The new NYC Building Code is upon us! What is the effect of the Fire Code on residential props?

The new NYC Building Code which went into effect in July becomes mandatory in July of 2009. During this one year grace period, fire alarm systems may be installed either by the old code commonly known as "68" or the new NYC Fire Code. When referencing occupancy classifications under chapter 3, it becomes apparent that the ambiguous classification codes from the old code have been replaced with a structured format that makes it easy to identify the type of occupancy. For instance, residential properties which used to known as "J" is now "R," Business occupancy has changed from "E" to "B," Assembly from "F" to "A" and so forth. One of the major code changes impacts fire alarm installations in residential properties. Those properties subject to the NYS Multiple dwelling law formally known as "J-2" occupancies are now known as Group "R-2." Simple changes to the Fire Code now require smoke detection on all elevator lobbies in addition to mechanical equipment rooms, electrical, transformer, and telephone equipment rooms. Additionally, smoke detection is required in air distribution systems, elevator machine rooms as well as the top of the hoistway. The most noticeable change to the code involves high-rise buildings. Group R-2 occupancies greater than 125 feet shall require a Fire Command Center with one-way voice paging to all of the dwelling units inside the building. This provision shall allow Fire Department personnel to conduct emergency voice evacuation or instructional messages. The old code which required a standpipe communication system or "strap-key" is no longer required under the "new" NYC Fire Code. So, between now and July of 09 you get to "pick your poison." If your building is over 300 feet you may either file under "68" and install a "strap-key" system or file under the "new" code and install "one-way" paging to every dwelling unit within the building. Buildings classified within the "greater than 125 feet" rule will be required to provide an emergency power system to support loads for power and lighting for the Fire Command Center, Emergency voice communication, and electrically powered fire pumps. Testing and inspections of fire alarm systems which seemed to fall "under the radar" in the past is now expressly sited in the new fire prevention code. Enforcement of this code is governed by Section 907.20.2 which specifically states that all systems shall be inspected by service personnel that are factory trained or those possessing certification in fire alarm engineering technology. Written records shall be maintained and smoke detector maintenance is still required by those companies possessing certificates of fitness to do so. Smoke detector maintenance log books and alarm log books shall be maintained where required. Post-fire smoke purge systems may be required dependent upon compliance with window glazing areas and open areas as described in chapter 12 of the building code. In the event a purge system is required, smoke removed must be discharged to a safe location outside the building and a ventilation system operated by manual controls at the fire command center shall be located at the top of all enclosed exit stairs and public corridors. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, including pumps, tanks, water levels, air pressure and waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by the fire alarm system. In buildings that are equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, the activation of a waterflow switch shall cause phase 1 emergency elevator recall to be initiated. Steven Wasserman is VP and technological officer of American Security Systems, Long Island City, N.Y.