Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- max diameter of combustible pneumatic tubing
- 10 mm
- max diameter of combustible pneumatic tubing
- CO alarm battery standby before alarm time
- 8 h
- CO alarm battery standby before alarm time
- CO alarm signal time on battery back-up
- 12 h
- CO alarm signal time on battery back-up
- max spacing of CO alarms in public corridors
- 25 m
- max spacing of CO alarms in public corridors
Fire protection does not stop at Part 3. Part 6 (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) carries the duct rules that keep smoke and fire from travelling through air systems, plus carbon monoxide alarms. Part 7 (plumbing) governs the pipes that bring water to sprinklers and standpipes and the backflow devices that protect drinking water from them. Many Part 6 Articles simply point back to Part 3, so learn the cross-references.
HVAC design, commercial cooking and interconnection
HVAC systems follow good engineering practice, such as the ASHRAE, HRAI, SMACNA and NFPA publications (OBC Div. B 6.2.1.1.OBC Div. B 6.2.1.1. Good Engineering Practice(1) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including mechanical refrigeration equipment, shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in, but not limited to, (a) the ASHRAE Handbooks and Standards, (b) the HRAI Digest, (c) the Hydronics…). Outdoor design conditions come from SB-1 (6.2.1.2.OBC Div. B 6.2.1.2. Outdoor Design Conditions(1) The outdoor conditions to be used in designing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data."). Equipment needing maintenance must be accessible, guarded, and protected from freezing (6.2.1.6.OBC Div. B 6.2.1.6. Installation — General(1) Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning. (See Note A-6.2.1.6.(1)) (2) Mechanical equipment shall be provided with guards so as to prevent injury. (3)…). Combustible pneumatic tubing in noncombustible buildings is limited to 10 mm outside diameter (6.2.1.8.OBC Div. B 6.2.1.8. Combustible Tubing(1) Combustible tubing for pneumatic controls may be used in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction provided it has an outside diameter not exceeding 10 mm.), the same limit as 3.1.5.2.
Standards named in Part 6 that are worth knowing:
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Commercial cooking ventilation | NFPA 96 (6.3.1.6.OBC Div. B 6.3.1.6. Commercial Cooking Equipment(1) Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., all commercial cooking equipment shall be provided with ventilation systems designed, constructed and installed to conform to NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.") |
| Indoor incinerators | NFPA 82 (6.2.2.1.OBC Div. B 6.2.2.1. Applicable Standard(1) The design, construction, installation and material alteration of every indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, "Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.") |
| Solid-fuel central heating installation | CSA B365 (6.2.1.5.OBC Div. B 6.2.1.5. Installation Standards(1) The installation of solid fuel-burning appliances for central heating systems shall comply with CSA B365, "Installation code for solid-fuel-burning appliances and equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions. (2) The solid fuel-fired appliances in Sentence (1) shall conform to CSA B366.1…) |
| Hazardous gases, dusts or liquids | Fire Code, or NFPA and National Fire Code practice (6.9.1.2.OBC Div. B 6.9.1.2. Hazardous Gases, Dusts or Liquids(1) Except as provided in Subsection 6.3.4., systems serving spaces that contain hazardous gases, dusts or liquids shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or in the absence of requirements pertinent to…) |
Interconnection of systems (6.3.2.7.OBC Div. B 6.3.2.7. Interconnection of Systems(1) In a residential occupancy, air from one suite shall not be circulated to any other suite or to a public corridor. (2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and 6.3.2.10.(6), air duct systems serving storage garages shall not be directly interconnected with other parts of the building. (3) Exhaust ducts referred to…):
- In residential occupancies, air from one suite may not circulate to another suite or to a public corridor.
- Storage garage duct systems may not connect directly with the rest of the building (some dwelling exhaust may pass through a continuously exhausted garage with a leakage-rated damper).
- A public corridor may not serve as part of a supply, return or exhaust system for adjoining areas, except supply to washrooms opening onto it, or as part of an engineered smoke control system. Infiltration from a pressurized corridor into apartments is allowed.
Fire dampers, duct smoke detectors and ducts in exits
Part 6 hands these back to Part 3:
| Part 6 Article | Points to | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 6.9.2.1.OBC Div. B 6.9.2.1. Fire Dampers(1) Fire dampers shall conform to Article 3.1.8.10. Fire dampers | 3.1.8.10. | in the plane of the separation; fusible link (ULC-S505) or heat/smoke device rated about 30°C above the system maximum; access door |
| 6.9.2.2.OBC Div. B 6.9.2.2. Smoke Detectors(1) Air handling systems shall incorporate smoke detectors where and as required by Article 3.2.4.12. Smoke detectors | 3.2.4.12. | with a fire alarm, systems serving more than one storey, suite or care compartment stop smoke circulation on a duct detector signal |
| 6.9.2.3.OBC Div. B 6.9.2.3. Exhaust Ducts and Outlets(1) Where an exhaust duct system is used for smoke removal in a high building, the requirements of Article 3.2.6.6. shall apply. (2) Where exhaust duct systems from more than one fire compartment are connected to an exhaust duct in a vertical service space, the requirements of Article 3.6.3.4. shall apply. Exhaust ducts | 3.2.6.6., 3.6.3.4. | smoke venting in high buildings; negative pressure shafts |
| 6.9.2.4.OBC Div. B 6.9.2.4. Ducts in Exits(1) Where ducts penetrate fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building, they shall be in accordance with Article 3.4.4.4. (2) Duct penetration of fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building is permitted if the duct (a) is designed for the purposes of Subsection 3.2.6.… Ducts in exits | 3.4.4.4. | penetration only for 3.2.6. measures or a dedicated rooftop make-up unit serving the exit |
Where the dampers are located, and when they are waived, is in 3.1.8.7. to 3.1.8.9. (see chapter 3). For example, a fire damper may be omitted for commercial cooking ducts, which are protected by their own enclosure.
Carbon monoxide alarms
A CO alarm is needed in a residential or care suite where (OBC Div. B 6.9.3.2.OBC Div. B 6.9.3.2. Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms(1) A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in a suite of residential occupancy or care occupancy where (a) a fuel-burning appliance or a flue is installed in the suite, (b) a forced-air fuel-burning appliance provides heated air directly to the suite, (c) a fuel-burning appliance or a flue is located in a room…):
- a fuel-burning appliance or flue is in the suite,
- a forced-air fuel-burning appliance heats the suite directly,
- a fuel-burning appliance or flue is in a space sharing a wall, floor or ceiling with the suite, or
- a storage garage shares a wall, floor or ceiling with the suite.
Locations: adjacent to each sleeping room and on each storey without one; in the combined living and sleeping area of a bachelor suite; inside a sleeping room that itself contains or adjoins the source. Public corridors heated directly by a forced-air fuel appliance get CO alarms at most 25 m apart. Service rooms with fuel-burning building service or laundry drying equipment get one in every building (6.9.3.3.OBC Div. B 6.9.3.3. Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms in All Buildings(1) A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in service rooms or other areas of a building where the service room or other area (a) contains a fuel-burning appliance used for building services or laundry drying equipment, and (b) is not located within a suite of residential occupancy.).
| Installation item (6.9.3.4.OBC Div. B 6.9.3.4. Installation and Conformance to Standards(1) The carbon monoxide alarms required by Articles 6.9.3.2. and 6.9.3.3. shall (a) except as permitted in Sentence (2), be permanently connected to an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the carbon monoxide alarm, (b) in case the regular power supply to the carbon…) | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Power | hard-wired, no disconnect switch |
| Battery back-up | 8 h standby, then 12 h alarm |
| Interconnection | all alarms in a suite; all alarms in a corridor |
| Standard | CAN/CSA-6.19 or UL 2034 |
| Visual signal in sleeping areas | 175 cd |
| Height | manufacturer's instructions, else on or near the ceiling |
Do not mix this with smoke alarms (7 days then 4 minutes).
Fire service mains and backflow from fire protection systems
Fire service mains, and water service pipe combined with them, are designed, installed and tested to NFPA 24 (OBC Div. B 7.2.11.1.OBC Div. B 7.2.11.1. Design, Construction, Installation and Testing(1) Except as provided in Articles 7.2.11.2. to 7.2.11.4., and 7.3.7.2, the design, construction, installation and testing of fire service mains and water service pipe combined with fire service mains shall be in conformance with NFPA 24, "Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances."). Non-metallic pipes get a tracer wire unless detectable without it (7.2.11.3.OBC Div. B 7.2.11.3. Tracer Wire(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), every non-metallic water service pipe or fire service main shall have attached to (a) a 14 gauge TW solid copper light coloured plastic coated tracer wire, or (b) a 12 gauge copper clad steel light coloured plastic coated tracer wire. (2) Where a water service pipe or fire…), and a main fed from more than one source has a check valve at each connection (7.2.11.4.OBC Div. B 7.2.11.4. Required Check Valve(1) Where a water service pipe is supplied with water by more than one drinking water system, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a drinking water system. (2) Where a fire service main is supplied with water by more than one source, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a source…). A fire service pipeOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Fire service pipeFire service pipe means a pipe that conveys water from a public water main or private water source to the inside of a building for the purpose of supplying the fire sprinkler or standpipe systems. brings water from a main or private source into the building for sprinklers or standpipes.
Backflow protection (7.6.2.4.OBC Div. B 7.6.2.4. Backflow from Fire Protection Systems(1) A backflow preventer shall not be required in residential full flow-through fire sprinkler/standpipe systems in which the pipes and fittings are constructed of potable water system materials. (2) Except as required by Sentence (4), potable water system connections to fire sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be…), selected cases:
| System | Device |
|---|---|
| Residential full flow-through, potable materials | none |
| Residential partial flow-through, potable materials | dual check valve |
| Class 1, potable materials, no additives | single or dual check valve |
| Other Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, no additives | double check valve |
| Any Class 1 to 3 portion with antifreeze | reduced pressure principle device on that portion |
| Class 4 and Class 5 | reduced pressure principle |
| Class 6 | double check valve, or RP where a severe health hazard exists |
Devices go upstream of the fire department pumper connection. Where an RP device is required on the water service at a fire service connection in Class 3 to 6 systems, the fire service connection also gets an RP device to CSA B64.4.1.
Common traps: picking NFPA 13 instead of NFPA 24 for underground mains; assuming every sprinkler connection needs an RP device; forgetting the full flow-through exemption.
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.
- HVAC design, commercial cooking and interconnection
HVAC systems follow good engineering practice, such as the ASHRAE, HRAI, SMACNA and NFPA publications.
- Fire dampers, duct smoke detectors and ducts in exits
Where the dampers are located, and when they are waived, is in 3.1.8.7. to 3.1.8.9. (see chapter 3).
- Carbon monoxide alarms
Locations: adjacent to each sleeping room and on each storey without one; in the combined living and sleeping area of a bachelor suite; inside a sleeping room that itself contains…
- Fire service mains and backflow from fire protection systems
Fire service mains, and water service pipe combined with them, are designed, installed and tested to NFPA 24. Non-metallic pipes get a tracer wire unless detectable without it…
Practice this chapter
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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 6.2.1.1. Good Engineering Practice
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.1.1. in the code viewer(1)Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including mechanical refrigeration equipment, shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in, but not limited to,
(a)the ASHRAE Handbooks and Standards,
(b)the HRAI Digest,
(c)the Hydronics Institute Manuals,
(d)the NFPA Standards,
(e)the SMACNA Manuals,
(f)the ACGIH manual entitled "Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design,"
(g)CSA B214, "Installation code for hydronic heating systems,"
(h)CAN/CSA-Z317.2, "Special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in health care facilities,"
(i)EPA 625/R-92/016, "Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings," and
(j)ASHRAE Guideline 12, "Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems."
OBC Div. B 6.2.1.2. Outdoor Design Conditions
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.1.2. in the code viewer(1)The outdoor conditions to be used in designing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data."
OBC Div. B 6.2.1.6. Installation — General
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.1.6. in the code viewer(1)Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning. (See Note A-6.2.1.6.(1))
(2)Mechanical equipment shall be provided with guards so as to prevent injury.
(3)Heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems shall be protected from freezing if they may be adversely affected by freezing temperatures.
OBC Div. B 6.2.1.8. Combustible Tubing
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.1.8. in the code viewer(1)Combustible tubing for pneumatic controls may be used in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction provided it has an outside diameter not exceeding 10 mm.
OBC Div. B 6.3.1.6. Commercial Cooking Equipment
Open OBC Div. B 6.3.1.6. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., all commercial cooking equipment shall be provided with ventilation systems designed, constructed and installed to conform to NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations."
OBC Div. B 6.2.2.1. Applicable Standard
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.2.1. in the code viewer(1)The design, construction, installation and material alteration of every indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, "Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment."
OBC Div. B 6.2.1.5. Installation Standards
Open OBC Div. B 6.2.1.5. in the code viewer(1)The installation of solid fuel-burning appliances for central heating systems shall comply with CSA B365, "Installation code for solid-fuel-burning appliances and equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
(2)The solid fuel-fired appliances in Sentence (1) shall conform to CSA B366.1, "Solid-fuel-fired central heating appliances."
(3)The design and installation of earth energy systems shall conform to CAN/CSA-C448.2, "Design and installation of earth energy systems for residential and other small buildings," where such systems use groundwater, submerged heat exchangers or ground heat exchangers to serve,
(a)a house with or without a secondary unit, or,
(b)a building, other than a house with or without a secondary unit, where the conditioned space is not more than 1,400 m².
(4)Except for a house with or without a secondary unit, the design and installation of earth energy systems shall conform to CAN/CSA-C448.1, "Design and installation of earth energy systems for commercial and institutional buildings," where such systems use groundwater, submerged heat exchangers or ground heat exchangers to condition a floor space area more than 1,400 m².
(5)The design and installation of solid fuel-burning stoves, ranges and space heaters, including the requirements for combustion air, shall conform to the requirements of CSA B365, "Installation code for solid-fuel-burning appliances and equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
(6)The design and installation of hydronic heating systems shall conform to
(a)CSA B214, "Installation code for hydronic heating systems," or
(b)good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances such as described in Article 6.2.1.1.
(7)Solid fuel-burning stoves, furnaces and hydronic heating systems designed to burn solid fuels, other than coal, shall conform to the particulate emission limits of,
(a)CSA B415.1, "Performance Testing of Solid-Fuel-Burning Heating Appliances," or
(b)the "Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters," set out in Subpart AAA of Part 60 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as it read on March 16, 2015.
OBC Div. B 6.9.1.2. Hazardous Gases, Dusts or Liquids
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.1.2. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Subsection 6.3.4., systems serving spaces that contain hazardous gases, dusts or liquids shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or in the absence of requirements pertinent to such systems in the Fire Code, to good engineering practice such as that described in the publications of the National Fire Protection Association and in the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada. (See Note A-6.9.1.2.(1))
(2)When indoor piping for Class I flammable liquids is installed in a trench, the trench shall be
(a)provided with positive ventilation to the outdoors, or
(b)designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours.
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OBC Div. B 6.3.2.7. Interconnection of Systems
Open OBC Div. B 6.3.2.7. in the code viewer(1)In a residential occupancy, air from one suite shall not be circulated to any other suite or to a public corridor.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and 6.3.2.10.(6), air duct systems serving storage garages shall not be directly interconnected with other parts of the building.
(3)Exhaust ducts referred to in Sentence 6.3.2.10.(10) are permitted to exhaust through an enclosed storage garage prior to exhausting to the outdoors, provided
(a)the storage garage exhaust system runs continuously,
(b)the capacity of the storage garage exhaust system is equal to or exceeds the volume of the exhaust entering the garage, and
(c)a leakage rate 1 smoke/fire damper rated in accordance with CAN/ULC-S112.1, "Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems," is provided near the duct outlet location in the storage garage to prevent air from the storage garage from entering the exhaust ductwork system in the event the building's exhaust fan is shut down.
(4)Except for corridors conforming to Sentence 3.3.1.4.(4) or as permitted in Sentences and (6), a public corridor or corridor serving the public shall not be used as a portion of a supply, return or exhaust air system serving adjoining areas, other than as part of a supply air system serving toilet rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms and similar auxiliary spaces opening directly to the public corridor or corridor used by the public.(5)
(5)A public corridor may be used as part of an engineered smoke control system.
(6)Infiltration due to corridor pressurization is permitted into a residential occupancy from a public corridor.
OBC Div. B 6.9.2.1. Fire Dampers
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.2.1. in the code viewer(1)Fire dampers shall conform to Article 3.1.8.10.
OBC Div. B 6.9.2.2. Smoke Detectors
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.2.2. in the code viewer(1)Air handling systems shall incorporate smoke detectors where and as required by Article 3.2.4.12.
OBC Div. B 6.9.2.3. Exhaust Ducts and Outlets
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.2.3. in the code viewer(1)Where an exhaust duct system is used for smoke removal in a high building, the requirements of Article 3.2.6.6. shall apply.
(2)Where exhaust duct systems from more than one fire compartment are connected to an exhaust duct in a vertical service space, the requirements of Article 3.6.3.4. shall apply.
OBC Div. B 6.9.2.4. Ducts in Exits
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.2.4. in the code viewer(1)Where ducts penetrate fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building, they shall be in accordance with Article 3.4.4.4.
(2)Duct penetration of fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building is permitted if the duct
(a)is designed for the purposes of Subsection 3.2.6., or
(b)only serves the exit from a dedicated rooftop air make-up unit.
OBC Div. B 6.9.3.2. Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.3.2. in the code viewer(1)A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in a suite of residential occupancy or care occupancy where
(a)a fuel-burning appliance or a flue is installed in the suite,
(b)a forced-air fuel-burning appliance provides heated air directly to the suite,
(c)a fuel-burning appliance or a flue is located in a room, suite or area that shares a common wall or floor or ceiling assembly with the suite, or
(d)a storage garage shares a common wall or floor or ceiling assembly with the suite.
(2)Where a carbon monoxide alarm is required by Sentence (1) to be installed in a suite of residential occupancy or care occupancy, other than a suite that consists of a combined living and sleeping area, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed
(a)adjacent to each sleeping room in the suite, and
(b)on each storey without a sleeping room in the suite.
(3)Where a carbon monoxide alarm is required by Sentence (1) to be installed in a suite of residential occupancy or care occupancy that consists of a combined living and sleeping area, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in the combined living and sleeping area.
(4)In addition to the carbon monoxide alarms required to be installed in a suite of residential occupancy or care occupancy in accordance with Sentence (2), a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in each sleeping room within the suite where the sleeping room
(a)contains a fuel-burning appliance or a flue, or
(b)shares a common wall or floor or ceiling assembly with
(i)a room, suite or area that is located outside the suite and contains a fuel-burning appliance or a flue, or
(ii)a storage garage.
(5)Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in public corridors serving suites of residential occupancy where the corridor is directly heated by a forced-air fuel-burning appliance.
(6)Where carbon monoxide alarms are required by Sentence (5) to be installed in a public corridor, the carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed such that
(a)there is at least one carbon monoxide alarm in each portion of a divided corridor, and
(b)each carbon monoxide alarm in an undivided portion of a corridor is spaced not more than 25 m apart.
OBC Div. B 6.9.3.3. Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms in All Buildings
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.3.3. in the code viewer(1)A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in service rooms or other areas of a building where the service room or other area
(a)contains a fuel-burning appliance used for building services or laundry drying equipment, and
(b)is not located within a suite of residential occupancy.
OBC Div. B 6.9.3.4. Installation and Conformance to Standards
Open OBC Div. B 6.9.3.4. in the code viewer(1)The carbon monoxide alarms required by Articles 6.9.3.2. and 6.9.3.3. shall
(a)except as permitted in Sentence (2), be permanently connected to an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the carbon monoxide alarm,
(b)in case the regular power supply to the carbon monoxide alarm is interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative power source that can continue to provide power to the carbon monoxide alarm for a period of not less than 8 h in the standby condition, followed by the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm for an alarm signal for at least 12 h,
(c)be wired so that
(i)activation of one carbon monoxide alarm within a suite of residential occupancy will activate all carbon monoxide alarms within the suite, and
(ii)activation of one carbon monoxide alarm located in a public corridor serving suites of residential occupancy will activate all carbon monoxide alarms within the corridor,
(d)be audible within sleeping rooms when the intervening doors are closed, where located adjacent to a sleeping room in a suite of residential occupancy, and
(e)conform to
(i)CAN/CSA-6.19, "Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices", or
(ii)UL 2034, "Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms".
(2)Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be battery operated.
(3)Except as permitted in Sentence (4), the carbon monoxide alarms required by Articles 6.9.4.2. and 6.9.4.3. shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code".
(4)Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, carbon monoxide alarms need not have a visual signalling component.
(5)The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required by Sentence (3) that are installed in sleeping rooms or combined living and sleeping areas shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
(6)The visual signalling component required by Sentence (3) need not
(a)be integrated with the carbon monoxide alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
(b)be on battery backup, or
(c)have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a dwelling unit.
(7)The carbon monoxide alarms required by Articles 6.9.3.2. and 6.9.3.3. shall be installed
(a)at the manufacturer's recommended height, or
(b)in the absence of specific instructions, on or near the ceiling.
OBC Div. B 7.2.11.1. Design, Construction, Installation and Testing
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.11.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Articles 7.2.11.2. to 7.2.11.4., and 7.3.7.2, the design, construction, installation and testing of fire service mains and water service pipe combined with fire service mains shall be in conformance with NFPA 24, "Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances."
OBC Div. B 7.2.11.3. Tracer Wire
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.11.3. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), every non-metallic water service pipe or fire service main shall have attached to
(a)a 14 gauge TW solid copper light coloured plastic coated tracer wire, or
(b)a 12 gauge copper clad steel light coloured plastic coated tracer wire.
(2)Where a water service pipe or fire service main is detectable without the tracer wire referenced in Sentence (1), the tracer wire may be omitted.
OBC Div. B 7.2.11.4. Required Check Valve
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.11.4. in the code viewer(1)Where a water service pipe is supplied with water by more than one drinking water system, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a drinking water system.
(2)Where a fire service main is supplied with water by more than one source, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a source of water.
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Fire service pipe
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerFire service pipe means a pipe that conveys water from a public water main or private water source to the inside of a building for the purpose of supplying the fire sprinkler or standpipe systems.
OBC Div. B 7.6.2.4. Backflow from Fire Protection Systems
Open OBC Div. B 7.6.2.4. in the code viewer(1)A backflow preventer shall not be required in residential full flow-through fire sprinkler/standpipe systems in which the pipes and fittings are constructed of potable water system materials.
(2)Except as required by Sentence (4), potable water system connections to fire sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be protected against backflow caused by back-siphonage or back pressure in conformance with Clauses (a) to (g), as applicable:
(a)residential partial flow-through fire sprinkler/standpipe systems in which the pipes and fittings are constructed of potable water system materials shall be protected by a dual check valve backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.6, "Dual check valve (DuC) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.6.1, "Dual check valve backflow preventers for fire protection systems (DuCF),"
(b)provided that the systems do not use antifreeze or other additives of any kind and that all pipes and fittings are constructed of potable water system materials, Class 1 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems shall be protected by a single or dual check valve backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.6, "Dual check valve (DuC) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.9, "Single check valve backflow preventers for fire protection systems (SCVAF),"
(c)provided that the systems do not use antifreeze or other additives of any kind, Class 1 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems not covered by Clause (b) as well as Class 2 and Class 3 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems shall be protected by a double check valve backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.5, "Double check valve (DCVA) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.5.1, "Double check valve backflow preventers for fire protection systems (DCVAF),"
(d)Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems in which antifreeze or other additives are used shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.4, "Reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.4.1, "Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers for fire protection systems (RPF)," installed on the portion of the system that uses the additives and the balance of the system shall be protected as required by Clause (b) or (c),
(e)Class 4 and Class 5 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.4, "Reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.4.1, "Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers for fire protection systems (RPF),"
(f)Class 6 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems shall be protected by a double check valve backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.5, "Double check valve (DCVA) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.5.1, "Double check valve backflow preventers for fire protection systems (DCVAF)."
(g)where a potentially severe health hazard may be caused by backflow, Class 6 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to
(i)CSA B64.4, "Reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow preventers," or
(ii)CSA B64.4.1, "Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers for fire protection systems (RPF)."
(3)Backflow preventers required by Sentence (2) shall be installed upstream of the fire department pumper connection.
(4)Where a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer is required on a water service pipe at a fire service connection located on the same premises as the fire service pipe in Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems, a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to CSA B64.4.1, "Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers for fire protection systems (RPF)," shall also be required on the fire service connection.