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F-501.1.1 Licensing of Fire Protection Contractors: No person or organization (hereafter referred as contractor) shall install, repair, service or test any fire protection system until that contractor is certified, or employs a person certified in fire protection systems and has obtained a license to do so and is a licensed and insured Electrical Contractor.

F-501.1.2 Fire suppression system test permit: Prior to the testing of any standpipe or automatic fire suppression system a licensed contractor shall obtain a permit for each test from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Exception: Test permits are not required for portable fire extinguishers or single cylinder suppression systems installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hoods.

F-501.1.3 Tagging of equipment: A tag shall be attached to each automatic fire alarm or fire suppression system which is installed, repaired or serviced. The tag shall indicate the date of the work and the name, address and telephone number of the person or company who performed the work.

F-501.1.4 Notification to the Fire Department of a fire alarm: The Fire Department shall be notified immediately by the owner, tenant or occupant of any building and by a central station service of the activation of any fire alarm signal initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow alarms from automatic fire suppression systems or other fire protection equipment.

F-501.1.5 Changes to fire protection equipment: When there is a change to any fire protection or emergency electrical equipment or other building systems that may be used during Fire Department operations in a building, the Fire Department is to be immediately notified. Detailed information and instructions on all equipment changes shall be provided to the Fire Department.

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F-501.3 Acceptance test: All fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the building code listed in Chapter 44. The tests shall be conducted by [the owner or an authorized representative and in the presence of the code official] a fire protection systems contractor licensed by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Test results shall be listed on approved forms and a copy sent to the Department of Licenses and Inspections. All tests required by this code and the standards referenced in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner's representative.

F-501.4 Periodic test frequency: Dedicated smoke control systems shall be inspected and operated at six-month intervals. All other fire protection systems, including emergency generators in all buildings and all standby and/or emergency electrical systems in high-rise buildings, shall be tested at not greater than 12-month intervals. Annual testing and certification of fire protection and emergency electrical systems shall be performed by a licensed company or individual.

Exceptions: A licensed contractor is not required to:

1. Annually test and certify smoke detectors in one and two family dwellings and single- and multiple-station non-system smoke detectors.

2. Annually certify tests, inspections and maintenance of fire protection equipment recommended by equipment manufacturers or national standards to be performed at times other than annually.

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F-501.4.1.1 Generator sets: A written record of inspections, tests, exercising, operation and repairs of standby/emergency generator sets shall be maintained on the premises. The written record shall include:

1. The date of the maintenance report,

2. Identification of the servicing personnel, and

3. Notation of any unsatisfactory condition and the corrective action taken, including parts replaced.

F-501.4.1.2 Annual certification: Annual test records and certifications of private fire hydrants, fire protective signaling systems, fire suppression systems and standby or emergency electrical systems shall contain the name, address and license number of the person performing the test and shall be submitted in approved form to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

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F-503.2, F-503.3, F-503.4 and F-503.5 (Delete titles and text -- substitute as follows)

F-503.2 Fire protective signaling systems: A fire protective signaling system shall be installed in existing buildings as required by Sections [1016.4.1] B-917.4.1 through [1016.4.4] B-917.4.5 of the building code listed in Chapter 44 and in buildings with R-2 Use Groups. Protective signaling systems required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with Section [1016.0] B-917.0 of the building code and NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings of Use Group R-2 which do not exceed three (3) stories are not required to have a fire control panel as part of the protective signaling system, provided that a secondary power source is provided for the system.

2. Buildings of Use Group R-2 with a single exit and not exceeding three (3) stories are not required to have a fire alarm box (manual pull station) at each story. One (1) fire alarm box is required in the exit at the exit discharge.

F-503.2.1 Supervision of the System: Fire protective signaling systems in I Use Groups and high-rise buildings shall be supervised in accordance with Section [1020.2] B-923.2 of the building code listed in Chapter 44.

Exception: High-rise buildings with local protective signaling systems which are monitored at constantly attended locations.

F-503.2.2 Manual [F]fire alarm box signage: All manual fire alarm boxes (manual pull stations) shall have a sign mounted immediately [above] adjacent to the box which states: "IN CASE OF FIRE: SOUND ALARM AND CALL 911".

Exception: Where the telephone system in a building does not permit the direct dialing of 911, the sign shall read: "IN CASE OF FIRE: SOUND ALARM AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT".
F-503.3 Automatic fire detection: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed and maintained in full operating condition in the locations described in Sections F-503.3.1 through F-503.3.4. 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-503.3.1 I-1 and I-2 Use Groups: All I-1 and I-2 Use Groups shall have an automatic fire detection system installed throughout the use group. Automatic fire detection required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with Section [1017.0] B-918.0 of the building code and NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Exceptions:

1. Hospital patient rooms.

2. Use groups sprinklered throughout.

F-503.3.2 R-1 and R-2 Use Groups: All R-1 and R-2 Use Groups shall have an automatic fire detection system as follows:

F-503.3.2.1 System fire detection: An automatic fire detection system shall be installed in common areas, corridors and basements. Automatic fire detection systems required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with Section [1017.0] B-918.0 of the building code and NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Exception: Buildings sprinklered throughout.

F-503.3.2.2 Single- and multiple-station smoke detectors: Single- or multiple-station smoke detectors shall be installed in the following areas:

1. In each dwelling unit in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and in each story within the dwelling unit, including the basement.

2. In each bedroom of R-2 Use Groups in high-rise buildings.

Exception: Buildings sprinklered throughout.
3. In each guest room of R-1 Use Groups.

4. In each boarding unit, dormitory and communal sleeping area.

F-503.3.2.2.1 Installation: All single- and multiple-station smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44 and shall be connected to the primary alternating current (AC) power source of the building or be wireless systems meeting the requirements of NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44 for such systems.

F-503.3.2.2.2 Interconnection of detectors: Electrical interconnection of smoke detectors is required in existing R-2 Use Groups 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 purpose of this section, the ambient noise level is the greater 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; or

3. Thirty-five dBA.

Compliance with this section shall be within two (2) years of the effective date of this code.

Exception: Under provisions of prior law (§ 5-3402 of The Philadelphia Code), R-2 Use Groups located in high-rise buildings shall be in compliance with this section by 12/17/93.

F-503.3.3 R-3 Use Groups: At least one single- or multiple-station smoke detector shall be installed in each unit and on each level, including the basement of each R-3 Use Group. In dwelling units with split levels, a detector installed in the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level and there are not intervening doors between the two levels. All smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with Section [1018.0] B-919.0 of the building code and NFPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Exception: In existing R-3 Use Groups, battery powered detectors are permitted and interconnection of detectors within a dwelling unit is not required.

F-503.3.3.1 Verification of smoke detectors upon sale of building: Upon the sale of a building containing R-3 Use Groups the seller shall certify in writing to the buyer that smoke detectors required by Section F-503.3.3 have been installed and are in proper operating condition.

F-503.3.4 Mixed use groups: Where a nonresidential use group is located below a residential use group, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the nonresidential use group. Automatic fire detection required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with Section [1017.0] B-918.0 of the building code and NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Exception: Non-residential use groups sprinklered throughout.

F-503.3.4.1 Fire alarm indicating devices: Fire alarm indicating devices shall be installed throughout buildings referenced in Section F-503.3.4 and shall be actuated by all automatic fire detection and manual fire alarm boxes in the building. Fire alarm indicating devices required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with Section [1016.0] B-917.0 of the building code and NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44.

Compliance with this section (F-503.3.4) shall be within one (1) year of the effective date of this code.

F-503.4 Automatic fire suppression systems: An automatic fire suppression system shall be installed in the following buildings or areas of buildings. Except where inappropriate for the hazard, [S]suppression systems [required to be] which are newly installed to comply with this section shall be automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with this code, NFPA 13 and the building code.

1. Basements, classified as windowless stories in accordance with the building code listed in Chapter 44, which have a floor area exceeding two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet (223 m2) and are used for manufacture, sale or storage.

Exception: R-3 Use Groups.

2. All high-hazard occupancies and all structures occupied for the manufacture or storage of articles of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastic. Vaults located within buildings for the storage of raw pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system capable of discharging 1.66 gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot (0.00113 m3/s . m2) over the area of the vault.

3. Commercial kitchen exhaust systems in all buildings in accordance with Section F-309.0.

4. High-rise buildings, whether or not such buildings (or portions of such buildings) were permitted to omit fire suppression systems under the terms of any variances granted prior to 12/17/91.

Exception: Portions of high-rise buildings occupied by R-2 Use Groups.

5. High-rise R-2 Use Group buildings. Suppression systems shall be located in the following areas of R-2 Use Group high-rise buildings:

5.1 Basements which are classified as a windowless story in accordance with the building code listed in Chapter 44.

5.2 Rooms used for the storage of combustibles when the floor area exceeds one hundred twenty (120) square feet (11 m2).

5.3 Trash and incinerator chutes and rooms.

F-503.4.1 Existing dry standpipe risers not exceeding two hundred seventy-five (275) feet (84 m) in height may be utilized as a means of water supply for sprinkler systems required by Section F-503.4 provided that all dry standpipes in the building are interconnected. Pressure and flow requirements for this combination sprinkler and standpipe system need only satisfy the sprinkler system requirements in the building code listed in Chapter 44.

F-503.4.2 High-rise buildings required by Section F-503.4.4 to have fire suppression systems installed shall be in compliance by 12/17/99. The owner of every high-rise building shall submit to the Department of Licenses and Inspections for approval a written description of the methods and schedule to be used to comply with this section or, the owner shall submit notification, on approved forms, that the building is in compliance with Section F-503.4. Under provisions of prior law (§ 5-3402 of The Philadelphia Code), such written description or notification must have been submitted by 12/17/92, and nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to excuse any failure to have complied with that deadline. Upon approval of the written description, applications for permits necessary for compliance shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections in accordance with the following schedule:

1. By 9/17/94, apply for a permit to install a water supply to all floors of the building.

2. By 9/17/95, apply for a permit to install fire suppression on twenty percent (20%) of the floors of the building.

3. By 6/17/96, apply for a permit to install fire suppression on forty percent (40%) of the floors of the building.

4. By 3/17/97, apply for a permit to install fire suppression on sixty percent (60%) of the floors of the building.

5. By 12/17/97, apply for a permit to install fire suppression on eighty percent (80%) of the floors of the building.

6. By 9/17/98, apply for a permit to install fire suppression on one hundred percent (100%) of the floors of the building.

F-503.4.2.1 Upon notification by the Department of Licenses and Inspections that a permit review is complete, the applicant shall obtain the permit within thirty (30) days.

F-503.5 Standpipe systems: Standpipe systems shall be installed in the following buildings. Standpipe systems required to be installed to comply with this section shall be installed in accordance with this code and Sections [1012.0] B-914.0 and [1014.0] B-915.0 of the building code and NFiPA 14 listed in Chapter 44.

1. All buildings having floors used for human occupancy which are located more than six (6) stories above grade shall have Class I standpipe systems (fire department use). Existing buildings, without Class I standpipe systems, which do not exceed two hundred seventy-five (275) feet (84 m) in height, may install a dry, interconnected standpipe system, without a water supply.

2. All high-rise buildings where standpipe risers exceed two hundred seventy-five (275) feet (84 m) from the lowest fire department connection to the roof or highest connection shall have wet, interconnected standpipe systems. Dry standpipes with an automatic water supply are permitted where the system is exposed to freezing temperatures. By 12/17/94 an application for permit shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections for compliance with this section.

F-503.5.1 Pressure reducing devices: Pressure reducing devices shall be used on standpipe systems as specified in Sections F-503.5.1.1 through F-503.5.1.3.

F-503.5.1.1 Class I and Class III wet standpipe: No pressure restricting or regulating device shall be used at any Class I or Class III fire department use standpipe hose outlet where the static or residual water pressure does not exceed one hundred seventy-five (175) pounds per square inch (1207 kPa). Pressure regulating valves required on Class I or Class III fire department use standpipe systems shall be adjusted to provide one hundred seventy-five (175) pounds per square inch (1207 kPa), or as close to that pressure as the adjustment will permit, without exceeding one hundred seventy-five (175) pounds per square inch (1207 kPa).

F-503.5.1.2 Class I dry standpipes: No pressure restricting or regulating device shall be installed on any dry standpipe system having no permanent water supply.

F-503.5.1.3 Class II standpipes: Building occupant use 1-½ inch (38 mm) hose outlets on Class II and Class III standpipe systems shall be equipped with pressure restricting or regulating devices where the residual pressure at an outlet exceeds one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (689.5 kPa).

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F-506.1.1 Dry pipe valves: A full flow test shall be required in 1996 and every three (3) years thereafter, except those protecting areas which are constantly maintained below a freezing temperature.

F-506.1.2 Standpipe pressure reducing valves: Flow tests of standpipe pressure reducing valves shall be required in 1995 and every five (5) years thereafter to ensure proper operation and correct setting.

F-506.1.3 Dry standpipe system test: Hydrostatic tests of dry standpipe systems and dry portions of wet standpipe systems shall be required in 1995 and every five (5) years thereafter.

F-506.1.4 Standpipe pressure and flow requirements: All Class I and Class III systems which are newly installed or existing systems which are required to conform to Section F-503.5 shall be capable of maintaining a residual pressure of at least one hundred (100) psi (690 kPa) at the top most outlet of each riser while flowing the quantity of water specified by the building code listed in Chapter 44.

Exception: Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and where the highest floor level is not more than one hundred fifty (150) feet (45720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, the water supply is not required to exceed the requirements of NFiPA 13 listed in Chapter 44.

F-506.1.5 Standpipe hose outlet connections: All hose outlet connections on Class I and Class III standpipe systems (those for fire department use) shall have 2-½ inch (64 mm) male National Hose standard thread fittings.

Exception: Buildings required to comply with this section and Section F-503.5 shall apply to the Department of Licenses and Inspections for a permit to begin the work by 12/17/94.

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F-507.1 Periodic testing and inspection: All foam-extinguishing systems shall be maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFiPA 11, 11A and [16] 25 listed in Chapter 44.

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F-512.1 Periodic testing and inspection: All fire protective signaling systems shall be maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFiPA [71 and] 72 listed in Chapter 44 and Sections F-512.2 and F-512.3.

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F-513.1 Periodic testing and inspection: All automatic fire detection systems shall be maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44 and Sections F-513.2 through F-513.10.

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F-514.1 Periodic testing and inspection: All single- and multiple-station smoke detectors shall be maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFiPA 72 listed in Chapter 44 and Section F-514.2.

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F-514.2.1 Responsibility for testing and maintenance of battery-powered smoke detectors within dwelling units: Occupants shall be responsible for the weekly testing and battery replacement of battery-powered smoke detectors within their dwelling units. Owners shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of any non-operating battery-powered smoke detectors within dwelling units within three (3) days of written notice.

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F-516.2.1 Fire hydrants: Where any building or part thereof is constructed two hundred (200) feet (61 m) or more from a public street, or where an existing building is two hundred (200) feet (61 m) or more from a public street, the owner shall install fire hydrants and fire service mains in accordance with this code. Measurements for fire hydrant installations shall be made along the exterior of a building.

Exceptions:

1. Existing R-3 Use Groups.

2. Existing buildings with a total floor area not exceeding eight hundred (800) square feet (74 m2) and used exclusively as a B Use Group.

3. Buildings where every portion of the building is within three hundred (300) feet (91 m) of a fire hydrant.

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F-517.1 Installation: All fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with this code and the building code listed in Chapter 44.

F-517.1.1 Connections and threads: All fire department connections shall have two 2-½ inch (64 mm) female National Hose standard thread connections.

Exceptions:

1. Dry standpipe systems with six inch (152 mm) risers shall have three 2-½ inch (64 mm) female National Hose standard thread connections.

2. Limited area sprinkler systems are not required to have a fire department connection.

3. Buildings required to comply with this section and Section F-503.4 or Section F-503.5 shall apply to the Department of Licenses and Inspections for a permit to begin the work by 12/17/94.

F-517.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance: All fire department connections shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFiPA 25 listed in Chapter 44. To ensure there is no debris in the piping of a fire department connection, the check valve clapper shall be removed and the piping back flushed with water to achieve a full flow through the fire department connection.

Exception: Inspection utilizing a video camera and monitor shall be permitted in lieu of backflushing for the piping between the fire department connection and the check valve. Check valves shall be inspected and maintained as required by NFPA 25.

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F-517.4 Signs (Delete text -- substitute as follows)

F-517.4 Signs: At each fire department connection, there shall be a durable, weather-resistant [metal] sign [with raised or indented letters at least one inch (25 mm) in height] to indicate the type of system (sprinkler, standpipe or combined sprinkler and standpipe) and the areas of the building the connection feeds, if it does not feed the entire system. Where a connection feeds one zone, the floors or areas within the zone shall be indicated on the sign. A connection feeding only one standpipe riser shall have a sign indicating where the riser is located within the building. Lettering indicating the type of system(s) shall be at least one inch (25 mm) in height. Other information shall be at least ½-inch (13 mm) in height. Wording of signs shall be approved by the Fire Department.

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F-518.2 Where required: A portable fire extinguisher shall be installed and maintained in the following locations in accordance with NFiPA 10 listed in Chapter 44:

1. In all occupancies in Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, E, I-1, I-2, R-1, R-2 and H. In R-2 Use Groups one (1) fire extinguisher, with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C, shall be acceptable when mounted in each dwelling unit in lieu of mounting fire extinguishers in the public corridors or stairways.

Exceptions:

1. R-2 Use Groups sprinklered throughout.

2. R-2 Use Groups with one (1) means of egress and not exceeding three (3) stories are required to have one (1) fire extinguisher, mounted approximately equidistant from all dwelling units within the building.

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