.
(e) Extinguishers and extinguishing agents for the protection of Class D hazards shall be of types approved for use on the specific combustible metal hazard.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §566(a) through (f)] Application for Specific Hazards.
(a) Class B Fire Extinguishers for Pressurized Flammable Liquids and Pressurized Gas Fires. Fires of this nature are considered to be a special hazard. Class B fire extinguishers containing agents other than dry chemical are relatively ineffective on this type of hazard due to stream and agent characteristics. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommenda- tions by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not applicable to these types of hazards. It has been determined that special nozzle design and rates of agent application are required to cope with such hazards. Caution: It is undesirable to attempt to extinguish this type of fire unless there is reasonable assurance that the source of fuel can be promptly shut off.
(b) Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) shall be listed and labeled Class K fires.
(c) Three-dimensional Class B Fires. A three-dimensional Class B fire involves Class B materials in motion such as pouring, running or dripping flammable liquids and generally includes vertical as well as one or more horizontal surfaces. Fires of this nature are consid- ered to be a special hazard. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommendations by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not directly applicable to this type of hazard.
(d) Water Soluble Flammable Liquid Fires (Polar Solvents). Extinguishers used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetones, esters, ketones, etc., shall be selected in accordance with Section 565.2. AFFF-type and FFFP-type fire extinguishers shall not be used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetone, esters, ketones, etc., unless specifically referenced on the extinguisher nameplate.
(e) Electronic Equipment Fires. Extinguishers for the protection of delicate electronic equipment shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide type or a halogenated agent type, or a distilled water mist type with a minimum Class A:C Rating.
(f) In patient care areas and sleeping rooms of health care facilities, fire extinguishers, including the agents and expelling means, should be selected and utilized that would not be detrimental to patients and are appropriate for the type of fire expected, such as distilled water mist type fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A:C rating.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.8] Installation Temperatures.
CFC § 1207.5.4 High relevance — show source text
Where approved, installations shall be permitted in underground vaults complying with the California Electrical Code, Article 450, Part III.
Where approved by the fire code official, installations shall be permitted on higher and lower floors. 1207.5.4 Fire detection. An approved automatic smoke detection system or radiant energy-sensing fire detection system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in rooms, indoor areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS. An approved radiant energy-sensing fire detection system shall be installed to protect open parking garage and rooftop installations. Alarm signals from detection systems shall be transmitted to a central station, proprietary or remote station service in accordance with NFPA 72, or where approved to a constantly attended location. Exception: Normally unoccupied, remote stand-alone telecommunications structures with a gross floor area of less than 1,500 square feet (139 m [2] ) utilizing lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries shall not be required to have a fire detection system installed. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)
1207.5.4.1 System status. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations, shall be allowed to use the process control system to monitor the smoke or radiant energy-sensing fire detectors required in Section 1207.5.4. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) 1207.5.5 Fire suppression systems. Rooms and areas within buildings and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall be protected by an automatic fire suppression system designed and installed in accordance with one of the following:
- Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) with a maximum stored energy capacity of 50 kWh, as described in Section 1207.5.1, shall be designed with a minimum density of 0.3 gpm/ft [2] (1.14 L/min) based over the area of the room or 2,500 square-foot (232 m [2] ) design area, whichever is smaller, unless a lower density is approved based on large-scale fire testing in accordance with Section 1207.1.7.
- Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) exceeding 50 kWh shall use a density based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.
- The following alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 904, provided that the installation is approved by the fire code official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7:
3.1. NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems . 3.2. NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection . 3.3. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems . 3.4. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 3.5. NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems . Exceptions: 1.
CFC § 803.4 High relevance — show source text
703—24: Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials
803.4
704—22: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response
202, 608.8, 5003.2.2.2, 5003.5, 5003.10.2, 5005.1.10, 5005.1.12, 5005.2.1.1, 5005.4.4, 5503.4.1, 5704.2.3.2
750—23: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems 202, Table 901.6.1, 904.11.1.1, 904.14, 1207.5.5
770—21: Standard on Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.13
780—23: Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
4003.4
853—20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems
1206.3, 1206.4, 1206.6.2, 1206.11, 1206.12,
855— 23 : Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems
1201.1
914— 24 : Code for the Protection of Historic Structures
1103.1.1
1122— 22 : Code for Model Rocketry
5601.1.4
1123—22: Code for Fireworks Display
202, 5604.2, 5608.1, 5608.2.2, 5608.5, 5608.6
1124—06: Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles
5601.1.3
1124—22: Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles
202, 5604.2, 5605.1, 5605.3, 5605.4, 5605.5, 5609.1
1125—22: Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High-Power Rocket Motors
5601.1.4
1126—21: Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience
5604.2, 5605.1, 5608.1, 5608.2.2, 5608.4, 5608.5
1127—18: Code for High-Power Rocketry
5601.1.4
1142—22: Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Firefighting
B103.3
1225—22: Standard for Emergency Services Communications
510.4.2, 510.5
2001—22: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, as amended* Table 901.6.1, 904.10, 1207.5.5
*NFPA 2001, Amended Sections as follows:
Add Sections 4.3.5.1.1 and 4.3.5.2.1 to read as follows:
4.3.5.1.1 Alarms signals from the fire extinguishing system shall not interfere with the building fire alarm signal.
CFC § 415.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
704—22: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response
202, 415.5.2
750—23: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
202, 904.11.1.1, 904.14
770—21: Standard on Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.13
780— 23 : Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
2703.2, 2703.2.1, 2703.3
1124—22: Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles
415.6.4.1
2001—22: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems , as amended*
904.10
*NFPA 2001, Amended Sections as follows:
Add Sections 4.3.5.1.1 and 4.3.5.2.1 to read as follows:
4.3.5.1.1 Alarms signals from the fire extinguishing system shall not interfere with the building fire alarm signal.
4.3.5.2.1 The lens on visual appliances shall be “red” in color.
Exception: Other lens colors are permitted where approved by the enforcing agency.
2010—20: Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.13
PCI Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, 8770 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60631-3517
MNL-120—17: PCI Design Handbook, 8th Edition
1909A.1.1, 1909A.1.2
PCI 124—18: Specification for Fire Resistance of Precast/Prestressed Concrete
722.1, 722.2.3.1
PCI 128—19: Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels
1903.2
PTI Post-Tensioning Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
PTI DC10.5—19: Standard Requirements for Design and Analysis of Shallow Post-Tensioned Concrete Foundations on Expansive and Stable Soils
1808.6.2
PTI DC35.1—14: Recommendations for Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors
1810A.3.10.4, 1811A.2, 1812A.4, 1812A.5, 1810.3.10.4.1, 1811.2, 1812.4, 1812.5,1813.2
RMI Rack Manufacturers Institute, 8720 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217
ANSI MH16.1—2021: Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Storage Racks
ANSI MH16.3—2021: Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Cantilevered Storage Racks
2209.2
SBCA Structural Building Components Association, 6300 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719
ANSI/SBCA FS 100—2012(R2018): Standard Requirements for Wind Pressure Resistance of Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing Used in Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies
2603.10
CFC § 904.9.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
904.9.3.1 Test procedure. For Halon 1301 systems, hoses shall be tested at not less than 1,500 psi (10 343 kPa) for 600 psi (4137 kPa) charging pressure systems and not less than 900 psi (6206 kPa) for 360 psi (2482 kPa) charging pressure systems. For Halon 1211 hand-hose line systems, hoses shall be tested at 2,500 psi (17 238 kPa) for high-pressure systems and 900 psi (6206 kPa) for low-pressure systems.
904.9.4 Auxiliary equipment. Auxiliary and supplementary components, such as switches, door and window releases, interconnected valves, damper releases and supplementary alarms, shall be manually operated at 12-month intervals to ensure such components are in proper operating condition.
904.10 Clean-agent systems. Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 2001 and their listing. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
904.10.1 System test. Systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.
904.10.2 Containers. The extinguishing agent quantity and pressure of the containers shall be checked at six-month intervals. Where a container shows a loss in original weight of more than 5 percent or a loss in original pressure, adjusted for temperature, of more than 10 percent, the container shall be refilled or replaced. The weight and pressure of the container shall be recorded on a tag attached to the container.
904.10.3 System hoses. System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. All hoses shall be tested at 5-year intervals.
904.11 Automatic water mist systems. Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.
904.11.1 Design and installation requirements. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.
904.11.1.1 General. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with California Code of Regu- lations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
904.11.1.2 Actuation. Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.
904.11.1.3 Water supply protection. Connections to a potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .
904.11.1.4 Secondary water supply. Where a secondary water supply is required for an automatic sprinkler system, an automatic water mist system shall be provided with an approved secondary water supply.
904.11.2 Water mist system supervision and alarms. Supervision and alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.1.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
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 § 712.1.13.1 Medium relevance — show source text
288—22: Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Horizontal Fire Door Assemblies Installed in Horizontal Fire Resistance-Rated Assemblies
712.1.13.1
289—23: Standard Method of Fire Test for Individual Fuel Packages
402.6.2, 402.6.4.5, 424.2, 806.4
409—22: Standard on Aircraft Hangars 412.3.6, Table 412.3.6, 412.3.6.1, 412.5.5
418— 24 : Standard for Heliports
412.7.4
484—22: Standard for Combustible Metals
426.1
502—20: Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways
429
652—19: Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust
426.1
654—20: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids
426.1
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REFERENCED STANDARDS
655—19: Standard for the Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions
426.1
664—20: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
426.1
701—23: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
410.2.6, 424.2, 806.4, 3102.3, 3102.3.1, 3102.6.1.1, 3105.3
704—22: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response
202, 415.5.2
750—23: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
202, 904.11.1.1, 904.14
770—21: Standard on Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.13
780— 23 : Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
2703.2, 2703.2.1, 2703.3
1124—22: Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles
415.6.4.1
2001—22: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems , as amended*
904.10
*NFPA 2001, Amended Sections as follows:
Add Sections 4.3.5.1.1 and 4.3.5.2.1 to read as follows:
4.3.5.1.1 Alarms signals from the fire extinguishing system shall not interfere with the building fire alarm signal.
4.3.5.2.1 The lens on visual appliances shall be “red” in color.
Exception: Other lens colors are permitted where approved by the enforcing agency.
2010—20: Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems
904.13
PCI Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, 8770 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60631-3517
CFC § 517.7 Medium relevance — show source text
517.7 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment for Solid-Fuel Cooking. Solid-fuel cooking appliances that produce greaseladen vapors shall be protected by listed fire-extinguishing equipment.
Exception: Where acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, solid-fuel cooking appliances constructed of solid masonry or reinforced Portland or refractory cement concrete and vented in accordance with NFPA 211 shall not require fixed automatic fire-extinguishing equipment. [NFPA 96:15.7.1, 15.7.2]
517.7.1 Grease Removal Devices, Hoods, and Duct Systems. Listed fire-extinguishing equipment shall be provided for the protection of grease removal devices, hoods, and duct systems. [NFPA 96:15.7.3]
Exception: Where acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, solid-fuel cooking appliances constructed of solid masonry or reinforced Portland or refractory cement concrete and vented in accordance with NFPA 211 shall
not require automatic fire-extinguishing equipment for the protection of grease removal devices, hoods, and duct systems. [NFPA 96:15.7.4]
517.7.2 Listed Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. Listed fire-extinguishing equipment for solid-fuel-burning cooking appliances, where required, shall comply with Section 513.0 and shall use water-based agents.
[NFPA 96:15.7.5] 517.7.3 Rating and Design. Fire-extinguishing equipment shall be rated and designed to extinguish solid-fuel cooking fires. The fire-extinguishing equipment shall be of sufficient size to totally extinguish fire in the entire hazard area and prevent reignition of the fuel. [NFPA 96:15.7.6, 15.7.7] 517.7.4 Listing/Class. All solid fuel appliances (whether under a hood or not) with fireboxes of 5 cubic feet (0.14 m [3] ) volume or less shall have at least a listed 2-A rated water-spray fire extinguisher or a 1.6 gallon (6.1 L) wet chemical fire extinguisher listed for Class K fires in accordance with NFPA 10 with a maximum travel distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) to the appliance. [NFPA 96:15.7.8] 517.7.5 Fixed-Water Pipe System. Solid fuel appliances with fireboxes exceeding 5 cubic feet (0.14 m [3] ) shall be provided with a fixed-water pipe system with a hose in the kitchen capable of reaching the firebox. The hose shall be equipped with an adjustable nozzle capable of producing a fine to medium spray or mist. The nozzle shall be of the type that cannot produce a straight stream. The system shall have a minimum operating pressure of 40 psi (276
kPa) and shall provide a minimum of 5 gallons per minute (gpm) (0.3 L/s). [NFPA 96:15.7.9.1 – 15.7.9.2] 517.7.6 Fuel Storage. All fuel storage areas for cooking operations in buildings shall be provided with a sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA 13 except as permitted in accordance with the following:
(1) Where acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, fuel storage areas shall be permitted to be protected with a fixed water pipe system with a hose capable of reaching all parts of the area.
CFC § 902.15 Medium relevance — show source text
(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.
TROUBLE SIGNAL.
VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT.
WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM.
ZONE.
ZONE, NOTIFICATION.
SECTION 903—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted instead of automatic sprinkler system protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official.
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21.
Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by Section 1207 for energy storage systems and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are 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 not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.
903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section.
CFC § 9-7 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
911 Explosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67 912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-69 913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70 914 Fire Protection Based on Special Detailed Requirements of Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . 9-71 915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-75 916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-77 917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-78
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CFC § 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 § 903.4.2 Medium 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 § 1030.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Egress 1018, 1030 Folding and telescopic seating 1030.1.1
Grandstands 1030.1.1
Hazardous materials 5003.11.1.1.9 High-piled combustible storage 3205.5, 3206.10 Mercantile 1018.3, 1018.4 Obstruction of 1030.9.6.1, 1032.3,
1032.5
Tables 1030.13.1
Tents 3103.11.5
Transitions 1030.10
Travel distance 1030.7
Width 1018.3, 1030.9.1, 1104.22, 3206.10.1, 5904.1.2 Alarm 903.4.3, 2405.9.3, 2703.13.2.1,
6004.2.2.10.1
Activations 401.3.2
Audible 907.5.2.1 Coded signals 405.5 Notification appliance 202, 907.5.2.3 Nuisance alarm 202, 907.8.3 Signals 903.4.2, 2703.12.3 Testing 901.5, 901.6, 904.4.2 Visible 907.5.2.3
Warning signs 904.3.4 Alarm, Smoke (see Smoke Alarms) Alarm Signal Defined 202
Alcohol-Based Hand Rub 5001.1, 5705.5 Defined 202
Alcohol-Blended Fuels Compatibility of components 2306.8.2 Defined 202
Dispensing 2306.8 Listed equipment 2306.8.1 Alteration 101.2, 102.4, 102.6, Section 105, 108.5, 110.5, Section 115, 311.3, 315.3.2, 316.3, 507.5.2, Section 605, 901.4.3, 903.2.12, 907.5.2.3, 1103.8.2, 1103.8.3, 2705.3.2.1, 3301.1, 3303.1, 3305.6, 3306.6, 3307.1.3, 3310.1, 4101.1 Alternating Tread Device 202, 1011.14 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems 904 Alternative Materials and Methods 104.2.3 Ambulatory Care Facility (Occupancy Group B) 202 Automatic sprinklers 903.2.2.1 Existing Appendix K Fire alarm systems 907.2.2.1 Smoke compartments 1026.4.1 Ammonia Diffusion systems 608.13.7 Flaring system 608.13.6
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 § 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 § 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 § 903.4.2 Medium 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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[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 § 901.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
901.5.1 Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire protection and life safety systems have been tested and approved.
901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance with Section 901.8.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment, material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.14] Maintenance.
Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire-resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and with their intended use.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.24] Maintenance of Equipment.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equip- ment, material or systems required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
CFC § 903.4 Medium 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.
Frequently asked questions
Who must approve an alternative fixed extinguishing system in place of sprinklers?
The authority having jurisdiction (fire code official) must approve any alternative system used instead of required automatic sprinklers; approval requires compliance with the applicable NFPA/State standards and listings.
How often must clean‑agent cylinder weights and pressures be checked?
Containers must be checked at six‑month intervals; a loss > 5% of original weight or > 10% of original pressure (temperature‑adjusted) requires refill or replacement and tagging. § 904.10.2.
Are water mist systems allowed everywhere sprinklers are required?
Water mist systems are permitted where their listing/approvals and the manufacturer’s instructions allow; they must meet § 904.11 (design to NFPA 750, automatic actuation, supervision, backflow protection, etc.) and be acceptable to the fire code official.
Do service personnel need special certification to maintain these systems?
Yes — service personnel performing maintenance on automatic fire‑extinguishing systems (other than automatic sprinklers) must have a valid certificate issued by an approved governmental agency or authorized organization per § 904.1.1.
What records must the owner keep?
Owners must keep records of inspections, tests and maintenance and tags on containers showing weight/pressure checks, as required by the applicable CFC section and Title 19. § 904.10 / § 904.8 and Title 19 cross‑references.
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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