Sprinkler triggers, firefighting and high building systems (Detection, Lighting and Power)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

top floor height that requires voice communication: 36 m; top floor height that requires voice communication
load a firefighter elevator lifts within 1 min: 900 kg; load a firefighter elevator lifts within 1 min
height to top storey ceiling that needs standpipes: 14 m; height to top storey ceiling that needs standpipes
max distance from fire dept connection to hydrant: 45 m; max distance from fire dept connection to hydrant

Sprinklers, standpipes and fire pumps are designed under NFPA standards that this exam does not test. What it does test is the building code side: what triggers sprinklers, how the fire department gets to the building, which standard applies, how systems tie into the fire alarm, and the high building package of elevators, the central alarm and control facility and voice communication.

Sprinkler triggers and exposure items

When a construction Article in 3.2.2. requires a building to be sprinklered, the system must also meet 3.2.4.7. (signals to the fire department), 3.2.4.8. (annunciator), 3.2.4.9. (supervision) and 3.2.5.12. OBC Div. B 3.2.2.18.(1). If any storey or floor area must be sprinklered, all lower storeys must be sprinklered too, even where they could otherwise go without OBC Div. B 3.2.2.18.(2).

Gymnasiums, pools, arenas and rinks may waive the roof rating when the roof is at least 6 m above the floor and carries only normal loads, including lighting and sound equipment. A mezzanine used only for ventilating, sound and lighting equipment may be waived the same way OBC Div. B 3.2.2.17..

Exterior exposure items:

Soffits over a common attic above more than two residential suites (or more than two Group B-2/B-3 sleeping rooms), within 2,500 mm of a window or door, need noncombustible or wood protection. The protection extends 1,200 mm each side of the opening. Fire blocks at the eave, or full sprinklering of the rooms behind, remove the need OBC Div. B 3.2.3.16..
Canopies of 1 m are needed over vertically aligned openings above Group E or F-1/F-2 storeys that must be separated. This is waived if the building is sprinklered OBC Div. B 3.2.3.17..
Buried gas mains: no building over one unless it is encased in a gas-tight conduit per CAN/CSA-Z662 OBC Div. B 3.2.3.22..

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Access routes, water supply, standpipes and sprinklers

Access routes for fire department vehicles are needed for buildings more than 3 storeys or more than 600 m² OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4.. Location rules OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5.:

Measure	Limit
Principal entrance and access openings to access route	3 m to 15 m
Firefighter path, vehicle to building	Not more than 45 m
With no fire department connection: hydrant route plus firefighter path	Not more than 90 m
With a fire department connection	Pumper can park beside the hydrant

The firefighter path is measured to the fire department connection, or to the principal entrance if there is none. Every building needs an adequate water supply for firefighting OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7..

Standpipes are required in buildings more than 3 storeys, more than 14 m from grade to the ceiling of the top storey, or over the Table 3.2.5.8. area for unsprinklered buildings. Small storage garages and some townhouse-style Group C buildings are exempt OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8..

Sprinkler standards OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12.:

Standard	Typical use
NFPA 13	Default for all systems
NFPA 13R	Residential up to 4 storeys under listed Articles, small B-3, certain retirement homes
NFPA 13D	Not more than two dwelling units, or row-type units meeting strict conditions

Further rules in the same Article:

Fewer than 9 sprinklers may be fed from the domestic water system if it can meet the flow.
No room or closet may be left unsprinklered in the storey below the roof.
Elevator machine room sprinklers need an intermediate temperature rating and guards.

Combustible sprinkler piping is limited to residential and light-hazard occupancies, generally behind membrane protection OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13.. A service space with flooring other than catwalks is sprinklered, with waterflow devices per storey reporting to the fire alarm OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14..

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Fire department connections, freeze protection and fire pumps

Fire department connections for standpipes and for sprinklers must be within 45 m of a hydrant, unobstructed OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15.. Fire protection equipment in an unheated area that freezing could harm must be protected OBC Div. B 3.2.5.17.. The fire alarm supervises near-freezing temperature in dry pipe valve enclosures and water tanks (3.2.4.9.(3)(g)). Fire pumps are installed to NFPA 20 OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18.. A pump that relies only on building power needs a 2 h emergency generator under 3.2.7.9.

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High buildings: elevators, central alarm and control facility, voice communication

Subsection 3.2.6. applies to OBC Div. B 3.2.6.1.:

Building	High building when
Group A, D, E or F	Top storey floor more than 36 m above grade, or more than 18 m with the exit stair occupant load formula exceeding 300
Group B	Highest Group B storey floor more than 18 m above grade
Group B-2 or B-3	Any such floor area above the third storey
Group C, or a retirement home	Highest storey floor more than 18 m above grade

Smoke movement is controlled through SB-4 measures OBC Div. B 3.2.6.2.. Air-moving fans serving more than 2 storeys must be stoppable from the central alarm and control facility. Corridor make-up air for Group C must keep running on alarm.

Elevators OBC Div. B 3.2.6.4.:

manual emergency recall with key switches at each recall-level lobby and at the central alarm and control facility,
in-car switches,
keys kept in an identified box near the facility,
in unsprinklered buildings, automatic recall by lobby smoke detectors or by the fire alarm system.

At least one firefighters' elevator must carry 900 kg to its top floor within 1 min, with a platform of at least 2.2 m². It needs 1 h interlocked doors, a 45 min vestibule, or a 1 h corridor. Its conductors run in service spaces or are rated for 1 h circuit integrity under CAN/ULC-S139 OBC Div. B 3.2.6.5..

The central alarm and control facility sits on the firefighter access storey OBC Div. B 3.2.6.7.. It includes:

voice paging control (all speakers, individual floors, stairs),
alert and alarm indication with silencing,
elevator recall indication,
the annunciator and fire department transmission,
vestibule hold-open release and selective alarm zoning,
two-way communication with every elevator car,
sprinkler waterflow and supervisory indication.

Voice communication to 3.2.4.22. is required where the top storey floor is more than 36 m above grade, where Group B-2 or B-3 is above the third storey, or where a retirement home is more than 18 m above grade OBC Div. B 3.2.6.8.. Smoke control and venting systems are tested per SB-4 OBC Div. B 3.2.6.9..

Worked example

A 9-storey apartment building (Group C) has its top storey floor at 25 m above grade.

Group C with the highest storey over 18 m, so 3.2.6. applies.
Is voice communication required by 3.2.6.8.? The top storey floor is 25 m, not over 36 m, and there is no B-2/B-3 or retirement home. Not under 3.2.6.8. However, 3.2.4.23. still requires one-way voice if a 2-stage system serves more than 1,000 occupants.
A firefighters' elevator (900 kg in 1 min) and a central alarm and control facility are required.
Emergency lighting and fire alarm full-load power run 2 h (see the next chapter).

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Common traps

Measuring the standpipe 14 m height to the top storey floor. It is measured to the ceiling. The high building thresholds use the floor.
Assuming the 36 m threshold applies to apartments. Group C triggers at 18 m.
Forgetting the lower storey sprinkler rule in 3.2.2.18.(2).
Confusing the 45 m firefighter path with the 90 m combined limit.

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.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Sprinkler triggers and exposure items	When a construction Article in 3.2.2. requires a building to be sprinklered, the system must also meet 3.2.4.7. (signals to the fire department), 3.2.4.8. (annunciator), 3.2.4.9…
Access routes, water supply, standpipes and sprinklers	Access routes for fire department vehicles are needed for buildings more than 3 storeys or more than 600 m².
Fire department connections, freeze protection and fire pumps	Fire department connections for standpipes and for sprinklers must be within 45 m of a hydrant, unobstructed.
High buildings: elevators, central alarm and control facility, voice communication	Smoke movement is controlled through SB-4 measures.

Sprinkler triggers and exposure items
When a construction Article in 3.2.2. requires a building to be sprinklered, the system must also meet 3.2.4.7. (signals to the fire department), 3.2.4.8. (annunciator), 3.2.4.9…
Access routes, water supply, standpipes and sprinklers
Access routes for fire department vehicles are needed for buildings more than 3 storeys or more than 600 m².
Fire department connections, freeze protection and fire pumps
Fire department connections for standpipes and for sprinklers must be within 45 m of a hydrant, unobstructed.
High buildings: elevators, central alarm and control facility, voice communication
Smoke movement is controlled through SB-4 measures.

Usual exam traps

Measuring the standpipe 14 m height to the top storey floor. It is measured to the ceiling. The high building thresholds use the floor.
Assuming the 36 m threshold applies to apartments. Group C triggers at 18 m.
Forgetting the lower storey sprinkler rule in 3.2.2.18.(2).
Confusing the 45 m firefighter path with the 90 m combined limit.

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Questions on Sprinkler triggers, firefighting and high building systems, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 3.2.2.18. Automatic Sprinkler System Required
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), an automatic sprinkler system conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.4.7., 3.2.4.8., 3.2.4.9. and 3.2.5.12. shall be installed throughout a building regulated by one or more of Articles 3.2.2.20., 3.2.2.21., 3.2.2.22., 3.2.2.23., 3.2.2.24., 3.2.2.26., 3.2.2.27., 3.2.2.29., 3.2.2.31., 3.2.2.33., 3.2.2.36., 3.2.2.37., 3.2.2.38., 3.2.2.39., 3.2.2.40., 3.2.2.41., 3.2.2.42., 3.2.2.43., 3.2.2.44., 3.2.2.45., 3.2.2.46., 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52., 3.2.2.55., 3.2.2.55A., 3.2.2.55B., 3.2.2.55C., 3.2.2.55D., 3.2.2.55.E., 3.2.2.56., 3.2.2.57., 3.2.2.59., 3.2.2.60., 3.2.2.61., 3.2.2.63., 3.2.2.65., 3.2.2.66., 3.2.2.67., 3.2.2.69., 3.2.2.71., 3.2.2.72., 3.2.2.73., 3.2.2.74., 3.2.2.76., 3.2.2.77., 3.2.2.79., 3.2.2.81., 3.2.2.82., 3.2.2.84., 3.2.2.86., 3.2.2.88., 3.2.2.90. and 3.2.2.93.
(2)If a storey in a building or a floor area is required to have an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with one or more of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. or Section 3.3., the automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed throughout all lower storeys in the building notwithstanding permission in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. to construct one or more of those storeys without installing automatic sprinkler protection. (See Note A-3.2.2.18.(2))
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.2.18. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.2.17. Roof Assemblies and Mezzanines in Gymnasiums, Swimming Pools, Arenas and Rinks
(1)The requirements for a roof assembly to have a fire-resistance rating stated in Articles 3.2.2.25., 3.2.2.30. and 3.2.2.32. are permitted to be waived for gymnasiums, swimming pools, arenas, and rinks, provided
(a)the roof carries no loads other than normal roof loads, including permanent access walks, and ventilating, sound and lighting equipment, and
(b)except as provided in Sentence (3), no part of the roof assembly is less than 6 m above the main floor or balcony. (See Note A-3.2.2.17.(1))
(2)The requirements for a mezzanine to have a fire-resistance rating stated in Articles 3.2.2.25., 3.2.2.30. and 3.2.2.32. are permitted to be waived for gymnasiums, swimming pools, arenas, and rinks, provided
(a)the mezzanine is not required to be considered as a storey as per Sentences 3.2.1.1.(3) to (5),
(b)the mezzanine is used only for ventilating, sound and lighting equipment, and
(c)except as provided in Sentence (3), no part of the mezzanine is less than 6 m above the main floor or balcony.
(3)The restrictions concerning minimum distance stated in Clauses (1)(b) and (2)(c) shall not apply to
(a)an inclined and stepped floor ascending from the main floor that is used for seating purposes only, or
(b)a balcony used for seating purposes only.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.2.17. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.3.16. Protection of Soffits
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), where there is a common attic or roof space above more than two suites of residential occupancy or above more than two patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, and the common attic or roof space projects beyond the exterior wall of the building, the soffit, and any opening in the soffits or other surface of the projection located within 2,500 mm of a window or door opening, shall be protected by
(a)noncombustible material
(i)not less than 0.38 mm thick, and
(ii)having a melting point not below 650°C,
(b)plywood not less than 11 mm thick,
(c)strandboard or waferboard not less than 12.5 mm thick, or
(d)lumber not less than 11 mm thick.
(2)The soffit protection required by Sentence (1) shall extend the full width of the opening and to not less than 1,200 mm on either side of it, and shall apply to all openings through the soffit within this limit.
(3)If an eave overhang is completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by the use of fire blocks, the requirements of Sentence (1) do not apply.
(4)The protection required by Sentence (1) for projections is permitted to be omitted if
(a)the fire compartments behind the window and door openings are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.5.12., and
(b)all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding exceptions permitted in the standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12. for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.3.16. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.3.17. Canopy Protection for Vertically Separated Openings
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a storey classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation,
(a)every opening in the exterior wall of the lower storey that is located vertically below an opening in the storey above shall be separated from the storey above by a canopy projecting not less than 1 m from the face of the building at the intervening floor level, and
(b)the canopy required by Clause (a) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly but need not be more than 1 h, except as required elsewhere in this Subsection.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the canopy required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be omitted if the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 m behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey.
(3)The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived if the building is sprinklered throughout.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.3.17. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.3.22. Service Lines Under Buildings
(1)A building shall not be constructed over an existing buried flammable gas main unless the gas main is encased in a gas-tight conduit in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z662, "Oil and gas pipeline systems."
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.3.22. in the code viewer
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 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. (See Note A-3.2.5.4.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. in the code viewer
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 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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7. Water Supply
(1)Every building shall be provided with an adequate water supply for firefighting.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.7. in the code viewer

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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 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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. in the code viewer
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 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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12. in the code viewer
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 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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.13. in the code viewer
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 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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.14. in the code viewer
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 connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.17. Protection from Freezing
(1)Equipment forming part of a fire protection system shall be protected from freezing if
(a)it could be adversely affected by freezing temperatures, and
(b)it is located in an unheated area.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.17. in the code viewer
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))
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.18. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.6.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to a building
(a)of Group A, D, E or F major occupancy classification that is more than
(i)36 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, or
(ii)18 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, and in which the cumulative or total occupant load on or above any storey above grade, other than the first storey, divided by 1.8 times the width in metres of all exit stairs at that storey, exceeds 300,
(b)containing a Group B major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy is more than 18 m above grade,
(c)containing a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey designed or intended as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy,
(d)containing a Group C major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy is more than 18 m above grade, or
(e)containing a retirement home, where the floor level of the highest storey of the retirement home is more than 18 m above grade.
(2)Except as required by Clause 3.2.6.1.(1)(c), this Subsection applies to a building or part thereof constructed in conformance with Article 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.93. in which the floor level of the highest storey is more than 18 m above grade.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.2. Limits to Smoke Movement
(1)A sprinklered building shall be designed in accordance with Sentences (2) to (6) and MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," to limit the danger to occupants and firefighters from exposure to smoke in a building fire.
(2)A building referred to in Sentence (1), shall be designed so that, during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, each exit stair serving storeys below the lowest exit level will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data."
(3)Each stairway that serves storeys above the lowest exit level shall have a vent to the outdoors, at or near the bottom of the stair shaft, that
(a)has an openable area of 0.05 m² for every door between the stair shaft and a floor area, but not less than 1.8 m²,
(b)opens directly to the outdoors or into a vestibule that has a similar opening to the outdoors, and
(c)has a door or closure that
(i)is openable manually, and
(ii)can remain in the open position during a fire emergency.
(4)Measures shall be taken to limit movement of smoke from a fire in a floor area below the lowest exit storey into upper storeys.
(5)Except for exhaust fans in kitchens, washrooms and bathrooms in dwelling units, and except for fans used for smoke venting as required by Article 3.2.6.6., air moving fans in a system that serves more than 2 storeys shall be designed and installed so that in the event of a fire these fans can be stopped by means of a manually operated switch at the central alarm and control facility.
(6)Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.12. or where there is a conflict with other smoke control measures in the building, air-handling systems used to provide make-up air to public corridors serving suites in a Group C major occupancy shall not shut down automatically upon activation of the fire alarm so as to maintain corridor pressurization.
(7)A building that is not sprinklered shall be designed in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," to limit the danger to occupants and firefighters from exposure to smoke in a building fire.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.4. Emergency Operation of Elevators
(1)Manual emergency recall shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey.
(2)Key-operated switches for emergency recall described by Sentence (1) shall be provided in a conspicuous location at
(a)each elevator lobby on the recall level, and
(b)the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7.
(3)In-car emergency service switches shall be provided in all elevator cars.
(4)Keys to operate the switches required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall be
(a)provided in a suitably identified box conspicuously located on the outside of an elevator hoistway near the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7., and
(b)kept at the central alarm and control facility.
(5)In a building that is not sprinklered, automatic emergency recall operation shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey.
(6)The automatic emergency recall feature in Sentence (5) shall be actuated by
(a)smoke detectors installed in each elevator lobby on each storey, or (See Note A-3.2.6.4.(6)(a))
(b)the building fire alarm system.
(7)Smoke detectors in Sentence (6) shall be designed as part of the building fire alarm system.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.5. Elevator for Use by Firefighters
(1)At least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6).
(2)The elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a useable platform area not less than 2.2 m² and shall be capable of carrying a load of 900 kg to the top floor that it serves from a landing on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. within 1 min.
(3)Except where Measure K of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," is used, each elevator for use by firefighters shall
(a)be provided with a closure at each shaft opening so that the interlock mechanism remains mechanically engaged and electrical continuity is maintained in the interlock circuits and associated wiring for a period of not less than 1 h when the assembly is subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN/ULC-S104, "Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies,"
(b)be protected with a vestibule containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(c)be protected with a corridor containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), an elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing transportation from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. to every floor that is above grade in the building and that is normally served by the elevator system.
(5)If it is necessary to change elevators to reach any floor referred to in Sentence (4), the system shall be designed so that not more than one change of elevator is required when travelling to any floor in the building from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5.
(6)Electrical conductors for the operation of the elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall
(a)be installed in service spaces conforming to Section 3.6. that do not contain other combustible material, or
(b)conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.2.6.5.(6)(b))
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.7. Central Alarm and Control Facility
(1)A central alarm and control facility shall be provided on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. in a location that
(a)is readily accessible to firefighters entering the building, and
(b)takes into account the effect of background noise likely to occur under fire emergency conditions, so that the facility can properly perform its required function under such conditions.
(2)The central alarm and control facility required in Sentence (1) shall include
(a)means to control the voice communication system required by Article 3.2.6.8., so that messages can be sent to
(i)all loudspeakers simultaneously,
(ii)individual floor areas, and
(iii)exit stairwells,
(b)means to indicate audibly and visually alert signals and alarm signals and a switch to
(i)silence the audible portion of these signals, and
(ii)indicate visually that the audible portion has been silenced,
(c)means to indicate visually that elevators are on emergency recall,
(d)an annunciator conforming to Article 3.2.4.8.,
(e)means to transmit alert signals and alarm signals to the fire department in conformance with Article 3.2.4.7.,
(f)means to release hold-open devices on doors to vestibules,
(g)means to manually actuate alarm signals in the building selectively to any zone or zones,
(h)means to silence the alarm signals referred to in Clause (g) in conformance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) and (3),
(i)means, as appropriate to the measure for fire safety provided in the building, to
(i)actuate auxiliary equipment identified in Articles 3.2.6.2., 3.2.6.3. and 3.2.6.6., or
(ii)communicate with a continually staffed auxiliary equipment control centre,
(j)means for two-way communications with every elevator car,
(k)means to indicate visually, individual sprinkler system waterflow signals,
(l)means to indicate audibly and visually, sprinkler and standpipe system supervisory signals and trouble signals,
(m)a switch to silence the audible portion of a supervisory signal or a trouble signal, and
(n)visual indication that the audible portion of a supervisory signal or a trouble signal has been silenced.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.8. Voice Communication System
(1)A voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.22. shall be provided in a building if
(a)the floor of the top storey is more than 36 m above grade,
(b)a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey is designed or intended for use as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, or
(c)a floor area or part of a floor area located more than 18 m above grade is designed or intended for use as a retirement home regulated under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 that is a Group C occupancy.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.6.9. Testing
(1)The systems for control of smoke movement and mechanical venting required by Articles 3.2.6.2. and 3.2.6.6. shall be tested to ensure satisfactory operation in accordance with the procedures described in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings."
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