780009
11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 147
(This Chapter is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts)
780 CMR 901.0 GENERAL
protection
stems in all buildings and structures.
l and Electrical
Components and Systems.
and reliability to
erform the function intended.
for systems
stalled pursuant to 780 CMR 901.3
partment in
ac
ligently
rosecute the restoration of the protection.
h the connections used by the local
re department.
ion shall be
pproved by the local fire department.
780 CMR 915.8 for fire department connections.
780 CMR 902.0 DEFINITIONS
re in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown
erein.
Al
valid alarm initiation signal (see 780 CMR 918.0).
Ap
authority of M.G.L. c. 148,
§ 10A or 527 CMR.
Au
interpretation number 35-94 listed in Appendix B)
Au
HAPTER 9C
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
901.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 9 shall
specify where fire protection systems are required
and shall apply to the design, installation,
maintenance and operation of all fire
sy
901.1.1 Seismic Requirements: All “required”
and “non-required” fire protection systems shall
be installed in accordance with the Seismic
Criteria requirements of 780 CMR 1612.7,
Architectural, Mechanica
901.2 Required systems: All fire protection systems
required by 780 CMR shall be installed, repaired,
operated and maintained in accordance with this
code and the applicable reference standards listed in
Appendix A. All required fire suppression and
standpipe systems shall be provided with at least one
automatic supply of fire-extinguishing agent of
adequate pressure, capacity
p
901.3 Nonrequired systems: Any fire protection
system or portion thereof not required by 780 CMR
shall be permitted to be finished for partial or
complete protection provided that such installed
system meets applicable requirements of 780 CMR.
A building permit shall be required
in
901.4 Maintenance: All water based fire protection
systems shall be maintained in accordance with
NFPA 25 as listed in Appendix A. All other fire
protection systems shall be maintained in accordance
with the requirements of the applicable reference
standards and standards listed in Appendix A. The
owner, tenant or lessee of every building or structure
shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of
all fire protection systems, including equipment and
devices, to ensure the safety and welfare of the
occupants. Fire protection systems shall not be
disconnected or otherwise rendered unserviceable
without first notifying the local fire de
cordance with M.G.L. c. 148 § 27A.
When installations of fire protection systems are
interrupted for repairs or other necessary reasons,
the owner, tenant or lessee shall immediately advise
the local fire department and shall di
p
901.5 Threads: All threads provided for fire depart-
ment connections to sprinkler systems, standpipes,
yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall
be compatible wit
fi
901.6 Signs: All signs required to identify fire
protection equipment, equipment rooms and
equipment locations shall be constructed of durable
materials, be permanently installed and be readily
visible. Letters and numbers shall contrast with the
sign background, shall be at least two inches in
height and shall have an appropriate width-to-height
ratio to permit the sign to be read easily from a
distance of ten feet. The sign and locat
a
Exception: See also 780 CMR 906.8 for entrance
doors to sprinkler control valve rooms and
902.1 General: The following words and terms
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 9 and as used
elsewhe
h
arm verification: A feature of automatic fire
detection systems to reduce unwanted alarms
wherein automatic fire detectors report alarm
conditions for a minimum period of time, or
confirm alarm conditions within a given period,
after being automatically reset to be accepted as a
proval/Permit To Install: The term refers to
permits outside the jurisdiction of the building
official, issued under
thority Having Jurisdiction: The term
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" as used in the
NFPA Standards as referenced in 780 CMR 9,
shall mean the building official for enforcement of
780 CMR and the BBRS for interpretation, waiver
or variences (see 780 CMR 122.0; see official
tomatic: As applied to fire protection devices,
automatic refers to a device or system that pro-
vides an emergency function without the necessity
of human intervention and activated as a result of
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
148 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
matic
sprinkler system, automatic fire door, etc.
a predetermined temperature rise, rate of tempera-
ture rise or increase in the level of combustion
products - such as incorporated in an auto
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Automatic fire suppression system: An engineered
system using carbon dioxide (CO2), foam, wet or
dry chemical, a halogenated extinguishing agent,
or an automatic sprinkler system to detect
automatically and suppress a fire through fixed
piping and nozzles (see 780 CMR 904.0).
Construction Documents: As defined in 780 CMR
2.
Deluge system: An automatic sprinkler system
consisting of open sprinklers with water supply
valves activated by a separate automatic detection
system (see 780 CMR 908.0).
Detector, heat: An alarm-initiating device that
detects abnormally high temperature or rate of
temperature rise (see 780 CMR 918.0).
Detector, smoke: An alarm-initiating device that
detects the visible or invisible particles of
combustion (see 780 CMR 918.0).
Emergency Voice/alarm signaling system: A
system that provides, to the occupants of a
building, dedicated manual or automatic facilities,
or both, for originating and distributing voice
instructions, as well as alert and evacuation
signals that pertain to a fire emergency (see
780 CMR 917.0).
Fire alarm box, manual: A manually operated
alarm-initiating device that activates a fire
protective signaling system (see 780 CMR 917.0).
Fire command station ( Fire command center):
The principal location where the status of the
detection, alarm, communications and control
systems is displayed, and from which the
system(s) has the capability for manual control
(see 780 CMR 403.7 and 917.9).
Fire Department Designee: An individual
authorized by the chief of the fire department to
review and approve fire protection system plans
and installation.
Fire detector, automatic: An alarm-initiating device
that automatically detects heat, smoke or other
products of combustion (see 780 CMR 918.0).
Fire Protection Construction Documents:
Documents containing the requirements of
780 CMR 903.1.1, 903.1.2, 903.1 .3.
Fire protection system: Devices, equipment and
systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm,
suppress or control a fire, or any combination
thereof.
Fire Protective Signaling System (Fire Alarm
System): A system or portion of a combination
system consisting of components and circuits
arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of
fire alarm or supervisory signal initiating devices
and to initiate appropriate response to those
signals.
Household Fire Warning System: A household
fire warning system consists of single or multiple
station detectors or a listed control unit with
automatic fire detectors and occupant notification
appliances. The household fire warning system
serves only one dwelling unit, patient room, hotel
room or other single area depending on use group
requirements in 780 CMR 919.1 through 919.3
Installing Contractor:An individual or firm duly
licensed to install fire protection systems. (See
780 CMR 903.3)
· Automatic Sprinklers Systems - M.G.L.
c. 146, §§ 81 through 85A, 528 CMR 11.00
and 12.00
· Fire Extinguishing systems - M.G.L. c. 148,
§§ 58, 527 CMR 23.00
· Fire Alarm Systems - M.G.L. c. 141, §§ I
through 10, 237 CMR 1.00 through 6.00
Maintenance of Fire Protections Systems:
Replacement or repair of any component or
components of a fire protection system, where
such does not affect system performance and
compatibility. (Also see Modifications,
Alterations, Additions or Deletions to Fire
Protection Systems). No building permit is
required for maintenance. Other permits,
however, may be required pursuant to M.G.L.
c.148, § 27A and 527 CMR.
Modifications, Alterations, Additions or Deletions
to Fire Protection Systems: Any changes which
affect the performance of the fire protection
system. (Also see maintenance). Such changes
require a building permit and are subject to other
permitting requirements pursuant to M.G.L.
c. 148, § 27A.
Master Box: A municipal fire alarm box that may
also be operated by remote means.
Municipal Fire Alarm System: A system of alarm
initiating devices, receiving equipment, and
connecting circuits (other than a public telephone
network) used to transmit alarms from street
locations to the public fire service
communications center.
Preaction system: A fire sprinkler system employing
automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system
containing air with a supplemental fire detection
system installed in the same areas as the
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
150 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
sprinklers. Actuation of the fire detection system
automatically opens a valve that permits water to
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 148.1
flow into the sprinkler piping system and to be
discharged from any open sprinklers (see
780 CMR 906.9.6).
Proprietary supervising station: Refer to the
definition in chapter 1 of NFPA-72 and to
further details as identified in chapter 4 of
NFPA-72 as listed in Appendix A.
Registered Professional Engineer: A Registered
Professional Engineer registered by the Board of
Registration of Professional Engineers and of
Land Surveyors in accordance with M.G.L.
c. 112, §§ 81D through 81T and 250 CMR (see
780 CMR 903.1.3 and 903.5).
Remote station fire alarm system supervising
station: Refer to the definitions in chapter 1 of
NFPA-72 and to further details as identified in
chapter 4 of NFPA-72 as listed in Appendix A.
Shop Drawings: Scaled detailed working drawings
(system layout) and equipment specifications (cut
sheets) indicating all information in accordance
with requirements of the applicable NFPA
Standards for the specific fire protection systems
to be installed in accordance with the Registered
Professional Engineer’s plans and specifications.
Smoke detector, multiple station: Single-station
smoke detectors that are capable of being
interconnected such that actuation of one causes
all integral or separate audible alarms to operate
(see 780 CMR 919.0).
Smoke detector, single station: An assembly
incorporating the detector, the control equipment
and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, which
is operated from a power supply either in the unit
or obtained at the point of installation (see
780 CMR 919.0).
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NON-TEXT PAGE
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Smoke detector, system type: A smoke detector
designed to be conneted to a fire alarm control
panel.
Sprinkler: A device, connected to a water supply
system, that discharges water in a specific pattern
for extinguishment or control of fire (see
780 CMR 906.0).
Sprinkler system, automatic: A sprinkler system, for
fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of
underground or overhead piping designed in
accordance with fire protection engineering
standards. The system includes a suitable water
supply. The portion of the system above the
ground is a network of specially or hydraulically
designed piping installed in a building, structure
or area, generally overhead, and to which
automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic
pattern. The system is usually activated by heat
from a fire and discharges water over the fire area
(see 780 CMR 906.0).
Sprinkler system, limited area: An automatic
sprinkler system consisting of not more than 20
sprinklers within a fire area (see 780 CMR
907.0).
Standpipe system: A standpipe system is a fire
protection system consisting of an arrangement of
piping, valves, hose outlets and allied equipment
installed in a building or structure (see 780 CMR
914.0).
Supervisory device: An initiating device used to
monitor the conditions that are essential for the
proper operation of automatic fire-protection
systems (i.e., switches used to monitor the
position of gate valves, a low air-pressure switch
on a dry-pipe sprinkler system, etc.) (see
780 CMR 923.0).
U.L. Listed or FM approved central station service:
Central station service as defined in Chapter 1
of NFPA-72 and as further identified in chapter
4 of NFPA 72 as listed in Appendix A.
Water supply, automatic: A water supply that is not
dependent on any manual operation, such as
making connections, operating valves or starting
pumps (see 780 CMR 914.5).
780 CMR 903.0 FIRE PROTECTION
SYSTEMS APPROVAL/ACCEPTANCE
903.1 Required: Complete fire protection
construction documents shall be submitted in
accordance with 780 CMR 110 and a building
permit obtained prior to the installation of all
"required" or "non required" fire protection systems,
including modifications, alterations, additions or
deletions to an existing fire protection system. The
fire protection construction documents shall contain
sufficient information to completely describe the fire
protection systems, including operational features.
The information required pursuant to 780 CMR
903.0 shall include, where required, the items listed
in 780 CMR 903.1.1:
Exception 1: Maintenance; no building permit
required.
Exception 2: For modifications, alterations,
additions or deletions which do not affect system
performance or compatibility; no building permit
is required unless otherwise directed by the
Building Official (Note also refer to M.G.L.
c.148, § 27A).
903.1.1 Fire Protection Construction
Documents:
1. a. Basis (methodology) of design for the
protection of the occupancy and hazards for
compliance with 780 CMR and applicable
NFPA Standards, in the form of a narrative
report.
b. Sequence of operation of all fire
protection systems and operation in the form
of a narrative report.
c. Testing criteria to be used for final
system acceptance in the form of a narrative
report.
2. Building and site access for fire fighting
and/or rescue vehicle(s) and personnel.
3. Fire hydrant(s) location and water supply
information.
4. Type/description and design layout of the
automatic sprinkler system(s).
5. Automatic sprinkler system(s) control
equipment location.
6. Type/description and design layout of the
automatic standpipe system(s).
7. Standpipe system hose valve(s) type and
location.
8. Fire department siamese connection type(s)
and location.
9. Type/description and design layout of the
fire protective signaling system(s).
10. Fire protective signaling system(s) control
equipment and remote annunciator location.
11. Type/description and design layout of the
smoke control or exhaust system(s).
12. Smoke control or exhaust system(s)
control equipment location.
13. Building life safety system features
(auxiliary functions) required to be integrated
as part of the fire protective signaling
system(s).
14. Type/description and design layout of the
fire extinguishing system(s).
15. Fire extinguishing system(s) control
equipment location.
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16. Fire protection system(s) equipment room
location.
17. Fire protection system(s) equipment
identification and operation signs.
18. Fire protection system(s) alarm/
supervisory signal transmission method and
location.
903.1.2 Plans: All fire protection system plans
shall contain sufficient information to identify the
occupancy, hazards, system and equipment
arrangements, system and equipment sizing,
systems specifications, systems sequence(s) of
operation and design/engineering calculations.
903.1.3 Design: All fire protection systems and
fire protection system operation including
building and site features as identified in
780 CMR 903.1 1 shall be designed and specified
by a qualified Registered Professional Engin-
eer(s)except as provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A
and any profession or trade as provided in M.G.L.
c. 112, § 60L and M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R. All plans
shall bear the original seal and signature of the
Registered Professional Engineer(s), except as
provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A and any
profession or trade as provided in M.G.L. c. 112,
§ 60L and M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R. Specifications
shall include requirements for the preparation of
shop drawings when required by 780 CMR or
applicable NFPA Standards. The Registered
Professional Engineer(s) or other legally
recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R)
shall be responsible for the review and certify that
all shop drawings conform to the approved fire
protection construction documents as submitted
for the building permit and approved by the
building official.
903.1.4 As-built plans: In accordance with the
applicable referenced standards, as-built plans
shall be prepared by the contractor responsible for
the installation of the fire protection system for
the following occupancies:
(a) High-rise buildings
(b) Buildings and structures of Use Group A
with a total occupant load exceeding 1000.
(c) Buildings and structures of Use Group H.
(d) Use Group I-2 and I-3 except I-2 Uses
provided for in 780 CMR 424.
(e) Bulk Merchandising/Retail occupancies
(See 780 CMR 416.0).
As-built plans shall be provided to the owner
upon completion.
903.1.5 Safeguarding Construction: The fire
protection construction documents shall provide
specifications for conformance to 780 CMR 33
and NFPA-241 listed in Appendix A in order to
safeguard against fires during construction,
alterations and demolition of all buildings and
structures regulated by 780 CMR.
903.2 Authority: In accordance with the
requirements of 780 CMR 110 and 780 CMR 903.1
the building of official shall transmit one set of the
fire protection construction documents (780 CMR
903.1.1 ) and building construction documents to the
head of the fire department or his designee for
review and approval of the items specified in
780 CMR 903.1.1.
Note:
1. M.G.L. c. 148 §§ 26G, 26H and 26I, when
adopted by a city or town, will impact the fire
protection requirements of 780 CMR 9. A
building official shall consult Official
Interpretation Number 45-96, listed in
Appendix B, for guidance, where communities
have adopted M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26G, 26H, and/or
26I.
2. In addition to the building permit requirements
for fire protection systems in 780 CMR, M.G.L. c.
148 § 10A and 527 CMR may impose additional
installation permitting requirements.
903.2.1 Alternative Fire Protection Design
Methodologies - Independent Engineering
Review: Where alternative design methodologies
are utilized and where such methodologies result
in designs which vary from any prescriptive
requirement of 780 CMR, the owner shall engage
an independent registered professional engineer to
review said alternative design methodologies.
The scope of the independent registered
professional engineer review shall include, but not
be limited to the following;
(a) Review of the design assumptions,
methodologies and resulting proposed system
designs, to determine whether the proposed fire
protection system designs and any other
systems which are affected by the design
assumptions, are consistent with the general
objectives and prescriptive provisions of this
code and to determine whether or not the
methodologies and assumptions conform to
accepted engineering practice;
(b) Preparation of a written report to the
building official as to the appropriateness of
the proposed design, specifically listing any
variances from the prescriptive provisions of
780 CMR and describing, in detail, the design
provisions used to achieve compliance.
If the reviewing engineer concurs with the
proposed design, the owner shall make
application for a variance, to the State Building
Code Appeals Board as provided in 780 CMR
122. In addition to all supporting information and
materials, the reviewing engineer’s report
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9/9/05 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 151
required in 780 CMR 903.2.1(b) shall be included
in the application for variance.
A building permit shall not be issued until the
variance, if required, has been granted, or unless
the building permit is issued in part, as provided
for in 780 CMR 111.13.
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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
152 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 5/19/06 (Effective 9/9/05) - corrected
903.3 Fire Protection Systems Installation: Fire
protection systems shall be installed by contractors
and personnel appropriately licensed in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (licensed
installing contractor). Shop drawings required for
submittals and reviews by the Registered
Professional Engineer, or other legally recognized
professional (M.G.L. c. 112,§ 81R), by 780 CMR
903.1.3 or by applicable NFPA Standards shall note
the name(s), license number(s) and license
expiration date(s) of the contractor(s) installing the
fire protection systems.
903.4 Acceptance: In accordance with the
provisions of 780 CMR 120, a Certificate of
Occupancy shall not issue until the building official
and the head of the fire department or their
designees have witnessed a satisfactory functional
test of all fire protection systems, installed in
accordance with the approved fire protection
construction documents. All fire protection systems
shall be tested in accordance with the applicable
provisions of 780 CMR and NFPA Standards and
approved testing criteria and operational sequence as
submitted in 780 CMR 903.1.1, items 1.b and c. In
addition, the following documents and/or
information shall be simultaneously submitted to the
building official and head of the fire department or
their designees prior to the witnessing of the
operational fire protection system(s) testing:
1. Certification, from the Registered
Professional Engineer or other legally recognized
professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R) responsible
for the design in accordance with 780 CMR
903.1.3 stating that the fire protection systems
have been installed in accordance with the
approved fire protection construction documents
and that he has reviewed the shop drawings for
conformance to 780 CMR 903.3 and has
identified deviations if any, from the approved
fire protection construction documents.
2. Confirmation by the building owner/developer
or authorized representative that they have
received the as-built fire protection system shop
drawings from the installing contractor and that
the Registered Professional Engineer or other
legally recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112,
§ 81R) has certified their reasonable accuracy.
3. Material, Test, Performance and Completion
Certificates, properly executed by the installing
contractor in accordance with the applicable
NFPA Standards.
Exception: In lieu of witnessing a satisfactory
functional test, the building official and head of
the fire department or their designees may accept
a final performance acceptance test report from a
Registered Professional Engineer or other legally
recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R).
Said report shall certify that a complete
satisfactory functional test of all fire protection
systems in accordance with the approved testing
criteria and operational sequence have been
witnessed.
903.4.1 Conditional Acceptance: The
requirements of 780 CMR 903.4 shall not
preclude the issuance of a temporary Certificate of
occupancy by the Building Official in accordance
with 780 CMR 120.3.
780 CMR 904.0 FIRE SUPPRESSION
SYSTEMS
904.1 Where required: Automatic fire suppression
systems shall be installed where required by
780 CMR and in the locations indicated in 780 CMR
904.1 through 904.9.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic fire suppression system shall not
be required in portions of buildings that comply
with 780 CMR 406.0 for open parking structures
less than 70 feet in height above mean grade.
2. In telecommunications equipment buildings,
an automatic fire suppression system shall not be
required in those spaces or areas occupied
exclusively for telecommunications equipment,
associated electrical power distribution
equipment, batteries and standby engines,
provided that those spaces or areas are equipped
throughout with an automatic fire detection
system in accordance with 780 CMR 918.0 and
are separated from the remainder of the building
with fire separation assemblies consisting of one-
hour fireresistance rated walls and two-hour
fireresistance rated floor/ceiling assemblies.
3. Automatic sprinkler protection is precluded in:
(a) all new construction elevator machine rooms
of traction/drum elevators; (b) all new
construction elevator machine rooms of hydraulic
elevators; (c) all new construction elevator
hoistways and elevator pits. *(Note that capped,
inactive sprinkler piping would be allowed)
Such elevator machine rooms and hoistway/pit
enclosures shall be constructed to afford at least
the fireresistance rating specified in Table 602
and otherwise as required/allowed by the
applicable portions of 780 CMR 7.0 (typically,
but not always, the hoistway/pit and machine
room will have a minimum fireresistance rating of
two hours with elevator opening protectives rated
at 1½ hours but ratings of one hour for
hoistway/pit and machine rooms and ¾ hour for
elevator opening protectives may be allowed).
Where Table 602 requires a fireresistance
rating for elevator machine rooms, hoistways
and/or pits, such rating must be provided unless
such ratings are governed by other Building Code
Sections.
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For elevator installation within atriums also see
780 CMR 404 for additional fireresistance rating
guidance.
Where the elevator machine room is
determined to be a true penthouse roof structure,
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
154 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 5/19/06 (Effective 9/9/05) - corrected
also refer to 780 CMR 1510 for additional
fireresistance rating requirements.
Note: Also Refer to M.G.L. c. 148, § 26A and
26G
904.1.1 Additional requirements: When a
building or structure is provided with a fire alarm
system, all extinguishing systems installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 904
through 914, shall be connected to the fire alarm
system in accordance with the requirements of
NFPA 72 as listed in Appendix A.
904.1.1.1 Fire pump requirements: Refer to
780 CMR 924.
904.2 Use Groups A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, M, S-1,
F-1 in buildings of 12,000 sf or greater in
aggregate floor area: An automatic fire suppression
system shall be provided throughout all portions or
uses of all buildings of 12,000 sf or greater in
aggregate area when any of the following uses are
located within the building;
A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, M, S-1, F-1
780 CMR 904.2 shall apply whether or not the use is
separated from any other use within the building by
fire separation assemblies.
Exceptions:
1. Existing buildings: Existing buildings which
qualify as such in accordance with 780 CMR
3400.3.1 and which undergo a partial change in
use to a use or uses specified in 780 CMR 904.2
or are mixed use buildings which undergo renova-
tion of a use or uses specified in 780 CMR 904.2,
shall be provided with automatic fire suppression
systems in accordance with the following:
(a) only in those portions of the building
which have been changed in use and only when
such space or spaces exceed 12,000 sf in
aggregate floor area.
(b) only in those portions of the building
which have been altered or renovated provided
that such renovation constitutes substantial
alterations or substantial renovations, in
accordance with 780 CMR 3401 and only
when such space or spaces exceed 12,000 sf in
aggregate floor area.
2. Public Garages: Public Garages shall conform
to 780 CMR 408.0.
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and
26G.
904.3 Use Group A-2: An automatic fire
suppression system shall be provided throughout all
buildings with an occupancy in use group A-2 when
the occupant load of the A-2 use is 50 or greater.
904.3.1 A-2 and residential mixed use
buildings: Where a building contains one or more
residential dwelling units and also contains an A-
2 Use and where the A-2 Use has an occupant
load of 50 or greater, an automatic fire
suppression system shall be provided throughout
the building including any common areas
connecting the A-2 Use and the residential use
(see St. 2004, c. 304, § 4A).
Exception:
1. Existing buildings: Existing buildings which
qualify as such in accordance with 780 CMR
3400.3.1 which undergo a partial change in use to
an A-2 use or partial renovation of an existing A-
2 use shall be provided with an automatic fire
suppression system only in those portions of the
building which have been changed to an A-2 use
or those existing A-2 uses which have been
renovated when such renovation constitutes
substantial alterations or substantial renovations,
in accordance with 780 CMR 3401 and only when
the proposed or existing A-2 use exceeds 5,000 sf
in aggregate floor area.
2. Existing mixed use buildings of A-2 and R
occupancy (per St. 2004, c. 304): Existing
mixed use buildings of A-2 and R occupancies
which qualify as such in accordance with
780 CMR 3400.3.1 which undergo a partial
change in use, in which A-2 and R uses result, or
partial renovation of an existing mixed use
building of A-2 and R occupancy shall be
provided with an automatic fire suppression
system in all portions of the building, including,
but not limited to, residential dwellings and in any
common areas connected thereto when such
renovation constitutes substantial alterations or
substantial renovations in accordance with
780 CMR 3401. 780 CMR 9.04.3 shall apply to
substantial renovation/alteration of buildings and
structures approved by building permit on or after
December 1, 2004.
904.4 Use Group H: An automatic fire suppression
system shall be provided throughout all buildings of
Use Group H.
Exception: Magazines used for the storage of Use
Group H-1 materials which are constructed and
located in accordance with NFPA 495 and
527 CMR listed in Appendix A.
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26G.
904.5 Use Group I: An automatic fire suppression
system shall be provided throughout all buildings of
Use Group I.
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26G.
904.6 Use Group R-1: An automatic fire
suppression system shall be provided throughout all
buildings or spaces of Use Group R-1 in accordance
with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2.
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904.7 Use Group R-2: An automatic fire
suppression system shall be provided throughout all
buildings with an occupancy in Use Group R-2 in
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2.
Exception: Buildings having no more than three
dwelling units shall be permitted to have an
automatic fire suppression system installed in ac-
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cordance with NFPA-13D, “SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS”, listed in Appendix A, subject to the
following conditions:
a. Every automatic sprinkler system shall
have at least one automatic water supply or a
stored water supply source in accordance with
NFPA-13D where the minimum quantity of
stored water shall equal the water demand rate
times 20 minutes.
b. 780 CMR 919.3.2, Exception 2, and 780
CMR 919.5, Exception, shall not apply when
the automatic fire suppression system installed
is installed in accordance with NFPA-13D.
This Exception shall apply to new construction or
substantial renovation, or substantial alteration as
defined in 780 CMR, Chapter 34
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26I.
904.8 Windowless story: An automatic fire sup-
pression system shall be provided throughout every
story or basement of all buildings where there is not
provided at least one of the following types of
openings:
1. An exterior stairway that conforms to the
requirements of 780 CMR 1014.0, or an outside
ramp that conforms to the requirements of
780 CMR 1016.0, leading directly to grade in
each 50 linear feet (15240 mm) or fraction thereof
of exterior wall in the story or basement, on at
least one side of the building.
2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground
level totaling 20 square feet (1.9 m2) in each 50
linear feet (15240 mm) or fraction thereof of
exterior wall in the story or basement, on at least
one side of the building. Openings shall have a
least dimension of not less than 22 inches (559
mm), and shall have a minimum net clear opening
of five square feet (0.5m2). Access to such
openings from the exterior shall be provided to
the fire department and such openings shall be
unobstructed to allow fire-fighting and rescue
operations from the exterior.
When openings in a story are provided on only
one side and the opposite wall of such story is more
than 75 feet (22860 mm) from such openings, the
story shall be equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified
herein shall be provided on at least two sides of the
exterior walls of the story. If any portion of a
basement is located more than 75 feet (22860 mm)
from the openings required in 780 CMR 904.0, the
basement shall be provided with an automatic
sprinkler system.
Exception: Occupancies in Use Group R-3.
904.9 Other required suppression systems: In
addition to the requirements of 780 CMR 904.2
through 904.8, automatic fire suppression systems
for certain buildings and areas shall be provided in
accordance with Table 904.9.
Table 904.9
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SUPPRESSION
S YSTEMS(1)
780 CMR Section Subject 302.1.1
402.10; 402.15.2
403.2
Specific occupancy areas
Covered mall buildings
High-rise buildings
404.2
408.3.1
408.4
426.0
Atriums
Public garages
Fuel-dispensing areas
Bulk Merchandizing/Warehouse
Occupancies 780 CMR Section S ubject 411.7
412.6
413.4
416.4
Sound stages
Stages and enclosed platforms
Special amusement buildings
HPM facilities 419.3
507.1
1020.3
Paint spray booths and storage
rooms
Open parking structures more than
70 feet in height above the mean
grade (M.G.L. c. 148, § 26A)
Unlimited area buildings
E xit lobbies 2806.4
2807.6
2808.4
Drying rooms
Waste and linen chutes and
termination and incinerator
rooms
Refuse vaults
Note (1) See also M.G.L. c. 143, § 97A, M.G.L.
c. 148, §§ 26A, 26G, 26G½, 26H, 26I and M.G.L.
c. 148A.
780 CMR 905.0 SUPPRESSION SYSTEM AGENT COMPATIBILITY
905.1 Agent compatibility: The extinguishing agent
for each suppression system shall be compatible with
the type of hazard and fire. Each fixed fire
suppression system shall be of an approved type and
shall be designed and installed in accordance with
the requirements of 780 CMR.
905.1.1 Special hazards: In rooms or buildings
containing combustibles (such as aluminum
powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphide,
metallic sodium and potassium, quick-lime,
magnesium powder or sodium peroxide) that are
incompatible with water as an extinguishing
agent, other extinguishing agents shall be utilized.
780 CMR 906.0 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
906.1 General: Automatic sprinkler systems shall be
approved and shall be designed and installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR.
906.2 Equipped throughout: Where the provisions
of 780 CMR require that a building or portion
thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic
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sprinkler system, the system shall be designed and
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1,
906.2.2 or 906.2.3.
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Exception: Where water as an extinguishing
agent is not compatible with the fire hazard (see
780 CMR 905.1) or is prohibited by a law, statute
or ordinance, the affected area shall be equipped
with an approved automatic fire suppression
system utilizing a suppression agent that is
compatible with the fire hazard.
906.2.1 NFiPA 13 systems: The system shall be
designed and installed in accordance with NFiPA
13 listed in Appendix A.
906.2.2 NFiPA 13R systems: In buildings four
stories or less in height, systems designed and
installed in accordance with NFiPA 13R listed in
Appendix A shall be permitted in Use Group I-1
buildings with not more than 16 occupants and in
Use Group R buildings.
906.2.3 NFiPA 13D systems: In Use Group R-3
buildings with at least two-hour fireresistance
rated fire separation assemblies between dwelling
units, or in Use Group I-1 buildings with not more
than eight occupants, systems designed and
installed in accordance with NfiPA 13D listed in
Appendix A shall be permitted.
906.3 Design: Design documentation shall be in
accordance with 780 CMR 903.
906.4 Actuation: Water sprinkler systems shall be
automatically actuated unless otherwise specifically
provided for in 780 CMR.
906.5 Sprinkler alarms: Approved audible and
visual alarm devices shall be connected to every
water sprinkler system. Such alarm devices shall be
activated by water flow and shall be located in an
approved location on the exterior of the building and
throughout the building in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA-72 listed in Appendix A.
906.6 Water-control valve identification: All
valves controlling water to fire protection systems
shall be provided with permanently attached
identification tags indicating the valves' function and
what is controlled.
906.7 Sprinkler riser: A sprinkler system riser
which also serves as the wet standpipe riser in
buildings required to have or having both systems,
shall conform to 780 CMR 914.6.
906.8 Signs: Where sprinkler control valves are
located in a separate room or building, a sign shall
be provided on the entrance door. The lettering shall
be at least 2½ inches (63.5 mm) in height and shall
otherwise conform to 780 CMR 901.6 and shall read
"Sprinkler Control Valves."
906.9 Acceptance tests: All sprinkler systems shall
be tested in accordance with the applicable NFPA
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Standards used for sprinkler system design and
Installation and listed in Appendix A.
906.9.1 Underground connections: Underground
mains and lead-in connections shall be flushed
and tested in accordance with NFiPA 13 and 24
listed in Appendix A.
906.9.2 Hydrostatic test: All sprinkler systems shall
be tested hydrostatically in accordance with the
applicable NFPA Standards listed in Appendix A.
780 CMR 907.0 LIMITED AREA
SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS
907.1 General: A limited area sprinkler system shall
be of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 907.0.
Complete fire protection construction documents
shall be provided. (See 780 CMR 903.0.)
907.2 Where permitted: Where the provisions of
780 CMR require the installation of a fire
suppression system, and a water sprinkler
extinguishing system is used with a limited number
of sprinklers, a limited area sprinkler system that
complies with the requirements of 780 CMR 907.0
is permitted to be installed.
907.2.1 Special occupancy areas: A limited area
sprinkler system shall be permitted within special
occupancy areas as designated in 780 CMR 4 or
within specific occupancy areas as designated in
780 CMR 302.1.1, provided that the area is
enclosed within fire separation assemblies as
required by 780 CMR, and 20 sprinklers or less
are required to protect each separately enclosed
area. Where nonfireresistance rated separation
walls are permitted by Table 302.1.1 to enclose
contiguous specific occupancy areas on one floor,
the areas shall be considered to be one separately
enclosed area for the purposes of determining the
number of sprinklers based on the spacing
limitations of NFPA 13 listed in Appendix A.
907.2.2 Unenclosed floor openings, waste and
linen chutes, and kitchen and hazardous
exhaust systems: A limited area sprinkler system
shall be permitted to protect unenclosed escalator
floor openings that comply with 780 CMR
907.2.2.1, chutes used for waste or linen collec-
tion, commercial kitchen exhaust systems and
duct systems that exhaust hazardous materials.
907.2.2.1 Water curtain: The area of the floor
opening shall not exceed twice the horizontal
projected area of the escalator and the opening
shall not connect more than four stories in
occupancies in other than Use Groups B and M
and the opening shall be protected by a draft
curtain and a closed sprinkler water system
conforming to NfiPA 13 listed in Appendix A.
Note: Relative to escalator floor openings,
also see 780 CMR 713.3.
907.3 Design: Except as otherwise provided for in
780 CMR 907.0, a limited area sprinkler system
shall be designed and installed in accordance with
780 CMR 906.0.
907.4 Actuation: A limited area sprinkler system
shall be automatically actuated.
907.5 Sprinkler alarms: Alarms and alarm
attachments shall be required and shall be located
and installed in accordance with the requirements of
780 CMR 906.5.
907.6 Standpipe connection: The water supply for
the limited area sprinkler system shall be from the
building standpipe system where the building is
equipped with a standpipe system that is sized for a
500-gallon-per-minute (0.032 m3/s) minimum flow
and has an automatic water supply (see 780 CMR
914.5).
907.6.1 Domestic supply: Where limited area
sprinkler systems are supplied from the domestic
water system, the domestic water system shall be
designed to support adequately the design flow of
the largest number of sprinklers required to be
hydraulically calculated by NFiPA 13 listed in
Appendix A in any one of the enclosed areas plus
the domestic demand.
907.6.2 Cross connection: The potable water
supply shall be protected against backflow in
accordance with the requirements of the Plumbing
and Gas Code (248 CMR), and the Department of
Environmental Protection Regulations, 310 CMR
as listed in Appendix A as well as any cross-
connection protection criteria legally set forth by
the water supplier/purveyor having local
jurisdiction.
907.6.3 Domestic connection: Shutoff valves
shall not be permitted in the suppression system
piping. Water supply shall be controlled by the
riser control valve to the domestic water piping.
Exception: Shutoff valves in the sprinkler
system piping are permitted provided that such
valves are supervised in accordance with
780 CMR 923.0.
907.7 Acceptance tests: All limited area sprinkler
systems shall be tested as stipulated in 780 CMR
906.9.
780 CMR 908.0 WATER-SPRAY FIXED
SYSTEMS
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908.1 General: Water-spray fixed systems for fire
suppression shall be of an approved type and shall
be installed in accordance with the provisions of
780 CMR and NFiPA 15 listed in Appendix A. A
water-spray fixed system is a system connected to a
reliable source of water supply and equipped with
normally open water-spray nozzles for specific
discharge and distribution over the surface or area to
be protected.
908.2 Design: Complete fire protection construction
documents and hydraulic calculations shall be
submitted for review prior to installation. The
submittal shall include nozzle layouts, friction loss,
calculations, water supply data and a detailed layout
of the entire area to be protected. (See 780 CMR
903.0.)
908.3 Actuation: Water-spray systems shall be
automatically actuated and shall be provided with a
manual means of actuation.
908.4 Acceptance tests: All new system piping shall
be flushed and tested in accordance with the
provisions of NFiPA 15 listed in Appendix A.
780 CMR 909.0 CARBON DIOXIDE
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
909.1 General: Carbon dioxide extinguishing
systems shall be of an approved type and shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of
780 CMR and NFiPA 12 listed in Appendix A. A
carbon dioxide extinguishing system is a system
which supplies CO2 from a pressurized vessel
through fixed pipes and nozzles.
909.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on
the fire protection construction documents shall
include information and calculations of the amount
of carbon dioxide; the location and flow rate of each
nozzle including equivalent orifice area; and the
location and size of the carbon dioxide storage
facility. Information shall be submitted pertaining to
the location and function of detecting devices,
operating devices, auxiliary equipment and electrical
circuitry, if used. Sufficient information shall be
indicated to identify properly the apparatus and
devices used. Any special features shall be
adequately explained. (See 780 CMR 903.0.)
909.3 Actuation: Carbon dioxide extinguishing
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be
provided with a manual means of actuation.
909.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will
enter or be trapped in atmospheres made hazardous
by carbon dioxide discharge, warning signs and
discharge alarms shall be provided.
909.5 Acceptance tests: All carbon dioxide
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance
with NFiPA 12 listed in Appendix A. A completed
system shall be tested for tightness up to the selector
valve, and for continuity of piping with free
unobstructed flow beyond the selector valve. The
labeling of devices with proper designations and
instructions shall be checked. Operational tests shall
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves
in multicylinder high-pressure systems. Where
conditions prevail that make it difficult to determine
adequately the system requirements or design, a
suitable discharge test and concentration analysis
shall be made.
780 CMR 910.0 DRY-CHEMICAL
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
910.1 General: Dry-chemical extinguishing systems
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and
NFiPA 17 listed in Appendix A. A dry-chemical
extinguishing system is a system consisting of dry
chemical and expellant gas storage tanks, fixed
piping and nozzles used to assure proper distribution
of an approved extinguishing agent to a specific fire
hazard or into an area of potential fire.
910.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on
the fire protection construction documents shall
include sufficient information and calculations of the
amount of dry chemical; the size, length and
arrangement of connected piping, or piping and
hose; and a description and location of nozzles so
that the adequacy of the system can be determined.
Information shall be submitted pertaining to the
location and function of detecting devices, operating
devices, auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry,
if used. Sufficient information shall be indicated to
identify properly the apparatus and devices used.
Any special features shall be adequately explained.
(See 780 CMR 903.0.)
910.3 Actuation: Dry-chemical extinguishing
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be
provided with a manual means of actuation.
910.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will be
exposed to a dry-chemical discharge. warning signs
and discharge alarms shall be provided.
910.5 Acceptance tests: All dry-chemical
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance
with NFiPA 17 listed in Appendix A. A completed
system shall be tested by a discharge of expellant
gas through the piping and nozzles. Observations for
gas leakage and for continuity of piping with free
unobstructed flow shall be made. Observations shall
be made of the flow of expellant gas through all
nozzles. The labeling of devices with proper
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designations and instructions shall be checked. After
testing, all piping and nozzles shall be blown clean
using compressed air or nitrogen, and the system
shall be properly charged and placed in the normal
"set" condition.
910.5.1 Discharge test: All systems shall be
tested by a discharge of expellant gas through the
piping and nozzles with observations being made
of the flow of expellant gas through all nozzles as
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well as observing for leakage and continuity of
piping with free unobstructed flow.
910.6 Range hoods: In addition to the requirements
of 780 CMR 910.0 and the applicable NFPA
standards listed in Appendix A, range hood dry-
chemical systems shall bear the label of an approved
agency.
The system shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer's installation instructions. The dry-
chemical agent of the system shall be nontoxic.
780 CMR 911.0 FOAM-EXTINGUISHING
SYSTEMS
911.1 General: Foam-extinguishing systems shall be
of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and
NFiPA 11, 11A and 16 listed in Appendix A. A
foam-extinguishing system is a special system
designed to discharge, either mechanically or
chemically, a foam made from concentrates, over the
area to be protected.
911.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on
the fire protection construction documents shall
include complete computations show-testing
pressure drop in all system piping, friction loss
calculations of liquid lines and a detailed layout of
the entire hazard area to be protected. Hydraulic
characteristics of foam proportioners and foam
makers as determined by tests shall be supplied by
the manufacturer to the department (including the
range of operating conditions required for the
proposed installation) to permit determination of the
adequacy of the hydraulics of the proposed
protection. (See 780 CMR 903.0.)
911.3 Actuation: A foam-extinguishing system shall
be automatically actuated and shall be provided with
a manual means of actuation.
911.4 Safety requirements: In any proposed use of
a medium- or high-expansion foam where persons
will be exposed to the foam discharge, warning signs
and discharge alarms shall be provided.
911.5 Acceptance tests: All foam-extinguishing
systems shall be tested in accordance with NFiPA
11, l 11A and 16 listed in Appendix A. The system
shall be subjected to a flow test to insure that the
hazard area is fully protected in compliance with the
design specifications, and to determine flow
pressures, actual discharge capacity, foam quality,
consumption rate of foam-producing materials,
manpower requirements and other operating
characteristics.
780 CMR 912.0 HALOGENATED
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
912.1 General: Halogenated extinguishing systems
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and
NFiPA 12A and 12B listed in Appendix A. A
halogenated extinguishing system is a system
consisting of pipes, open nozzles and a container of
halogenated agent under pressure.
912.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on
the fire protection construction documents shall
include information and calculations of the amount
of extinguishing agent; the container storage
pressure; the location and flow rate of each nozzle
including equivalent orifice area; the location, size
and equivalent lengths of pipe, fittings and hose; and
the location and size of the storage facility.
lnformation shall be submitted pertaining to the
location and function of detecting devices, operating
devices, auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry,
if used. Sufficient information shall be indicated to
identify properly the apparatus and devices used.
Any special features shall be adequately explained.
(See 780 CMR 903.0.)
912.3 Actuation: Halogenated extinguishing
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall
also be provided with a manual means of actuation.
912.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will
enter or be trapped in atmospheres made hazardous
by a halogenated system discharge, warning signs
and discharge alarms shall be provided.
912.5 Acceptance tests: All halogenated
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance
with NFiPA 12A and 12B listed in Appendix A.
completed system shall be tested for tightness up to
the selector valve, and for continuity of piping with
free unobstructed flow beyond the selector valve.
The labeling of devices with proper designations and
instructions shall be checked. Operational tests shall
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves
in multicylinder systems. Where conditions prevail
that make it difficult to determine adequately the
system requirements or design, a suitable discharge
test and concentration analysis shall be made.
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780 CMR 913.0 WET-CHEMICAL RANGE
HOOD EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
913.1 General: Wet-chemical extinguishing systems
shall be installed in accordance with the provisions
of 780 CMR 913.0, and the BOCA Mechanical Code
and NFiPA 17A listed in Appendix A. The system
shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall
be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions. A wet-chemical system is a
solution of water and potassium-car-bonate-based
chemical, potassium-acetate-based chemical or a
combination thereof which forms the extinguishing
agent.
913.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on
the fire protection construction documents shall
include sufficient information and calculations on
the amount of wet chemical; the size, length and
arrangement of connected piping; and a description
and location of nozzles so that the adequacy of the
system can be determined. Information shall be
submitted pertaining to the location and function of
detecting devices, operating devices, auxiliary
equipment and electrical circuitry, if used. Sufficient
information shall be indicated to identify properly
the apparatus and devices used. Any special features
shall be adequately explained. (See 780 CMR
903.0.)
913.3 Actuation: Wet-chemical extinguishing
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be
provided with a manual means of actuation.
913.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will be
exposed to a wet-chemical discharge, warning signs
and discharge alarms shall be provided.
913.5 Acceptance tests: All wet-chemical
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance
with NFiPA 17A listed in Appendix A. A completed
system shall be tested by discharge of wet chemical
in sufficient amounts to verify that the system is
properly installed and functional. Tests shall include
a check of the detection systems, the alarms and the
releasing devices, including manual stations, fuel
and power shutoff devices and other associated
equipment.
913.5.1 Discharge test: All systems shall be
tested by a discharge of expellant gas through the
piping and nozzles with observations being made
of the flow of expellant gas through all nozzles as
well as observing for leakage and continuity of
piping with free unobstructed flow.
780 CMR 914.0 STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
914.1 General: Standpipe systems shall be designed,
installed and maintained in accordance with the
provisions of 780 CMR and NFPA-14 listed in
Appendix A. Where standpipe systems are required
by 780 CMR, such systems shall be automatic wet
systems. Automatic dry and semi-automatic dry
standpipe systems shall be permitted only in areas
subject to freezing. Complete fire protection
construction documents shall be provided. (See
780 CMR 903.0.)
914.2 Where required: Class I standpipe systems
shall be installed where required by 780 CMR
914.2.1 through 914.2.11 and shall be located in
accordance with the provisions of NFPA 14, listed in
Appendix A.
914.2.1 Use Group A: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group A
when:
1. Two or more stories in height of Use Group
A-1, A-2, or A-3, and having an occupant load
or more than 300; or;
2. Three or more stories in height regardless
of the area per floor; or;
3. Having an auditorium seating over 500.
Standpipes shall be located one on each side of
the auditorium in each tier, one in each
mezzanine, one in each tier of dressing rooms,
and protecting each property, store and work
room; or;
4. Having a stage. Standpipes shall be located
on each side of the stage.
Such standpipes shall be not less that 2½-inch
diameter, equipped with approved 1½ inch hose
station.
914.2.2 Use Group B: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group B
when:
1. Three or more stories in height, and more
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor; or;
2. Four or more stories in height regardless of
the area per floor.
914.2.3 Use Group E: In buildings or structures
or portions thereof of Use Group E when three or
more stories in height regardless of the area per
floor or when having a stage or auditorium in
accordance with 780 CMR 914.2.1(3) and
914.2.1(4).
914.2.4 Use Group F: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group F
when:
1. Three or more stories in height, and more
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor, or;
2. Four or more stories in height regardless of
the area per floor.
914.2.5 Use Group H: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group H
when:
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1. Three or more stories in height, and more
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor; or;
2. Four or more stories in height, regardless of
the area per floor.
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914.2.6 Use Group I: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group I,
three or more stories in height, regardless of the
area per floor.
914.2.7 Use group M: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group M
when:
1. Three stories or more in height, and more
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor, or;
2. Four or more stories in height regardless of
the area per floor, or;
3. Classified as a covered mall building
within the mall portions (see 780 CMR 4).
4. Classified as a bulk/merchandising
warehouse. (See 780 CMR 4.)
914.2.8 Use Group R-1 and R-2: In all buildings
or structures or portions thereof of Use Group R-1
and R-2 when:
1. Three or more stories in height and of Use
Group R-1 regardless of the area per floor; or;
2. Three or more stories in height and more
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor, or;
3. Four or more stories in height regardless of
the area per floor.
914.2.9 Use Group S: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group S,
other than public garages which shall conform to
780 CMR 914.2.10 when:
1. Three or more stories in height of Use
Group S-1, and more than 3,000 square feet in
area per floor; or;
2. Three or more stories in height, Use Group
S-2, and more than 10,000 square feet in area
per floor; or;
3. Four or more stories in height of Use
Groups S-1 or S-2 regardless of the area per
floor.
914.2.10 Use Group U: In all buildings or
structures or portions thereof of Use Group U
when:
1. Three or more stories in height and more
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor; or;
2. Four or more stories in height regardless of
the area per floor.
914.2.11 Public Garages: In all Group I and 11
public garages and open parking structures when:
1. More than 10,000 square feet in area per
floor; or;
2. More than 7,500 square feet in area per
floor and more than one story in height; or;
3. More than 5,000 square feet in area per
floor, and more than two stories in height; or;
4. More than three stories in height; or;
5. Located in buildings where the upper
stories are designed for other uses: or;
6. When located in any story that is more than
50% below grade.
Exception: Standpipe systems can be
"Class I Manual Dry Type" as defined by
NFPA-14 for open parking structures less
than 70' in height.
914.3 Standpipe system piping sizes: The riser
piping, supply piping, and the water service piping
shall be hydraulically sized in accordance with the
provisions of NFPA-14 listed in Appendix A.
Exception: The residual pressure(s) as noted in
NFPA-14 are not required to be maintained in
buildings less than 70 feet in height which are
equipped throughout with an approved automatic
fire suppression system. However the system
shall be designed to accommodate the outlet
pressures and water flows in accordance with
NFPA 14 and inlet pressures consistent with local
fire department equipment..
914.4 High-rise buildings: All buildings more than
70 feet in height above the mean grade shall have
each floor supplied by a minimum of two
combination standpipe/sprinkler risers installed in
accordance with the requirements of NFPA-14,
listed in Appendix A.
914.5 Outlets: Standpipe system outlets shall
comply with the provisions for, Class III Systems of
NFPA-14 as listed in Appendix A.
914.6 Acceptance Tests: All Standpipe systems
shall be tested in accordance with NFPA listed in
Appendix A.
914.6.1 Underground Connections:
Underground mains and lead-in connections shall
be flushed and tested in accordance with NFPA
14 and NFPA 24 listed in Appendix A.
914.7 Standpipe system requirements for
buildings under construction or demolition:
914.7.1 General: Standpipes required by 780
CMR 914.7 are to be either temporary or perma-
nent in nature, with or without a water supply,
provided, however, that such standpipes conform
to the requirements of 780 CMR 914.0 as to
number of risers, capacity, outlets and materials.
914.7.2 Buildings under construction or
demolition: Standpipe requirements for buildings
under construction or demolition shall be in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR
3305.3 and NFPA 241 as listed in Appendix A.
780 CMR 915.0 FIRE DEPARTMENT
CONNECTIONS
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915.1 Required: All required water fire-
extinguishing and standpipe systems shall be
provided with a fire department connection in
accordance with the applicable NFPA standards.
Standpipes in buildings under construction or
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
162 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05
demolition shall conform to 780 CMR 3305.3 and
NFPA 241 listed in Appendix A.
Exceptions:
1. Limited area sprinkler systems supplied from
the domestic water system.
2. Where the local fire department approves a
single connection for large diameter hose of at
least four inches.
3. An automatic sprinkler system with less than
20 sprinklers.
915.2 Connections: Fire department connections
shall be arranged in such a manner that the
attachment to any one water sprinkler connection
will serve all sprinklers, and the attachment to any
one standpipe connection will serve all standpipes
within the building.
915.3 Location: Fire department connections shall
be located and shall be visible on a street front or in
a location approved by the fire department. Such
connections shall be located so that immediate
access is provided to the fire department. Fire
department connections shall not be obstructed by
fences, brushes, trees, walls or any other similar
object.
915.4 Height: Fire department connections shall not
be less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not more than
42 inches (1067 mm) in elevation, measured from
the ground level to the centerline of the inlets.
915.5 Projection: Where the fire department
connection will otherwise project beyond the
property line or into the public way, a flush-type fire
department connection shall be provided.
915.6 Hose thread: Hose thread in the fire
department connection shall be uniform with that
used by the local fire department.
915.7 Fittings: Fire department inlet connections
shall be fitted with check valves, ball drip valves and
plugs with chains or frangible caps.
915.8 Signs: A metal sign with raised letters at least
one inch (25 mm) in height shall be mounted on all
fire department connections serving sprinklers or
standpipes. Such signs shall read "Automatic
Sprinklers" or "Standpipe," or both, as applicable.
780 CMR 916.0 YARD HYDRANTS/
UNDERGROUND FIRE MAINS
916.1 Fire hydrants: Fire hydrants and underground
fire mains installed on private property shall be
located and installed as directed by the fire
department. Hydrants shall conform to the standards
of the administrative authority of the jurisdiction and
the fire department. Hydrants shall not be installed
on a water main less than six inches in diameter.
Standards of construction shall be in accordance
with NFPA 24 as listed in Appendix A.
780 CMR 917.0 FIRE PROTECTIVE
SIGNALING SYSTEMS
( Fire Alarm System )
917.1 General: Fire protective signaling systems
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and
NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.
917.2 Fire Protection Construction documents:
Where a fire protective signaling system is required
by 780 CMR, the fire protection construction
documents shall show the location and number of all
alarm-initiating devices and alarm notification
appliances, and shall provide a description of all
equipment to be used, proposed zoning, a list of
auxiliary control functions (i.e., elevator capture),
location of the control panel(s) and annunciator(s),
and a complete sequence of operation for the system.
(Also see 780 CMR 903.0)
917.3 Approval: All devices, combinations of
devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved
for the fire protective signaling purpose for which
such equipment is used.
917.4 Where required: A fire protective signaling
system shall be installed and maintained in full
operating condition in the locations described in
780 CMR 917.4.1 through 917.4.6.
917.4.1 Use Group A or E: A fire protective
signaling system shall be installed and maintained
in all occupancies in Use Group A or E.
917.4.1.1 Special requirements – A-2 use: In
addition to the requirements specified in
780 CMR 917.4.1, for A-2 use occupancies
and where the occupant load is 50 or greater
also refer to 780 CMR 917.8.2.3.
917.4.2 Use Group B: A fire protective signaling
system shall be installed and maintained in all
occupancies in Use Group B where such buildings
have occupied floors which are two or more
stories above the lowest level of exit discharge or
which have floors two or more stories below the
highest level of exit discharge.
917.4.3 Use Group H: A fire protective signaling
system shall be installed and maintained in all
occupancies in Use Groups H.
917.4.4 Use Group I: A fire protective signaling
system shall be installed and maintained in all
occupancies in Use Group I.
917.4.5 Use Group R-1: A fire protective
signaling system shall be installed and maintained
in all occupancies in Use Group R-1.
917.4.6 Use Group R-2: A fire protective
signaling system shall be installed and maintained
in all occupancies in Use Group R-2 containing
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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13 or more dwelling units or where any dwelling
unit is located more than three stories above the
lowest level of exit discharge or more than one
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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164 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05
story below the highest level of exit discharge of
exits serving the dwelling unit.
917.5 Location: Manual fire alarm boxes shall be
located not more than five feet (1524 mm) from the
entrance to each exit. Manual fire alarm boxes shall
be located in each story including basements. In
buildings of use group A where a stage is provided,
a manual fire alarm box shall be located next to the
lighting control panel. For fire alarm systems
employing automatic fire detection or water flow
devices, at least one manual fire alarm box shall be
provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. This manual
fire alarm box shall be located where required by the
Head of the Fire department or his or her designee.
Exception:
1. In buildings of use group A, assembly occu-
pancy, and where approved by the local fire de-
partment, manual fire alarm boxes may be omitted
at exits and any other required locations, but shall
be provided at constantly attended locations such
as ticket booths, refreshment facilities, bars, etc.
Where the building official determines that it is
impractical to have a constantly attended location
in an assembly occupancy other than a theater,
manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided at each
required building exit.
2. Except as provided in 917.5, manual fire alarm
boxes are not required in an occupancy in Use
Group B where the height of the building is 70
feet or less above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access and the building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system, and/or an automatic fire detection system
or combination thereof, in accordance with
780 CMR 906.0 and 780 CMR 918.0.
917.5.1 Manual fire alarm boxes: The height of
the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum
of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 54
inches (I372 mm) measured vertically, from the
floor level to the activating handle or lever of the
box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in
color. In all occupancies in Use Group I-3, the
manual fire alarm boxes shall be permitted to be
locked in areas where staff is present whenever
such areas are occupied and keys are readily
available to unlock the boxes, or the boxes shall
be located in a manned staff location which has
direct supervision of the sleeping area.
Exception: Where 521 CMR, Architectural
Access Board regulations apply, manual fire
alarm box height shall be as prescribed in
521 CMR.
917.6 Power supply: The primary and secondary
power supply for the fire protective signaling system
shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 listed
in Appendix A.
917.7 Wiring: All wiring shall conform to the
requirements of NFPA 72 and 527 CMR 12.00:
Massachusetts Electrical Code listed in Appendix A.
Wireless systems utilizing radio frequency
transmitting devices shall comply with the special
requirements for supervision of low-power wireless
systems in NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.
917.7.1 Activation: The alarm notification
appliances shall be automatically activated by all
of the following where provided:
1. Smoke detectors, other than single- and
multiple-station smoke detectors, as required
by 780 CMR 919.0;
2. Sprinkler water-flow devices;
3. Manual fire alarm boxes; and
4 Other approved types of automatic fire
detection devices, extinguishing, or
suppression systems.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke detectors in an occupancy in Use
Group I-3 are permitted to actuate an audible
alarm-indicating appliance at a constantly
attended location and are not required to
activate a general alarm.
2. Audible alarms in buildings of Use
Group A with an occupant load greater than
300 persons shall sound only in a constantly
attended receiving station within the
building for purposes of initiating emergen-
cy action. Occupant notification shall be by
means of either voice or prerecorded mes-
sage announcement initiated by the person
in the constantly attended receiving station
and in accordance with 780 CMR 917.9. In
buildings of Use Group A utilizing reduced
lighting levels on a regular basis, lights
providing normal lighting levels shall be
activated simultaneously with the beginning
of the voice or prerecorded message an-
nouncement. Where the building official
determines that it is impractical to have a
constantly attended location in an assembly
occupancy the fire alarm system shall be
arranged to automatically provide
prerecorded evacuation instructions.
3. For mixed use group occupancies that
contain an A use group the use group A area
shall be in accordance with 780 CMR
917.7.1 exception 2.
917.7.1.1 Length of evacuation signal:
Automatic deactivation of audible and visible
alarms shall not be allowed.
Exception: Automatic deactivation of
audible alarms after a period of operation of
15 minutes shall be permitted when ap-
proved by the local fire department. Auto-
matic deactivation of audible alarms shall
only be permitted when the fire alarm
system is supervised in accordance with
780 CMR 923.2 or by an approved auxiliary
fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA
72.
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917.7.2 Presignal or positive alarm sequence
system: Presignal or positive alarm sequence
systems shall not be installed unless approved by
the code official and by the local fire department.
Where a presignal or positive alarm sequence
system is installed, 24-hour supervision by trained
personnel shall be provided at a location approved
by the local fire department, in order that the
alarm signal can be actuated in the event of fire or
other emergency.
917.7.3 Zones: Each floor shall be zoned
separately and a zone shall not exceed 20,000
square feet (1860 m2). The length of any zone
shall not exceed 300 feet (91440 mm) in any
direction. A zoning indicator panel and the
associated controls shall be provided in a location
approved by the local fire department. Where
individually addressable alarm initiating devices
are used, a single circuit ( or pathway ) shall not
exceed the above size limitations unless the
circuit is a Class A circuit, and the style and
device loading meets the requirements for
proprietary systems as listed in NFPA 72. Where
individually addressable alarm initiating devices
are logically combined into groups for
annunciation purposes, the above zone size
limitations shall apply to the group. The local fire
department shall approve all zone and point
descriptions. The visual zone indication shall lock
in until the system is reset and shall not be
canceled by the operation of an audible alarm -
silencing switch. In buildings that have floors
located more than 70 feet above mean grade, a
separate zone by floor shall be provided for the
following types of alarm-initiating devices where
provided:
1. Smoke detectors;
2. Sprinkler water-flow devices;
3. Manual fire alarm boxes; and
4. Other approved types of automatic fire
detection devices, extinguishing, or
suppression systems.
Exceptions:
1. Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not
exceed the area permitted by NFPA 13 listed in
Appendix A.
2. Duct type smoke detectors shall be
separately identified with a remote test/
indicator station. The location of the remote
test/indicator shall be approved by the local
fire department.
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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
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917.8 Alarm notification appliances: Alarm
notification appliances of the approved type shall be
provided.
917.8.1 Visible alarms: Visible alarm notification
appliances shall be provided in accordance with
NFPA 72 and 521 CMR in public and common
areas of all buildings and areas of buildings
housing the hearing impaired and where required
by 521CMR. In occupancies in Use Groups I-1
and R-1, all required accessible sleeping rooms
and suites plus an additional number of sleeping
rooms or suites in accordance with Table 917.8.1
shall be provided with a visible alarm notification
appliance, activated by both the in-room smoke
detector and the building fire protective signaling
system. In hospital intensive care units, special
care units and operating rooms, the audible signal
need not be sounded; however a visual alarm shall
be displayed with an approved device.
917.8.1.1 Visible alarm synchronization:
Where more than one visible signal can be
viewed from one location the visible signals
shall be synchronized.
Table 917.8.1
VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE ALARMS
Number of sleeping
rooms or suites
Sleeping rooms or suites with
visible and audible alarms 6 to 25
26 to 50
1
2
51 to 75
76 to 100
3
4
101 to 150
151 to 200
201 to 300
5
6
7 301 to 400
401 to 500
8
9
501 to 1,000
1,001 and over
2% of total
20 plus 1 for each 100 over
1,000
917.8.2 Audible alarms: Audible alarm
notification appliances shall be provided and shall
sound a distinctive sound which shall not be used
for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm.
The audible alarm notification appliances shall
provide a sound pressure level of 15 dBA above
the average ambient or 5 dBA above the maxi-
mum sound level having a duration of at least 60
seconds ( whichever is greater ) sound level in
every occupied space within the building. The
minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 70 dBA
in occupancies in Use Groups R and I-1; 90 dBA
in mechanical equipment rooms; and 60 dBA in
all other use groups. The maximum sound
pressure level for audible alarm notification
appliances shall be 120 dBA at the minimum
hearing distance from the audible appliance.
917.8.2.1 All audible evacuation signals shall
have a synchronized three - pulse temporal
pattern in accordance with NFPA 72.
917.8.2.2 A-2 Use – entertainment system
response: The activation of any fire protection
system element (signaling system, detection,
sprinklering, etc.) shall automatically:
1. Cause immediate illumination of all
areas and components of the required means
of egress, and additionally;
2. Cause immediate full activation of all
other house lighting; and
3. Cause immediate stopping of any and all
sounds and visual distractions (public
address systems, entertainment and dance
lighting, music, etc.) that conflict/compete
with the fire protective signaling system.
917.9 Voice/alarm signaling system: A voice/alarm
signaling system shall be provided where required
by other sections of 780 CMR. When activated in
accordance with 780 CMR 917.7.1, the voice/alarm
signaling system shall automatically sound an alert
signal to all occupants within the building on a
general or selective basis to the following terminal
areas: elevators, elevator lobbies, corridors, exit
stairways, rooms and tenant spaces exceeding 1,000
square feet (93 m2) in area; dwelling units in
occupancies in Use Group R-2; and guestrooms or
suites in occupancies in Use Group R-1. The fire
command station shall contain controls to transmit
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
162 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
manually an evacuation signal and voice instructions
on a selective and all-call basis to the terminal areas
indicated herein. The voice/alarm system shall be
designed and installed in accordance with the
provisions of 780 CMR, 527 CMR and NFPA 72
listed in Appendix A.
Exceptions:
1. A distinctive signal in lieu of a voice alarm is
permitted in an occupancy in Use Group F or S.
2. Where the head of the fire department or
his/her designee determines that partial or
selective evacuation is not desired, but rather total
evacuation is required, then a distinctive signal, in
lieu of a voice alarm, is permitted.
917.9.1 The sequence of operation of the voice
alarm signaling system shall be as follows:
1. Sound an alert (pre-signal) tone (the alert
tone shall be a 900 hertz tone pulsed to
produce one round of code 4 at approximately
one second intervals.
2. Activate the recorded message regarding
the evacuation procedure. The alarm and com-
munications system shall provide a pre-record-
ed message to all required areas. The message
shall contain the following information. “
attention please. The signal tone you have just
head indicated a report of an emergency in this
building. If your floor evacuation signal sounds
after this message, walk to the nearest stairway
and leave the floor. While the report is being
verified, occupants on other floors should
await further instructions.”
This message shall be transmitted three
times.
A female voice shall be used for this
message.
3. Activate the evacuation signal on the floor
of incident and the next floor above and below
(the evacuation signal shall be in accordance
with 780 CMR 917.8.2.1
917.10 Acceptance tests: Upon completion of the
fire protective signaling system, all alarm
notification devices and circuits, alarm indicating
appliances and circuits, supervisory-signal initiating
devices and circuits, signaling line circuits, and
primary and secondary power supplies shall be
subjected to a 100% acceptance test in accordance
with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A and 780 CMR
903.0.
780 CMR 918.0 AUTOMATIC FIRE
DETECTION SYSTEMS
(FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS)
918.1 General: Automatic fire detection systems
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and
NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.
918.2 Fire Protection Construction documents:
Where an automatic fire detection system is required
by 780 CMR, the fire protection construction
documents shall show the location and number of all
automatic fire detectors with specifications of the
type of fire detector, proposed zoning and a
complete sequence of operation for the system. The
system shall be installed in accordance with
780 CMR 918.0 and shall be part of and be subject
to the requirements of a fire protective signaling
system specified in 780 CMR 917.0. (Also see
780 CMR 903.0)
918.3 Approval: All devices, combinations of
devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved
for the fire signaling purpose for which such
equipment is used. 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.
918.4 Where required: An automatic fire detection
system shall be installed and maintained in full
operating condition in the locations described in
780 CMR 918.4.1 through 918.4.7.
918.4.1 Use Group A-4: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed in all
occupancies of use group A-4.
918.4.2 Use Group E: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed in all
occupancies of use group E.
918.4.3 Use Group I-1: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed and maintained
in all occupancies in Use Group I-1.
918.4.4 Use Group I-2: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed and maintained
in all occupancies in Use Group I-2.
Exception: Occupancies that are equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.0 and that
comply with 780 CMR 409.0.
918.4.5 Use Group I-3: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed and maintained
in all resident housing areas of Use Group I-3.
Smoke detectors shall be arranged and positioned
to prevent damage or tampering provided that the
function and speed of detecting a fire is equivalent
to that provided by the spacing and arrangement
requirements of NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.
918.4.6 Use Group R-1: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed and maintained
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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throughout all occupancies in Use Group R-1 and
in accordance with Table 918.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
164 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
TABLE 918
RESIDENTIAL FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Use
Group
Number
of Units
Unit Occupant
Protection
Other Occupant
Protection
Standby
Power
Manual
Stations
Zoned
Provision for Fire
Department Notification
R-3
1 or 2
Yes
919.3.2
Note a.
Yes
919.5
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
R-1 3 to 12 Yes
919.3.1
Yes
918.4.6
Yes
917.6
Yes
917.4.5
N.A. N.A.
R-2
3 to 12
Yes
919.3.2
Yes
918.4.7
Yes
919.5
Yes
917.4.6
N.A.
N. A.
R-1
13 or more
Yes
919.3.1
Yes
918.4.6
Yes
917.6
Yes
917.4.5
Yes
917.7.3
Yes
923.2
R-2
13 or more
Yes
919.3.2
Yes
918.4.7
Yes
919.5
Yes
917.4.6
Yes
917.7.3
Yes
923.2
Note a: Where common areas exist.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic fire detection system is not
required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving guestrooms or dwelling units
and where all guestrooms or dwelling units
have a means of egress door opening directly
to an exterior exit access which leads directly
to the exits.
2. Guest rooms or dwelling units single or
multiple station smoke detectors required by
780 CMR 919.3.1 shall also be annunciated by
guest room or dwelling unit at a constantly
attended location from which the fire
protective signaling system is capable of being
manually activated. Detector annunciation
shall be capa-ble of operation from stand-by
battery or be connected to an emergency
electrical system. System smoke detectors
shall be permitted providing they operate as
follows: a. Provide unit occupant notification;
b. Annunciate at a constantly attended location
from which the fire protective signaling system
is capable of being manually activated; c. Does
not automa-tically activate the building
notification appli-ances; d. Does not
automatically activate the supervision
requirements of 780 CMR 923.2; e. Be
capable of operation including the required
annunciation from stand-by battery.
3. A system heat detector shall be required
within each guest room or dwelling unit
located not more than six feet from each door
way that leads to an interior corridor or exit.
System heat detectors shall not be required
where the guestroom or dwelling unit is
equipped with residential sprinklers that when
activated will activate the fire protective
signaling system.
918.4.7 Use Group R-2: An automatic fire
detection system shall be installed and maintained
throughout all occupancies in use group R-2 and
in accordance with table 918.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic fire detection system is not
required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving guestrooms or dwelling units
and where all guestrooms or dwelling units
have a means of egress door opening directly
to an exterior exit access which leads directly
to the exits.
2. System smoke detectors are not required in
guestrooms or dwelling units.
3. A system heat detector shall be required
within each guest room or dwelling unit
located not more than six feet from each door
way that leads to an interior corridor or exit.
System heat detectors shall not be required
where the guestroom or dwelling unit is
equipped with residential sprinklers that, when
activated, will activate the fire protective
signaling system.
918.5 Sprinklered buildings exception: Buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or
780 CMR 906.2.2 are not required to be equipped
with an automatic fire detection system, but are re-
quired to be equipped with a fire protective signaling
system that conforms to 780 CMR 917.0. This
exception does not apply to Use Groups I, R-1, R-2,
to high-hazard use groups in accordance with
780 CMR 417.5.3, to special amusement buildings
in accordance with 780 CMR 413.0, or to single-
sta-tion smoke detectors as required in 780 CMR
919.3.
918.6 Zones: Zoning shall be provided in
accordance with 780 CMR 917.7.3.
918.7 Alarm verification: Alarms activated by
smoke detectors required by 780 CMR 918.0 shall
be activated by a single smoke detector monitored
by an alarm verification zone or an approved
equivalent method.
918.8 Local control functions: Automatic fire
detectors utilized for the purpose of performing local
control functions shall be a part of a fire protective
signaling system. The detector shall, upon
actuation, perform the intended function and activate
the alarm notification devices or activate a visible
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and audible supervisory signal at a constantly
attended location.
Exception: In buildings not required to be
equipped with a fire protective signaling system,
the automatic fire detector shall be powered by
normal electrical service and, upon actuation,
perform the intended function. The detectors
shall be located in accordance with NFPA 72
listed in Appendix A. This exception does not
apply to smoke detectors required for elevator
recall.
918.9 Access: Access shall be provided to each
detector for periodic inspection, maintenance and
testing.
780 CMR 919.0 SINGLE- AND MULTIPLE-
STATION SMOKE DETECTORS
919.1 General: Single- and multiple-station smoke
detectors shall be of an approved type and shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of
780 CMR and NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.
919.1.1 A control and associated equipment,
single or multiple station alarm devices or any
combination thereof shall be permitted to be used
as a household fire warning system provided that
the requirements of NFPA 72 Chapter 2 are met.
919.2 Fire Protection Construction documents:
Where single- and multiple station smoke detectors
are required by 780 CMR, the fire protection
construction documents shall show the location and
number with specifications of the type of detector.
(Also see 780 CMR 903.0.)
919.3 Where required: Single and multiple station
smoke detectors or household fire warning systems
shall be installed and maintained in full operating
condition in the locations described in 780 CMR
919.3.1 through 919.3.3. Any smoke detector
located within 20 feet of a kitchen or within 20 feet
of a bathroom containing a tub or shower shall be a
photo electric type smoke detector.
919.3.1 Use Group R-1: Single and multiple
station smoke detectors or household fire warning
systems shall be installed and maintained in the
following locations in Use Group R- 1:
1. In all sleeping areas;
2. In every room or hallway in the path of the
means of egress from the sleeping area to the
door leading from the guestroom or suite; and
3. In each story within the guestroom or suite,
including basements.
Exception: For suites or guestrooms or
dwelling unit with split levels and without
an intervening door between the adjacent
levels, a smoke detector installed on 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.
919.3.2 Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5:
Single and multiple station smoke detectors or
household fire warning systems shall be installed
and maintained in all occupancies in Use Groups
R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 at the following locations:
1. In the immediate vicinity of bedrooms;
2. In all bedrooms; and
3. In each story within a dwelling unit,
including basements.
4. In Residential Units of 1200 sq. ft. or more,
Automatic Fire Detectors, in the form of
Smoke Detectors shall be provided for each
1200 square feet of area or part thereof;
Exceptions:
1. In dwelling units with split levels and
without an intervening door between the
adjacent levels, a smoke detector installed
on 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.
2. In buildings equipped throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, 906.2.2
or 906.2.3, smoke detectors are not required
in bedrooms where the bedrooms are
equipped with residential sprinklers.
919.3.3 Use Group I-1: Single and multiple
station smoke detectors or household fire warning
systems shall be installed and maintained in all
sleeping areas in occupancies in Use Group I- 1.
Exception: Where the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic detection system
in accordance with 780 CMR 918.4.
919.4 Interconnection: Where more than one
detector is required to be installed within an
individual dwelling unit in an occupancy in Use
Group R-2 , R-3 or R4, or within an individual
guestroom or suite in an occupancy in Use Group R-
1, the detectors shall be wired in such a manner that
the actuation of one alarm will actuate all of the
alarms in the individual unit.
919.5 Battery backup: In addition to the required
AC primary power source, required smoke detectors
in occupancies in Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5
and I-1 shall receive power from a battery when the
AC primary power source is interrupted.
Exception: In buildings equipped throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system installed in
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
166 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, 906.2.2 or
906.2.3.
919.6 Acceptance testing: When the installation of
the detectors is complete, each detector - and all
interconnecting wiring for multiple-station detectors
shall be subject to a 100% acceptance test in
accordance with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A
780 CMR 920.0 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
920.1 Approval: Portable fire extinguishers shall
bear the label of an approved agency, be of an
approved type and be installed in a location visible
and available to the occupants.
920.2 Where required: A portable fire extinguisher
shall be installed in the following locations in
accordance with NFiPA 10 listed in Appendix A:
1. In all occupancies in Use Group A-1, A-2, A-
3, B, E, I-2, M, R-1 or H;
2. In all areas containing commercial kitchen
exhaust hood systems;
3. In all areas where fuel is dispensed;
4. In all areas where a flammable or combustible
liquid is used in the operation of spraying, coating
or dipping;
5. In all occupancies in Use Group I-3 at staff
locations. Access to portable extinguishers shall
be permitted to be locked;
6. On each completed floor of buildings under
construction, other than occupancies in Use
Group R-3.
7. In any laboratory, shop or other room
occupied for similar purposes; and
8. Where required by the fire prevention code
listed in Appendix A.
780 CMR 921.0 SMOKE CONTROL
SYSTEMS
921.1 General: Smoke control systems required by
780 CMR shall conform to the provisions of
780 CMR 921.0
921.2 Design criteria: The smoke control system
shall be designed to keep the smoke layer interface
above the highest of either the highest unprotected
opening to adjoining spaces, or six feet (1829 mm)
above the highest floor level of exit access open to
the atrium for a period of 20 minutes. The limiting
height for the smoke layer interface for stages shall
be in accordance with 780 CMR 412.3.8.2. The
limiting height of the smoke interface above the
floor of the space required to be provided with
smoke control is Zcr . Provisions shall also be made
to provide for smoke removal from the space at a
rate of not less than two air changes per hour by
means of natural or mechanical ventilation.
921.2.1 Passive system: Active smoke control is
not required where it is shown that the smoke
interface level requirement will be met without
operating smoke exhaust.
921.2.1.1 Regular spaces: For spaces with flat
ceilings, a constant horizontal cross-sectional
area above the smoke layer interface, and an
A/H2 ratio between 0.9 and 14, the following
equation shall be used to estimate the height of
the interface at 20 minutes
where:
Z = Height from floor to the smoke interface
(feet).
t = Time for interface to descent to Z; Use
1,200 seconds.
H = Height of the space required to be
provided with smoke control; floor to flat
ceiling (feet).
Q = Steady state heat release rate; Use 4,400
Btu/sec. where the primary use group is
M, S-1 or F-1. Otherwise use 2,000
Btu/sec.
A = Horizontal cross-sectional area of the
above ceiling space being filled (square
feet). Maximum A to be used shall be: A=
14 H2.
921.2.1.2 Irregular spaces: For spaces with
sloped or irregular ceilings, A/H2 ratios outside
the specified range, or varying cross sections,
the filling time shall be determined using
numerical integration from the ceiling to the
critical smoke interface. The following
equations shall be used to determine the rate of
smoke production:
Where the interface level is above the
limiting elevation (z1) use:
Where the interface level is below the
limiting elevation (z1 ) use:
where:
V = The volumetric rate of smoke production
(cubic feet per minute).
z1 = Limiting elevation (ft) = 0.533Qc2/5
Qc = The convective portion of the heat
release rate shall be estimated as 70
percent of the total heat release rate, Q.
921.2.2 Mechanical systems: Where the smoke
filling predicted in 780 CMR 921.2.1 does not
meet the design criteria of 780 CMR 921.2,
mechanical exhaust shall be provided to maintain
these conditions.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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921.2.2.1 Exhaust quantities: Sufficient
mechanical exhaust shall be provided to
maintain the smoke layer interface at or above
the critical elevation for the 20-minute period.
The volumetric rate of smoke production (V)
shall be determined by the equations in
780 CMR 921.2.1.2. If the rate of smoke
exhaust is less than the rate of smoke
production, the minimum exhaust rate to be
supplied for smoke control shall be determined
in accordance with Table 921.2.2.1.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
168 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
Table 921.2.2.1
MINIMUM EXHAUST RATE ADJUSTMENT
FACTORa
t/to Ve/V Z/H 0.25 0.35 0.50 0.70 0.85 0.95 0.2
0.3
1.12
1.14
1.19
1.21
1.30
1.35
1.55
1.63
1.89
2.05
2.49
2.78 0.4
0.5
0.6
1.16
1.17
1.20
1.24
1.28
1.32
1.40
1.45
1.52
1.72
1.84
2.00
2.24
2.48
2.78
3.15
3.57
4.11 0.7
0.8
1.23
1.26
1.36
1.41
1.61
1.71
2.20
2.46
3.17
3.71
4.98
6.25
Note a. Notation:
Z = Design height of smoke layer interface above fire
source.
H = Ceiling height above fire source.
t = Time for smoke layer interface to descend to Z(with
exhaust) (seconds).
t = Value of t in absence of smoke exhaust (see
780 CMR 921.2.1.1 or 921.2.1.2) (seconds).
o
V = Smoke control exhaust rate (minus any airflow
into the smoke layer other than that from the
plume).
e
V = Volumetric smoke production rate (from the
equations in 780 CMR 921.2.1.2).
921.2.3 Operation: The smoke control system
shall be a dedicated system or shall be integrated
with the mechanical ventilation system of the
building. Operation of the smoke control system
shall automatically shut down all systems and
devices which interfere with the effective
operation of the smoke control system. Where the
mechanical ventilation system is designed for
smoke control, the return air shall be moved
directly to the outside without recirculation to
other areas of the building.
921.2.4 Alternative systems: An engineered
design which will achieve the same level of
smoke control as described in 780 CMR 921 is
permitted in lieu of these requirements and
otherwise in conformance with the requirements
of 780 CMR 903.2.1.
921.3 Smoke removal: Provisions shall be made to
provide ventilation at a rate of at least two air
changes per hour from the space required to be
provided with smoke control. This ventilation shall
be through openable vents, separate mechanical ex-
haust, or through the building mechanical ventilation
system. The exhaust inlets shall be located a mini-
mum of six feet (1829 mm) above any exit access
walkway and above any openings into adjoining
spaces. The smoke removal system shall be activated
by manual controls provided for fire department use
unless it is part of the smoke control system.
921.4 Activation: The smoke control system shall
be activated by actuation of the following:
1. Automatic sprinkler system;
2. Smoke detectors required by 780 CMR 921
that comply with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A;
and
3. Manual controls provided for fire department
use.
Note: The smoke control system shall not be
activated by a manual fire alarm system.
921.4.1 Manual control: Manual controls shall
be provided at a location approved by the fire
department.
921.4.2 Smoke detector activation: Where the
height of the ceiling of the space required to be
provided with smoke control exceeds 30 feet
(9144 mm) above the floor of the space, approved
smoke detectors shall be provided to detect smoke
above the highest floor open to an atrium or at the
highest point of another space required to be
provided with smoke control. The installation of
smoke detectors shall comply with 780 CMR
918.0.
921.5 Standby power: All equipment required to
provide smoke control in floor openings connecting
three or more stories and stage areas in accordance
with 780 CMR 412.3.8.2 shall be equipped with a
standby source of power that complies with
527 CMR 12.00 as listed in Appendix A.
921.6 Acceptance: Any required smoke control
design that requires operation of mechanical
equipment shall be functionally tested in accordance
with 780 CMR 921.6.2 until proper operation of all
required mechanical equipment and controls is
demonstrated.
921.6.1 System operation report: Prior to
acceptance testing, a report of the required system
operations shall be provided to the code official.
(NOTE: also see 780 CMR 903.1.1.1.a., b. and c.
The following items shall be included in the
report if part of the required system:
l. Identify type(s) of smoke control activation
signal(s), such as sprinkler waterflow, smoke
detection, manual, etc., and associated smoke
control system operation(s) that are activated
by the signals.
2. Identify building area(s) where maximum
mechanical exhaust to the outside is
implemented and supply air is not provided.
3. Identify building area(s) where maximum
air supply is implemented and exhaust to the
outside is not provided.
4. Identify fan(s) which shall be "On" as
required to implement the smoke control
system. If multiple speed fans are used, the
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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9/9/05 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 169
capacity at which the fans shall operate in the
smoke control mode shall be identified.
5. Identify fan(s) which shall be "Off" as re-
quired to implement the smoke control system.
6. Identify damper(s) which shall be "Open"
to implement the smoke control system.
7. Identify damper(s) which shall be "Closed"
to implement the smoke control system.
8. Identify other functions required to
implement the smoke control system.
9. Identify building areas with smoke and
heat vents and method of operation of vents.
10. If required, identify the type(s) of standby
power and the equipment that is served.
921.6.2 Testing procedures: The acceptance test
procedure shall be approved. Acceptance testing
shall be conducted in the presence of the Building
official and fire official or their designees or shall
include documentation indicating that all mechanical
equipment, control sequences, devices and
components have been operationally tested and are
functioning properly in accordance with the system
operation report. Such documentation provided by a
registered professional engineer or other legally
recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R). All
documentation from operational testing shall be
available for inspection. Acceptance testing shall
include the following:
1. Prior to beginning acceptance testing, all
building smoke control equipment shall be
placed in the normal operating mode.
2. Acceptance testing shall demonstrate that
each initiating device, fan, damper and other
required equipment is operational and performs
to the limits and capacity required.
3. Acceptance testing shall demonstrate that
correct control outputs are produced for a
given control input for each control sequence
specified by the system operation report.
4. If standby power is required for the
operation of the smoke control system,
acceptance tests shall be conducted while on
both normal building power and standby
power.
5. Opening of smoke/heat vents shall be
demonstrated if the vent is capable of being
opened in a manner that does not require
destructive testing.
921.7 Elevators: Except when otherwise required
by 524 CMR, where buildings are equipped with a
mechanical smoke control system that will restrict
smoke and hot gases from entering the elevator shaft
in the fire floor, hoistway venting is not required. In
high-rise buildings equipped with this system and
equipped throughout with an automatic fire
suppression system, the one-hour fireresistance rated
elevator lobby as specified in 780 CMR 403.8 is not
required.
780 CMR 922.0 SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS
922.1 General: Where exit access travel distance is
increased in accordance with 780 CMR 1006.5.1,
smoke and heat vents shall be constructed and
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 922.0.
922.2 Vent size and spacing: The vent area and the
spacing of the vents shall comply with Table 922.2.
922.2.1 Releasing devices: Smoke and heat vents
shall open automatically by activation of a heat-
responsive device rated at 100°F (38°C) to 220°F
(104°C) above ambient. The releasing mechanism
shall be capable of operation such that the vent
shall fully open when the vent is exposed to a
time-temperature gradient that reaches an air
temperature of 500°F (260°C) within five
minutes. Vents shall be capable of being opened
by an approved manual operation.
922.3 Curtain board construction: Curtain boards
shall be provided to subdivide a vented building.
Curtain boards shall be constructed of material that
will resist the passage of smoke and is consistent
with the building type of construction. Curtain board
location and depth shall comply with Table 922.2.
The bottom of the curtain board shall be level.
Table 922.2
SMOKE AND HEAT VENT SIZE AND
SPACINGb
Use
Group
Hazard
classsification of
contentsa
Vent height
above the
floor, H
(feet)
Minimum
curtain board
depth from
vent bottom
(feet)
Maximum
area formed
by curtain
boards
(square feet)
Vent area to
floor area
ratio
Maximum
spacing of
vent centers
(feet)
Maximum
distance
from wall of
curtain
boards (feet)
Maximum
distance
between
curtain
boards
F-1 - -
0.2XH
but ≥4 50,000 1:100 120 60
8 X H
but ≤250 feet S-1 I through IV 20 or less 6 10,000 1:100 100 60 8 X H
S-1 I through IV
Over 20 to
40 6 8,000 1:75 100 55
8 X H
but ≤250 feet S-1 I through IV 20 or less 4 3,000 1:75 100 55 8 X H
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
170 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
S-1 I through IV Over 20 to
40
4 3,000 1:50 100 50 8 X H
but ≤250 feet S-1 V 20 or less 6 6,000 1:50 100 50 8 X H
S-1 V
Over 20 to
30 6 6,000 1:40 90 45 8 X H
S-1 V 30 or more 4 2,000 1:30 75 40
8 X H
but ≤100 feet
Note a. See NFiPA 231 C listed in Appendix A for classification of Contents Class I through IV Class V
commodities are products that present special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, lll or IV, such as
aerosols, foam plastic, PVC, PU, PS and asphalt paper.
Note b. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m .
780 CMR 923.0 SUPERVISION
923.1 Fire suppression systems: All automatic
fire suppression systems required by 780 CMR shall
be supervised by one of the following methods
below.
1. A UL listed or FM approved Central Station
Service in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in
Appendix A.
2. a. Approved proprietary supervising station
system, in accordance with NFPA 72 in
accordance with NFPA 72 as listed in
Appendic A.
b. Approved remote station fire alarm system
supervising station in accordance with NFPA
72 as listed in Appendix A.
3. Alarm signals to an approved Auxiliary Fire
Alarm System in accordance with NFPA 72, with
supervisory signals supervised by one or two
above or at a constantly attended location
approved by the local fire department, having
personnel on duty trained to recognize the type of
signal received and to take prescribed action. This
shall be permitted to be a location different from
that at which alarm signals are received.
Exceptions:
1. Underground gate valves with roadway
boxes.
2. Halogenated extinguishing systems that are
not an integral part of a required automatic fire
suppression system.
3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems that
are not an integral part of a required automatic
fire suppression system.
4. Dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing
systems.
5. Limited area sprinkler systems (see
780 CMR 907.0).
6. Occupancies in Use Group R complying
with 780 CMR 906.2.2 and supervised in
accordance with NFPA 13R listed in
Appendix A.
923.1.1 Re-transmission of alarm signals
received by central stations: In all cases, central
stations shall re-transmit alarm signals within 90
seconds of receipt, to the fire department having
jurisdiction.
923.2 Fire protective signaling systems and
automatic fire detection systems: All fire
protective signaling systems and automatic fire
detection systems required by 780 CMR shall be
supervised by one of the following methods below:
1. A UL listed or FM approved Central Station
Service in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in
Appendix A.
2. a. Approved proprietary supervising station
system, in accordance with NFPA 72 in
accordance with NFPA 72 as listed in
Appendic A.
b. Approved remote station fire alarm system
supervising station in accordance with NFPA
72 as listed in Appendix A.
3. Alarm signals to an approved Auxiliary Fire
Alarm System in accordance with NFPA 72, with
supervisory signals supervised by one or two
above or at a constantly attended location
approved by the local fire department, having
personnel on duty trained to recognize the type of
signal received and to take prescribed action. This
shall be permitted to be a location different from
that at which alarm signals are received.
Exceptions:
1. For use group R see table 918
2. Single- and multiple-station detectors as
required by 780 CMR 919.0.
3. Smoke detectors in occupancies in Use
Group I-3 (see 780 CMR 917.7.1).
4. Smoke detectors in patient sleeping rooms
in occupancies in Use Group 1-2 (see
780 CMR 409.5.1).
5. Fire protective signaling systems in
occupancies in Use Groups H.
923.2.1 Re-transmission of alarm signals
received by central stations: In all cases, central
stations shall re-transmit alarm signals within 90
seconds of receipt, to the fire department having
jurisdiction.
780 CMR 924.0 FIRE PUMPS
924.1 General: Where fire pumps are required to be
installed as part of a required or non-required
system(s), the fire pump(s) shall be designed and
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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9/9/05 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 171
installed in accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 and
NFPA 20 as listed in Appendix A.
924.2 Rooms: Fire pumps and all related equipment
shall be located in a dedicated room meeting the
physical and environmental features of NFPA 20
listed in Appendix A, and enclosed with not less
than two hours fire resistive construction. Fire
pumps rooms shall have either direct access to the
room from grade or access by a two hour rated
passageway and shall be properly secured from
unauthorized entry.
924.3 Emergency power: All fire pumps shall be
provided with emergency power when installed in
the following types of buildings or use groups.
Emergency power equipment installation shall
conform to 527 CMR 12.00 and NFPA 20 as listed
in Appendix A.
1. High-rise buildings as defined by M.G.L.
c. 148 § 26A and 780 CMR.
2. Buildings and structures of Use Group A, with
a total occupant load of more than 300 occupants.
3. Buildings and structures of Use Group E, with
a total occupant load of more than 300 occupants.
4. Buildings and structures of Use Group H.
5. Buildings and structures of Use Group I,
having surgery or treatment areas.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
172 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05)
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