Indiana Administrative Code
Title 675 - FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING SAFETY COMMISSION
Article 22 - FIRE PREVENTION CODES
Rule 2.5 - 2014 Indiana Fire Code
Section 2.5-10 - Chapter 9; fire protection systems

Universal Citation: 675 IN Admin Code 2.5-10

Current through September 18, 2024

Authority: IC 22-13-2-2

Affected: IC 22-12-1-4; IC 22-12-1-5; IC 22-12-7; IC 22-13; IC 22-14; IC 36-8-17

Sec. 10.

Chapter 9 is amended as follows:

(a) Amend Section 901.2 to delete the text and insert the following: Complete plans and specifications for fire alarm systems; fire-extinguishing systems, including automatic sprinklers and wet dry standpipes; halon systems and other special types of automatic fire-extinguishing systems; basement pipe inlets; and other fire-protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be submitted for review prior to system installation in accordance with 675 IAC 12-6 and with the local unit of government where required by local ordinance. Plans and specifications for fire alarm systems shall include, but not be limited to, a floor plan; location of all alarm-initiating and alarm signaling devices; alarm control and trouble-signaling equipment; annunciation; power connection; battery calculations; conductor type and sizes; voltage drop calculations; and manufacturer, model numbers and listing information for all equipment, devices, and materials.

(b) Amend Section 901.2.1 to delete "where required by the fire code official".

(c) Delete Section 901.3 in its entirety without substitution.

(d) Amend Section 901.4 to delete text after the first sentence and insert to read as follows: Alterations to fire protection systems shall be done in accordance with the applicable rules of the commission.

(e) Amend Section 901.4.3 to delete "707.3.9" and insert "707.3.10".

(f) Delete Section 901.4.4 without substitution.

(g) Amend Section 901.5 to delete "and as approved by the fire code official" without substitution.

(h) Amend Section 901.6.2 to delete the text and insert the following: Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises or made readily available for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of the last inspection, except that original acceptance test reports shall be maintained for the life of the system.

(i) Amend Section 901.7 to delete "where required by the fire code official".

(j) Amend Section 901.7.3 to delete the last sentence without substitution.

(k) Amend Section 901.8 to delete ", or when approved by the fire code official".

(l) Amend Section 901.8.1 to delete "direction" and insert "request".

(m) Amend Section 903.1.1 to delete the text and insert the following: "See 675 IAC 12-6-11."

(n) Amend Section 903.2.1.3, Group A-3, as follows:

(1) Add Exception 1 to read as follows: Fire areas not exceeding 7,000 square feet (650.3 m2) used primarily for worship with or without fixed seating and not used for exhibition or display, and the fire area is not located on a floor level other than that of exit discharge.

(2) Add Exception 2 to read as follows: The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. For purposes of determining the level of exit discharge, mezzanines of 2,000 s.f. or less in area in compliance with Section 505 shall be considered a portion of the story below if the total floor area and occupant load, including the mezzanine, are compliant with both conditions (1) and (2).

(o) Delete Section 903.2.2 without substitution.

(p) Amend Section 903.2.6 to add an Exception 5 to read as follows: 5. In jails, prisons and reformatories, the piping system may be dry provided a manually operated valve is installed at a continuously monitored location. Opening the valve will cause the system to be charged. The valve may be located in a locked cabinet or enclosure provided the activation of a sprinkler unlocks the cabinet or enclosure.

(q) Amend Section 903.2.7 #4 by deleting the text and inserting as follows: 4. A Group M fire area that contains more than 5,000 sq. ft. (464 m2) of floor area used predominantly for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses.

(r) Amend Section 903.2.11.1.3 by deleting the text and inserting as follows: Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22,800 mm) from openings required be Section 903.2.11.1, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

(s) Amend Section 903.3.1, Standards, by deleting the text and inserting as follows: Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable.

(t) Amend Section 903.3.1.1, NFPA 13 sprinkler systems, by deleting the text and inserting to read as follows: Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 ( 675 IAC 28-1-5) except as provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1.

(u) Amend Section 903.3.1.1.1 as follows:

(1) In #2 delete ", when approved by the fire code official".

(2) Amend #4, to delete the text and insert the following: Elevator equipment rooms and hoistways used exclusively for the operation of elevators and which are separated from the remainder of the building by two (2) hour fire resistive construction. Penetrations between machine rooms and hoistways necessary for the safe operation of an elevator and vents required by Section 3004 of the Indiana Building Code need not be fire-rated.

(v) Amend Section 903.3.5.1.1, in #1 exception, to delete "An approved" and insert "A listed".

(w) Amend Section 903.3.6 to delete the text and insert the following: Fire hose threads used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be compatible with the equipment used by the servicing fire department.

(x) Amend Section 903.3.7 to delete the text and insert to read as follows: Fire department connections. When there is a local ordinance specifying the location of the fire department connections, they shall be placed accordingly. When no ordinance is present, the servicing fire department shall be consulted prior to placement.

(y) Amend Section 903.4.2 to delete the text and insert the following: Listed audible and visible devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building facing the public street, road, or highway that is in accordance with its legal address. Where a building is not directly facing, or is in excess of two hundred fifty (250) feet from the public street, road, or highway, the servicing fire department shall be consulted in determining a location prior to the installation of the exterior audible and visible device. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

Exception: Sprinkler systems which are monitored by an approved supervisory station are not required to have the listed audible and visible device located on the exterior wall facing the public street, road, or highway.

(z) Delete Section 903.6 without substitution.

(aa) Amend Section 904.1.1 to delete the text and insert "See 675 IAC 12-6 ".

(bb) Amend Section 904.2 to delete "approved by the fire code official" and insert "in accordance with the rules of the commission".

(cc) Amend Section 904.11, Commercial cooking systems, by deleting the last sentence and inserting the following: Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with the Indiana Mechanical Code (675 IAC 18).

(dd) Amend Section 904.11.6.3 to insert "1." before "Exception" and insert Exception #2 as follows:

Exception 2. When automatic bulb-type sprinklers or spray nozzles are used and an annual examination shows no buildup of grease or other material on the sprinkler or spray nozzle. Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned at frequent intervals in accordance with Section 609.

(ee) Amend Section 904.11.1, Manual system operation, Section 904.11.2, System interconnection, Section 904.11.3, Carbon dioxide systems, Section 904.11.3.1, Ventilation system, Section 904.11.4, Special provisions for automatic sprinkler systems, and Section 904.11.4.1, Listed sprinklers, by deleting the text and inserting: See the Indiana Mechanical Code (675 IAC 18).

(ff) Amend Section 905.1 as follows:

(1) Delete "approved" and insert "listed" in the second sentence.

(2) Insert "the servicing" between "with" and "fire" in the second sentence.

(3) Delete "approved" and insert "in accordance with Section 912.2" in the third sentence.

(gg) Add Section 905.2.1 to read as follows: 905.2.1 Fire Department Connections. The location of fire department connections shall be in accordance with Section 903.3.7.

(hh) Amend Section 905.3.1, Height, by deleting the text in Exception 3 and inserting to read as follows: Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures. Standpipes shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.4, and hose connections shall meet the spacing requirements for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section 905.5.

(ii) Add Section 905.3.1.1 to read as follows: 905.3.1.1 Building Area. In buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet in area per story, Class I automatic wet or manual wet standpipes shall be provided where any portion of the buildings interior is more than 200 feet of travel, vertically or horizontally, from the nearest point of fire department vehicle access.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings equipped throughout with automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

2. Group A-4, A-5, F-2, R-2, S-2 or U Occupancies.

3. Automatic dry and semiautomatic dry standpipes are allowed for in NFPA 14.

(jj) Amend Section 905.3.4.1 by deleting the text and inserting the following: A proper cap and chain shall be provided for the hose connection valve assembly. The hose connection valve assembly shall comply with the provisions in Section 903.3.6.

(kk) Amend Section 905.4 to read as follows:

(A) Delete the text of item 1 and insert as follows: In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate floor level landing between floors. Where there are multiple intermediate floor landings between floors, hose connections shall be located at the landing closest to being midway between floors. If intermediate floor level landings are not provided in the required stairway, the hose connection shall be located on the floor-level landing.

(B) Delete the text of item 5 and insert as follows: Where the roof has a slope less than four (4) units vertical in twelve (12) units horizontal, one (1) standpipe shall be provided with a hose connection located either on the roof or at the highest landing of the stairways with stair access to the roof. Two (2) hose connections shall be provided for testing. The control valve for the standpipes extending on to the roof may be located in the stair enclosures.

(C) Delete the text of item 6 and insert as follows: Where the most remote portion of a nonsprinklered floor or story is more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from a hose connection or the most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or story is two hundred (200) feet from a hose connection, additional hose connections shall be provided in approved locations.

(ll) Delete Section 905.11 in its entirety without substitution.

(mm) Amend Section 906.1 to delete the text and insert as follows: Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed where required by TABLE 906.1 and where required by local ordinance.

(nn) Amend Table 906.1, Additional Required Portable Fire Extinguishers, in the column entitled "IFC SECTION", to delete "2804.2" and insert as follows: 2804.3.

(oo) Amend Section 906.2.1 to delete the text and insert as follows: See the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6 )).

(pp) Amend Section 907.1.1 to delete the text and insert to read as follows: See the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6 ).

(qq) Amend Section 907.1.2 to delete the text and insert to read as follows: See the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6 ).

(rr) Amend Section 907.2.1 to delete the text and insert as follows: A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group A occupancies where the occupant load due to the assembly occupancy is 300 or more. Group A occupancies not separated from one another by at least 1-hour rated fire barriers shall be considered as a single occupancy for the purposes of applying this section. Portions of Group E occupancies, occupied for assembly purposes, shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

(ss) Amend Section 907.2.1.1, System initiation in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more, by renumbering the current exception as Exception 1, and adding the following exceptions:

2. Stadiums, arenas, and grandstands are permitted to use a public address system that complies with the following:
(2.1) Occupant notification, either live or recorded, shall be initiated at a constantly attended receiving station by personnel trained to respond to an emergency.

(2.2) An approved secondary power supply shall be provided.

(2.3) The system shall be audible above the expected ambient noise level.

(2.4) Emergency announcements shall take precedence over any other use.

3. Visible signals for stadiums, arenas, and grandstands shall not be required in the assembly seating area, or the floor area used for the contest, performance, or entertainment, where the occupant load exceeds 1000, and an approved, alternative visible means of occupant notification is provided.

(tt) Delete Section 907.2.1.2 without substitution.

(uu) Delete Section 907.2.2.1 without substitution.

(vv) Amend Section 907.2.3 to delete the text and insert as follows: A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

Exceptions:

1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50.

2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all the following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.

2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.

2.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts and vapors are protected by heat detectors or other listed detection.

2.4 Off-premises monitoring is provided.

2.5 The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.

2.6 In buildings where normally occupied spaces are provided with a two-way communications system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded.

3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

(ww) Amend Section 907.2.6.2 to delete the text and insert the following: An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, detoxification facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by Section 407.2 of the Indiana Building Code. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.4. Hospitals shall be equipped with smoke detection as required in Section 407 of the Indiana Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments that contain sleeping units where such units are provided with smoke detectors that comply with UL 268. Such detectors shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of each sleeping unit and shall provide an audible and visual alarm at the nursing station attending each unit.

2. Corridor smoke detection is not required in smoke compartments that contain sleeping units where sleeping unit doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the unit sides installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform the required alerting function.

(xx) Delete Section 907.2.9.3 without substitution.

(yy) Add Section 907.2.11.1.1 to read as follows: 907.2.11.1.1 R1 Hotels and Motels.

(1) This section only applies to hotels and motels.

(2) All hotels and motels must have functional smoke detectors and comply with this section and Section 907.2.10.1.1.

(3) Except as provided in (6), a detector must be installed in all interior corridors adjacent to sleeping rooms and must be spaced no further apart than thirty (30) feet (nine and one hundred forty-four thousandths (9.144) meters) on center or more than fifteen (15) feet (four and five hundred seventy-two thousandths (4.572) meters) from any wall.

(4) The detectors must be hard wired into a building's electrical system, except as provided in (6).

(5) The detectors must be wired in a manner that activates all the devices in a corridor when one is activated, except as provided in (6).

(6) All single level dwellings, all seasonably occupied dwellings, and all hotels and motels with twelve (12) sleeping rooms or less (and containing no interior corridors) are exempt from the requirements of (3), (4), and (5). In such units:
(A) A detector must be installed in each sleeping room; and

(B) The detector may be battery operated, when allowed by Section 907.2.10.2.

If a battery operated detector is installed, it must contain a tamper resistant cover to protect the batteries. For the purpose of Section 907.2.10.1.1.1, the following definitions shall apply:

DWELLING means a residence with at least one (1) dwelling unit as set forth in IC 22-12-1-4(a)(1)(B) and IC 22-12-1-5(a)(1).

HOTELS AND MOTELS means buildings or structures kept, maintained, used, advertised, or held out to the public as inns or places where sleeping accommodations are furnished for hire for transient guests.

SEASONALLY OCCUPIED DWELLINGS means hotels and motels open to the public for occupancy by guests only during any period of time between April 15 and October 15 each year.

SINGLE LEVEL DWELLING means all single level (no more than one (1) level above ground) hotels and motels that have no interior corridors and whose individual rooms have exterior exits.

(zz) Amend Section 907.2.11.2 by deleting "and maintained" without substitution.

(aaa) Amend Section 907.2.14, Atriums connecting more than two stories, by deleting the last sentence without substitution.

(bbb) Amend Section 907.3.2 to delete the text and insert the following: When special egress-control devices or systems are installed, such devices or systems shall be maintained in accordance with the building code requirements for the original installation.

(ccc) Amend Section 907.4.2 to delete "907.4.2.5" and insert "907.4.2.6".

(ddd) Amend Section 907.4.2.5 to delete the text and insert the following: Listed manual fire alarm box protective covers may be installed when approved.

(eee) Delete Section 907.5.1 without substitution.

(fff) Amend Section 907.5.2.3.1, to add "areas" after "public" in the title.

(ggg) Amend Section 907.6.3.1 by deleting the text and inserting as follows: A zoning indicator panel and associated controls shall be provided in a location the servicing fire department will use as their main entrance point to the building. The panel shall be identifiable and accessible at all times. The visual zone indication shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be canceled by the operation of an audible alarm-silencing switch.

(hhh) Amend Section 907.6.5.1 to delete the text and insert the following: Automatic telephone-dialing devices used to transmit an emergency alarm shall not be connected to any fire department telephone number unless approved by the code official and the fire department.

(iii) Delete Section 907.7.2 without substitution.

(jjj) Delete Section 907.7.3 without substitution.

(kkk) Amend Section 907.8.1 by deleting "applicable NFPA requirements or as directed by the fire code official" and inserting "the rules of the commission".

(lll) Amend Section 907.8.2 to delete all the text after "NFPA 72" and insert "( 675 IAC 28-1-28) ".

(mmm) Delete Section 908.7 in its entirety without substitution.

(nnn) Amend Section 909.2, General design requirements, by deleting the text and inserting to read as follows: Buildings, structures, or parts thereof required by this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the other applicable rules of the commission. Construction documents shall be as required by the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6) and the rules for Industrialized Building Systems (675 IAC 15).

(ooo) Amend Section 909.3 to delete the text and insert the following: For inspections and testing, see the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6-6(c)(10)(C)) .

(ppp) Amend Section 909.5.2 as follows:

(1) Delete "International" and insert "Indiana" at the end of the second sentence.

(2) In Exception 1, delete "907.10" and insert "907.3".

(qqq) Amend Section 909.10.2, in the third sentence, to delete "nationally accepted" and insert "approved".

(rrr) Amend Table 910.3, footnote a, to delete "23" and insert "32".

(sss) Amend Section 909.15 to delete the text and insert the following: Identical control diagrams showing all devices in the system and identifying their location and function shall be maintained current and kept on file with the building official, the servicing fire department, and in the fire command center in an approved manner and format.

(ttt) Amend Section 909.18.8 to delete the text and insert: See the General Administrative Rules ( 675 IAC 12-6-6(c)(10)(C)) .

(uuu) Amend Section 909.19 to delete the title and text and insert the following: Acceptance test. Smoke removal systems shall be tested in accordance with the rules of the commission at the expense of the owner or owner's representative. When requested by the servicing fire department or local code official or both, such tests shall be conducted in their presence. Prior to conducting such tests, the requesting official shall be given at least 48-hours notice. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of the structure until the required smoke removal system within that portion of the structure has been completed, successfully tested, and is fully operational with appropriate reports and other documentation provided to the servicing fire department or local code official or both.

(vvv) Add Section 910.3.1 to read as follows: Section 910.3. Design. Smoke and heat vents shall be listed and labeled to indicate compliance with UL793.

(www) Add Section 910.3.2 to read as follows: 910.3.2 Vent operation. Smoke and heat vents shall be capable of being operated by approved automatic and manual means. Automatic operation of smoke and heat vents shall conform to the provisions of Sections 910.3.2.1 through 910.3.2.3.

(xxx) Add Section 910.3.2.1 to read as follows: 910.3.2.1 Gravity-operated drop-out vents. Automatic smoke and heat vents containing heat-sensitive glazing designed to shrink and drop out of the vent opening when exposed to fire shall fully open within 5 minutes after the vent cavity is exposed to a simulated fire, represented by a time-temperature gradient that reaches an air temperature of 500° F (260°C) within 5 minutes.

(yyy) Amend Section 910.3.2.2, Sprinklered buildings, by deleting the text and inserting to read as follows: Where installed in buildings provided with approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall open by approved manual releases. The servicing fire department shall be consulted in determining the location of such manual release prior to the installation of the smoke and heat vents.

(zzz) Add Section 910.3.2.3 to read as follows: 910.3.2.3 Nonsprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings not provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device at between 100° F (38° C) and 220° F (104° C) above ambient.

Exception: Gravity-operated drop-out vents complying with Section 910.3.2.1.

(aaaa) Add Section 910.3.3 to read as follows: 910.3.3 Vent dimensions. The effective venting area shall not be less than 16 square feet (1.5 m2) with no dimension less than 4 feet (1,219 mm), excluding ribs or gutters having a total width not exceeding 6 inches (152 mm).

(bbbb) Amend Section 910.4 by deleting the text and inserting the following: In buildings protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, manually operated exhaust fans may be utilized for fire department mop-up operations. The exhaust rate shall be equal to one (1) cfm per square foot of floor area. The fans shall be wired ahead of the main building disconnect switch. Manual controls for the fans shall be provided individually for each fan unit. The servicing fire department shall be consulted in determining the location of the controls for the exhaust fans.

(cccc) Amend Section 912.2 to delete "The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire chief and insert "The servicing fire department shall be consulted before placing the fire department hose connections at specific locations, or the connections shall be placed as required by local ordinance".

(dddd) Amend Section 912.2.2 to delete "subject to the approval of and insert "approved by" in the last sentence.

(eeee) Amend Section 912.3, Access, by deleting "fire chief in both places and inserting "code official".

Amend Section 912.3.1 to delete the text and insert the following: Locking caps on fire department connections for new water-based fire protection systems shall be required where the servicing fire department, by local ordinance, has initiated such a program and carries appropriate key wrenches for removal.

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