F-901.5 Installation acceptance testing. Fire detection and alarm systems, fire-extinguishing systems, fire hydrant systems, fire standpipe systems, fire pump systems, private fire service mains and all other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subject to acceptance tests as contained in the installation standards and as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official shall be notified before any required acceptance testing. Test results shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections in approved form.

F-901.5.2 Test requirements. The acceptance tests required by this chapter shall be conducted by a person certified or licensed by the Department of Licenses and Inspections for the specific systems in accordance with regulations issued pursuant to this code. Tests required by this code and the referenced standards shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s representative.

F-901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or shall be removed upon obtaining the required permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

F-901.6.2 Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 3 years and made available to the fire code official upon request.

Exception: The written log of tests shall not be required in occupancies in Use Group R-3.

F-901.6.3 Test responsibility and notification. The fire code official shall not be held responsible for any damages incurred during any test required under the provisions of this chapter. When the fire code official requests to be present for a test, the fire code official shall be notified not less than 48 hours before said test is conducted.

F-901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department [and the fire code official] shall be notified immediately in accordance with, and under conditions specified in, Section F-106.4.1. [and, w]Where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires. In the event that the fire watch observes smoke or fire, the fire department shall be notified immediately. The fire department shall be notified upon the return of the system to service.

F-903.3.7 Fire department connections. [The location of fire] Fire department connections shall be [approved by the fire code official] located in accordance with Section F-912.

F-903.6 Existing buildings. The provisions of this section are intended to provide a reasonable degree of safety in existing structures not complying with the minimum requirements of the building code by requiring installation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with this section and Section F-903.3. Systems shall be monitored in accordance with Section F-903.6.7. Except where inappropriate for the hazard, fire extinguishing systems that are newly installed to comply with this section shall be automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with this code and NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D.

F-905.1 General. Standpipe systems shall be provided in new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with this section. [Fire hose threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall be approved and shall be compatible with fire department hose threads. The location of fire department hose connections shall be approved.] Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with Section F-912. In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with Chapter 23.

F-905.2 Installation standards. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14.

F-905.2.1 Pressure regulating devices. Pressure regulating devices shall be used on new and existing standpipe systems as specified in Sections F-905.2.1.1 through F-905.2.1.3.

F-905.2.1.1 Class I and Class III wet standpipes. Where, and only where, static or residual water pressures at any Class I or Class III fire department use standpipe hose outlet exceed 175 psi (1207 kPa), approved pressure-regulating devices shall be installed to limit the pressure to 175 psi (1207 kPa). Such devices shall regulate pressure under flow and no-flow conditions and shall be adjusted to provide 175 psi (1207 kPa), or as close to that pressure as the adjustment will permit, without exceeding 175 psi (1207 kPa). The pressure on the inlet side of the pressure-regulating device shall not exceed the rated working pressure of the device.

F-905.2.1.2 Class I dry standpipes. No pressure regulating device shall be installed on any dry standpipe system having no permanent water supply.

F-905.2.1.3 Class II and Class III standpipes. Where residual water pressure at any Class II or Class III building occupant use standpipe hose outlet exceeds 100 psi (690 kPa), approved pressure-regulating devices shall be installed to limit the pressure to 100 psi (690 kPa).

F-905.3.1 Building height. Class III automatic wet standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of the fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2.

2. Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

3. [Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures, provided that the hose connections are located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section F-905.5.

4. ]Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

F-905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall have 2½ inch (64 mm) male National Hose standard threads and shall be provided in all of the following locations:

1. In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate floor level landing between floors, unless otherwise approved by the [fire code official] Department.

Where a building contains stairways in addition to the required exit stairways, the additional stairways are subject to this section where they meet the criteria for exit stairways, including the exit discharge criteria. Where an additional stairway discharges in accordance with Section F-1023.1, it is subject to the provisions of this section.

F-905.8 Dry standpipe. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.

Exceptions:

1. Where subject to freezing, automatic dry and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems are permitted [and] in accordance with NFPA 14.

2. Where otherwise permitted by Section F-905.

F-905.11 Existing buildings. Existing structures with occupied floors located more than 50 feet (15,240 mm) above or below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section F-905. The standpipes shall have an approved fire department connection with hose connections at each floor level above or below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. [The fire code official is authorized to approve the installation of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required fire flow at the highest standpipe outlet.] These requirements shall also apply to buildings that were granted variances prior to January 1, 2004 to omit standpipes from the required exit stairways. Buildings or structures that are not in compliance with Section F-905 on the effective date of this code, shall, with written request to and upon written approval from the Fire Department, be granted three years from the effective date of this code to comply.

Exceptions:

1. In existing buildings having the highest occupied floors located not more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, Class I standpipe systems are permitted to be manual wet systems.

2. Standpipe systems installed prior to January 1, 1995 that provide a residual pressure of 65 psi (448 kPa) or greater at the highest hose outlet are exempt from the requirement to provide a residual pressure of 100 psi (690 kPa) at the highest hose outlet.

3. Standpipe systems with a residual pressure of less than 100 psi (690 kPa) at the topmost hose outlet are permitted where:

3.1 The building existing prior to the effective date of this code;

3.2 The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; and

3.3 The highest floor level is not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access,

F-905.11.1 Removal of occupant use hoseline or Class II standpipe systems. Removal of the hoseline attached to a Class II standpipe system or a Class III standpipe system that is not required by this code, or removal of an entire Class II standpipe system is permitted where the following conditions are met:

1. Removal of hoseline only: The building is equipped with a Class I standpipe system or the building is not required to have a Class I system.

2. Removal of the Class II standpipe system is permitted where one of the following exists:

2.1 The building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire-extinguishing system and has more than one Class I standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi-exit building or at least one riser in a single exit building;

2.2 The building is in the process of being equipped throughout with an automatic fire-extinguishing system and there is more than one standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi-exit building or there is at least one riser in a single exit building. When the sprinklers on a floor have been placed in service, the Class II standpipe hose stations on that floor are permitted to be removed; or

2.3 The building is not equipped throughout with an automatic fire-extinguishing system, there is more than one automatic wet Class I standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi-exit building and there is at least one automatic wet riser in a single exit building.

F-906.2 General requirements. Fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with this section and NFPA 10. A tag shall be attached to each fire extinguisher indicating inspections and maintenance performed during the past 12 months.

Exceptions:

1. In Group R-2 occupancies one fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C mounted in each dwelling unit shall be permitted in lieu of mounting them in the common or public corridors or stairways.

2. The travel distance to reach an extinguisher shall not apply to the spectator seating portions of Group A-5 occupancies.

F-907.1.2 Equipment. Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed. Installation of systems, devices, appliances and equipment shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section F-907 and NFPA 72.

F-907.2 Where required -- new buildings and structures. An approved manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections F-907.2.1 through F-907.2.[23]24. Where automatic sprinkler protection installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.

An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall comply with Section F-907.1.2. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

F-907.2.1 Group A. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 in Group A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more and in all Special Assembly Occupancies. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.

Exceptions:

1. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Special Assembly Occupancies where the occupancy is protected throughout with a rate-of-rise heat detection system, provided one manual fire alarm box is installed in a location that is constantly attended by staff during periods of occupancy by the public.

F-907.2.3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

Exceptions:

1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50, where interconnected smoke alarms are installed in accordance with Section F-907.2.10 and a minimum of one smoke alarm is installed in each classroom or child care room.

F-907.2.5 Group H. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group H[-5] occupancies [and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings]. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 37, 39 and 40, respectively.

F-907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed [in] throughout Group I occupancies except as modified by Sections F-907.2.6 through F-907.2.6.2.3. An electrically supervised, automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in waiting areas that are open to corridors.

F-907.2.9 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies [where:

1. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located three or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge;

2. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit or sleeping unit; or

3. The building contains more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units].

Exceptions:

F-907.2.10.1.2 Groups R-2, R-3[,] and R-4 [and I-1]. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3[,] and R-4 [and I-1] regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:

[F-907.2.10.1.3 Group I-1. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in sleeping areas in occupancies in Group I-1. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall not be required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section F-907.2.6.]

F-907.2.10.3 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-2[,] or R-3, [or] throughout Group R-4, or within an individual dwelling unit sleeping unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit or throughout the Group R-4 occupancy. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

F-907.2.24 Mixed residential and nonresidential occupancies. Where a nonresidential occupancy is located below a residential occupancy, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the nonresidential occupancy. Fire alarm notification appliances shall be installed throughout buildings containing such mixed occupancies and shall be actuated by all automatic fire detection and manual fire alarm boxes in the building.

Exceptions:

1. The fire alarm system and automatic detection is not required where the non-residential occupancy is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 and the building has a local fire alarm that meets the notification requirements of Section F-907.10.2.

2. Where automatic fire detection is required in drinking and dining establishments that are below a residential occupancy, heat detectors are permissible in lieu of smoke detectors in kitchens, in patron areas designated for smoking, and in patron areas where skillet or sizzling type entrees such as fajitas are served.

F-907.3 Where required -- retroactive in existing buildings and structures. An approved manual, automatic or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections F-907.3.1 through F-907.3.1.[8]12. Where automatic sprinkler protection is provided in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.

An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

F-907.3.1 Occupancy requirements. A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections F-907.3.1.1 through F-907.3.1.[8]12. Existing alarm notification appliances shall provide a sound level at least 15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound level in every occupied space within the building.

Exception: Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire alarm system of the same type(s) required by this section.

F-907.3.1.1 Special Assembly Occupancies. Existing Special Assembly Occupancies shall comply with Sections F-907.2.1 and F-907.2.1.3.

F-907.3.1.2 Group B. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group B occupancies in accordance with Section F-907.2.2.

F-907.3.1.[1]3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group E occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.2.3.

Exceptions:

1. A building with a maximum area of 1,000 square feet (93 m²) that contains a single classroom and is located no closer than 50 feet (15,240 mm) from another building.

2. Group E with an occupant load less than 50, where interconnected smoke alarms are installed in accordance with Section F-907.2.10 and a minimum of one smoke alarm is installed in each classroom or child care room.

F-907.3.1.4 Group H. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group H occupancies.

F-907.3.1.[2]5 Group I-1. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed [in] throughout existing Group I-1 residential care/assisted living facilities.

Exceptions:

1. Where each sleeping room has a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior egress balcony that leads directly to the exits in accordance with Section F-1013.5, and the building is not more than three stories in height.

2. In Group I-1 occupancies protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2, automatic fire detection is not required and the exception to Section F-907.2.6 shall apply.

F-907.3.1.[3]6 Group I-2. A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group I-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.2.6.

Exceptions:

1. Hospital patient rooms.

2. Group I-2 occupancies protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 shall only be required to have a manual fire alarm system and automatic fire detection in accordance with Section F-907.2.6.1.

F-907.3.1.[4]7 Group I-3. A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.2.6.2 through F-907.2.6.2.3.

F-907.3.1.8 Group I-4. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in existing Group I-4 occupancies.

F-907.3.1.[5]9 Group R-1 [hotels and motels]. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in interior corridors and basements in existing Group R-1 occupancies [hotels and motels more than three stories or with more than 20 guestrooms].

Exception: [Buildings less than two stories in height where all guestrooms, attics and crawl spaces are separated by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction and each guestroom has direct access to a public way, exit court or yard.] Automatic fire detection is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Sections F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 and connected to the building fire alarm system.

[F-907.3.1.6 Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses. A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses.

Exception: Buildings that have single-station smoke alarms meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section F-907.2.10.1 and where the fire alarm system includes at least one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to initiate the alarm.]

F-907.3.1.[7]10 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in common areas, corridors, and basements in existing Group R-2 occupancies [more than three stories in height or with more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping units].

F-907.3.1.[8]11 Group R-4. Multiple-station smoke alarms [A fire alarm system] shall be installed in existing Group R-4 residential care/assisted living facilities in accordance with Section F-907.2.10.

Exception[s]: Smoke alarms are not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system or an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2.

[1. Where there are interconnected smoke alarms meeting the requirements of Section F-907.2.10 and there is at least one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to sound continuously the smoke alarms.

2. Other manually activated, continuously sounding alarms approved by the fire code official.]

F-907.3.1.12 Mixed residential and nonresidential use. Where a nonresidential occupancy is located below a residential occupancy, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the nonresidential occupancy in accordance with Section F-907.2.24.

F-907.3.2 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in existing Group R occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.3.2.1 through F-907.3.2.[3]4.

F-907.3.2.1 General. Existing Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 occupancies not already provided with single-station smoke alarms shall be provided with approved single-station smoke alarms. Installation shall be in accordance with Section F-907.2.10, except as provided in Sections F-907.3.2.2 and F-907.3.2.3. Where the installation of a smoke alarm in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms will result in its installation within three feet (914 mm) of a door to a bathroom or kitchen, installation beyond the immediate vicinity is permitted, but not to exceed 15 feet (4572 mm) from the bedroom doors.

Exceptions:

1. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in existing Group R-2 occupancies in high-rise buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire extinguishing system.

2. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in existing Group R-2 orR-3 occupancies in buildings that are not classified as high-rise buildings.

F-907.3.2.1.1 Verification of smoke alarms upon sale of building. Upon sale of a building containing a Group R-3 occupancy, the seller shall certify in writing to the buyer that smoke alarms required by Section F-907.3.2.1 are installed and in proper operating condition.

F-907.3.2.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-2[,] or R-3, throughout Group [or] R-4, or within an individual sleeping unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit or throughout the Group R-4 occupancy. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

Exceptions:

1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies.

2. Smoke alarms in existing areas of Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

The above exceptions do not apply to existing Group R-2 occupancies in high-rise buildings where the sound pressure level of any detector is less than 15 decibels (dBA) above the ambient noise level in any occupied space within the dwelling unit with intervening doors closed. For the purposes of this section, the ambient noise level is the greatest of the following:

1. The noise level resulting from the operation of all equipment which is intended for use during sleeping hours, such as heating and/or cooling units, ceiling fans, etc.

2. The noise level resulting from background noise with windows open.

3. Thirty-five dBA.

F-907.3.2.3 Power source. In Group R occupancies, single-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. In Group R-3 occupancies, [S]smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated: in existing buildings where no construction is taking place; in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source; and in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

2. Electrically powered smoke alarms installed prior to January 1, 2004 are not required to have a battery backup power source.

F-907.3.2.4 Testing and maintenance. Tests or inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be conducted at one-week intervals for battery-powered smoke alarms and at one-month intervals for other than battery-powered smoke alarms.

F-907.3.2.4.1 Responsibility. Occupants shall be responsible for the weekly testing and battery replacement of battery-powered smoke alarms within their dwelling units. Owners shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of non-operating battery-powered smoke alarms within dwelling units within three days of written notice.

F-907.4.1 Location. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that travel distance to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).

Exceptions:
1. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

2. Buildings of Group R-2 occupancy with a single exit and not exceeding three stories are not required to have a manual fire alarm box at each story. One manual fire alarm box is required in the exit stairway at the exit discharge.

F-907.9.1 Zoning indicator panel. A zoning indicator panel and the associated controls shall be provided [in an approved] at a visible location at the main entrance of the building or other location approved by the department. The visual zone indication shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be cancelled by the operation of an audible-alarm silencing switch.

F-907.20.2 Testing. Testing shall be performed in accordance with Section F-914 and the schedules in Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 or more frequently where required by the fire code official. Where automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed for the application, the manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be extended to annual.

F-907.20.5 Maintenance, inspection and testing. The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire and life safety systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of this Chapter and NFPA 72 for maintaining, inspecting and testing such systems. A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the fire code official.

Exception: Occupants shall be responsible for the weekly testing of battery-powered smoke alarms. Owners shall be responsible for repair or replacement of non-operating smoke alarms within three days of written notice from the occupant.

F-912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with this section and the NFPA standard applicable to the system design.

F-912.1.1 Hose connections. Fire department connections shall have a minimum of two 2½-inch (64 mm) internal threaded swivel fittings having National Hose standard threads with caps.

Exceptions:

1. Manual dry standpipe systems with 6-inch (152 mm) or larger risers shall have three 2½-inch (64 mm) internal threaded swivel fittings having National Hose standard threads with caps.

2. Limited area sprinkler systems installed pursuant to Section F-903.3.5.1.1, in other than basements and stories without openings, are not required to have a fire department connection.

F-912.2.2 Existing buildings. On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign of permanent materials mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the [letters "FDC"] words "SPRINKLER CONNECTION" or "STANDPIPE CONNECTION" at least 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters at least 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. All such signs shall be subject to the approval of the [fire code official] Department.

F-912.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. All fire department connections shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25. To ensure there is no debris in the piping, the check valve shall be removed annually and the piping back-flushed with water to achieve a full flow through the fire department connection.