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Values this chapter turns on
- max firefighter path from vehicle to building
- 45 m
- max firefighter path from vehicle to building
- hydrant plus walk limit with no fire dept connection
- 90 m
- hydrant plus walk limit with no fire dept connection
- height to top storey ceiling that needs standpipes
- 14 m
- height to top storey ceiling that needs standpipes
- min clear width of a fire department access route
- 6 m
- min clear width of a fire department access route
Subsection 3.2.5. covers what the fire department needs to fight a fire: a way to get the truck close, water, standpipes to carry it up the building, sprinklers, connections and pumps. Most exam questions here are "is it required" or "how far" questions, and almost every answer is a single number in one Sentence. The design detail of standpipes, sprinklers and pumps sits in NFPA 14, NFPA 13 and NFPA 20, which the exam does not expect you to know; you need to know when the code sends you there.
Access routes and water supply
A building needs fire department access routes if it is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m² in building area OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. Access Routes(1) A building which is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m² in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles (a) to the building face having a principal entrance, and (b) to each building face having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles…. The route must reach the face with the principal entrance and every face with required firefighting access openings.
Distances from Article 3.2.5.5. OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. Location of Access Routes(1) Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally…, in our summary:
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Principal entrance and access openings to the closest part of the access route | not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m |
| Firefighter path from vehicle to building | not more than 45 m |
| No fire department connection: hydrant to vehicle plus vehicle to building | not more than 90 m |
| With a fire department connection | pumper can be placed next to the hydrant |
The path from the vehicle is measured to the fire department connection if there is one, otherwise to the principal entrance.
Article 3.2.5.6. sets the route itself: at least 6 m clear width, 12 m centre line radius, 5 m overhead clearance, and a turnaround for any dead end over 90 m OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6. Access Route Design(1) A portion of a roadway or yard provided as a required access route for fire department use shall (a) have a clear width not less than 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory, (b) have a centre line radius not less than 12 m, (c) have an overhead clearance not less than 5 m, (d) have a…. Article 3.2.5.7. is one sentence: every building needs an adequate water supply for firefighting OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7. Water Supply(1) Every building shall be provided with an adequate water supply for firefighting.. The volume is worked out in the Appendix notes, not in a numbered rule.
Standpipe systems
A standpipe system is required when the building is OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. Standpipe Systems(1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a standpipe system shall be installed in a building that is (a) more than 3 storeys in building height, (b) more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey, or (c) not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey but…:
- more than 3 storeys in building height, or
- more than 14 m high from grade to the ceiling of the top storey, or
- 14 m or less high but larger in area than Table 3.2.5.8. allows for its height, unless sprinklered throughout.
Reading Table 3.2.5.8.: pick the row for the occupancy (A, C, D, F2 or F3) and the column for 1, 2 or 3 storeys. For example a 2 storey Group C building may be up to 1,500 m² without a standpipe tableOBC Div. B Table 3.2.5.8. Building Limits without Standpipe SystemsTable 3.2.5.8 — Building Limits without Standpipe Systems Forming Part of Sentence 3.2.5.8.(1) Occupancy Classification | Building Area, m² — 1 storey | Building Area, m² — 2 storeys | Building Area, m² — 3 storeys Group A | 2,500 | 2,000 | 1,500 Group C | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,000 Group D | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 Group F…. Exemptions: an open-air storage garage under Article 3.2.2.92. not more than 15 m high, and a low Group C townhouse-style building of not more than 4 storeys with no common areas where each unit is cut off and has its own exterior door near grade.
Design is to NFPA 14 OBC Div. B 3.2.5.9.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.9. Standpipe System Design(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), Articles 3.2.5.10. and 3.2.5.11., and Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2), the design, construction, installation and testing of a standpipe system shall conform to NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems." (2) A dry standpipe that is not connected to a…, with a few code overrides: a dry standpipe with no water supply does not count, the total supply need not exceed 30 L/s where there are several standpipes, and every standpipe needs a fire department connection.
Automatic sprinkler systems and sprinkler piping
The default standard is NFPA 13 OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12. Automatic Sprinkler Systems(1) Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4) and (9), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(1)) (2) Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, "Standard…. The code permits NFPA 13R for residential buildings up to 4 storeys built under listed construction articles, small Group B Division 3 buildings and some retirement homes, and NFPA 13D for residential buildings with not more than two dwelling units or for side-by-side units with their own water supplies and 1 h vertical separations. Code-level additions that override the standards:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Domestic water supply | Allowed for fewer than 9 sprinklers if the flow can be met |
| Shared supply | Control valves so each system can be shut off alone |
| Top storey | No omission of sprinklers in any room or closet below the roof assembly |
| Balconies and decks | Sprinkle them in buildings under 3.2.2.48., .51., .57., .60. or .93., except those 610 mm deep or less and uppermost roof decks |
| Elevator machine rooms | At least intermediate temperature rating, guarded |
| 13D in a retirement home | At least 20 min water supply |
Combustible sprinkler piping is limited to residential and other light-hazard occupancies, must meet ULC/ORD-C199P, and unless listed for exposed use is concealed behind lath and plaster, 9.5 mm gypsum board, 13 mm plywood, or a lay-in ceiling with steel grid and tiles of at least 1.7 kg/m² OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13. Combustible Sprinkler Piping(1) Combustible sprinkler piping shall be used only for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies and other light-hazard occupancies. (See Note A-3.2.5.13.(1)) (2) Combustible sprinkler piping shall meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C199P, "Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems." (3) Except as permitted by…. An unprotected ceiling opening must be within 300 mm of a sprinkler.
Service spaces. A walk-in service space that is not counted as a storey (Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8)) must be sprinklered if its access flooring is anything other than catwalks, with a waterflow device for each storey tied to the alarm OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14. Sprinklered Service Space(1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if flooring for access within the service space is other than catwalks. (2) The sprinkler system required by Sentence (1) shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices, with each device serving not more…. In a sprinklered building, the space under a computer room raised floor may go unsprinklered if all five listed conditions are met, such as tested cables and easy access panels.
Fire department connections and fire pumps
The fire department connection for either a standpipe or a sprinkler system must be within 45 m of a hydrant, with an unobstructed path OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15. Fire Department Connections(1) The fire department connection for a standpipe system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed. (2) The fire department connection for an automatic sprinkler system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department…. If a fire pump is installed it follows NFPA 20 OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18.OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18. Fire Pumps(1) If a fire pump is installed, it shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 20, "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection." (See Note A-3.2.5.18.(1)), and its electrical supervision also points to NFPA 20 (Sentence 3.2.4.9.(4)). Emergency power for pumps is covered under Article 3.2.7.9. in the next chapter.
Common traps
- Using 15 m as the firefighter walking limit. 15 m is the entrance-to-route distance; the walking path is 45 m.
- Measuring the 14 m standpipe height to the top floor level. It is grade to the ceiling of the top storey.
- Assuming sprinklers remove the standpipe requirement entirely. Sprinklers only waive the area-based trigger; height and storey triggers remain.
- Choosing NFPA 13D for any small residential building with three units stacked. 13D needs no unit above another, except a secondary suite.
- Treating a dry standpipe without water as compliant. The code says it does not count.
Chapter review
Chapter at a glance
One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.
- Access routes and water supply
A building needs fire department access routes if it is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m² in building area.
- Standpipe systems
Reading Table 3.2.5.8.: pick the row for the occupancy (A, C, D, F2 or F3) and the column for 1, 2 or 3 storeys.
- Automatic sprinkler systems and sprinkler piping
The default standard is NFPA 13. The code permits NFPA 13R for residential buildings up to 4 storeys built under listed construction articles, small Group B Division 3 buildings…
- Fire department connections and fire pumps
The fire department connection for either a standpipe or a sprinkler system must be within 45 m of a hydrant, with an unobstructed path.
Usual exam traps
- Using 15 m as the firefighter walking limit. 15 m is the entrance-to-route distance; the walking path is 45 m.
- Measuring the 14 m standpipe height to the top floor level. It is grade to the ceiling of the top storey.
- Assuming sprinklers remove the standpipe requirement entirely. Sprinklers only waive the area-based trigger; height and storey triggers remain.
- Choosing NFPA 13D for any small residential building with three units stacked. 13D needs no unit above another, except a secondary suite.
- Treating a dry standpipe without water as compliant. The code says it does not count.
Practice this chapter
Questions on Firefighting provisions (3.2.5), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.
Code cited in this chapter
Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.
© King's Printer for Ontario, 2024. Reproduced with permission.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. Access Routes
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. in the code viewer(1)A building which is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m² in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles
(a)to the building face having a principal entrance, and
(b)to each building face having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. (See Note A-3.2.5.4.(1))
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. Location of Access Routes
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. in the code viewer(1)Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally from the face of the building.
(2)Access routes shall be provided to a building so that
(a)for a building provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to the hydrants referred to in Article 3.2.5.15.,
(b)for a building not provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located so that the length of the access route from a hydrant to the vehicle plus the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and
(c)the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 45 m.
(3)The unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter required by Sentence (2) from the vehicle to the building shall be measured from the vehicle to the fire department connection provided for the building, except that if no fire department connection is provided, the path of travel shall be measured to the principal entrance of the building.
(4)If a portion of a building is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, the access routes required by Sentence (2) shall be located so that the unobstructed path of travel from the vehicle to one entrance of each portion of the building is not more than 45 m.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6. Access Route Design
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6. in the code viewer(1)A portion of a roadway or yard provided as a required access route for fire department use shall
(a)have a clear width not less than 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory,
(b)have a centre line radius not less than 12 m,
(c)have an overhead clearance not less than 5 m,
(d)have a change of gradient not more than 1 in 12.5 over a minimum distance of 15 m,
(e)be designed to support the expected loads imposed by firefighting equipment and be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions,
(f)have turnaround facilities for any dead-end portion of the access route more than 90 m long, and
(g)be connected with a public thoroughfare. (See Note A-3.2.5.6.(1))
(2)For buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60., no portion of the access route described in Sentence 3.2.2.10.(3) shall be more than 20 m below the uppermost floor level.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7. Water Supply
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7. in the code viewer(1)Every building shall be provided with an adequate water supply for firefighting.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. Standpipe Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a standpipe system shall be installed in a building that is
(a)more than 3 storeys in building height,
(b)more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey, or
(c)not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey but has a building area exceeding the area shown in Table 3.2.5.8. for the applicable building height unless the building is sprinklered throughout.
(2)A standpipe system need not be installed in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92., provided the building is not more than 15 m high.
(3)A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a building classified as Group C major occupancy,
(a)that is not more than 4 storeys above grade,
(b)that does not contain a public corridor or other common areas,
(c)where each dwelling unit,
(i)is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building.
(ii)has direct access to its interior by means of an exterior doorway located not more than 1,500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level, and
(d)that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.50. or Article 3.2.2.52.
OBC Div. B Table 3.2.5.8. Building Limits without Standpipe Systems
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.2.5.8. in the code viewerTable 3.2.5.8 — Building Limits without Standpipe Systems Forming Part of Sentence 3.2.5.8.(1) Occupancy Classification | Building Area, m² — 1 storey | Building Area, m² — 2 storeys | Building Area, m² — 3 storeys Group A | 2,500 | 2,000 | 1,500 Group C | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,000 Group D | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 Group F, Division 2 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 Group F, Division 3 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.9. Standpipe System Design
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.9. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), Articles 3.2.5.10. and 3.2.5.11., and Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2), the design, construction, installation and testing of a standpipe system shall conform to NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems."
(2)A dry standpipe that is not connected to a water supply shall not be considered as fulfilling the requirements of this Article.
(3)If more than one standpipe is provided, the total water supply need not be more than 30 L/s.
(4)The residual water pressure at the design flow rate at the topmost hose connection of a standpipe system that is required to be installed in a building is permitted to be less than 690 kPa provided
(a)the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b)the water supply at the base of the sprinkler riser is capable of meeting, without a fire pump, the design flow rate and pressure demand of the sprinkler system, including the inside and outside hose allowance, and
(c)fire protection equipment is available to deliver, by means of the fire department connection, the full demand flow rate at a residual water pressure of 690 kPa at the topmost hose connection of the standpipe system. (See Note A-3.2.5.9.(4)(c))
(5)A fire department connection shall be provided for every standpipe system.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4) and (9), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(1))
(2)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies," is permitted to be used for the design, construction, installation and testing of an automatic sprinkler system installed
(a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that is not more than 4 storeys in building height and conforms to Article 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52. or 3.2.2.55.,
(b)in a building of Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency,
(c)in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55D., or
(d)in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55E., where the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2) on the storey immediately below the roof assembly is continuous to the underside of the roof deck. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2))
(3)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Oneand Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," is permitted to be used for the design, construction and installation of an automatic sprinkler system installed
(a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains not more than two dwelling units,
(b)reserved,
(c)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains more than two dwelling units, provided
(i)except for a secondary suite, no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit,
(ii)all suites are separated by a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h that provides continuous protection from the top of the footing to the underside of the roof deck, with any space between the top of the wall and the roof deck tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material,
(iii)each dwelling unit has its own sprinkler water supply provided in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,"
(iv)a passive purge sprinkler system design is used as described in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," and
(v)where the sprinkler system is taken into consideration for the reduction of limiting distance, all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that adjoin an exposing building face are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemption stated in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes." (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2))
(4)If a building contains fewer than 9 sprinklers, the water supply for these sprinklers is permitted to be supplied from the domestic water system for the building provided the required flow for the sprinklers can be met by the domestic system.
(5)If a water supply serves both an automatic sprinkler system and a system serving other equipment, control valves shall be provided so that either system can be shut off independently.
(6)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall not be omitted in any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(6))
(7)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) regarding the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, in buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.57., 3.2.2.60. or 3.2.2.93., sprinklers shall be provided for all balconies and decks, other than,
(a)balconies or decks that are not more than 610 mm in depth measured perpendicular to the exterior wall of the building, or
(b)decks on the uppermost roof of the building. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(7))
(8)Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms shall have a temperature rating not less than that required for an intermediate temperature classification and shall be protected against physical damage. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(8))
(9)Except as provided in Subsection 3.2.8., closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops need not be installed around floor openings in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
(10)The sprinkler system described in Sentence (3) shall be provided with a minimum 20 min water supply when installed in a retirement home.
Show all 12 articles
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13. Combustible Sprinkler Piping
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13. in the code viewer(1)Combustible sprinkler piping shall be used only for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies and other light-hazard occupancies. (See Note A-3.2.5.13.(1))
(2)Combustible sprinkler piping shall meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C199P, "Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems."
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible sprinkler piping shall be separated from the area served by the sprinkler system, and from any other fire compartment, by ceilings, walls, or soffits consisting of, as a minimum,
(a)lath and plaster,
(b)gypsum board not less than 9.5 mm thick,
(c)plywood not less than 13 mm thick, or
(d)a suspended membrane ceiling with
(i)steel suspension grids, and
(ii)lay-in panels or tiles having a mass not less than 1.7 kg/m².
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible sprinkler piping may be located above a ceiling, provided that the distance between the edge of any ceiling opening that is not protected in conformance with Sentence (3) and the nearest sprinkler is not more than 300 mm.
(5)Where combustible sprinkler piping has been tested in conformance with ULC/ORD-C199P, "Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems," and has been shown to meet the requirements therein without additional protection, conformance to Sentences (3) and (4) is not required.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14. Sprinklered Service Space
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14. in the code viewer(1)An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if flooring for access within the service space is other than catwalks.
(2)The sprinkler system required by Sentence (1) shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices, with each device serving not more than 1 storey.
(3)The waterflow detecting devices required by Sentence (2) shall be connected to the fire alarm system, to
(a)initiate an alert signal in a 2-stage system or an alarm signal in a single-stage system, and
(b)indicate separately on the fire alarm system annunciator the actuation of each device.
(4)If a building is sprinklered, sprinkler protection need not be provided in the space below a raised floor in a computer room
(a)if the optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables in this space conform to the test requirements in Article 3.1.5.25.,
(b)if the building is of noncombustible construction and other combustible components are limited to those permitted in Subsection 3.1.5..
(c)if this space is used to circulate conditioned air and the air handling system is designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a smoke detector,
(d)if all of this space is easily accessible by providing access sections or panels in the raised floor, and
(e)if the computer room is more than 2,000 m² and the annunciator has separate zone indicators of the actuation of smoke detectors located in this space so that the coverage for each zone is not more than 2,000 m².
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15. Fire Department Connections
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15. in the code viewer(1)The fire department connection for a standpipe system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.
(2)The fire department connection for an automatic sprinkler system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18. Fire Pumps
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18. in the code viewer(1)If a fire pump is installed, it shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 20, "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection." (See Note A-3.2.5.18.(1))