Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- electrical vault rating without auto extinguishing
- 3 h
- electrical vault rating without auto extinguishing
- min natural vent opening for an electrical vault
- 0.093 m²
- min natural vent opening for an electrical vault
- barrier-free height of thermostats, manual stations
- 1,200 mm
- barrier-free height of thermostats, manual stations
- min diameter of a round power door control
- 150 mm
- min diameter of a round power door control
Section 3.6. of Division B governs the rooms and spaces that hold building services. For this exam the key items are the rooms that house electrical equipment and emergency generators, plenums, and duct clearances. Section 3.7. adds two health care electrical items, and Section 3.8. adds the barrier-free rules for controls, lighting, power doors and listening systems.
Service rooms, electrical vaults and emergency power installations
A service room is a room that holds equipment for building services (Div. AOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Service roomService room means a room provided in a building to contain equipment associated with building services. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))). Under OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. Fire Separations Around Service Rooms(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (8), (9) and (10), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.6.2.1.(1)) (2) Except as required by Sentence (3), a fuel-fired…, fuel-fired appliances generally go in a service room with a 1 h fire separation. Electrical equipment that a regulation under the Electricity Act, 1998 requires to be in a service room also gets a 1 h separation (Sentence (6)). Where a storey is not sprinklered throughout, a service room holding other service equipment also needs 1 h (Sentence (7)). Sentence (8) waives the separation for a room with a limited quantity of equipment that is not a fire hazard and is not essential to fire safety systems.
Electrical equipment vaults required by the Electrical Safety Code are covered in OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7. Electrical Equipment Vaults(1) Where an electrical equipment vault is required by the Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998, the electrical equipment vault shall be totally enclosed by a fire separation of solid masonry or concrete construction having a…:
| Vault item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Enclosure, no automatic extinguishing system | Solid masonry or concrete, at least 3 h |
| Enclosure, with an automatic extinguishing system | Solid masonry or concrete, at least 2 h |
| Roof, ceiling and floor | Reinforced concrete at least 150 mm (100 mm for a floor at excavation level) |
| Ambient temperature limit | 40°C, by a ventilation system designed to Part 6 |
| Liquid containment | Sills at least 100 mm, or a drain to a covered sump |
In a building that must be sprinklered throughout, the vault itself may go unsprinklered. It must be used for nothing but the electrical equipment, and it must have a smoke detector that actuates the building fire alarm system (Sentence (2)). Each vault door needs a substantial lock. Lighting is switched near the entrance, and a grounded receptacle sits inside near the entrance (Sentence (18)).
Natural ventilation (Sentence (10)) applies where the vault is ventilated directly from outdoors without ducts and the electrical equipment is the main heat source. The combined net area of inlet and outlet openings must be at least 0.002 m² per kVA of equipment capacity, with a minimum of 0.093 m². The fresh air inlet ends not more than 1,000 mm above the vault floor.
Emergency generators. A generator supplying emergency power for lighting and fire and life safety systems must be in a room separated by at least a 2 h fire separation. The room may contain only the generating set and related equipment OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. Emergency Power Installations(1) Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, except where such building is used solely for the purpose of housing the generator and its ancillary equipment, it shall be located in a room that (a) is separated from the remainder of…. The exception is a building used solely to house the generator.
Vertical and horizontal service spaces and plenums
A vertical service space is separated from each storey at the rating set by Table 3.6.3.1. for the floor assembly OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1.OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. Fire Separations for Vertical Service Spaces(1) Except as provided in Articles 3.6.3.3. and 3.6.3.5. and Section 3.5., a vertical service space shall be separated from all other portions of each adjacent storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to Table 3.6.3.1. for the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. for (a)…. A horizontal service space above a vertical fire separation need not be divided at the separation if the ceiling below is built as an equivalent fire separation. That ceiling may drop to 30 min where the wall needs no more than 45 min OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2.OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. Fire Separations for Horizontal Service Spaces(1) Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., a horizontal service space that penetrates a required vertical fire separation shall be separated from the remainder of the building it serves in conformance with Sentence (2). (2) If a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical….
A plenum is a chamber forming part of an air duct system (Div. AOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) PlenumPlenum means a chamber forming part of an air duct system.). A ceiling space used for return air is therefore a plenum. Where a concealed space in a floor or roof assembly is used as a plenum, OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3.OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements(1) A concealed space used as a plenum within a floor assembly or within a roof assembly need not conform to Sentence 3.1.5.18.(1) and Article 3.6.5.1. provided (a) all materials within the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification not more than 50, except for (i)… requires:
- all materials in it to have a flame-spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke developed classification of 50 or less. The exceptions include pneumatic tubing and voice, sound and data cables that meet the plenum cable rules in 3.1.4.3. and 3.1.5.21.;
- noncombustible ceiling membrane supports with a melting point not below 760°C;
- where the plenum is a return-air plenum and the membrane forms part of the required rating, a fire stop flap at every membrane opening. The flap conforms to CAN/ULC-S112.2 and activates at about 30°C above the normal maximum plenum temperature.
Supply duct clearances. These follow the furnace plenum clearance in OBC Div. B 3.6.5.6.OBC Div. B 3.6.5.6. Clearance of Ducts and Plenums(1) The clearance of furnace plenums from combustible material shall conform to the requirements of the appropriate standards referenced in Sentence 6.2.1.5.(1). (2) If the plenum clearance required in accordance with Sentence (1) is not more than 75 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material…. If the plenum clearance is more than 75 mm but not more than 150 mm, a supply duct keeps the full plenum clearance within 1,800 mm of the plenum, then 12 mm beyond. Example: with a 100 mm plenum clearance, a straight duct 1,200 mm from the plenum still needs 100 mm.
Health care electrical systems and X-ray shielding
Electrical systems in anaesthetizing locations must be designed, built, installed and tested to CSA Z32 OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1.OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems(1) In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities.". The exam asks which standard; the standard's content is outside the Code. Every x-ray installation must be shielded to protect anyone who could be exposed, both inside and outside the building OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3.OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. Shielding of X-Ray Equipment(1) Every installation of an x-ray machine or of x-ray equipment in a building shall be shielded to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation inside and outside the building. (See Note A-3.7.5.3.(1)). The Division A definition of x-ray equipment is broad. It covers imaging systems, processing equipment, and equipment directly related to producing images for diagnosis or to irradiation for therapy (Div. AOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) X-ray equipmentX-ray equipment includes x-ray imaging systems, processing equipment and equipment directly related to the production of images for diagnosis or directly related to irradiation with x-rays for therapy.).
Barrier-free controls, illumination, power doors and listening devices
Controls that occupants operate in a barrier-free path of travel are covered in OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5.OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. Controls(1) Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and…:
| Control | Mounting height | Operating force |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat or fire alarm manual station | 1,200 mm above the floor | Manual station: one hand, 22.2 N or less |
| All other controls (switches, intercoms) | 900 mm to 1,100 mm | Closed fist, 22.2 N or less |
Each control also sits beside, and is centred on, a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm. A signal that tells the public a security system controls building access must be both audible and visual.
Illumination. Every part of a barrier-free path of travel must be lit to the level in 3.2.7.1.(1), an average of 50 lx at floor or tread level OBC Div. B 3.8.1.6.OBC Div. B 3.8.1.6. Illumination(1) All portions of a barrier-free path of travel shall be equipped to provide a level of illumination in accordance with Sentence 3.2.7.1.(1)..
Power doors OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3.OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors(1) Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(1)) (2) Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(11) and except where no bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door…. Doors through the barrier-free entrance need power door operators. So do self-closing doors on the barrier-free path from that entrance to suite and room doors served by public corridors, the vestibule door into the floor area, barrier-free public washroom doors, and the doors of a Group A occupancy within a Group C apartment building. The operator control must:
- have a face at least 150 mm in diameter (circular) or 50 mm by 100 mm (rectangular);
- be operable with a closed fist;
- be centred 900 mm to 1,100 mm above the floor, or span from 200 mm or lower to 900 mm or higher;
- carry the International Symbol of Access.
A proximity scanner must detect a person in a wheelchair. Passenger elevating devices (platform lifts) in a barrier-free path conform to CSA B355 OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5.OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5. Passenger Elevating Devices(1) A passenger elevating device referred to in Article 3.8.2.1. located in a barrier-free path of travel shall (a) conform to CSA B355, "Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access," (b) have a clear floor space not less than 1,500 mm long by 1,000 mm wide, and (c) have entry doors or gates (i) providing a….
Assistive listening. In assembly occupancy buildings, classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres over 100 m² need an assistive listening system covering the whole seating area. In those assembly buildings, at least one service counter in each location serving the public needs an assistive listening system or adaptive technology, plus amplification where there is a barrier such as a glass screen OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7.OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Systems(1) In buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres with an area of more than 100 m² shall be equipped with an assistive listening system encompassing the entire seating area. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(1)) (2) In each location where information, goods or services are provided to….
Common traps
- Using 2 h for every vault. The 2 h rating applies only where the vault has an automatic extinguishing system; otherwise it is 3 h.
- Mixing up the generator room ratings: 2 h in Part 3 (3.6.2.8.), but 1 h or 2 h in Part 9 depending on the floor rating (9.10.10.7.).
- Putting a manual station at 900 mm to 1,100 mm. Thermostats and manual stations go at 1,200 mm.
- Reading 760°C as the fire stop flap temperature. That is the melting point for ceiling supports; the flap activates at about 30°C above the normal maximum plenum temperature.
- Assuming barrier-free paths only need emergency lighting. They need the full 50 lx average of normal lighting.
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.
- Service rooms, electrical vaults and emergency power installations
A service room is a room that holds equipment for building services.
- Vertical and horizontal service spaces and plenums
A vertical service space is separated from each storey at the rating set by Table 3.6.3.1. for the floor assembly.
- Health care electrical systems and X-ray shielding
Electrical systems in anaesthetizing locations must be designed, built, installed and tested to CSA Z32. The exam asks which standard; the standard's content is outside the Code.
- Barrier-free controls, illumination, power doors and listening devices
Each control also sits beside, and is centred on, a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm.
Usual exam traps
- Using 2 h for every vault. The 2 h rating applies only where the vault has an automatic extinguishing system; otherwise it is 3 h.
- Mixing up the generator room ratings: 2 h in Part 3 (3.6.2.8.), but 1 h or 2 h in Part 9 depending on the floor rating (9.10.10.7.).
- Putting a manual station at 900 mm to 1,100 mm. Thermostats and manual stations go at 1,200 mm.
- Reading 760°C as the fire stop flap temperature. That is the melting point for ceiling supports; the flap activates at about 30°C above the normal maximum plenum temperature.
- Assuming barrier-free paths only need emergency lighting. They need the full 50 lx average of normal lighting.
Practice this chapter
Questions on Service facilities, health and barrier-free items, 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. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Service room
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerService room means a room provided in a building to contain equipment associated with building services. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. Fire Separations Around Service Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (8), (9) and (10), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.6.2.1.(1))
(2)Except as required by Sentence (3), a fuel-fired appliance that serves only one room or suite is not required to be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building.
(3)A solid-fuel-burning appliance shall not be located in a repair garage, a storage garage, or any other location where it could be exposed to flammable vapours or gases unless
(a)it is enclosed in a service room that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b)it is supplied with combustion air directly from outside the building, and
(c)the heat that it generates is supplied indirectly to the space served by means of ducts or piping.
(4)A service room containing an incinerator shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(5)Equipment that uses a liquid having a flash point below 93.3°C shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(6)Electrical equipment that is required to be located in a service room by a regulation made under the Electricity Act, 1998, shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(7)Except as permitted by Sentence (8), in a storey that is not sprinklered throughout, a service room that contains service equipment other than that addressed by Sentences (1) to (6), shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)Where a service room contains a limited quantity of service equipment, and the service equipment neither constitutes a fire hazard nor is essential to the operation of fire safety systems in the building, the requirements for a fire separation shall not apply.
(9)A fire separation is not required between a fireplace and the space it serves.
(10)A fire separation is not required between a rooftop appliance and the building it serves.
(11)The fire separation provisions for a fuel-fired appliance in a portable classroom shall conform to Article 3.9.3.7.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7. Electrical Equipment Vaults
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7. in the code viewer(1)Where an electrical equipment vault is required by the Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998, the electrical equipment vault shall be totally enclosed by a fire separation of solid masonry or concrete construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 h if the vault is not provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system and not less than 2 h if the vault is so protected.
(2)Where a building is required to be sprinklered throughout, the electrical equipment vault described in Sentence (1) need not be sprinklered provided
(a)the vault is designed for no purpose other than to contain the electrical equipment, and
(b)a smoke detector is provided in the vault that will actuate the building fire alarm system in the event of a fire in the vault.
(3)A vault, that is part of a building and houses electrical equipment indoors, shall have
(a)roofs or ceilings consisting of reinforced concrete of adequate strength for the conditions and not less than 150 mm thick, and
(b)floors consisting of reinforced concrete of adequate strength for the conditions and not less than 150 mm thick, except that floors that are at excavation level are permitted to be of reinforced concrete not less than 100 mm thick.
(4)Walls, roofs or ceilings, and floors shall be adequately anchored together in a manner designed to resist dislodgement by explosion.
(5)Only pipes or ducts necessary for fire protection or the proper operation of the electrical installation shall penetrate the fire separations surrounding the electrical equipment vault.
(6)A ventilation duct or opening, that penetrates the fire separation to the outdoors, need not be protected by a closure at the penetration.
(7)Each door to an electrical equipment vault shall be provided with a substantial lock or padlock.
(8)Explosion-relief devices and vents or other protective measures shall be provided for every electrical equipment vault containing dielectric liquid-filled electrical equipment in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.21.(3). (See Note A-3.6.2.7.(8))
(9)Every electrical equipment vault shall be provided with a ventilation system designed in conformance with Part 6 to prevent the ambient temperature in the vault from exceeding 40 ° C.
(10)Where the vault ventilation system in Sentence (9) is directly from an outdoor area by natural ventilation without the use of ducts, and where the electrical equipment is the principal source of heat, the combined net area of inlet and outlet openings shall be not less than 0.002 m² / kVa of electrical equipment capacity with a minimum of 0.093 m² , except that
(a)where equipment in the power class as described in CAN/CSA-C88-M, "Power Transformers and Reactors" is installed, ventilation requirements are permitted to be based on the actual full-load losses, or
(b)where the equipment is installed for emergency purposes only and is not normally energized, it need not be considered in determining the ventilation requirements.
(11)In the vault ventilation system in Sentence (10), the inlet for fresh air shall lead from an outdoor area and shall terminate at a point not more than 1,000 mm above the floor level of the vault.
(12)Where the vault ventilation system in Sentence (9) is a mechanical system, it shall be separate from the system for the remainder of the building and shall be designed so that
(a)the vault temperature is thermostatically controlled,
(b)the fan is located so that it may be serviced without danger to personnel,
(c)a high temperature alarm is provided in the vault,
(d)the system is automatically shut off in the event of a fire in the vault, and
(e)a filter is provided in the air inlet if there is a possibility of dirt being drawn in.
(13)All ventilation openings shall be protected in conformance with Sentences 6.3.2.9.(4) and (5) and the protection shall be installed in such a manner that it cannot be removed from the outside by the use of common tools and it is tamperproof.
(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (15), the floor of an electrical equipment vault referred to in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be liquid tight and surrounded by liquid tight walls and sills of sufficient height to confine within the vault all of the liquid from the largest item of electrical equipment, but to a height of not less than 100 mm.
(15)The floor of the electrical equipment vault described in Sentences (1) and (2) may be provided with a floor drain connected to a covered sump capable of holding all of the liquid from the largest item of electrical equipment, and the connection shall have a noncombustible trap to prevent the spread of fire from the vault to the sump.
(16)Where the electrical equipment vault is located in a hazardous location classified as Class II, Division 1 in accordance with the Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998, it shall have
(a)no vent opening except to the exterior of the building, and
(b)suitable pressure-relief openings communicating only with the air outside the building.
(17)Where doors are provided between the vault described in Sentence (16) and the rest of the building, they shall have suitable seals such as weatherstripping to minimize the entrance of dust into the vault.
(18)Every electrical equipment vault shall be provided with
(a)adequate lighting, controlled by one or more switches located near the entrance,
(b)luminaires located so that they may be relamped without danger to personnel, and
(c)a grounded receptacle located in a convenient location inside the vault, near the entrance.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. Emergency Power Installations
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. in the code viewer(1)Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, except where such building is used solely for the purpose of housing the generator and its ancillary equipment, it shall be located in a room that
(a)is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, and
(b)contains only the generating set and equipment that is related to the emergency power supply system.
OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. Fire Separations for Vertical Service Spaces
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Articles 3.6.3.3. and 3.6.3.5. and Section 3.5., a vertical service space shall be separated from all other portions of each adjacent storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to Table 3.6.3.1. for the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. for
(a)the floor assembly above the storey, or
(b)the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above. (See Note A-3.6.3.1.(1))
(2)A vertical service space that does not extend through the roof of a building shall be enclosed at the top with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(3)A vertical service space that does not extend to the bottom of a building shall be enclosed at the lowest level with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(4)A vent from a vertical service space not extending to the roof shall be enclosed within the building with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(5)Only openings that are necessary for the use of the vertical service space shall be permitted through a vertical service space enclosure.
OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. Fire Separations for Horizontal Service Spaces
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., a horizontal service space that penetrates a required vertical fire separation shall be separated from the remainder of the building it serves in conformance with Sentence (2).
(2)If a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical fire separation other than a vertical shaft, this space need not be divided at the fire separation as required by Article 3.1.8.3. provided the construction between this space and the space below is a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating equivalent to that required for the vertical fire separation, except that the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be not less than 30 min if the vertical fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating more than 45 min. (See Note A-3.6.4.2.(2))
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Plenum
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerPlenum means a chamber forming part of an air duct system.
OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. in the code viewer(1)A concealed space used as a plenum within a floor assembly or within a roof assembly need not conform to Sentence 3.1.5.18.(1) and Article 3.6.5.1. provided
(a)all materials within the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification not more than 50, except for
(i)tubing for pneumatic controls,
(ii)optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and conform to Sentences 3.1.4.3.(2) and 3.1.5.21.(2),
(iii)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT6 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction or in buildings or parts of buildings permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, and
(iv)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT4 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings permitted to be of combustible construction, and,
(b)the supports for the ceiling membrane are of noncombustible material having a melting point not below 760°C.
(2)If a concealed space referred to in Sentence (1) is used as a return-air plenum and incorporates a ceiling membrane that forms part of the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly, every opening through the membrane shall be protected by a fire stop flap that
(a)stops the flow of air into the concealed space in the event of a fire,
(b)is supported in a manner that will maintain the integrity of the ceiling membrane for the duration of time required to provide the required fire-resistance rating,
(c)conforms to CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies," and
(d)activates at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the return-air plenum, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.
Show all 17 articles
OBC Div. B 3.6.5.6. Clearance of Ducts and Plenums
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.5.6. in the code viewer(1)The clearance of furnace plenums from combustible material shall conform to the requirements of the appropriate standards referenced in Sentence 6.2.1.5.(1).
(2)If the plenum clearance required in accordance with Sentence (1) is not more than 75 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall be not less than
(a)the required plenum clearance within a horizontal distance of 450 mm from the plenum, and
(b)12 mm at a horizontal distance of 450 mm or more from the plenum, except that this clearance is permitted to be reduced to zero beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the supply duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger. (See Note A-3.6.5.6.(2))
(3)If the plenum clearance required in accordance with Sentence (1) is more than 75 mm but not more than 150 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall be not less than
(a)the required plenum clearance within a horizontal distance of 1,800 mm from the plenum, and
(b)12 mm at a horizontal distance of 1,800 mm or more from the plenum, except that this distance is permitted to be reduced to zero beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the supply duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger. (See Note A-3.6.5.6.(3))
(4)If the plenum clearance required in accordance with Sentence (1) is more than 150 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall be not less than
(a)the required plenum clearance within a horizontal distance of 1,000 mm from the plenum,
(b)150 mm within a horizontal distance between 1,000 mm and 1,800 mm from the plenum, and
(c)25 mm at a horizontal distance of 1,800 mm or more from the plenum, except that this distance is permitted to be reduced to 8 mm beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the supply duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger. (See Note A-3.6.5.6.(4))
(5)If a register is installed in a floor directly over a pipeless furnace, a double-walled register box with not less than 100 mm between walls, or a register box with the warm-air passage completely surrounded by the cold-air passage, shall be permitted instead of the clearances listed in Sentences (2) to (4).
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. in the code viewer(1)In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities."
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. Shielding of X-Ray Equipment
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. in the code viewer(1)Every installation of an x-ray machine or of x-ray equipment in a building shall be shielded to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation inside and outside the building. (See Note A-3.7.5.3.(1))
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) X-ray equipment
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerX-ray equipment includes x-ray imaging systems, processing equipment and equipment directly related to the production of images for diagnosis or directly related to irradiation with x-rays for therapy.
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. Controls
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. in the code viewer(1)Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)be mounted
(i)1,200 mm above the finished floor, in the case of a thermostat or a manual station, and
(ii)not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor, in the case of all other controls, and
(b)be located so as to be adjacent to and centred on either the length or the width of a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm, and
(c)be operable
(i)using one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching with fingers or twisting of the wrist, and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of a manual station, and
(ii)using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of all other controls. (See Note A-3.8.1.5.(1))
(2)A signal intended for the public to indicate the operation of a building security system that controls access to a building shall consist of an audible and visual signal.
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.6. Illumination
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.6. in the code viewer(1)All portions of a barrier-free path of travel shall be equipped to provide a level of illumination in accordance with Sentence 3.2.7.1.(1).
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. in the code viewer(1)Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(1))
(2)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(11) and except where no bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided in accordance with Sentence 3.8.2.1.(1), the doorway to at least one bathroom and to each bedroom at the same level as such bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy shall have, when the door is in the open position, a clear width of not less than
(a)760 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space not less than 1,060 mm wide, and
(b)810 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space less than 1,060 mm wide. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(2))
(3)Door opening devices that are the only means of operation shall
(a)be designed to be operable using a closed fist, and
(b)be mounted not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(3))
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), every door that provides a barrier-free path of travel through a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. shall be equipped with a power door operator. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4))
(4.1)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), doors equipped with a self-closing device shall be equipped with power door operators where doors are located in a barrier-free path of travel, between the entrance referred to Article 3.8.1.2., including the interior doors of a vestibule, and the entrance doors to suites or rooms served by a public corridor or a corridor used by the public. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4.1)
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), where a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. incorporates a vestibule, a door leading from the vestibule into the floor area shall be equipped with a power door operator.
(6)A door shall be equipped with a power door operator where the door serves
(a)a washroom for public use required to be barrier-free, or
(b)a Group A occupancy within a Group C major occupancy apartment building.
(7)Except as permitted in Sentence (8), and except for doors with power operators, closers for doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall be designed to permit doors to open when a force of not more than 38 N is applied to the handles, push plates or latch-releasing devices in the case of exterior doors and 22 N in the case of interior doors.
(8)Sentence (7) does not apply to doors at the entrances to dwelling units, or where greater forces are required in order to close and latch the doors against prevailing differences in air pressures on opposite sides of the doors. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(8))
(9)Except for doors at the entrances to dwelling units, closers for interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from when the door is in an open position of 70° to the doorway, to when the door reaches a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(9))
(10)Unless equipped with a power door operator, a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear space on the latch side extending the height of the doorway and not less than
(a)600 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings toward the approach side,
(b)300 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings away from the approach side, and
(c)300 mm beyond both sides of a sliding door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(10))
(11)Vestibules located in a barrier-free path of travel
(a)shall be arranged to allow the movement of wheelchairs between doors, and
(b)shall provide
(i)where the doors into the vestibule are in series, a distance between the doors of at least 1,500 mm plus the width of any door that swings into the space in the path of travel from one door to another, and
(ii)where the doors into the vestibule are not aligned, a turning diameter of 1,500 mm within the vestibule clear of any door swing. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(11)(b))
(12)Only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier-free path of travel need conform to the requirements of this Article.
(13)Except as provided in Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), the floor surface on each side of a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall be level within a rectangular area
(a)as wide as the door plus the clearance required on the latch side by Sentence (10), and
(b)whose dimension perpendicular to the closed door is not less than the width of the barrier-free path of travel but need not exceed 1,500 mm.
(14)Where a vision panel is provided in a door in a barrier-free path of travel, such panel shall be at least 75 mm in width and be located so that
(a)the bottom of the panel is not more than 900 mm above the finished floor, and
(b)the edge of the panel closest to the latch is not more than 250 mm from the latch side of the door.
(15)A door in a barrier-free path of travel consisting of a sheet of glass shall be marked with a continuous opaque strip that
(a)shall be colour and brightness contrasted to the background of the door,
(b)shall be at least 50 mm wide,
(c)shall be located across the width of the door at a height of 1,350 mm to 1,500 mm above the finished floor, and
(d)may incorporate a logo or symbol provided such logo or symbol does not diminish
(i)the opacity of the strip,
(ii)the width of the strip,
(iii)the colour and brightness contrast of the strip to the background of the door, and
(iv)the continuity of the strip across the width of the door.
(16)Reserved.
(17)Except where a proximity scanning device is installed in conformance with Sentence (18), the control for a power door operator required by Sentence (4), (5) or (6) shall
(a)have a face dimension of not less than
(i)150 mm in diameter where the control is circular, or
(ii)50 mm by 100 mm where the control is rectangular,
(b)be operable using a closed fist,
(c)be located so that
(i)its centre is located not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm from the finished floor or ground, or
(ii)it extends from not more than 200 mm to not less than 900 mm above the finished floor or ground, (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(17)(c))
(d)be located not less than 600 mm and not more than 1,500 mm beyond the door swing where the door opens towards the control,
(e)be located to allow persons to activate the opening of the door from either direction of travel,
(f)be located so that the path of travel is not obstructed,
(g)be located in a clearly visible position, and
(h)contain a sign incorporating the International Symbol of Access.
(18)A proximity scanning device that activates a power door shall be capable of detecting a person in a wheelchair. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(18))
(19)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)all doorways in public corridors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (1),
(b)door opening devices that are the only means of operation on doors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (3), (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(19)(b))
(c)where a vision panel is provided in a door in the normally occupied floor area, the panel shall comply with Sentence
(d)doors consisting of a sheet of glass in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (15), and
(e)where a power door operator is installed for doors in the normally occupied floor area, the control for the power door operator shall comply with Sentence (17).
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5. Passenger Elevating Devices
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5. in the code viewer(1)A passenger elevating device referred to in Article 3.8.2.1. located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)conform to CSA B355, "Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access,"
(b)have a clear floor space not less than 1,500 mm long by 1,000 mm wide, and
(c)have entry doors or gates
(i)providing a clear width not less than 850 mm in the open position if located on the short side of the passenger elevating device, or
(ii)providing a clear width not less than 1,000 mm in the open position if located at either end of the long side of the passenger-elevating device.
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. in the code viewer(1)In buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres with an area of more than 100 m² shall be equipped with an assistive listening system encompassing the entire seating area. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(1))
(2)In each location where information, goods or services are provided to the public at service counters in buildings of assembly occupancy, at least one of the service counters shall be equipped with:
(a)an assistive listening system or adaptive technology, and
(b)an amplification system, where there is a barrier to communication, such as a glass screen. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(2))
(3)Assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies required by Sentence (2) shall provide for the clear communication required for the exchange of information, goods, and services.