Title 2: Board of Standards and Appeals

Chapter 1: Rules of Practice and Procedures New York City Board of Standards and Appeals

§ 1-01 Purpose and Authority.

The Board of Standards and Appeals (the “Board”) derives its authority from the following primary sources: New York City Charter (the “Charter”), New York City Zoning Resolution (“ZR” or the “Zoning Resolution”), New York City Administrative Code, New York State General City Law (“GCL”), and New York State Multiple Dwelling Law (“MDL”).

The following rules are intended to fulfill the Board’s legal mandate by providing clear and concise notice to applicants and the public at large of (1) the rules and procedures governing the practices of the Board; (2) requirements for filing applications at and appearing before the Board; and (3) the Board’s commitment to ensuring the independence of the Board, which is crucial to the fair exercise of its authority and discretion regarding zoning and land use in the City of New York. This Section provides a summary of the Board’s authority.

§ 1-02 Definitions.

For the purpose of these Rules the following definitions will apply:

Affected area: The affected area is the area within a 400-foot radius from the center of the subject property. However, if the subject property is 40,000 square feet or larger or contains a frontage greater than 300 feet on any one street, then the affected area is an area within 200 feet of a line running parallel to the subject property; or if the application involves a single one-, two-, or three-family dwelling, then the affected area is the area within a 200-foot radius from the center of the subject property.

Affected borough board: The affected borough board is the borough board that represents the affected community boards if the subject property is located in more than one community district.

Affected borough president: The affected borough president is the president of the borough in which the subject property is located.

Affected city council member: The affected city council member is the council member who represents the council district in which the subject property is located.

Affected community board: The affected community board is the board that represents the community district in which the subject property is located.

Affected property owner: An affected property owner is:

   (1) an owner or tenant of record of the subject property; or

   (2) an owner of real property within a 400-foot radius from the center of the subject property. However, if the subject property is 40,000 square feet or larger or contains a frontage greater than 300 feet on any one street, then the affected property owner will include an owner of real property within 200 feet of a line running parallel to the subject property. A radius of 200 feet will be measured from the corners of a subject property having an interior angle of less than 180 degrees. If the application is for a special permit or involves a single one-, two-, or three-family dwelling, then the affected property owner will include an owner of real property within a 200-foot radius from the center of the subject property.

Applicant: An applicant is an individual who serves as the contact for the project and signs the Board’s application forms. The applicant must be the owner of the subject property or an individual authorized to act on the owner’s behalf, pursuant to 2 RCNY § 1-09.4. For an appeal of an agency final determination, the applicant need not be the owner of the subject property, nor authorized by the owner. However in such instance, the applicant must be an individual or entity with legal standing to bring the appeal or be authorized by such individual or entity.

Application: An application is an action, including an appeal, that is under review by the Board and that has been filed pursuant to 2 RCNY § 1-09.

Case: A case is an application that has been decided by the Board.

Common law vested rights application: A common law vested rights application is an application to renew building permits lawfully issued before the effective date of an amendment of the Zoning Resolution, which have lapsed as a result of such amendment, and to establish the right to continue construction, based on the common law doctrine of vested rights.

Days: Unless otherwise noted, “days” are calendar days.

Owner: An owner is an owner of the subject property and includes a person having legal title to the premises, a mortgagee in possession, a contract vendee, a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver, or any other person having legal ownership or control of the property in accordance with Building Code Section 202 (Definitions).

Pre-1961 bulk grant: A pre-1961 bulk grant is a variance or special permit approved by the Board related to bulk regulations granted under the provisions of the 1916 Zoning Resolution and not subject to ZR § 11-41 (Exceptions, Variances or Permits Previously Authorized Pursuant to the 1916 Zoning Resolution).

Pre-1961 use grant: A pre-1961 use grant is a variance or special permit approved by the Board related to use regulations granted under the provisions of the 1916 Zoning Resolution and subject to ZR § 11-41 (Exceptions, Variances or Permits Previously Authorized Pursuant to the 1916 Zoning Resolution).

Post-1961 special permit: A post-1961 special permit is a special permit approved by the Board and granted under the provisions of the 1961 Zoning Resolution.

Post-1961 variance: A post-1961 variance is a variance granted under the provisions of the 1961 Zoning Resolution.

Reinstatement: A reinstatement is an application filed on the zoning (BZ) calendar to reinstate a pre-1961 use grant.

Statutory vested rights application: A statutory vested rights application is an application which is filed pursuant to ZR §§ 11-31 et seq. to renew building permits lawfully issued before the effective date of an amendment to the Zoning Resolution, which have lapsed as a result of such amendment. The application to renew the permits and to establish the right to continue construction is based on the statutory findings.

Subject property: The subject property is the property which is the subject of the application.

Transient parking waiver: A transient parking waiver is an application granted under the provisions of either the 1916 or 1961 Zoning Resolution, and MDL § 60 (Motor vehicle storage), permitting transient parking in an accessory residential parking garage.

Vested rights application: A vested rights application is an application to renew building permits lawfully issued before the effective date of an amendment of the Zoning Resolution which have lapsed as a result of such amendment. Vested rights applications include common law vested rights applications and statutory vested rights applications.

§ 1-03 Administration.

Under the direction of the Board, administrative authority is vested in the following individuals:

1. Executive Director: Subject to Charter §§ 660 (Executive director of standards and appeals) and 661 (Staff, powers and duties) and these Rules, the executive director is vested with the administrative authority to manage the functions of the office, including hiring and supervising employees, overseeing the Board’s hearing calendar and Bulletin, and performing other duties as directed by the Chair.
2. General Counsel: Subject to these Rules, the general counsel will provide legal guidance to the Board, supervise the drafting of all Board resolutions, legal opinions and documents, serve as legal liaison to other city agencies, and perform other duties as directed by the Chair.
3. Examiners: Subject to these Rules and under the supervision of the executive director, the examination staff will review all applications, draft and distribute notices of comments to applicants, serve as liaison to the public on specific applications, and perform other duties as directed by the executive director.

§ 1-04 The Calendar.

The Board reviews applications on the separate Zoning (BZ), Appeals (A), and Special Order (SOC) calendars, and the Board provides forms and specific instructions for each type of application on these three calendars. The subject matter for applications on each calendar is provided in 2 RCNY §§ 1-05 et seq. through 1-07 et seq. and summarized as follows:

1. Zoning Calendar (BZ): The Zoning Calendar (see 2 RCNY §§ 1-05 et seq.) includes variance and special permit applications, reinstatements, and major amendments of previously approved variances and special permits.
2. Appeals Calendar (A): The Appeals Calendar (see 2 RCNY §§ 1-06 et seq.) includes appeals of certain agency final determinations including final determinations of the Department of Buildings and the Fire Department, waivers pursuant to the General City Law, modifications of certain provisions or requirements of the Multiple Dwelling Law, vested rights applications, and modifications or revocations of certificates of occupancy.
3. Special Order Calendar (SOC): The Special Order Calendar (see 2 RCNY §§ 1-07 et seq.) includes applications, such as amendments, extensions of term, extensions of time to complete construction, and extensions of time to obtain a certificate of occupancy, that affect previous grants, including pre-1961 use grants, pre-1961 bulk grants, post-1961 variances, post-1961 special permits, and transient parking waivers.

§ 1-05 Zoning Calendar (BZ).

The BZ Calendar consists of the following types of applications:

1. Variance: applications pursuant to ZR § 72-21 for zoning variances;
2. Special Permit: applications pursuant to ZR §§ 73-00 et seq. for special permits;
3. Reinstatement: applications pursuant to ZR §§ 11-41 et seq. (Exceptions, Variances or Permits Previously Authorized Pursuant to the 1916 Zoning Resolution), to reinstate pre-1961 use grants in accordance with 2 RCNY § 1-07.3(b)(3)(i) and (b)(4)(i); and
4. Major Amendment: amendments to previously approved variances or special permits which the Board deems major in accordance with 2 RCNY § 1-07.1(a)(1). No application for a variance or special permit will be accepted by the Board except from an order, requirement, decision, or determination made in a specific case by the Commissioner of Buildings, any borough commissioner of the Department of Buildings or authorized representative, or the Commissioner of the Department of Business Services or authorized representative.

§ 1-06 Appeals Calendar (A).

The A calendar consists of the following types of applications:

1. Appeal of Agency Final Determination: (1) appeals of agency final determinations (including orders, requirements, and decisions) by the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, and Department of Transportation, including interpretations of the Zoning Resolution; and (2) appeals of final determinations by the Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), when made in relation to certain types of construction or land uses, including construction on waterfront property under the jurisdiction of SBS;
2. Waiver pursuant to the General City Law: (1) applications for a waiver to allow a permit for a building located within a mapped street, in response to an objection issued by the Department of Buildings pursuant to GCL § 35; and (2) applications for a waiver to allow a permit for a building which is either not located on a mapped street, or is located on a mapped street that does not provide access to such building, in response to an objection issued by the Department of Buildings pursuant to GCL § 36;
3. Modification pursuant to the Multiple Dwelling Law: applications to modify the requirements of the MDL, pursuant to the Board’s authority set forth in MDL §§ 277 and 310, in response to an objection issued by the Department of Buildings pursuant to the MDL;
4. Vested Rights: vested rights applications to allow for the renewal of building permits lawfully issued before the effective date of an amendment to the Zoning Resolution;
5. Modification or Revocation of a Certificate of Occupancy: applications filed by the Department of Buildings or the Fire Department to permit modification or revocation of a certificate of occupancy;
6. Amendment: applications to amend or extend the term of previous grants of any of the above appeals calendar applications; and
7. Other Waivers or Appeals: other requests to waive statutory non-compliance under the Board’s authority, other appeals based on an objection from the Department of Buildings, or appeals of any other matter within the Board’s jurisdiction not otherwise described by these Rules.

§ 1-07 Special Order Calendar (SOC).

The Special Order Calendar (SOC) consists of the following types of applications:

1. Applications related to previous grants:

   (1) Amendment: Applications may be filed on the SOC calendar for amendments to: (1) a pre-1961 use grant pursuant to ZR §§ 11-412 or 11-413, (2) a pre-1961 bulk grant, (3) a post-1961 variance pursuant to ZR §§ 72-01 or 72-22, (4) a post-1961 special permit pursuant to ZR §§ 73-01 or 73-04, or (5) a transient parking waiver. Amendments may include but are not limited to changes to the Board-approved plans or resolution. If, in the course of further review of the application or during a hearing, the Board determines that the scope of the application is major, it may request that a new application be filed on the BZ calendar with additional information and analyses provided. Before filing the application, an applicant may request, in writing, a determination by the Chair regarding whether the application may be appropriately filed on the SOC calendar.

   (2) Extension of Term: Applications may be filed on the SOC calendar for extensions of term related to previous grants where the term is specified in the Zoning Resolution or specified as a condition in the Board’s resolution, with respect to applications involving: (1) a pre-1961 use grant pursuant to ZR § 11-411, (2) a pre-1961 bulk grant, (3) a post-1961 variance pursuant to ZR §§ 72-01 and 72-22, (4) a post-1961 special permit pursuant to ZR §§ 73-01 and 73-04, or (5) a transient parking waiver.

   (3) Extension of Time: Applications may be filed on the SOC calendar for extensions of time to complete construction or obtain a certificate of occupancy related to previous grants, where the time is specified in ZR §§ 72-23 or 73-70 or specified as a condition in the Board’s resolution with respect to applications involving: (1) a pre-1961 use grant, (2) a pre-1961 bulk grant, (3) post-1961 variance, (4) a post-1961 special permit, or (5) a transient parking waiver. Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3) above, applications related to previous grants may also be filed as a new variance or special permit on the BZ calendar.

2. Other actions related to applications or cases: The following actions will be heard on the SOC calendar but are not subject to the regulations of this section. For more information regarding these actions, see 2 RCNY § 1-12.

   (1) Dismissal: applications by the Board for the purpose of dismissal for lack of prosecution or jurisdiction, or if moot.

   (2) Reargument: requests for reargument of a previous case which was denied, dismissed, or approved.

   (3) Rehearing: requests for rehearing of a previous case which was denied, dismissed, or withdrawn.

   (4) Board Review of Decision: cases the Board restores to the calendar for the purpose of reviewing or reconsidering previous Board decisions.

   (5) Compliance: cases the Board restores to the calendar for the purpose of determining whether to revoke or modify a previous grant if the terms and conditions of such grant have been violated.

   (6) Court Remand: cases that a court orders to be restored to the calendar. In its discretion, the Board may elect to hear such cases on the BZ or Appeals calendars, as appropriate.

3. Other: all other actions under the Board’s jurisdiction not otherwise described by these Rules.

§ 1-08 City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR).

Applications for variances and special permits filed at the Board, in accordance with Mayoral Executive Order No. 91 of 1977, as amended, the Rules for City Environmental Quality Review, 62 RCNY §§ 5-01 et seq. (“CEQR”), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and any subsequent amendments thereto, will be subject to CEQR unless the Board determines that the application is for a Type II action and thus not subject to environmental review, or is otherwise exempt from CEQR in accordance with such regulations.

§ 1-09 Application Requirements.

All applications must be on the applicable form, and must include information required in the forms and the accompanying instructions. All applications must be filed in person, and the Board will only accept complete applications. After the application is calendared for public hearing, the Board will determine at its review session and public hearing whether additional plans, drawings, exhibits, or other information are required.

Any communication from an applicant submitted in a manner other than as described in these Rules will be regarded as a mere notice of intention to seek relief and will have no force or effect until it is made in the form required. Upon receipt of any such communication, the Board will direct the applicant to the proper forms and instructions for completing an application. Such communication will not stay the thirty (30) day time period for filing an application referred to in 2 RCNY §§ 1-05.3, 1-06.3, and 1-07.3(a).

§ 1-10 Application Pre-Hearing Review.

Each properly filed complete application will be numbered serially in the order received. The calendar numbers will begin anew on January 1st of each year, and will be hyphenated with the number of the year and the corresponding suffix (BZ, A, or BZY) indicating the type of application. The original calendar number will be used for an application to reopen or amend a previous case for the same property on the SOC or A calendar. In certain instances, a new calendar number may be required in lieu of the original calendar number for reinstatement applications.

§ 1-11 Sessions of the Board.

Public hearings of the Board will be held on Tuesdays at 10 A.M. for the SOC and the A calendars, and at 1:30 P.M. for the BZ calendar or on days and times to be scheduled by the Board as may be deemed necessary. Hearings will be devoted to the consideration of applications which the Board has jurisdiction to hear as referenced in 2 RCNY § 1-01.

§ 1-12 Disposition of Applications.

A final determination of the Board will be in the form of a written resolution. Such resolution will state the rule, regulation, order, requirement, decision, or determination upon which the application has been made, and will set forth the Board’s findings and conclusion. The Board may reverse, affirm, in whole or in part, or modify a rule, regulation, order, requirement, decision, or determination, or it may dismiss an application for lack of jurisdiction or prosecution, or as moot.

An application must receive three (3) affirmative votes to be granted. If an application fails to receive three (3) affirmative votes, the action will be deemed denied. A resolution denying or granting any application will be formally entered on the record. If, however, a Commissioner or Commissioners are absent at the roll call and the absentee Commissioner(s) is eligible to vote, the Chair may defer the vote to a future hearing.

§ 1-13 Records.

A record of the Board’s proceedings will be maintained in the Board’s Bulletin. The Bulletin is the official publication of the Board. The Bulletin will, whenever practical, be published each week. It will contain:

1. the hearing calendar;
2. the docket of applications filed at the Board since the last Bulletin;
3. an abstract of the minutes of each hearing, including a brief statement of the action in each case, the votes, and the adopted resolution;
4. notices of hearing on proposed rules or the amendment of rules;
5. an index of rules adopted; and
6. such other information as may be of value to the public and within the scope of the work of the Board.

§ 1-14 Rules of Procedure and General Rules and Regulations.

The Board may adopt, amend, or repeal any of its rules or regulations. When authorized by the Board, notice of such proposed rule or regulation will be published in accordance with the notice requirement of Charter § 1043 (City Administrative Procedure Act – Rulemaking) and will also be published in the Board’s Bulletin not less than twenty (20) days before the hearing date. Following the public hearing, the Board may adopt, amend, or repeal any rule or regulation and thereafter will publish such rule or regulation in the City Record in accordance with the provisions of Charter § 1043 and in the Board’s Bulletin. The rule or regulation will become effective thirty (30) days after publication in the City Record.

§ 1-15 Fire Department Enforcement of Board Resolutions.

The resolutions of the Board, which set forth the final determinations of the Board and the terms and conditions for approval of an application, may be enforced by the New York City Fire Department, consistent with the scope of the Fire Department’s enforcement authority under Chapter 19 of the New York City Charter, Titles 15 and 29 and Section 28-103.1 of the New York City Administrative Code, and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations. This provision shall not be deemed to impair the authority of any other agency to enforce the resolutions of the Board, including the New York City Department of Buildings.

APPENDIX A: Summary of Application Referral, Hearing Notice, and Proof of Service Requirements

CB = Community Board; BP = Borough President; CC = City Council Member; CPC = City Planning Commission; DOB = Department of Buildings; and AO = Administrative Official who issued the determination.

* If the subject property is located within more than one community board, the applicant must also refer the application and provide notice to the affected borough board.

This table is intended to serve as a summary. Please see the full text of the associated rule for all requirements.

APPENDIX B: Fire Code Sections for Appeals Involving Hazardous Materials*

* The Fire Code Sections are found in the New York City Administrative Code Title 29, Chapter 2.

APPENDIX C: Summary of Filing Period and Calendar for Extension of Term Applications

1 Any request for a waiver may require the Chair’s approval. If denied, the application may be filed on the BZ as a new application, except for transient parking waiver applications.

2 Applications for pre-1961 bulk grants that are not filed pursuant to ZR § 11-411 or post 1961 variances and special permits, where the grant is limited to a term that is only specified as a condition in the Board’s resolution, may be filed on the SOC calendar as an amendment to modify such term or condition provided that the applicant requests a waiver.

This table is intended to serve as a summary. Please see the full text of the associated rule for all requirements.

APPENDIX D: Summary of Filing Period and Calendar for Extension of Time Applications

1 Any request for a waiver may require the Chair’s approval. If denied, the application may be filed on the BZ as a new application, except for transient parking waiver applications.

2 Applications for pre-1961 use and bulk grants or transient parking waivers, where the time is specified only as a condition in the Board’s resolution, may be filed on the SOC calendar as an amendment to modify such time period provided that the applicant requests a waiver.

This table is intended to serve as a summary. Please see the full text of the associated rule for all requirements.

Chapter 2: Automotive Service Stations and Garages

§ 2-01 Changes in Underground Storage Tank Number, Capacity or Location.

If on any automotive service station or storage garage which has been erected under a variance or permit granted by the Board, it is proposed to change the number, capacity or location of underground storage tanks in compliance with the requirements of the Administrative Code, such tank changes shall be deemed to be in substantial compliance with the terms and conditions of the Board’s resolution affecting that automotive service station or garage, provided that all other requirements of the resolution in each case shall be complied with.

Chapter 3: Factory Regulations Pursuant to New York State Labor Law*

§ 3-01 Scope.

The rules set forth in this chapter were adopted to implement provisions of the New York State Labor Law with respect to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of factories. In general, these rules were applicable to factories constructed prior to December 6, 1968. Consult the New York State Labor Law, and the applicable provisions of the New York City Building or Construction Codes in effect on or after December 6, 1968, to determine whether these rules apply to buildings constructed or altered on or after December 6, 1968.

§ 3-02 Fire Resistive Construction.

Until this Board adopts rules to supplement §§ 260-265 inclusive and 272 of the Labor Law, the pertinent requirements of Article 11 of Chapter one of Title 27 of the Administrative (Building) Code of New York City shall govern in lieu of rules as to fire resistive construction in such buildings as come within the purview of the State Labor Law.

§ 3-03 Standard Factory Exits.

(a) Fire escapes.

   (1) In any building erected prior to October 1, 1913, now occupied or to be occupied as a factory, more than five stories in height and not exceeding nine stories in height, nor in any case more than 90 ft. from curb level to top floor level, one of the required means of exit or escape under § 271-1 of the Labor Law may consist of an outside fire escape, provided that:

      (i) Any such fire escape hereafter erected shall comply with all the provisions of § 273, Labor Law, and in addition thereto:

         (A) The balconies and stairs shall be protected on the outside by substantial railings to a height of at least 4 ft. 6 in., measured from floor of balcony or center of stair tread, constructed of bars at least one-half (1/2) inch in diameter, spaced not more than six (6) inches on centers, or of substantial grille work, or of screening not less than No. 10 U.S. gauge wire with not more than one and one-half (1 1/2) inch mesh, all rigidly braced;

         (B) When there is safe egress from the roof of the building to any adjoining structure, the fire escape stairway shall continue to the roof, and if there be no safe means of egress, a gooseneck ladder shall be provided from the top story balcony to the roof.

      (ii) Any such fire escape erected prior to October 1, 1913, shall conform in every respect with the requirements of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (1), except that balconies may be not less than 3 feet in width; the connecting stairs not less than 20 inches in width, and placed at an angle not exceeding 60 degrees if the building is not over six stories in height, otherwise at an angle of 45 degrees.

   (2) In any building erected prior to October 1, 1913, now occupied or to be occupied as a factory, five stories or less in height, one of the required means of exit under § 271 of the Labor Law may consist of an outside iron fire escape, provided that:

      (i) Any such fire escape hereafter erected shall comply with all the provisions of § 273, Labor Law.

      (ii) Existing fire escapes shall comply with all provisions of § 274, Labor Law and in addition thereto

         (A) The balconies shall be not less than 3 feet in width.

         (B) The rails around balconies and well holes and on stairways shall be not less than 3 feet in height.

         (C) Passageways on the balconies shall be not less than 14 inches in the clear.

         (D) At least one opening to each balcony shall be a single fireproof casement door at least 2 feet wide and at least 6 feet in height, except that where the distance between the sill and lintel will not permit of an opening 6 feet in height, a casement door not less than 4 ft. 6 in. in height will be permitted.

   (3) The single fireproof casement doors leading to all fire escape balconies shall open out and shall be self-closing. An easily operated door lock with knobs on both sides of the door shall be provided. Such fire doors may be at window sill level if fixed iron step at least two feet wide, with risers not exceeding eight (8) inches, and treads not less than eight (8) inches are provided on the inside from floor level to sills properly secured.

   (4) (i) Any such fire escape erected subsequent to October 1, 1913, and prior to these rules taking effect, unless previously accepted as one of the required means of exit or escape by the administrative official having jurisdiction, shall conform in every respect to the provisions of these rules.

      (ii) A fire escape shall not hereafter be accepted as constituting one of the required means of exit or escape under § 271-1 of the Labor Law, in any building erected prior to October 1, 1913, now occupied or to be occupied as a factory, exceeding nine stories in height, or more than 90 feet from curb level to top floor level.

   (5) All fire escapes shall be maintained structurally safe, properly painted, and kept clear of all obstructions.

2. Enclosure of factory stairways.

   (1) Except as herein provided, in all factory buildings five stories or less in height, erected prior to October 1, 1913, in which there are more than twenty-five persons employed above the second story, all interior stairways, serving as required means of exit, and the landings, platforms and passageways connected therewith, shall be enclosed on all sides by partitions of fire-resisting material extending continuously from the lowest point of the stairway in accordance with the following schedule:

Number of stories	Contents combustible, no sprinkler	Contents noncombustible, no sprinkler	Contents combustible, and sprinkler	Contents noncombustible and sprinkler
Three	Stairways Enclosed
Four	Stairways Enclosed	Stairways Enclosed
Five	Stairways Enclosed	Stairways Enclosed	Stairways Enclosed

~

The term “contents” as used above means articles, goods, wares and merchandise, packed, stored, manufactured or in the process of manufacture. The term “combustible” as used above means articles, goods, wares or merchandise which will burn or support combustion. The term “sprinkler” as used above means an adequate automatic sprinkler equipment installed and maintained in good working order on each floor. The term “story” as used above means that part of a building between any floor and the floor or roof next above; – the first story is that part of a building which is more than 50 percent above the floor below and the floor next above the curb or average grade level. Where the stairway extends to the top floor of the building, such partitions shall extend to the under side of the roof boarding. That portion of the under side of the roof beams within the stair enclosure shall be covered with fire resisting material, except in buildings with roofs of non-combustible material, in which case the partitions may stop at the under side of the roof. Where the stairway is required to extend to the roof, the enclosure shall be so built as to form a bulkhead. The enclosure shall be ventilated by a skylight in the roof with louvres or ventilators, or exterior windows with ventilating sections at the top floor. All openings in such partitions shall be provided with approved self-closing fire doors, except where such openings are in the exterior wall of the building. The bottom of the enclosure shall be of fireproof material at least four inches thick unless the partition extends to the cellar bottom. A horizontal exit, as defined in § 267 of the Labor Law, will be accepted as a compliance with this rule when both sides of the fire wall or walls are occupied on any factory floor by the same occupant.

   (2) Where there are occupancies on any story or part of a story involving the storage or use below the top story of the following materials and exceeding the amount specified, and there are more than 5 persons employed at manufacturing above such occupancy, the interior stairway serving as required means of egress shall be enclosed on that story with fire resisting material from floor to under side of floor above, including any exposed stair soffits, landings and passageways; openings shall be provided with approved self-closing fire doors. Nitrocellulose in any shape or form, 10 lbs. Volatile flammable oils, 1 gal. Volatile flammable mixtures, 5 gals. Combustible mixtures, 10 gals. Paints, varnishes and lacquers, 10 gals. Upholstering or mattresses, manufacturing or repairing. Cotton, rag and paper sorting, 1 ton. Paper box manufacturing. Restaurants and lunch rooms with cooking (not including tea, coffee or similar beverages). The Board shall rule upon new occupancies as they arise and pass upon points under dispute. When more than two stories are to be segregated, as above, the entire stairway shall be enclosed in fire-resisting material where there are more than 5 persons employed at manufacturing above the first story.

   (3) Required exits and enclosures of stairways in two-story factory buildings. Required Exits – in every two-story factory building erected prior to October 1, 1913, in which more than five persons are employed at manufacturing, there shall be provided from each story at least two means of exit or escape from fire remote from each other, one of which from every floor above or below grade shall lead to or open on an interior stairway which shall be enclosed, as hereinafter provided, or on an exterior enclosed stairway. The other may lead to such a stairway, or to a horizontal or grade exit, or to an exterior screened stairway, or to a fire escape conforming to § 273, Labor Law, or 2 RCNY § 3-03(a)(2). Except that exit door shall be a fire door, with substantial steps to the sills properly secured when sill is more than 8 inches above the floor level; and where there is no safe egress from the roof, a gooseneck ladder shall be provided from top balcony to the roof, except on the front of buildings. Unobstructed egress from the foot of the fire escape or exterior screened stairway shall be as required by § 273, Labor Law, or to open adjoining yard with egress to the street. No point on any floor of such building shall be more than one hundred and fifty (150) feet distant from such an exit.

   (4) Enclosure of stairways. In two-story buildings where there are occupancies on any story or part of a story involving the storage or use below the top story of any of the materials exceeding the amounts specified in 2 RCNY § 3-03(a)(2) and there are more than 5 persons employed at manufacturing above such occupancy, all interior stairways serving as required means of exit shall be enclosed from the lowest point of such stairway to the ceiling of the first floor by partitions of fire-resisting material, unless the building is provided with a wet sprinkler system, in which case such enclosure of stairways shall not be required. Such enclosures shall lead directly to a door opening outwardly to a street or road, or an open area affording unobstructed passage to a street or road. All openings in such enclosure shall be provided with fire doors equipped with self-closing devices. All reference herein to “Enclosure of Stairways” shall be considered as applying only to required stairways.

   (5) Storage of combustible material within factory stairway enclosures. In all factory buildings no articles or wares of any nature shall be kept or stored inside the limits of any stairway enclosure or unenclosed stairway, or on the landings, platforms or passageways connected therewith.

3. Safe egress from roofs of factory buildings.

   (1) Interior stairways serving as required means of exit in factory buildings erected after October 1, 1913, and not exceeding five stories in height, and in buildings erected before October 1, 1913, now occupied or to be occupied as a factory, shall not be required to extend to the roof where there is no safe egress from the roof, under §§ 270, 271 and 272, Labor Law.

      (i) When the roofs, or the top of the parapet wall of an adjoining building are more than eight feet below or more than five feet above the top of the parapet wall of the building in question, and there is no outside party wall fire escape, party wall exterior screen stairway, party wall balconies or bridges, or where any outside exits do not connect to adjoining buildings at roof level, or where there are no unbarred window openings five feet above the roof or parapet wall of the building in question.

      (ii) When the roof of the building in question has a pitch exceeding one foot in six feet of horizontal run.

   (2) (i) When there is no safe egress from the roof, as above described, there shall be in all cases at least a double-rung ladder at the top of the interior stairway, and within the interior stairway enclosure when stairway is enclosed. Such ladder shall be at least 18 inches in width and shall be properly secured at top and bottom. The ladder shall lead to a scuttle opening not less than 2 feet by 3 feet or be of such additional area as may be required to provide ample head room. The scuttle cover shall be hinged and of light weight construction, or be counter-balanced. An easily operated hook may be provided on scuttle cover.

      (ii) Where the stair bulkhead door opens within 10 feet from the open edge of the roof, an iron railing properly braced at least 3 feet high and at least 10 feet long shall be provided at the edge of roof.

§ 3-04 Substandard Factory Exits.

(a) Fire escapes. When in addition to the required exits from any factory or factory building, there exist other means of egress which are not entirely in accordance with the requirements of the Labor Law and the rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals, such means of egress may be retained under the following conditions: All substandard fire escapes on factory buildings shall be maintained structurally safe, properly painted, and with the openings leading thereto, kept in good repair. In lieu of a counter-balanced stairway, a drop ladder in guides with a back-drop gravity hook may be provided. The drop ladder shall be of sufficient length to reach from the lowest balcony to the ground or safe landing place, with a passageway opening cut in the balcony rail, which rail shall be properly braced. When such substandard fire escapes are located in a court, side or rear of a building, proper egress to a point of safety shall be provided, either to open adjoining yards, or the lowest balcony may be connected to an adjoining fire escape, exterior stairway, to the roof of adjoining extensions, or other means of egress satisfactory to the authorities having jurisdiction. Substandard fire escapes shall be kept clear of all obstructions, shall not be used for fire drills, and shall not be considered as a basis for increase in occupancy.

2. Stairways and bridges.

   (1) Interior stairways. All interior stairways not conforming to the requirements of the Labor Law or rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals may be retained, provided that egress to same is maintained unobstructed, halls are properly lighted, and all landings, passageways, etc., are maintained free and unobstructed. An easily operated panic bolt or other similar device may be installed at street exit door.

   (2) Exterior screened stairways. Exterior screened stairways not serving as a required means of egress shall be maintained structurally safe and properly painted, exits thereto and all platforms and passageways thereof shall be maintained unobstructed, and egress from termination shall be provided for substandard fire escapes in 2 RCNY § 3-04(a).

   (3) Horizontal bridges. Horizontal bridges and party wall balconies between buildings shall be maintained structurally safe and properly painted, and access thereto and all passageways thereof shall be maintained unobstructed.

   (4) No sign of any character shall be placed at openings leading to these sub-standard exits.

§ 3-05 Conduct of Fire Drills.

(a) Definitions.

   Fire-Drill. The term “fire-drill” shall mean the method and practice of the systematic and orderly vacating of a building by its occupants in case of emergency, panic or fire in the least possible time – by the nearest safe means of exit – and the use of fire appliances which shall be provided for the extinguishing or retarding of fire and the safeguarding of human life.

2. In all buildings as defined in Article 1, § 10 of the Labor Law in which fire drills are required pursuant to § 279 and in any other building in which the Fire Commissioner may be directed pursuant to the power conferred in § 488 of the New York City Charter, it shall be the duty of the owners, lessees or tenants to conduct fire drills monthly and at such other times as the Fire Commissioner may direct. For the purpose of conducting such fire drills the owner or tenant shall appoint from among their employees such responsible and dependable persons, male or female, who shall efficiently perform the duties of the various positions of the fire drill organization, as specified on the accompanying chart. It shall be the duty of the owner or tenant to enter in the blank spaces provided for that purpose in said chart the names of persons so selected and post said chart and copies of the rules in a conspicuous place.

FIRE DRILL ORGANIZATION

Premises
Name of concern
Building No.		Story
FOREMAN OR PERSON IN CHARGE
Regular		Substitute
WATCHMAN
MALE SEARCHER
FEMALE SEARCHER
STREET ALARM BOX RUNNER
FIRE BRIGADE
EXIT GUARDS
	Exit
	Exit
	Exit
	Exit
	Exit
	Exit
SQUAD MONITORS
	Squad No. 1
	Squad No. 2
	Squad No. 3
	Squad No. 4
	Squad No. 5
	Squad No. 6

~

3. Duties of Foreman. The Foreman or Person in Charge shall direct, enforce and have full charge of the “Fire-Drill” in every factory on each floor. Each day before work is begun he shall see that extinguishers, fire hose, fire buckets, etc., are in readiness for use, exit doors are unlocked, aisles are free from obstruction, that stairways, halls, etc., are properly lighted, and shall remedy any dangerous condition found to exist. Immediately after work is commenced he shall check up the Fire Drill Organization list and note if the regularly assigned persons are present. If any are found to be absent, he shall assign other employees (if practicable) to perform their duties. He shall immediately notify new employees of the existence of the Fire Drill Organization and give them the necessary instructions as to the duties they are to perform, etc. He shall be familiar with the operation and location of the interior alarm signal box on his floor. He shall listen for the test signal each morning at the appointed hour and in the event of the test signal not being heard he shall communicate with the superintendent or other person in charge of the building and advise him of the fact. The (Floor Captain’s) Foreman’s orders are final as to the carrying out of the fire drill on his particular floor.
4. Duties of Watchmen. The Watchmen shall see that all doors and windows are closed so as to prevent the spread of fire. The Watchmen shall be the only persons permitted to remain on the floor during the progress of a fire drill and do so at their own risk. For ordinary purposes only one watchman and a substitute shall be designated. In special cases, however, extra watchmen may be assigned by consent in writing from Fire Commissioner.
5. Duties of Searchers. The Male and Female Searchers shall search all toilets, dressing rooms and emergency rooms used and frequented by their sex and all other portions of the floor and order all persons, except those authorized to remain, to leave the premises. They are to take care of and assist all persons who may faint or be disabled. Searchers shall leave the floor immediately after the last squad leaves.
6. Duties of Street-Alarm-Box-Runner. The Street-Alarm-Box-Runner shall be familiar with the location of the nearest city fire alarm box and know how it is operated. In ordinary practice fire drills the Street-Alarm-Box-Runner shall report to the Foreman for orders, and if his services are not required he shall promptly file out of the premises with the other occupants. Only when a fire actually occurs on his floor, or when ordered to do so by the Foreman, shall the Street-Alarm-Box-Runner proceed to the street alarm box and send in the fire alarm.
7. Duties of fire brigade. The fire brigade shall have full charge of the operation of all auxiliary fire fighting apparatus and shall endeavor to extinguish, or at least hold in check until the arrival of the fire department, any fire that may occur. When it is necessary for the fire brigade to respond to different floors in the building they shall not use the stairways or fire escapes while the occupants are escaping from the premises.
8. Duties of Exit Guards. The Exit Guards shall station themselves at all exit doors leading to fire escapes, stairways and other means of escape immediately upon the sounding of the alarm. There shall be two guards for each exit, if practicable: one to stand in the hallway holding back the door and the other directly inside on the floor. They are to keep the exit doors open and direct the movements of the persons using these exits and prevent congestion. Exit Guards shall remain at their stations until all of the occupants of the building have passed their station, then close their doors and pass out of the building. Upon signal for the occupants to return, Exit Guards shall take their designated stations and remain there until all persons have returned to their respective floors.
9. Duties of Squad Monitors. The Squad Monitors, as soon as the alarm is sounded, shall see that the employees under their charge quickly form into line, two abreast, and numbering not more than thirty to each squad. They shall see that all aisles and passageways are cleared of obstructions. Note: Chairs, stools, baskets, etc., should be pushed under or placed on top of work benches. Monitors shall proceed at the head of their respective squads to the exit assigned, and then march up or down the stairs or to other exits as directed by the Exit Guards. On reaching the sidewalk monitors shall keep their squads in order and lead them a reasonable distance from the building, so as not to cause congestion and interference with fire apparatus. When the proper signal is given they shall return to their respective floors at head of their squads. Monitors will at all times see that those under their charge conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly manner.
10. Holding of drills. Fire drills shall be held at least once each month at varied hours of the day, and all of the occupants shall participate therein simultaneously. Such drills shall conduct all occupants to a place of safety. Where dual operation interior fire alarm systems are installed as permitted under 2 RCNY § 4-06(l) of the Interior Fire Alarm rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals, the fire drill conducted each month shall include all of the persons on the premises engaged at work for a factory, and drills shall be conducted at least twice each year in which all of the persons on the premises shall participate simultaneously.
11. Duties of owner. It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee or tenant of the building or his authorized agent or their representatives to personally observe that the “Fire Drill” is held simultaneously on every floor of the building and the participation therein of every occupant of such building. Any fire drill in which all of the occupants do not participate shall not be considered as complying with the law, except as otherwise provided in these rules. The person or persons representing the owner, lessee or tenant who supervises the fire drill at the building shall submit to an examination by the Bureau of Fire Prevention as to their experience and general fitness for such duties, and shall be so certified in writing by the Fire Commissioner.
12. Duties of engineer. It shall be the duty of the engineer, superintendent or other person in charge of a building having an interior fire alarm system to test such system daily immediately after the beginning of business, and to see that all apparatus operated by springs requiring winding are rewound after each alarm and kept in normal condition for operation. Whenever it is necessary to test the fire alarm system at any other time of the day, owing to repairs, etc., being made, the person in charge of building will first notify all Foremen of the several floors of the intended test and likewise notify them when the repairs, etc., are completed. This precaution is taken to prevent confusion and excitement, also misunderstanding of the alarm signals. It shall also be the duty of the person in charge of building to sound the interior alarm system at irregular intervals, but not less than once each calendar month, for the purpose of holding practice fire drills. He shall keep on the premises a record of such drills showing the date when held and the required time for all occupants to reach the street or a point of safety outside the building. The person in charge of building must immediately acquaint new tenants of the existence of the “Fire Drill” Organization and its purport.
13. Registration. The name and address of every person, corporation or co-partnership, that will, under professional service, carry on the trade, business or calling of establishing, maintaining or supervising the “Fire Drill” shall be registered in the Fire Department, which Department shall, upon evidence of fitness, grant a certificate to that effect.

§ 3-06 Fireproof Windows.

Fireproof windows which meet the requirements of § 376 of the Building Code , constructed of metal frames and sash equipped with non-corrodible hardware and fittings consisting of counterbalancing arms with rollers on both upper and lower sash operating in vertical grooves and permitting the free adjustment of the sash by a light pull on the lower sash handles may be installed for use, without an automatically closing device arranged to operate under the action of heat, in all exterior openings of factory buildings except those located as described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this section, provided the window is fitted with an automatic sash-fast which holds the sash locked in the closed position:

1. Openings within thirty (30) feet in a direct line of another building not in the same vertical plane;
2. Openings on a court or space less than thirty (30) feet wide;
3. Openings within fifty (50) feet in a vertical direction above the roof of a building within thirty (30) feet thereof;
4. Openings along the course of fire-escape or other means of egress.

§ 3-07 Smoking in Protected Portions of Factories and in Special Classes of Occupancies.

(a) Permit.

   (1) Prohibition. No person shall smoke, or carry a lighted cigar or cigarette in any factory as defined in Article 1, § 2, of the State Labor Law, nor in any portion of a factory, within the City of New York, except in such protected portions or special classes of occupancies as are specified in 2 RCNY § 3-07(b), and then only after the issuance of a permit by the Fire Commissioner. It shall be the joint and several duty of the owner and of the lessee or lessees of the building containing such factory or factories to cause to be posted in each and every entrance hall, stairhall or room throughout the building, as well as in every elevator-car, in English, and also in such other language or languages as the Fire Commissioner shall direct, a notice of such prohibition, and the penalty for its violation.

   (2) Application. Application for such permit shall be made only by the owner of the building on suitable blank forms to be furnished by the Fire Commissioner.

   (3) Time limit. Such permit shall be for a definite period, not exceeding one year, and shall not be renewed upon expiration until a reinspection of the premises for which it is issued has been made for the purpose of determining whether existing conditions warrant a renewal.

   (4) Conditions. The permit shall state the conditions under which, the hours between which, and the place or places in such factory where smoking may be permitted, and this permit shall be framed and kept posted in a conspicuous place in the factory.

   (5) Revocation. Violation of any of the conditions specified in the permit, in addition to incurring such penalties as are prescribed by law, shall be full and sufficient cause for the revocation of such permit by the Fire Commissioner, and he shall not again issue a permit for the same premises until at least one year has elapsed.

2. Permissible cases. Smoking may be permitted in:

   (1) Factories engaged in the manufacture of cigars, cigarettes, or smoking tobacco, when necessary for the efficient conduct of the business, provided that:

      (i) No smoking other than that for sampling, testing and experimental purposes is carried on.

      (ii) Such smoking is conducted in a room provided especially for that purpose, separated from the rest of the building by fireproof or fire-resisting partitions, with all openings therein protected by self-closing fire doors, and further, unless the building is of fireproof construction or equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the floor and ceiling of such room shall be covered with fire-retarding material.

      (iii) Such chemical fire extinguishers as the Fire Commissioner may direct are installed.

      (iv) All waste paper and other flammable waste materials are deposited in fireproof receptacles.

   (2) Factories devoted entirely to one of the following occupancies:

      Blacksmithing or horseshoeing;

      Boiler making;

      Brick, terra cotta or artificial stone works;

      Forge shops;

      Foundries; Iron, steel, brass or copper works;

      Machine shops; Smelting;

      Stone or monumental works;

   provided that in any case:

      (i) The building is not of wooden construction;

      (ii) Such chemical fire extinguishers as the Fire Commissioner may direct are installed; (iii) All waste paper and other flammable waste materials are deposited in fireproof receptacles.

Chapter 4: Regulations Applicable to Existing Installations*

§ 4-01 Scope.

The rules set forth in this chapter govern the design, installation, operation and maintenance of devices, equipment and systems in certain occupancies. In general, these rules were applicable to buildings constructed prior to December 6, 1968. Consult the applicable provisions of the New York City Building or Construction Codes in effect on or after December 6, 1968, to determine whether these rules apply to buildings constructed or altered on or after December 6, 1968.

§ 4-02 Automatic Door Operators.

All doors for which approved automatic operators which open by swinging inwardly or by sliding are used shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required exits for any one particular building, and when such a door operator is used, only half the width of that door can be counted towards the total exit space required for a particular building. All such door operators shall meet the following requirements:

1. They shall be equipped so that in the event of power failure or fire they may be opened manually in the direction of exit travel by not more than a 30 pound force; and,
2. They may be closed manually when necessary to safeguard a means of egress; and,
3. Swinging panels shall provide a clear opening width in the 90° open position of not less than 32 inches, with no single leaf less than 24 inches in width; and,
4. When swinging panels are contained in sliding door units, they shall be operable when the sliding leaf or leaves retract to any point in the opening cycle; and,
5. They shall meet the requirements of the American National Standard for Power Operated Doors, ANSI A156.10-1979; and
6. They shall meet the requirements of ANSI/UL 325 (or ANSI/UL 1578 when it is adopted), shall be listed or labeled by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, and shall be under an inplant follow-up inspection service. These requirements shall be applicable to all such door operators approved in the past and those which shall be approved in the future, but shall not be applicable to particular installations of approved door operators which were installed before April 15, 1980.

§ 4-03 Marking of Transparent Glass Doors and Fixed Adjacent Glass Sidelights.

(a) Scope. These rules shall be applicable to all structures or any part thereof excepting one and two family structures.

2. Definitions.

   Sidelights. Fixed panels of transparent glass which form part of or are immediately adjacent to and within six feet horizontally of the vertical edge of an opening in which transparent glass doors are located. For purposes of this section, a sidelight shall consist of transparent glass in which the transparent area above a reference line 18 inches above the adjacent ground, floor or equivalent surface is 80 percent or more of the remaining area of the panel above such reference line.

   Transparent glass. Material predominantly ceramic in character which is not opaque and through which objects lying beyond are clearly visible. For the purpose of this section, rigid transparent plastic material shall be construed as transparent glass.

   Transparent glass door. A door, manually or power actuated, fabricated of transparent glass, in which the transparent area above a reference line 18 inches above the bottom edge of the door is 80 percent or more of the remaining area of the door above such reference line.

   Transparent safety glazing materials. Materials which will clearly transmit light and also minimize the possibility of cutting or piercing injuries resulting from breakage of the material. Materials covered by this definition include laminated glass, tempered glass (also known as heat-treated glass, heat-toughened glass, case-hardened glass or chemically tempered glass), wired glass, and rigid plastic.

3. Requirements.

   (1) Transparent glass doors and fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights shall be marked in two areas on the glass surface thereof.

   (2) Fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights 20 inches or less in width with opaque stiles at least one and three-quarters inches in width shall be exempt from the marking requirements.

   (3) Where the ground, floor or equivalent surface area in the path of approach to a fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelight from either side for a minimum distance of three feet from such sidelight is so arranged, constructed or designed as to deter persons from approaching such sidelight or a permanent barrier is installed in the path of approach, the sidelight shall be exempt from this requirement.

   (4) Decorative pools, horticultural planting or similar installations shall be considered as indicating that the ground, floor or equivalent surface area is not a path of approach. Planters, benches and similar barriers which are securely fastened to the floor or wall to prevent their removal shall be considered as blocking the path of approach provided they shall be not less than 18 inches in height from the ground, floor or equivalent surface and extend across at least 2/3 of the total width of the glazed area of the sidelight.

   (5) Fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights which are supported by opaque sill and wall construction of at least 18 inches above the ground, floor or equivalent surface immediately adjacent shall be exempt from the marking requirements.

   (6) Display windows in any establishment, building or structure which fall within the definition of a sidelight shall be exempt from the marking requirements if the top of the supporting sill and wall construction is not less than 18 inches above the ground, floor or equivalent surface immediately adjacent and the interior area is occupied with merchandise or similar displays to clearly indicate to the public that it is not a means of ingress or egress.

4. Marking locations.

   (1) One such area shall be located at least 30 inches but not more than 36 inches and the other at least 60 inches but not more than 66 inches above the ground, floor or equivalent surface below the door or sidelight. The use of horizontal separation bars, muntin bars or equivalent at least one and one-half inches in vertical dimension that extend across the total width of the glazed area and are located at least 40 inches but not more than 50 inches above the bottom of the door or sidelight is permitted in lieu of markings.

   (2) The marking design shall be at least four inches in diameter if circular or four inches in its least dimension if elliptical or polygonal, or shall be at least 12 inches in horizontal dimension if the marking is less than four inches in its least dimension. In no event shall the vertical dimension of any marking including lettering be less than one and one-half inches in height. In addition to horizontal muntin bars, separation bars or equivalent, any of the following methods may be used to alert persons to the presence of transparent glass doors and fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights in their path of movement:

      (i) Chemical etching

      (ii) Sand blasting

      (iii) Adhesive strips not less than one and one-half inches in vertical dimension extending across at least two-thirds of the total glazed area

      (iv) Decals

      (v) Paint, gilding or other opaque marking materials

      (vi) Opaque door pulls or push bars extending across at least two-thirds of the total width of the glazed area.

5. Replacement and new installations.

   (1) Any transparent glazing material used for replacement in existing transparent glass doors after January 1, 1969 shall be transparent safety glazing material. Transparent safety glazing material shall be used in all new transparent glass doors installed after January 1, 1969. The manufacturer’s permanent identification mark denoting safety glazing materials shall be visible on the glass after installation of the door.

   (2) Replacement of fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights after January 1, 1969 shall be of transparent safety glazing material or annealed glass at least one-half inch in thickness. New fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights installed after January 1, 1969 shall be of transparent safety glazing material or annealed glass at least one-half inch in thickness. The manufacturer’s permanent identification mark denoting safety glazing material shall be visible on the glass after installation of the sidelight. Note: If safety glazing material is not immediately available as replacement glass in transparent glass doors and fixed adjacent transparent glass sidelights, temporary relief from the requirements rule may be sought by petitioning the Board of Standards and Appeals of the City of New York for a modification.

§ 4-04 Dry Load Capacity of Dry Cleaning Units.

In connection with Article II, § 4, Subsection 53, Subdivision (a) of the Zoning Resolution, the dry load capacity of a dry cleaning unit shall be figured on the basis of 2.8 lbs. per cu. ft.

§ 4-05 Dry Cleaning Establishments Pursuant to the Zoning Resolution.

(a) Application of rules. These rules shall be deemed to apply only to those excepted dry cleaning establishments existing or hereafter established, pursuant to Article II, §§ 4(a), Subd. 53, 4-A, 4-B and 4-C of the Zoning Resolution. These rules shall not be deemed to modify or repeal Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York.

2. Definitions. For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions shall apply.

   Dry cleaning establishment. The term “dry cleaning establishment” shall mean any room, place or space in which dry cleaning is performed, as defined in the Zoning Resolution.

      (i) Dry cleaning establishments to which these rules shall apply shall be divided into two classes: Class A and Class B.

      (ii) Class A dry cleaning establishments shall mean dry cleaning establishments in which the dry cleaning solvent used in the dry cleaning unit shall be non-flammable and non-combustible when tested in a Tagliabue open cup tester and as rated by the Fire Commissioner.

      (iii) Class B dry cleaning establishments shall mean dry cleaning establishments in which the dry cleaning solvent used in the dry cleaning unit shall have a flashpoint of not lower than 138.2 F. when tested in a Tagliabue open cup tester and as rated by the Fire Commissioner.

      (iv) For other purposes a dry cleaning establishment shall be as defined in Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code.

   Existing. The term “existing” shall mean those dry cleaning establishments established prior to January 1, 1953.

   Flammable liquid solvents. The term “flammable liquid solvents” shall mean such as will emit a flammable vapor at a temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit when tested in a Tagliabue open cup tester.

   Hereafter established. The term “hereafter established” shall mean those dry cleaning establishments established after January 1, 1953.

   “Retail”, “retail purposes” and “retail business”. For the purposes of §§ 4-A and 4-C of the Zoning Resolution the terms “retail”, “retail purposes” and “retail business” shall refer only to those dry cleaning establishments which perform services on articles conveyed directly by a retail customer to such dry cleaning establishment or collected directly from and delivered to the retail customer by any vehicle or any other means of effecting the same and such dry cleaning establishment directly processes such articles for such customer.

   “Spotting” or “Sponging”. The term “spotting” or “sponging” shall mean the local application of a “flammable liquid solvent” to remove spots of dirt, grease, paint or stains from wear-apparel, textiles, fabrics or articles of any other sort. All other terms used shall be as defined in the Zoning Resolution, Administrative Code, Multiple Dwelling Law, or Labor Law, when not inconsistent with the specific terms defined herein.

3. Approvals.

   (1) It shall be unlawful to use any premises for any hereafter established dry cleaning establishments without filing plans of that portion of the premises to be so used with the Department of Buildings and obtain its approval. Any prior approval shall be in compliance with this rule.

   (2) The requirements of 2 RCNY § 4-05(c)(1) shall not apply to existing dry cleaning establishments.

   (3) No dry cleaning unit shall be installed unless such unit is approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   (4) The use of any existing commercial premises, as defined in Article 4, Administrative Code, for any dry cleaning establishment shall not be deemed to be a Change of Occupancy within the meaning of § C26-185.0 of the Administrative Code.

   (5) The dry load capacity of all dry cleaning units shall be rated by the Board of Standards and Appeals on the basis of 2.8 pounds per cubic foot of the volume of the washing compartment for each washing cycle.

   (6) No dry cleaning solvent shall be used unless such solvent has been tested and rated by the Fire Commissioner.

   (7) It shall be unlawful in any dry cleaning unit approved by the Board to use any solvent having a flashpoint other than that for which the dry cleaning unit has been approved by the Board.

   (8) No non-conforming existing dry cleaning establishment shall be enlarged or extended unless such extension or enlargement be made in a conforming manner.

4. Restrictions on locations and areas.

   (1) No hereafter established dry cleaning establishment shall have a gross floor area exceeding the aggregate of 2,000 square feet to be used for dry cleaning, pressing and incidental operations as well as space used for storage, service of customers and the convenience of employees. The square foot area limitation shall apply to the aggregate of all space so used on all floors and mezzanines of the premises involved above the cellar or basement thereof. Additional space may be used on a lower floor which is either a basement or cellar provided that on such floor there shall be no dry cleaning and no storage of recently cleaned articles, but such area may include, in conjunction with the dry cleaning establishment, unless otherwise prohibited by law, ordinary storage, boilers, washing equipment, compressors, pumps and filtration equipment. In calculating the gross floor area pursuant to this paragraph (1), the area restriction shall not include the area used by lawful non-dry cleaning operations of a multiple use type of service establishment where, in addition to dry cleaning, there may be a launderette, shirt laundering, shoe repairing, and fur storage.

   (2) No Class B dry cleaning establishment hereafter established shall be permitted within any building, except that this paragraph (2) shall not apply to those establishments created prior to the effective date of these rules:

      (i) which is of wood frame construction;

      (ii) which is classified as a public building pursuant to § C26-235.0 of the Administrative Building Code;

      (iii) any part of which establishment is within 20 feet of any public building, as defined in § C26-235.0 of the Administrative Code.

5. Egress. The means of egress in all dry cleaning establishments shall be in conformity with the applicable provisions of the building laws and regulations governing such establishments. In addition thereto, all establishments shall conform to the following:

   (1) A three foot (3 feet 0 inches) wide aisle providing access from the main work area to the required means of egress shall be provided. Such required aisle shall not be obstructed by any fixed obstruction in any manner whatsoever.

   (2) In all hereafter established dry cleaning establishments all required exit doorways shall be arranged to swing outwardly in the direction of the egress.

6. Fire prevention – Class B establishments. All hereafter established Class B dry cleaning establishments shall comply with the following, except that subdivision (f) shall not apply to those establishments created prior to the effective date of these rules:

   (1) (i) No power or heating boiler shall be permitted in the same area or space where dry cleaning units are located, whether on the cleaning floor or floors or cellar or basement level unless either

         (A) the boiler or boilers shall be enclosed in a 3-hour unpierced masonry enclosure and entered only from the outer air; or

         (B) the boiler or boilers shall be enclosed in a 3-hour masonry enclosure with a one-hour fireproof self-closing door which opens into a ventilated vestibule similarly enclosed and entered by a one-hour fireproof self-closing door opening onto the interior of the premises or establishment.

      (ii) The ceiling of all such boiler rooms as required in 2 RCNY § 4-05(f)(1)(i) and the adjoining entrance vestibule referred to in 2 RCNY § 4-05(f)(1)(i)(B) above shall be fire-retarded with one-hour fire resistive material.

   (2) Non-fireproof enclosing partitions and ceilings within six feet of any dry cleaning unit shall be fire-retarded with one-hour fire resistive materials and doors and with two approved automatic wet pipe sprinkler heads located over the cleaning unit which may have its source of supply from the house water system.

   (3) All openings from any such dry cleaning establishment leading to a fire escape shall be equipped with a one-hour fireproof self-closing door or fireproof window assembly.

   (4) Except as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-05(f)(1)(i), there shall not be employed in any such dry cleaning establishments any device or apparatus employing flame or fire which is likely to produce an exposed spark except electric apparatus placed at least five feet above the floor, or approved type of “explosion proof electric motors”. In such establishments all lighting shall be fitted with keyless sockets and all switches and receptacles shall be placed at least four feet above the floor. Nothing contained in this paragraph (4) or 2 RCNY § 4-05(f)(1)(i) shall prohibit the installation of any gas, oil or electric heating device of a type approved by the Fire Commissioner under such conditions as he shall prescribe.

7. Fire prevention – Class A establishments. All hereafter established Class A dry cleaning establishments shall comply with the following, except that this subdivision (g) shall not apply to those establishments created prior to the effective date of these rules:

   (1) Unless otherwise specifically exempted by law, no power or heating boiler shall be permitted in the same area or space where dry cleaning units are located unless such boiler or boilers shall be enclosed in a one-hour fireproof partition and entered by a one-hour fireproof self-closing door whether from the interior of the premises or establishments or to the outer air.

   (2) All ceilings of all such boiler rooms as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-05(g)(1) shall be fire-retarded with one-hour fire resistive material.

   (3) All openings from any such dry cleaning establishment leading to a fire escape shall be equipped with a fireproof self-closing door or fireproof window assembly.

8. Fire prevention – all dry cleaning establishments. All existing or hereafter established dry cleaning establishments whether Class A or Class B shall comply with the following: (1) The provisions of § 27-4265 of the Administrative Code.

   (2) It shall be unlawful to store any flammable liquids or solvents in quantities aggregating more than five gallons without a permit as provided in Subchapter 9 of Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code.

   (3) All flammable liquids and solvents used for spotting and sponging shall be contained in approved individual metal containers not exceeding two-quart capacity each.

   (4) All sludge or residue removed from a dry cleaning unit shall be placed in a metal container not exceeding 55 gallons of capacity with a tight fitting cover and shall be removed from the premises and disposed of in a lawful manner.

   (5) All solvent used in the dry cleaning unit shall be either

      (i) received and stored in metal containers not exceeding 55 gallons each and pumped directly into a dry cleaning unit or units by means of a detachable leakproof pump and pipe system, or

      (ii) received and stored in a tank or tanks in accordance with the rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals relating to the receiving and storing of fuel oils and pumped directly into a dry cleaning unit or units by means of a closed leakproof pipe and pump system.

1. Ventilation.

   (1) All hereafter established dry cleaning establishments whether Class A or Class B shall be equipped with adequate ventilation to provide at least four complete changes of air volume an hour of such establishments during the operation of any dry cleaning units, and such ventilation as is otherwise required by law.

   (2) All Class A dry cleaning establishments shall have sufficient ventilation so as to prevent an excessive concentration of solvent vapors in the dry cleaning establishment. An excessive concentration of solvent vapors shall be that which exceeds the average of 200 parts of solvent vapors per one million parts of air during any working day.

   (3) The direct equipment exhausts or vents of all dry cleaning establishments whether Class A or Class B shall terminate to the outer air in the following manner:

      (i) At least 7 feet above the roof, street, yard or court grade on which it opens of the premises in which said establishment shall be located, and

      (ii) The exhaust shall be under static pressure by reason of a mechanical fan, and

      (iii) The terminal of the exhaust shall be at least five feet from any window or ventilating opening if said ventilating window or ventilating opening lies on the same plane as the exhaust terminal and when the ventilating windows, or other ventilating openings lie on a plane which faces in the direction of the exhaust terminal such terminal shall be at least 10 feet away from the same, and

      (iv) All direct equipment exhausts or vents shall be provided with mesh lint arrestors which shall be kept clean unless lint traps are provided on the units, and

      (v) The requirements of 2 RCNY § 4-05(i)(3)(i) and (iii) shall not apply to those establishments created prior to the effective date of these rules.

10. Operating precautions.

   (1) A printed notice embodying these rules shall be posted in a conspicuous place in all dry cleaning establishments.

   (2) The proprietor of any Class A establishment shall furnish to any person cleaning out a dry cleaning unit an approved type respirator for his use during the process of cleaning out any such unit.

   (3) All equipment shall be installed in such manner as to minimize noise, vibration, smoke, and odors, and other forms of nuisances to the occupants of the premises in which such cleaning establishment may be located or to the occupants of any adjacent premises.

11. Penalties. Any violation of these rules shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in the Zoning Resolution therefor, in addition to other penalties prescribed by law.
12. Severability. If any term, part or provision of any of the aforesaid rules shall be held unconstitutional or ineffective in whole or in part, such determination shall not be deemed to invalidate the remaining terms, parts or provisions of these rules.

§ 4-06 Installation of Interior Fire Alarm Signal Systems.

(a) Scope. These rules apply to all hotels, as defined in the Administrative Code and the Multiple Dwelling Law; to all lodging houses having more than 15 sleeping rooms, or accommodating more than 15 lodgers above the first or ground story; to all public and private hospitals and asylums having more than 15 rooms, or accommodating more than 15 patients or inmates above the first or ground story; to all nurseries accommodating more than 30 children, or having a Board of Health permit for the accommodation of more than 30 children; to all Turkish or other special treatment bath houses where there are sleeping accommodations for more than fifteen persons on the premises; to all department stores having two or more departments where the public is admitted above the second floor; to all public schools, and to all single and tenant factory buildings, as defined in the Labor Law and specifically required by § 279 of said Law.

2. Definitions.

   Approved. The term “approved” shall mean approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   Coded closed circuit fire alarm signal systems. The term “coded closed circuit fire alarm signal systems” shall mean a fire alarm signal system consisting of sending stations and signaling devices operated on supervised closed electric circuits which transmits rounds of coded signals to indicate the floor or portion of the same from which the alarm was sent.

   Commissioner. The term “Commissioner” shall mean the Fire Commissioner of the fire department specifically charged with the enforcement of law relating to interior fire alarm systems in the City of New York.

   Hereafter. The term “hereafter” shall mean after December 31, 1936.

   Heretofore. The term “heretofore” shall mean before December 31, 1936.

   Non-coded closed circuit fire alarm signal system. The term “non-coded closed circuit fire alarm signal system” shall mean a fire alarm signal system consisting of sending stations and signaling devices operated on supervised closed electric alternating current circuits, so arranged that the operation of any station will automatically sound the signaling devices throughout all portions of the building.

3. General

   (1) All fire alarm signal systems and devices shall be approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   (2) All devices and equipment that have been approved by the Board, shall have securely fastened thereon, a manufacturer’s plate bearing the words “Approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals – No ….. “, together with any other electrical data that the Commissioner may require.

4. Examination and approval of plan. Before the installation or extension of any fire alarm system, specifications and plans thereof, showing complete details of the proposed installation, shall be submitted by the owner or his agent to the Commissioner for examination and approval.
5. Classification.

   (1) Fire alarm signal systems shall be classified as follows:

      (i) Non-coded closed circuit fire alarm systems.

      (ii) Coded closed circuit fire alarm systems. The code numbers that are used shall be submitted for approval to the Commissioner and shall be sounded at least four (4) times for each operation of sending station.

   (2) A non-coded closed circuit system shall be so arranged that the operation of any station will automatically sound the signaling devices until hook is restored to its original position; and in the break-glass type until the glass has been replaced.

   (3) Coded closed circuit system shall be divided into three (3) classes:

      Class 1 – General Systems.

      Class 2 – Pre-signal or dual operation systems.

      Class 3 – Unit and general systems – or Duplex systems.

      Special systems.

   (4) Class 1 systems shall be a general alarm system of the coded closed circuit type so arranged that the operation of any station will cause the signaling devices to sound the code number of that station at least four (4) times throughout the entire building.

   (5) Class 2 system shall be a pre-signal or dual operation system of the coded closed circuit type so arranged that the operation of any station will cause the sounding of the signaling devices located in the engine room, elevator shafts, basement or other places in the building where the members of the fire brigade work or assemble.

      (i) Approved means shall be provided at each station, so arranged that a subsequent operation of any station shall cause the sounding of all signaling devices throughout the building.

      (ii) This subsequent operation shall be performed with the aid of a key or plug designed so as to prevent unauthorized sounding of the general alarm.

      (iii) The pre-signal or dual operation key or plug shall be so designed that it can be readily identified by the person whose duty it would be to use same.

   (6) Class 3 system shall be a unit and general alarm or Duplex system of the coded closed circuit type so arranged that the operation of a station within a unit will cause all of the signaling devices in that unit and all of the signaling devices on the general alarm circuit to sound the code numbers of the unit and zone at least four (4) times.

      (i) A register and time stamp, acceptable to the Commissioner, may be used in connection with a Class 3 system.

      (ii) The register, if of closed circuit type, shall be operated from a separate closed circuit control board or from separate panel isolated by barrier from main control panel in main control board cabinet.

      (iii) Approved closed circuit trouble and unit annunciators shall be installed as part of all Class 3 systems when required by the Commissioner.

   (7) Special systems shall include a complete Class 1, 2 or 3 systems supplemented by special circuits for the operation of other fire alarm devices in the systems; or electric control systems for stopping machinery, closing doors or ventilators as may be required by the Commissioner; or to call the central station of a private operating company or the fire department. Automatic fire detecting systems may be connected to operate an interior fire alarm system when connected thereto by an approved coded transmitter. In no case shall the transmitter be considered to replace the standard approved interior fire alarm station, except where a transmitter has been approved for both purposes. The special control circuits shall be separate and distinct from the fire alarm system but shall be brought into action whenever the fire alarm system is set in operation.

6. Systems permitted in factory and other buildings.

   (1) Non-coded closed circuit fire alarm systems shall be permitted only in a factory building not exceeding five (5) stories in height having not more than twenty-five hundred (2,500) square feet in area in any one story and having not more than one hundred (100) persons in a single factory; nor more than fifty (50) persons in a multiple tenant factory above the first or ground floor.

   (2) Coded closed circuit systems shall be required in a factory building exceeding the requirements of 2 RCNY § 4-06(f)(1).

   (3) Special fire alarm signal systems shall be permitted in factory buildings at the direction of the Commissioner.

   (4) Coded closed circuit systems shall be required in all other types of buildings requiring an interior alarm system.

7. Installation and construction requirements.

   (1) All work in connection with the installation of a fire alarm signal system shall be performed in a neat and workmanlike manner to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

   (2) In any fire alarm system there shall be not more than fourteen (14) direct nor more than ten (10) alternating current gongs or other approved sounding devices connected in one circuit.

   (3) There shall not be in any fire alarm system more than twenty (20) stations connected to one circuit or loop.

   (4) All gongs and signaling devices shall be located not less than eight (8) feet to the center above the floor.

   (5) All fire alarm stations shall be located five (5) feet three (3) inches from handle to floor.

   (6) An instruction card properly marked and framed under glass shall be installed at each fire alarm station.

   (7) All materials and devices used in fire alarm signal systems shall be securely fastened in position in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner.

   (8) For fastening to masonry walls, through bolts, metal expansion shields or toggle bolts shall be used.

   (9) Wood screws shall be used for fastening equipment to wood surfaces.

   (10) The use of nails or wood or fibre plugs is prohibited.

   (11) When fire alarm apparatus is mounted upon a wooden back board, such back board shall be not less than seven-eighths (7/8) inch thick, impregnated with a non-absorptive compound. The back board shall be so mounted as to provide an air space of at least one-quarter (1/4) inch between the back board and the wall for free circulation of air.

   (12) All electrical conductors shall be installed in standard rigid metal conduits, in accordance with the Electrical Code of the City of New York.

   (13) All conduits shall be grounded to a water pipe by approved ground clamps with a conductor equal to the largest conductor used on the system and the smallest size ground conductors used shall not be less than No. 10 B. & S. gauge.

   (14) The wiring used and the connections made between component parts of the alarm system shall conform to the requirements of the Electrical Code of the City of New York.

   (15) Electrical conduits shall enter only at the side or the bottom of the control cabinet.

   (16) In coded fire alarm systems using break glass type stations, at least one (1) extra glass shall be provided for each station in the system.

   (17) All openings in walls, floors or ceilings where conduits pass through, shall be properly fire stopped.

   (18) Conduits shall contain only conductors used in connection with the fire alarm system.

   (19) Where wires pass underground from one building to another, they shall be enclosed in conduits, and shall be lead encased. Wires between buildings, when not run in conduit, shall be at least equivalent in conductivity and tensile strength to No. 8 B. & S. gauge copper wire for box and signaling circuits and shall be supported at least every seventy-five (75) feet on approved glass insulators and brackets, and be protected by approved lightning arrestors when required by the Commissioner. As far as possible, they shall run under, rather than over, electric light or power wires.

8. Sending stations. There shall be at least one (1) fire alarm sending station in each story of any building requiring a manual fire alarm signal system, located in a natural path of escape from fire at a readily accessible location designated by the Commissioner, which always shall be kept unobstructed. Additional sending stations shall be installed so that no point on any floor in a non-fireproof building shall be more than one hundred (100) feet distant from the nearest sending station upon such floor. In fireproof or sprinklered buildings, the distance shall not be more than one hundred and fifty (150) feet.
9. Sounding devices. Sounding devices shall be sufficient in number to be clearly audible to all occupants of the building.
10. Sub-divided buildings. Where a building is sub-divided by fire walls, each section shall be deemed a separate building for the purpose of fire alarm signal system installations. One control board may be used, if so arranged, as to operate the signaling devices in each section of the building independently; or may be operated as one unit when deemed necessary by the Commissioner.
11. Mixed occupancy. In buildings requiring fire alarm signal system, of which parts are occupied by other than factory tenants and in which the condition of construction and occupancy warrant the establishment of a local fire brigade, the Commissioner may accept dual operation systems.
12. Existing installations. Fire alarm signal systems heretofore installed in buildings in the City of New York and installed in accordance with the rules then in force, shall be accepted as long as they are maintained in proper working order.
13. Sources of electrical energy.

   (1) Sources of electrical energy used in operating fire alarm signal systems shall be:

      (i) Generated electric power, not exceeding a potential of 250 volts, including:

         (A) Central Stations

         (B) Isolated Plants

      (ii) Storage battery power Either source of power shall be used under conditions and limitations as set forth by the Commissioner.

   (2) One source of energy shall be connected to the fire alarm system at all times. All auxiliary sources of energy when required shall be so arranged and controlled by an automatic switch that when the primary source of energy fails, the secondary source will be automatically connected to the fire alarm signal system.

   (3) Central stations. When the energy for a fire alarm signal system is supplied by a central station power system it shall be accepted as the sole source of supply; connections shall be made on the street side of the service switch except that in case where the master meter is within thirty (30) feet of the main switch of the premises, permission may be given by the Commissioner to connect to the house side of the meter when a certificate of recent date from an authority of competent jurisdiction has certified that the electrical wiring throughout the premises is in a safe condition. When a house side connection is made, the fire alarm cutout shall be the first connection and as near as possible to the meter. Same shall be enclosed in a locked or sealed metal cabinet, painted fire department red and stenciled “Interior Fire Alarm.” Fuses shall be of the enclosed cartridge type. Screw plug fuses will not be accepted. The cutout shall be a three pole cartridge fuse cutout with neutral fuse replaced by a solid copper bar. The smallest size fuse used on a fire alarm system shall be fifteen (15) amperes.

   (4) Isolated plants. Energy from isolated electric light and power plants shall be used for fire alarm signal systems only when there is more than one generating unit and the plant is always in operation when the building is occupied. When only one generator unit is employed, the source of energy shall be supplemented by storage battery or other auxiliary service. The fire alarm service connection shall be taken from the main bus of the house switchboard and installed in accordance with the service requirements under central stations. When a house side connection is made, the fire alarm cutout shall be the first connection and as near as possible to the meter. Same shall be enclosed in a locked or sealed metal cabinet, painted fire department red and stenciled “Interior Fire Alarm.” Fuses shall be of the enclosed cartridge type. Screw plug fuses will not be accepted. The cutout shall be a three pole cartridge fuse cutout with neutral fuse replaced by a solid copper bar. The smallest size fuse used on a fire alarm system shall be fifteen (15) amperes.

   (5) Storage battery.

      (i) When a storage battery equipment is used as the sole source of current for a fire alarm signal system, the storage battery shall be provided in duplicate; or an approved type trickle charger may be substituted for the duplicate storage battery located in a room sufficiently ventilated. Such installations shall be equipped with a switchboard or panel of approved material on which are mounted volt meters, ammeters, circuit breakers, fuses, resistances, switches, starting devices for motors, field rheostats for generator and other apparatus required for charging and operating the battery.

      (ii) Storage batteries shall be so located and ventilated as to avoid danger of sparking contacts igniting flammable gases or vapors. In no case shall a storage battery be located in the same room with a gas meter.

14. [Repealed.]
15. [Repealed.]
16. [Repealed.]
17. Alarm boxes.

   (1) In fire alarm signal systems the metal case enclosing the exposed or surface alarm boxes shall be of cast iron or other approved cast metal, and drilled and tapped to receive the conduit. When exposed to moisture the box shall be enclosed in a suitable weatherproof outer shell. In new buildings, approved back-boxes embedded in the wall may be used and the conduits shall be properly secured by lock nuts and bushings.

   (2) All current carrying parts shall be insulated from parts of opposite polarity with approved insulating material.

   (3) All coded pull lever type stations shall be fitted with a door to protect the pull lever against accidental injury. Such door shall have a handle rigidly secured thereon and be so constructed as to open readily. The wording “In Case of Fire Open Door and Pull Down Lever” in raised letters or equivalent instructions shall appear on the door.

   (4) All break-glass type fire alarm boxes shall be provided with suitable hammers on chains of approved type attached to or near the boxes with which the glass can readily be broken; or other methods may be used to break the glass when approved by the Commissioner.

   (5) All break-glass boxes shall have in raised letters on the fronts, the words “Fire Alarm – In Case of Fire Break Glass,” and such additional instructions as may be necessary to send an alarm.

   (6) The box or station shall be so designed that once started, the proper transmission of a complete set of signals cannot be interfered with by manipulation of its starting device.

   (7) Each closed circuit coded box or station shall be arranged to send a definite code of signals to indicate the floor or portion of same on which it is located.

   (8) No less than three (3) or more than twenty (20) taps or blasts shall be given at each revolution of the code wheel.

   (9) The code wheel shall revolve at least four (4) times for each operation of its starting device and be of factory machine cut metal or other approved material properly insulated from ground.

   (10) Boxes or stations used in systems in which whistles, vibrating bells or horns are employed shall be so timed that the sounding devices will give the code signals clearly.

   (11) Contact point shall be in multiple.

   (12) Contact points and contacts of the testing devices shall be of silver or other approved material and be of the scraping type, secured in a substantial manner to phosphor bronze or other approved material springs, and be so designed as to positively break a circuit carrying one-tenth (1/10) ampere at two hundred and fifty (250) volts actual working conditions.

   (13) Lever boxes shall be so designed as to automatically wind when the lever is pulled for an alarm. Boxes requiring glass replacements shall be so arranged that replacement cannot be made without resetting mechanism for another alarm.

   (14) Where it becomes necessary to install more than one set of contacts operating from code wheel, permission in writing in advance must be obtained from the Commissioner. This shall not include pre-signal features.

   (15) The box shall have plainly marked thereon its code signal number.

18. Non-coded boxes.

   (1) Non-coded closed circuit fire alarm stations may be operated by a break-glass or pull lever device so arranged that the alarm cannot be interfered with except by resetting or replacement of the glass by an authorized person.

   (2) The construction and materials shall be equal to that of the standard approved type coded closed circuit station except that the contacts shall be of ample capacity to safely carry the entire operating current of the gong circuit without excessive heating.

19. Station testing devices.

   (1) Each fire alarm system shall be provided with an auxiliary device to test the signaling devices located in one of the alarm boxes or mounted on the control board. Such testing devices shall be arranged to make the test without operating the break wheel of the box or interfering with the dual operating feature.

   (2) Provision shall be made for a silent test of coded alarm box mechanisms without operating the signaling devices. Such device shall be designed to prevent any person except those in authority from operating the same and to prevent the possibility of the box being left inoperative after the test.

20. Supervising current.

   (1) A small current flow to constantly supervise each circuit shall be maintained. A milliammeter, or other approved current indicator shall be provided and so connected as to indicate the supervising current.

   (2) The supervising circuit shall be provided with a trouble bell operating on open circuit arranged to ring continuously in case of failure of the system. The trouble bell shall be so located that it will be within audible range of some responsible person in the building and shall be connected to the electric light or power service in the building. Permission may be granted by the Commissioner to connect the trouble bell to battery of approved type.

   (3) Trouble bells shall not be fitted with silencing switches except in such a manner that the act of silencing the bell by the operation of the switch, automatically and positively transfers the trouble signal to a red lamp on the control board fed by some auxiliary source of current supply. This auxiliary source of current shall be a house lighting circuit or any other approved source.

   (4) The trouble bell shall be of an approved design of the vibrating type and give a distinctive signal.

21. Protection of sending and sounding devices.

   (1) In fire alarm signal systems, all moving parts of sending stations and sounding devices shall be enclosed in metal casing, made dust-proof and damp-proof when necessary, and clearly marked with instructions for use.

   (2) Whenever necessary, hammer rods of gongs shall be suitably protected against mechanical injury or derangement by the use of a guard or other suitable means. If subject to mechanical injury, the entire device shall also be enclosed in a protecting case made of suitable wire mesh netting or perforated metal. All casings shall be insulated from current carrying parts, and shall be grounded to the conduit.

      (v) Standards of electric alarm apparatus.

   (1) All electrically actuated apparatus used in fire alarm systems shall be so designed and constructed that it will operate satisfactorily at a current flow of twenty-five (25) percent above or below the normal operating current.

   (2) Insulation.

      (i) Insulating materials used in electric fire alarm signal systems shall be varnished, cambric, bakelite, mica or other approved insulating material. The use of fibre or paper as an insulating material for fire alarm signal systems shall not be permitted.

      (ii) The insulating material used on electric fire alarm signal systems shall be capable of withstanding an insulation break-down test of one thousand (1,000) volts A.C. plus twice operating voltage applied for one (1) minute.

   (3) Electro-magnets.

      (i) Electro-magnet windings shall be impregnated with an insulating moisture repelling compound or shall be of silk enameled wire.

      (ii) Electro-magnet coils to be used on alternating current when composed of enameled wire shall have an additional approved insulation on each wire. The coils may be of the form wound type.

      (iii) A protective cover to prevent mechanical injury shall be provided over the entire coil.

      (iv) Electro-magnet coils shall be securely fastened to prevent floating.

      (v) Electro-magnet cores shall be of the best grade of ferrous material so as to reduce to a minimum the possibility of failure due to residual magnetism.

      (vi) Electro-magnet cores for use on alternating current shall be of laminated construction or other approved method to prevent heating and promote efficiency.

      (vii) Electro-magnet cores of relays and gongs shall be treated to prevent corrosion. Paint or varnish for this purpose shall not be used.

      (viii) Non-magnetic freeze pins shall be used which will prevent two magnet surfaces coming in actual contact.

   (4) Gongs.

      (i) Gong shells shall be pinned to prevent turning and then securely fastened to its support by a machine cap screw at least three-eighths (3/8) inch in diameter.

      (ii) Gong shells shall be covered with an approved rust preventive.

      (iii) The gong shell support and gong frames shall be cast in one piece.

   (5) Wiring.

      (i) All connections shall be properly protected, securely made and where subject to motion shall be of approved flexible wire.

      (ii) All wiring of control board, station and gong circuits shall conform to the Electrical Code of the City of New York.

      (iii) Binding posts shall be of such a character that the wire is held between two flat surfaces.

      (iv) Binding posts shall be mounted on an approved terminal block or insulating strip spaced not nearer than one-half (1/2) inch to each other, unless separated by approved barriers.

   (6) Relays.

      (i) The armatures of all relays shall depend on gravity or magnetic attraction for their operation.

         (A) This action may be assisted by flat type springs.

         (B) The use of spiral springs is prohibited.

      (ii) Adjustments shall be of such a character that they can be securely locked.

      (iii) Contact points shall be ample in area not only to take care of current used in operation but to insure long life and shall be of pure silver, or other approved material, properly riveted to their support.

      (iv) Contact arms shall be of phosphor bronze and be of the dead beat type.

      (v) Contact assemblies shall be of such a character that their operation will be of a scraping self-cleansing nature.

      (vi) The use of condensers across contacts to absorb the arc or in any part of a fire alarm circuit is prohibited.

      (vii) Relays shall be free from objectionable hum when used on alternating current.

23. Time limit delay device.

   (1) All gong circuits shall and special signal apparatus may, when required by the Commissioner, be protected by a Time Limit Delay Device. Note: This time limit delay device shall consist of a heating coil so designed that the normal operating current will have little or no effect upon a thermostatic bi-metal bar or strip contained therein. Any abnormal increase over operating current or the continued accumulative heating effect thereof after a period of not less than three (3) minutes nor more than twenty (20) minutes shall cause the thermostatic element to expand. The expansion of this element shall automatically open the source of current supply to the gongs or devices protected.

   (2) The operation of the time limit delay device shall cause the trouble bell to ring.

   (3) Time limit delay devices shall be so connected in the fire alarm circuit that their operation will not open the fire alarm box circuits.

   (4) Where due to the extent of the installation, it becomes necessary to install a number of time limit delay devices, the operation of a single time limit delay device shall not affect other sounding devices similarly protected.

   (5) A contactor relay to operate the sounding devices shall be provided on all direct current gong circuits exceeding three (3) and all alternating current gong circuits exceeding two (2) in number.

   (6) Gong circuits not requiring contactor relays shall be operated by contacts properly placed on the armature of the box circuit relay.

   (7) A separate time limit delay device, contactor relay, contactor supervisory relay and gong supervisory relay shall be provided for each four (4) gong circuits or fraction thereof.

   (8) Switches. Triple pole, double throw, broken back knife switches properly supervised and connected to emergency resistors shall be provided on all box and gong circuits when they exceed three (3) in number.

   (9) Instruments. A separate approved milliammeter or other approved current indicating device shall be provided for the box circuit and each four (4) gong circuits on the control board when the gong circuits exceed three (3) in number. A separate milliammeter shall be provided to indicate the supervisory current of contactor relays and emergency switch circuits. This meter shall be know as the Board Meter.

   (10) Resistors.

      (i) Resistors shall be mounted on the front or face of control panels and shall be of vitreous enameled type. Note: Wire wound resistors, when protected by a suitable metal guard, may be used in special cases when approved by the Commissioner.

      (ii) Ferrule or knife contact type resistors shall not be used.

      (iii) A protective resistor shall be placed in the negative or live lead of all box circuits to protect the contacts of the boxes in the event of a ground. This resistor shall be not less than three hundred (300) nor more than seven hundred and fifty (750) ohms resistance.

      (x) Control boards.

   (1) All relays, current indicators, resistances, time delay devices and other apparatus used in connection with the operation and supervision of closed circuit fire alarm signal systems shall be properly mounted on a panel of approved material, in a metal cabinet provided with lock and key. The control board shall be located in a place subject to the least vibration, free from moisture, flammable gases, dust and mechanical injury and under frequent view of a responsible occupant of the building delegated by the owner to be in charge and holding a Certificate of Fitness issued by the Commissioner.

   (2) Control board panels shall be of insulating material such as ebony asbestos, bakelite or other approved materials at least one-half (1/2) inch in thickness.

   (3) Control boards mounted in each cabinet shall be fastened in each corner.

   (4) Provision shall be made for ample wire gutted space around the panel.

   (5) Conduit knockouts shall not be provided in top of control board cabinet.

   (6) A wiring diagram of the alarm system and card of instructions properly marked and securely fastened shall be provided within the control board cabinet. When it becomes necessary to mount the diagram outside of the cabinet, the diagram shall be properly framed under glass.

   (7) All control board cabinets shall be provided with sight hole and glass panel to make meters on the inside of the cabinets visible from the outside.

   (8) Wire in gutter spaces shall be properly laced in a neat and workmanlike manner on all control boards having a capacity for more than three (3) gong circuits.

25. Battery cabinets.

   (1) All electrical batteries for fire alarm signal systems shall be placed in substantial protecting cabinets thoroughly ventilated, elevated not less than one (1) nor more than five (5) feet above the floor and located in clean, dry and cool places where the temperature will not be less than forty (40) nor more than one hundred and ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit. Main battery cabinets shall be so constructed that the condition of the elements may be observed without disturbing the cells.

   (2) Metal battery cabinets shall be constructed of sheet iron or steel, not less than No. 15 U.S. gauge in thickness, properly reinforced by angle irons with self-closing doors provided with lock and key and wood shelves not less than seven-eighths (7/8) of an inch thick, unless the battery is of the spray-proof type, properly fastened and secured to prevent sagging. The interior and the exterior of the cabinet shall be protected with three (3) coats of asphaltum compound, each coat to be thoroughly dry before the next is applied, or with baked enamel.

   (3) Wood battery cabinets shall be constructed of the first grade of kiln dried wood and not less than seven-eighths (7/8) of an inch thick and shall be provided with self-closing door and approved lock. The shelves shall not be less than seven-eighths (7/8) of an inch thick properly fastened and secured to prevent sagging. The cabinet shall be of substantial construction painted on the interior with three (3) coats of asphaltum compound and on the exterior with three (3) coats of lead paint or two (2) coats of varnish.

   (4) Storage batteries may be placed on enameled metal battery racks, provided the batteries are installed in a place where they will not be subject to mechanical injury, and will be ventilated as required in 2 RCNY § 4-06(m)(5)(ii).

26. Painting of equipment. All enclosing cases for fire alarm apparatus shall be finished in fire department red, except where special permission is given by the Commissioner to deviate from this requirement.

(aa) Closed circuit annunciators.

   (1) Annunciators used in connection with Class 3 fire alarm systems shall be of an approved closed circuit type.

   (2) The annunciators shall have approved type of relays equipped with a suitable target, shutter or other indicating device. The indicating device shall have marked thereon a suitable description of the purpose it serves.

   (3) The printed designation on unit or building annunciator’s indicators shall be legible. The mechanism shall be so arranged that once operated the indicating device shall be reset manually.

   (4) A unit annunciator shall be so designed that the operation of any station in the unit shall cause a visible and audible signal.

   (5) The unit annunciator shall be actuated by contact on code wheel of the fire alarm station or by contact on a relay connected to the fire alarm box circuit. In no case shall the station fire alarm circuit be used for this purpose.

   (6) Trouble annunciators shall be so arranged that the indicating device will reset automatically when cause of trouble has been removed.

   (7) The trouble annunciator shall be so designed that it will indicate visible and audible trouble signals in the event of trouble occurring on any circuit, control board or unit annunciators.

   (8) The trouble annunciator shall be actuated by the operation of contacts on all supervisory relays. Each relay of this annunciator shall be provided with two (2) sets of contacts so arranged that one will operate the one hundred and ten (110) volt trouble signal, the other set to actuate the register if a register is used.

   (9) A trouble buzzer switch and lamp shall be mounted on the inside of each unit annunciator cabinet on the panel.

   (10) A trouble bell, switch and lamp shall be mounted on the inside of each trouble annunciator cabinet on the panel. Trouble bell may be placed at a distance from the annunciator by special permission of the Commissioner.

   (11) Relay drops of annunciator shall be so designed that vibration from without or that caused by the trouble signal within will not operate the indicating devices.

   (12) All annunciators shall be installed in a separate red enameled steel cabinet provided with an approved lock and key.

   (13) Annunciators shall be properly marked with white letters at least one (1) inch high with the words: “Fire Alarm Annunciator,” Zone – or “Fire Alarm Trouble Annunciator,” whichever the case may be.

(bb) Licensed contractors. No person shall install, alter or repair or cause to be installed, altered, or repaired electrical wiring or apparatus for fire alarm systems in any building, except a person holding a license, or a special license in accordance with Chapter 3 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code. The enforcing authority shall not approve any installation, alteration or repair done in violation of this rule.

200. Used or rebuilt apparatus. Used apparatus shall not be re-used for any interior fire alarm system under these rules and regulations until the same has been reconditioned in the shop of a reliable manufacturer building interior fire alarm apparatus which has been approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals. Approval in writing shall be obtained from the enforcing authority prior to installation. The enforcing authority shall not approve for use, used or reconditioned apparatus that may not give satisfactory service.

§ 4-07 Minimum Sound Levels of Audible Alarms of Smoke Detectors.

The requirement of the Board of a minimum sound level of 85 decibels in a 10 foot radius from the source of audible alarms of smoke detectors is applicable to approvals of all smoke detectors.

§ 4-08 Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems.

(a) Definitions.

   Automatic fire extinguishing system. The term “automatic fire extinguishing system” shall mean:

      (i) A system of piping connected to one or more acceptable sources of water supply, which system is provided with approved distributing devices so arranged and located as to automatically discharge an effective spray over the interior of the building in the event of fire therein; or

      (ii) A system of piping and distributing devices automatically controlled, connected to an adequate supply of chemical fire extinguishing media of an approved type suitable for the hazard involved.

   Factory building. The term “factory building” shall mean a factory building as defined by Section 10 of the New York State Labor Law. Section 10. “Factory building” means a building, shed or structure which or any part of which, is occupied by or used for a factory, and in which at least one-tenth or more than twenty-five of all the persons employed in the building are engaged in work for a factory, but shall not include a building in a city having a population of more than one million, used exclusively by one employer and in which not more than one-tenth of all the persons employed therein are engaged in work for a factory and which, except for such factory work, would be classified as a mercantile establishment. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any part of a building occupied or used as a factory, except as otherwise provided by this subdivision.

   Non-flammable.

      (i) The term “non-flammable” as used in these rules when applied to solids shall mean materials which will not ignite and continue to burn when brought in contact for five seconds with an open flame or when in contact with glowing materials.

      (ii) The term “non-flammable” as used in these rules when applied to liquids shall mean any liquid which will not generate a flammable vapor at a temperature of 300° F or less when tested in a Tagliabue open cup tester.

   Volatile flammable oils or solvents. The term “volatile flammable oils or solvents” as used in these rules shall mean any liquid mixture or compound that will generate a flammable vapor at a temperature of 110° F or less when in a Tagliabue open cup tester.

2. Medium hazards.

   Bagging, manufacturing

   Bags, Cloth, Paper or Burlap, manufacturing

   Bakeries except retail bakeries and except bakeries where all products baked are consumed on the premises

   Bamboo or Rattan Products, manufacturing

   Baskets (other than metal), manufacturing

   Bookbinding Boots or Shoes, manufacturing

   Burlap, manufacturing Buttons, manufacturing, except non-flammable buttons

   Candles, or wax products, manufacturing

   Canvas, manufacturing

   Cardboard, manufacturing

   Cereal Mills

   Chemical Works (except where volatile flammable oils or solvents are used, stored or manufactured)

   Cloth, Backing

   Cloth, Dyeing or Printing Works

   Cloth, manufacturing

   Confectionery Products, manufacturing

   Cotton Batting or Waste, manufacturing

   Dry Cleaning and Dyeing Industrial Plants (except those using volatile flammable oils)

   Distilleries

   Envelope, manufacturing

   Excelsior or Excelsior Products, manufacturing or storage

   Feed, Flour or Grist Mills

   Felt or Felt Products, manufacturing

   Furniture, manufacturing, repairing or refinishing

   Furs or Fur Products, manufacturing or processing

   Gloves, manufacturing

   Handbags, Luggage or Trunks, manufacturing

   Hats, manufacturing

   Knitting, Weaving or Embroidering

   Laundries

   Leather Goods, manufacturing

   Lithographing

   Millinery, manufacturing (except custom)

   Paper Pulp Mills

   Paper Boxes or Cartons, manufacturing

   Pencil, manufacturing

   Picture Frame, manufacturing

   Plastic Articles (except non-flammable)

   Printing except incidental to primary use with area not exceeding 2,000 feet

   Rag sorting or processing

   Rope, Cordage and Twine, manufacturing

   Rubber Products, manufacturing

   Rugs, manufacturing

   Shades, Window, manufacturing

   Silk, manufacturing

   Straw Goods, manufacturing

   Synthetic Yarns or Fabric, manufacturing, except non-flammable

   Tanneries

   Tobacco Products, manufacturing

   Umbrella, manufacturing

   Upholstering

   Woodworking

3. High hazards.

   Aluminum, powdered, manufacturing

   Artificial Flowers, manufacturing

   Artificial Leather, manufacturing

   Carpet cleaning, using volatile flammable oils or solvents

   Chemical manufacturing using volatile flammable oils or solvents

   Combustible or flammable mixtures, manufacturing

   Compressed Gases, manufacturing, flammable or explosive

   Cotton Picking and Opening Operations

   Dry Cleaning Plants, using volatile flammable solvents

   Enameling (except vitrous enameling) using more than 2 qts. per day or storing more than 20 gals.

   Essential Oils or Perfumes, manufacturing

   Feathers, processing

   Fireworks

   Linoleum, manufacturing

   Linseed Oil

   Mills

   Lithographing Inks (except non-flammable), manufacturing

   Magnesium (powdered), manufacturing or processing (Chemical Extinguishing system only)

   Mattress manufacturing or repairing

   Matches, manufacturing

   Nail Polish, manufacturing

   Nitrocellulose Products, manufacturing or processing

   Painting or Lacquering using more than 2 qts. per day or storing more than 20 gals.

   Paint, Varnish, Enameling, Lacquers, Lithographing ink (except non-flammable), manufacturing

   Pharmaceutical Products, manufacturing

   Plastics, manufacturing, except non-flammable

   Raincoats, manufacturing (using rubber)

   Rubber Cement, manufacturing

   Shoddy Mills

   Silk Screen Printing

   Starch or Sugar Mills

   Surgical Sutures, manufacturing, processing or packing

   Solvent Extracting (other than non-flammable)

   Tallow, manufacturing

   Tires (rubber), re-capping, re-treading or vulcanizing

   Volatile, Flammable Oils, Solvents, or Mixtures, manufacturing

   Woodworking with painting, varnishing, lacquering or shellacking

§ 4-09 Fire Extinguishing Appliances – Sprinkler Systems.

(a) General requirements. The rules contained herein cover the general details of a sprinkler equipment only. Before an equipment is installed or before a present equipment is remodeled, involving 10 or more heads on any floor, complete working plans shall be submitted for approval to Fire Department, with such specification forms as may be required by the Fire Commissioner, except for the installation of the connection to the water main service pipe and meter setting, which shall be approved by the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection.

2. Plans. These plans shall be drawn to an indicated scale; give correct address and points of compass; show longitudinal and cross sections of the building with story heights, and the essential features of the construction, viz., size, location and direction of joists, timbers or other structural members. They shall also indicate the location and size of water supplies, connecting pipes, feed mains and risers, gate, check, alarm and dry-pipe valves, as well as the location, spacing, number and type of sprinklers. Plans for non-automatic dry-pipe systems shall indicate the location and number of actuating devices.
3. Final approval. Upon approval of preliminary plans such number of sets of clean, corrected plans on cloth as the Fire Commissioner may require, not exceeding three (3), shall be filed for final approval of the Fire Commissioner. A certified copy of the approved plans shall be forwarded to the Department of Buildings by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. If the structure is equipped with a standpipe (fire line) the plans shall include a note to that effect. When entirely completed in accordance with the approved plans, application shall be made to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for test and acceptance of the completed installation. When the sprinkler equipment is approved the applicant will be so advised in writing by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
4. Definitions.

   Automatic extinguisher systems. “Automatic extinguisher systems” shall consist of a system of piping connected to one or more acceptable sources of water supply, provided with distributing devices so arranged and located as to discharge and diffuse automatically an effective stream or spray over the interior of the building area.

5. Classification of sprinkler systems. For the purpose of these rules, sprinkler systems shall be classified as:

   (1) Automatic Wet Pipe Systems, in which all pipes and sprinkler heads are at all times filled with water;

   (2) Automatic Dry Pipe Systems, in which the pipes and sprinkler heads are filled with air, either compressed or at atmospheric pressure, and the water supply is controlled by a Dry Pipe Valve as defined in 2 RCNY § 4-09(11)(5).

   (3) Non-Automatic Systems, in which all pipes and sprinkler heads are maintained dry, equipped with a siamese fire department connection. An automatic thermostatic or pneumatic fire alarm with direct connection to Central Office of one of the operating fire alarm companies or Fire Department Headquarters shall be provided in connection with all non-automatic sprinkler systems.

6. Approved devices. Automatic sprinklers and accessory appliances shall include all devices approved as such by any recognized standard research laboratory on the endorsement of approval by resolution of the Board of Standards and Appeals.
7. Water supply. Approved sources of water supply shall be classified as Automatic and Auxiliary.

   (1) Automatic Sources shall include the Gravity Tank, the Pressure Tank, or direct connection to the Public Water System.

   (2) Auxiliary Sources shall include the Fire Pump and the Fire Department siamese connection.

8. Gravity tank. Gravity tanks shall contain an available quantity of water sufficient to supply twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of sprinkler heads in the average protected fire area for twenty (20) minutes, but not less than 5,000 gallons; and the bottom of the tank shall have an elevation of not less than twenty (20) feet above the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof. Gravity tank or tanks shall not be required to be elevated above the highest sprinklers in penthouse having an area less than 2,500 sq. ft., unless such penthouse contains a hazardous occupancy, or is used for the storage of combustible material. Where a split system is installed the bottom of the tank or tanks need not be elevated more than 3 feet above the main roof or 20 feet above the highest sprinkler fed from an intermediate tank. Where a tank capacity in excess of 25,000 gallons is required by this subdivision (h), the amount of water in excess of 25,000 gallons shall be provided in separate tanks not grouped together except when tanks of unlimited capacities are supported on structures altogether independent of buildings. The tank shall be filled through a fixed pipe, independent of the sprinkler piping, not less than two (2) inches in size, discharging into the top of the tank. The water supply and connections shall be capable of supplying the tank at a rate of not less than sixty-five (65) gallons per minute. The filling pipe shall be carried up inside a frost-proof casing and may extend through tank bottom to discharge at top of tank above full water level. The portion of pipe inside tank must be of brass or copper or other noncorrosive material. Tanks shall not be fed through sprinkler lines. The sprinkler and standpipe tanks may be fed from a common source of supply, either a pump or a direct service main connection, provided that there are separate feed mains from the basement or lowest story and a control valve in each feed line in a pump or engine room. The overflow pipe shall be not less than two (2) inches in diameter for tanks up to 30,000 gallons capacity and not less than three (3) inches in diameter for larger tanks. The top of the overflow pipe shall be three (3) inches below the top of the staves in wooden tanks and one (1) inch from the top in steel tanks. The pipe may extend through the bottom of tank provided the portion inside tank is of brass or copper or other non-corrosive metal and without joints or it may extend through side of tank. For tanks over roofs overflow pipes shall terminate not more than twenty-four (24) inches above roof and shall be fitted with a 90 degree elbow. At each gravity or pressure tank there shall be provided a 4 inch emergency drain, and for gravity tanks in excess of ten thousand (10,000) gallons capacity a six inch (6”) emergency drain must be provided. Such drain to be equipped with an O.S. and Y. gate valve arranged to discharge on the roof of building not more than twenty-four (24”) above roof and shall be fitted with a 90 degree elbow. When the tank or tanks are on a separate structure independent of buildings, drain connections to be arranged to discharge at ground level.
9. Frost proofing.

   (1) The discharge, heating or filling pipes where exposed to the weather shall be protected from freezing in the following manner:

      (i) Pipes painted two (2) coats of red lead in linseed oil with a small percentage of litharge as a hardener.

      (ii) One wrapping of tar paper equivalent to Asphalt Saturated Wool Felt paper weighing 12 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

      (iii) Three (3) layers of standard 1” high grade long cow’s hair felt interposed and covered with one (1) layer of builder’s paper equivalent to red rosin sized sheathing paper weighing 40 lbs. per 500 sq. ft.

      (iv) One (1) covering of 8 oz. canvas, painted with two (2) coats of waterproofed paint.

   (2) Application. All wrappings to be independently applied and securely fastened in place with heavy jute twine. Circumferential and longitudinal joints to have at least a 2” lap staggered with adjacent layers and opposing leakage to the hair felt.

   (3) In groups of pipes each water pipe is to be wrapped separately with the tar paper, but subsequent layers of felt and paper may be applied collectively if space does not permit individual wrapping.

   (4) Where a heating pipe is one of the group, the wrapping should be applied so that the hot line would serve all pipes in the enclosure. The initial wrapping of tar paper around each water pipe should be applied with laps down and the whole group wrapped with tar paper with laps up. If due to the position of the hot line sufficient air space would not insulate the hair felt, then protection to be effected by suitable separators, or a wrapping of asbestos paper instead of the tar paper around the group.

   (5) On vertical pipes particular provision to be made to prevent slipping and tearing of insulation due to its weight.

   (6) To prevent slipping away of insulation at point of entrance of pipes into a tank, and to shed leakage from slip joints, a 16 oz. duck to be provided, doubled and securely fastened to bottom of the tank overlapping inside and outside the insulation of the group for a distance of 18” below the tank. This duck to be well coated with paint. Loose hair felt to be packed about connections at tank bottom to safeguard against settling.

10. Tank ladders and supports. Easy access to top of each tank shall be provided by means of a steel or wrought iron gooseneck ladder substantially constructed of flat iron side bars of not less than 2” × 1/2”, or angle iron strings not less than 13/4” × 13/4” × 1/4”, spaced not less than 14” apart, with rungs round or square not less than 5/8”, spaced not more than 12” on centres, the ladder rigidly braced, and shall not tip outward from the vertical at any point, and when ladders exceed 20 feet in height an iron platform not less than 14” square, rigidly secured to strings of ladder and properly braced shall be provided near top of tank. Tanks above roofs shall be constructed according to the requirements of the Building Code and supporting structures shall be approved by the Buildings Superintendent. Tanks not enclosed and exposed to the weather shall be covered with a double roof of acceptable construction consisting of a tight flat cover of matched boards and above this a conical roof which shall be covered with an approved roofing. Where a gravity tank is located on a structure altogether independent of buildings the bottom shall not be less than 20 feet above the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof of the highest building in a group of buildings.
11. Pressure tank. Pressure tanks shall contain sufficient water to supply twelve and one-half percent (12 1/2%) of the number of sprinklers in the average protected fire area for twenty (20) minutes, but not less than 3,000 gallons of water for a wet pipe system where supplemented by an auxiliary water supply, and not less than 5,000 gallons of water for a dry-pipe system. No single tank shall have a capacity greater than 6,000 gallons of water. The tank shall be kept two-thirds (2/3) full of water under a pressure of seventy-five (75) pounds per square inch, and shall be so proportioned and located that a pressure of not less than fifteen (15) pounds per square inch will be available on the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof. A pressure tank or tanks shall not be located below the highest line of sprinklers under the main roof supplied by such tank or tanks and shall not be required to be located above the highest line of sprinklers in a penthouse having an area less than 2,500 square feet unless such penthouse contains a hazardous occupancy or is used for the storage of combustible materials. Where a split system is installed the bottom of the intermediate tank shall be located above the highest line of sprinklers fed from such tanks. The water shall be supplied through a fixed pipe, independent of the sprinkler piping, not less than two inches in size. The water supply and connections shall be capable of supplying the tank at a rate of not less than sixty-five (65) gallons per minute without reducing the pressure in the tank. The tank shall have a fixed metallic horizontal line on the end opposite the glass gauge, or other acceptable device, to indicate the level of the water when the tank is two-thirds full. The air compressor shall be of sufficient capacity to increase the air pressure at the average rate of one (1) pound in two minutes in each pressure tank.
12. Public water system. Direct connection to the city water supply shall be capable of furnishing water, at not less than fifteen (15) pounds per square inch static pressure at the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof.

   (1) Where the average pressure from the city water supply does not comply with this subdivision (l) but is sufficient to give at least five pounds at the highest line of sprinklers as determined by test, an automatic, electrically driven pump installed for the purpose of boosting or increasing the city water pressure in the sprinkler system may be accepted under the following conditions: Pump to be a single stage, centrifugal, of approved design, to be of not less than 500 gallons per minute capacity and to otherwise comply with 2 RCNY § 4-09(m).

   (2) Pump to be automatic, arranged to maintain 25 pounds at highest line of sprinklers at rated capacity and to be under the supervision and directly connected to the office of one of the fire alarm companies which is connected to Fire Department headquarters.

   (3) The acceptance of this form of an automatic water supply shall be limited to an individual building not exceeding 80 feet in height, requiring not more than 100 sprinklers in the largest fire area.

   (4) Subject to the requirements of the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection, the size of each connection shall be as large as that of the main riser and not less than four (4) inches, and shall have a post indicator manually operated control valve, painted green, sealed open in an approved manner, located on the first story or at the sidewalk level near point of main entrance to building, and be provided with a sign secured to post reading: sprinkler control to city main.

   (5) House service water supply connection may be taken from the sprinkler water supply connection to the city main on the inlet side of the fire meter, not exceeding 1 1/4 inches in diameter for a 4-inch connection, and 2 inches in diameter for a 6-inch or larger connection.

   (6) A certificate establishing the fact that water supply conditions and pressures are as may be required shall be submitted to the Fire Department from the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection.

13. Fire pump. As auxiliary sources of water supply, steam or electric standard fire pumps shall receive water supply from a suction tank, a direct connection to the city water main or other approved sources capable of supplying the pump at its rated capacity for sixty (60) minutes. The rated capacity of the pump shall be not less than five hundred (500) gallons per minute, and shall be sufficient to supply twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of sprinklers in the average protected fire area. The pump shall be located in a room of fireproof construction, properly ventilated, lighted and drained, enclosed in eight (8) inch brick or concrete walls with approved fire doors at openings and with fireproof floor and ceiling construction. If located in the lowest story of the building, the pump shall be placed on a foundation not less than one (1) foot in height. The pump room shall be readily accessible with safe egress for the attendant. A reliable source of energy for driving the pump shall be provided. For steam pumps, provision shall be made for sufficient steam power to operate the pumps at full rated capacity, and a steam pressure of not less than fifty (50) pounds shall be maintained at the pump at all times. Where there is more than one boiler, the pipes and valves shall be so arranged to permit the cutting out of any one boiler without interrupting the steam supply to the pump from the other boilers. The boiler room shall be cut off from the remainder of the building by fireproof floor and wall construction with approved fire doors at all openings. Electrical energy from a public service plant shall be acceptable as a source of energy for driving electric fire pumps. When local power plants supply the energy for operating electric pumps, two motor generator units shall be provided, or one generator unit supplemented by a public service break-down switch. Local electric power plants shall be located in rooms of fireproof construction with approved fire doors at openings.
14. Sprinkler discharge. For the purpose of computing the capacity of water supplies, standard one-half (1/2) inch sprinkler heads shall be assumed to have an average discharge of twenty (20) gallons per minute, and the discharge of larger heads shall be computed proportionately in the ratio of the areas of their respective orifices.
15. Fire area. A fire area is any floor space enclosed on all sides by exterior walls or fire walls or a combination of both. In a non-fireproof building with mill or non-fireproof floors and roof, such wall shall be not less than 8 in. in thickness if of brick or stone, and not less than 6 in. if of reinforced concrete, and extending continuously from the lowest story to at least 3 ft. above the roof and be coped. In a fireproof building such wall or walls shall be of fireproof material not less than 6 in. in thickness, and shall extend from the fireproof floor to ceiling, or underside of fireproof roof. No opening shall exceed 66 in. in width, or 60 square feet in area, the center of every opening in such walls shall be at least 40 ft. from the center of every other opening therein at the same level. All openings shall be provided with approved automatic fire doors on each side of openings. The number of sprinklers in the average protected fire area shall be determined by the number of sprinklered stories in such section. In determining the required capacity of water supplies, the number of sprinklers in the average protected fire area need not include those located in low positions, such as under benches, low shelves, closets and platforms and between cars in car barns.
16. Fire Department connection. All automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided with at least one two-way siamese connection on each street front of the building for connection to the fire department hose. Buildings fronting on only one street shall be provided with at least two siamese connections when the street frontage of building exceeds two hundred (200) feet. Where buildings have frontages on more than one street there shall be a fire department connection on each street front where frontage is not continuous but in all cases where more than one Fire Department connection is required they shall be located as the Fire Commissioner may direct and shall not be grouped. The siamese headers shall be of the same diameter as the largest riser or cross connection, but in no case less than 4 inches or more than 6 inches. All siamese hose connections hereinafter installed, except those on piers or warehouses intended for fire boat use, shall be three (3) inch, female connection. Siamese on piers, warehouses, etc., intended for fireboat use, except where the source of supply is from a direct connection to city main, shall be not less than 3 1/2-inch male connections with standard fire department threads. The siamese shall be placed at least eighteen (18) inches and not more than three (3) feet above the sidewalk, in a horizontal position accessible to the Fire Department. Each inlet shall be provided with a clapper valve machined to a true face. Each siamese connection shall be designated by raised letters at least one (1) inch in size, cast in the fitting in a clear and prominent manner and reading for the service designated, viz.: “Base. Spkr.,” etc., as the case may be. If the entire building is sprinklered, the fitting shall be marked “Auto. Spkr.” Siamese hose connections may project through a street wall not more than twelve (12) inches beyond the building line except that where there is an angle formed by the street wall and a check piece or the base of a column, pilaster or ornamental projection, they may be so located that no part extends more than fifteen (15) inches from either side of such angle in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code. In each Fire Department connection there shall be an approved straightway check valve installed in a horizontal position, the piping shall be arranged to drain between the check valve and the outside siamese coupling by either a ball drip having a one-half (1/2) inch pipe connection and one-half (1/2) inch orifice and a bronze ball of proper size, or by a three-quarter (3/4) inch drip connection arranged to drain to a sewer. All sprinkler siamese street risers, siamese wall collars and adjustable siamese caps shall be painted green.
17. Sprinkler systems classified.

   (1) One Source Systems, supplied with water from any one of the automatic sources or the automatic supervised fire pump specified in 2 RCNY § 4-09(l); and

   (2) Two Source Systems, supplied with water from a combination of any two of the automatic sources; two pressure tanks with a total water capacity twice that required for a one source supply; direct connection to the city water supply on two different streets, so located that the closing of the controlling valve on one main will not eliminate the main on the other street; or a direct connection to the city water supply and one of the auxiliary sources provided the water supply connection is at least six (6) inches in size, the main is fed both ways and a two (2) inch test pipe at the top of the sprinkler riser shows a flowing pressure of fifteen (15) pounds per square inch between the hours of six a.m. to six p.m.

18. Sprinkler spacing. Sprinkler heads and lines shall be spaced as herein provided: Mill construction. Under mill ceiling (smooth solid plank and timber construction, 5 to 12 foot bays) one line of sprinklers shall be placed in the center of each bay and the distance between the heads on each line shall not exceed the following:

   (1) For Standard one-half (1/2) inch heads – 8 feet in 12 foot bays; 9 feet in 11 foot bays; 10 feet in 10 foot bays; 11 feet in 9 foot bays; 12 feet in 5 to 8 foot bays;

   (2) For Conran* one (1) inch heads – 20 feet in 5 to 12 foot bays.

   (3) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads – 25 feet in 5 to 12 foot bays.

   (4) Vaults used for the storage of nitro-cellulose products and vaults used for the storage of flammable motion picture films shall have one standard one-half (1/2) inch head for each 62 1/2 cubic feet of available storage space, or one (1) inch Conran head for each 250 cubic feet of available storage space. Measurements shall be taken from center to center of timbers. Ceilings of modified mill construction having bays less than three (3) feet wide shall be treated as open joist construction and sprinkler heads and lines spaced accordingly. Bay timbers spaced three (3) feet or more on centers, but less than five (5) feet on centers, will require special ruling by the administrative official having jurisdiction.

19. Joisted construction. Under open finish joisted construction ceilings, floor, decks and roofs, the sprinkler lines shall be run at right angles to the joists and the heads “Staggered spaced” so that heads on one line will be opposite a point halfway between heads on adjacent lines.

   (1) One-half inch heads. For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads the distance between lines of sprinklers shall not exceed ten (10) feet, and the distance between heads on each line shall not exceed eight (8) feet, the end heads on alternate lines being spaced not more than two (2) feet from wall or partition. Permission may be given by the administrative official having jurisdiction to install but one line of sprinklers, in each bay where girders project below the underside of joists and divide the ceiling into bays ten (10) to eleven and one-half (11 1/2) feet wide from center to center of girders, and the heads shall then be spaced on each line so that the area covered by a single head does not exceed eighty (80) square feet. In all cases where such bays are over eleven and one-half (11 1/2) feet wide, two or more lines of sprinklers shall be installed in each bay as required by the rules for spacing. Where girders and joists are flush at the bottom, heads shall be spaced according to the general rule.

   (2) One inch heads. For Conran* one (1) inch heads the distance between adjacent lines shall not exceed twenty (20) feet and the distance between the heads on each line shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet, the end heads on alternate lines being spaced not more than four (4) feet from wall or partition. Where girders project below the underside of joists and divide the ceiling into bays not exceeding twenty (20) feet in width, measured from center to center of girders, one line shall be placed in the center of each bay. In bays exceeding twenty (20) feet in width at least two (2) lines shall be installed in each bay and in no case shall the distance between adjacent lines exceed twenty (20) feet.

   (3) One and one-quarter inch heads. For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads the distance between adjacent lines shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet and the distance between the head on each line shall not exceed twenty (20) feet, the end head on alternate lines being spaced not more than five (5) feet from wall or partition. Where girders project below the underside of joists and divide the ceiling into bays not exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in width, measured from center to center of girders, one line shall be placed in the center of each bay. In bays exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in width at least two (2) lines shall be installed in each bay, and in no case shall the distance between adjacent lines exceed twenty-five (25) feet.

20. Smooth finish, sheathed or plastered ceilings. Under smooth finish, sheathed or plastered ceilings, in bays six (6) feet wide and over (measurements to be taken from center to center of timber, girder or other projection or support forming the bay), sprinkler heads and lines shall be spaced as follows:

   (1) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads – One line of sprinklers shall be placed in the center of each bay for bays not exceeding twelve (12) feet in width, and the distance between the heads on each line shall not exceed the following: 8 feet in 12 foot bays; 9 feet in 11 foot bays; 10 feet in 6 to 10 foot bays. Bays in excess of twelve (12) feet in width and less than twenty-three (23) feet in width, shall contain at least two (2) lines of sprinklers; bays twenty-three (23) feet in width or over shall have the lines therein not over ten (10) feet apart. In bays in excess of twelve (12) feet in width, not more than one hundred (100) square feet of ceiling area shall be allotted to any single head.

   (2) For Conran one (1) inch heads – One line of sprinklers shall be placed in the center of each bay for bays not exceeding twenty (20) feet in width, and the distance between the heads on each line shall not exceed twenty (20) feet. Bays in excess of twenty (20) feet in width shall contain at least two (2) lines and in no case shall the distance between adjacent lines exceed twenty (20) feet.

   (3) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads – One line of sprinklers shall be placed in the center of each bay for bays not exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in width and the distance between the heads on each line shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet. Bays in excess of twenty-five (25) feet in width shall contain at least two (2) lines and in no case shall the distance between adjacent lines exceed twenty-five (25) feet.

21. Fireproof construction. The rules of slow-burning mill construction shall apply as far as practicable. The rule may be modified, however, the intent being to arrange the spacing of heads to protect the contents rather than the ceilings; but in no case shall the distance between a head on one line and a head on an adjacent line exceed the following:

   (1) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, 12 feet.

   (2) For Conran* one (1) inch heads, 20 feet.

   (3) For Conran* one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads, 25 feet.

22. Distance from walls. The distance from wall or partition to the first head on a sprinkler line shall not exceed one-half the allowable distance between the heads on such line. Additional heads may be required in the narrow pockets formed by bay timbers or beams and wall. Where beams, girders, columns, walls, partitions or other obstructions prevent the effective discharge of water, additional heads shall be installed to effectively sprinkle the area.
23. Vertical shafts. In vertical shafts having flammable sides, heads shall be provided within the shaft in addition to the head or heads at the top of shafts, as follows:

   (1) One standard one-half (1/2) inch head for each 200 square feet of flammable surface.

   (2) One Conran one (1) inch head for each 400 square feet of flammable surface.

   (3) One Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch head for each 500 square feet of flammable surface. Such head or heads shall be installed at each floor when practicable, and always when shaft is trapped. Where practicable, heads shall be “staggered” at the alternate floor levels, particularly when only one head is installed at each floor level.

24. Pitched roofs. Under a pitched roof sloping more steeply than one (1) foot in three (3) feet, heads shall be located in peak of roof, and those on either side of the peak shall be spaced according to the foregoing requirements. The distance between heads shall be measured on a line parallel with the roof. Where the roof meets the side wall or the floor line, the heads shall be placed not more than the following distance from such intersection:

   (1) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, 3 1/2 feet.

   (2) For Conran one (1) inch heads, 7 feet.

   (3) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads, 8 1/2 feet. Heads spaced not to exceed the following distance each way from the peak to roof, measured on a line parallel with the roof, may be used in lieu of heads located in peak of roof.

   (4) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, 2 1/2 feet.

   (5) For Conran one (1) inch heads, 5 feet.

   (6) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads, 6 1/4 feet. In sawtooth roof construction, the end heads on the branch line shall be spaced not to exceed the following distance from the peak of the sawtooth:

   (7) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, 2 1/2 feet.

   (8) For Conran one (1) inch heads, 5 feet.

   (9) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads, 6 1/4 feet.

25. Special locations and variations. In special locations, such as over electric generating, power and transforming apparatus, over their controlling devices and switch-boards, where water from the fire extinguishing equipment would be detrimental, the sprinkler lines and heads may be omitted at the discretion of the administrative official having jurisdiction, and when in his judgment a slight variation of this subdivision (y) of spacing is desirable to effect a more efficient distribution of water for fire extinguishing purposes, the sprinkler lines and heads shall be spaced as he may direct.
26. Sprinkler position. All sprinkler heads shall be located, wherever possible, in an upright position on top of the pipes, except that sprinkler heads on automatic wet pipe systems may be pendent on concealed piping and when construction or occupancy of a room or enclosure makes it preferable.

   (1) Where standard one-half (1/2) inch heads are installed sprinkler deflectors shall be parallel to ceilings, roofs or the incline of stairs, but when installed in the peak of a pitched roof they shall be horizontal. Distance of deflectors from ceilings of mill or other smooth construction, or bottom of joists of open joist construction, shall be not less than three (3) inches nor more than ten (10) inches. In fireproof buildings, the distance between deflectors and panel ceilings shall not exceed fifteen (15) inches.

   (2) Where Conran heads are installed, the top of head shall be located the same distance below joists or ceiling as specified for deflectors in paragraph (1) of this subdivision (2); except that when heads are located under pitched roofs of piers or similar structures, they shall in general be installed in the upright position (not normal to slope of roof) and three (3) feet vertically below the underside of roof. When the administrative official having jurisdiction deems a variation of this subdivision (z) advisable to obtain a more efficient distribution of water, the heads shall be located with respect to joists or ceiling, as he may direct.

(aa) Spray clearance. Not less than eighteen (18) inches effective clear space shall be left below the sprinkler heads, so that they may discharge an unbroken spray blanket from sprinkler to sprinkler and sides of room when in operation. Any stock piles, racks or other obstructions interfering with such action shall not be permitted. Sprinkler system piping shall not be used for the support of stock, clothing, etc.

(bb) Pipe sizes. The number of heads on a given size pipe in one fire area in any story shall not exceed the following:

   (1) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads.

Size of Pipe	Maximum No. of Heads Allowed
3/4 inch	1 head
1 inch	2 heads
1 1/4 inch	3 heads
1 1/2 inch	5 heads
2 inch	10 heads
2 1/2 inch	20 heads
3 inch	36 heads
3 1/2 inch	55 heads
4 inch	80 heads
5 inch	140 heads
6 inch	200 heads
7 inch	300 heads
8 inch	420 heads

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   (2) For Conran one (1) inch heads.

Size of Pipe	Maximum No. of Heads Allowed
1 inch	1 head
1 1/4 inch	2 heads
1 1/2 inch	3 heads
2 inch	4 heads
2 1/2 inch	6 heads
3 inch	9 heads
4 inch	18 heads
5 inch	34 heads
6 inch	51 heads
7 inch	75 heads
8 inch	105 heads

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   (3) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads.

Size of Pipe	Maximum No. of Heads Allowed
1 1/4 inch	1 head
1 1/2 inch	2 heads
2 inch	3 heads
2 1/2 inch	4 heads
3 inch	6 heads
4 inch	12 heads
5 inch	31 heads
6 inch	40 heads
7 inch	60 heads
8 inch	84 heads

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When it is desired to use pipe of larger size than eight (8) inches in diameter, special ruling will be required by the administrative official having jurisdiction as to the permissibility of its use and the number of heads that may be fed thereby. Where practicable, it is desirable to arrange the piping so that the number of heads on a branch line will not exceed eight. When the piping is arranged on the “gridiron” plan, the permissible number of heads may be doubled, provided the feed main is of the size indicated in the schedule for the total number of heads. Where feed mains supply branch lines of only two heads each, the conditions approach those of long single lines. Such feed mains shall usually be centrally supplied where there are over eight (8) or ten (10) branch lines. Branch lines up to fourteen (14) in number may be fed from end, provided a two and one-half (2 1/2) inch pipe does not supply more than sixteen (16) standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, in lieu of twenty (20). Buildings having slatted floors, or large unprotected floor openings without approved stops, shall be treated as one room with reference to the pipe sizes, and the feed main shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the number of heads called for. Larger pipe sizes than are allowed in the schedule for a given number of heads may be required wherever the construction or conditions introduce unusually long runs of feed mains or many angles. Buildings with blind attics with small, unprotected openings to floor below, may be piped from the system on the ceiling of floor below, provided pipe size schedule is not overloaded on sizes three (3) inches or under.

200. Feed mains. The size of feed mains shall not be less than the size of riser and shall be arranged to run as direct as possible from source of water supply to riser. Feed mains for stair or other towers without approved stops between floors, when piped on independent riser, shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the total number of sprinklers in such tower.

(dd) Risers. There shall be one or more separate risers in each building and in each section of the building divided by fire walls. Risers shall be arranged to provide “Center Central” or “Side Central” supply to feed main. Each riser shall be of sufficient size to supply all the heads on said riser in one story, according to the schedule of pipe sizes in 2 RCNY § 4-09(r). If the conditions warrant, special permission will be granted allowing the heads in a fire section of small area to be fed from the risers in another section, provided the total number of heads in such area does not exceed the following number per floor:

   (1) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads, 48.

   (2) For Conran one (1) inch heads, 12.

   (3) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads, 8. Risers shall not be located close to windows, properly protected from mechanical injury and freezing and shall be properly supported on foundations and by floor plates, clamps, couplings or approved hangers.

(ee) Connections prohibited. No connections, such as for sill cocks, house service or hose outlets, shall be made with a sprinkler system riser or any part thereof except as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-09(l).

(ff) Air lock adjustment. Where gravity and pressure tanks feed through a common discharge pipe or “dead riser” to the foot of a riser and an air lock is likely to develop the discharge pipe of the gravity tank shall connect with the discharge pipe, or “dead riser,” forty (40) feet below the bottom of the pressure tank.

(gg) Pipes and fittings. All pipe shall be full-weight standard wrought iron or steel threaded pipe, well reamed and screwed up tight into fittings without reducing the waterway. Fittings shall be standard cast iron fittings, and shall be long turn pattern on feed mains and risers. Such fittings shall be designed and guaranteed for a working pressure of 150 pounds per square inch and must be capable of withstanding a hydrostatic test pressure of 750 pounds per square inch without failure. All pipe shall be secured to the ceiling, walls and other parts of the building with standard steel, wrought or malleable iron hangers. Extra heavy fittings shall be employed where the normal pressure in the pipe system exceeds one hundred and fifty (150) pounds per square inch, and shall be designed for a working pressure of 250 pounds per square inch and be capable of withstanding a hydrostatic test pressure of 1,250 pounds per square inch without failure. All underground pipe shall comply with the specifications for cast iron pipe of the American Water Works Association.

(hh) Protection of pipes and sprinklers. When exposed to moisture, sprinkler pipes and hangers shall be protected against corrosion whenever found necessary by thoroughly cleaning the pipe of all scale and grease and painting with a coat of red lead and linseed oil paint or other acceptable moisture resistive paint. When exposed to chemical fumes, the pipe and fittings shall be coated with graphite or other approved chemical resistive paint. Care shall be taken not to paint the sprinkler heads. Supply pipes of risers in low basements or low spaces under ground floors exposed to frost, shall be properly protected by a masonry or wood enclosure, properly heated, or filled with mineral wool, sawdust or tax mixed with granulated cork, extending below bottom of pipe and through the top flooring of ground floor, or the pipe shall be protected with three alternate layers of one-inch hair felt and building paper or by other approved method. When of wood, such enclosure shall be constructed double with a layer of tar paper between the two thicknesses of wood. Where risers, drains, heating pipes, etc., pass through cinder concrete floors or partitions, they shall be protected with a metal sleeve or be grouted with cement mortar. Wherever sprinklers are exposed to corrosion, the heads shall be protected with an approved hermetically sealed cover, or with an approved wax coating.

2. Drainage. All sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be so installed that they can be thoroughly drained, and where practicable, all piping shall be arranged to drain at the main drips. Drains or drip pipes shall be so arranged as not to expose any part of the sprinkler system to frost, and shall be so connected, either by check valves or other means, that they will not overflow domestic service or other connections to the same sewer or house drain, or if carried through the wall and exposed to the weather, they shall be fitted with hoods or down-turned elbows. Drains, pitched not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch in ten (10) feet, shall be installed: At the base of the main riser; At each alarm valve; At each dry-pipe valve; At each gravity tank; At each pressure tank; At each fire department connection; On each floor, if independent floor control valves are used; and At each supply main, when the water in the same cannot be removed through any of the above drains. Such drains shall be installed with controlling valves so that flowing tests may be made to determine if the water supplies or connections from yard mains to the inside of the building are in order without causing water damage or overflowing service connections to the same house drain. Any such drain shall be not less than two (2) inches in size except that drains at independent floor valves shall be not less than 1 inch in size where floor valves are not over 2 1/2 inches in size and 1 1/4 inches where floor valves are larger and connected to a main drain riser of not less than 1 1/2 inches in size. The drain at the main riser shall discharge into a cone or sight drain, or if carried through the wall and exposed to the weather, it shall be fitted with a hood or down-turned elbow. At an alarm valve at the top of a riser in a down-fed system a drain shall not be required. On automatic wet pipe systems, the horizontal branch pipes shall be pitched not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch in ten (10) feet to drain towards the sources of supply with drip valves at the low points. On automatic dry-pipe systems, branch pipes shall be pitched at least one-half (1/2) inch in ten (10) feet.

(jj) Test pipe. In all wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems a test pipe of not less than 3/4 inch in diameter shall be connected directly with each system but shall be connected to a pipe of not less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter in upper story and arranged to discharge through a 1/2-inch brass outlet, preferably to a point where it can readily be seen. With long runs or many angles, size of test pipe should be increased to one (1) inch or larger. Controlling valve should be located at a sufficient distance from where the test pipe passes through the wall of the building so as to reduce to a minimum the chance of freezing of water in test pipe. In all dry-pipe automatic sprinkler systems a 3/4-inch inspector’s test pipe shall be installed at the end of the most distant branch line and fitted with a 3/4-inch shut-off valve stopped with a brass plug.

(kk) Pressure gauges. A four and one-half (4 1/2) inch double-spring Bourdon pressure gauge shall be provided in all automatic sprinkler systems as follows: Above dry-pipe valves; Below dry-pipe valves; At the pressure tank; At the air compressor; Above the alarm valve; Below the alarm valve; and In the connections from city water supply. Provision may be made for taking the pressure both above and below the alarm valve and the dry-pipe valve with only one gauge at each valve. A gauge shall not be required at an alarm valve located at the top of a riser in a down-fed system. Gauge connections shall be taken from the supply main or riser and not from the two-inch drain or test pipe. Gauges shall be installed in a suitable place protected from freezing and be controlled by a valve with arrangements for draining. A plugged outlet, not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch in size, shall be located between each valve and gauge for purpose of installing the inspector’s gauge.

(ll) Valves.

   (1) All valves two (2) inches in diameter and under shall be of brass or bronze, or other approved non-corrodible material. Valves over two (2) inches in diameter shall be of brass, or bronze or iron body, brass mounted, or of other approved non-corrodible material. All sidewalk siamese inlet valves, caps and chains shall be of galvanized cast iron or other approved non-corrodible material. All gate valves shall be solid or double wedge disc, stuffing box pattern with hand wheel, outside screw and yoke, or other approved indicator pattern. All check valves shall be approved straightway regrinding pattern, so built that the clappers may be readily removed for repairs.

   (2) Water supply gate valves. The piping connecting each source of water supply with sprinkler system shall be provided with a gate valve of the outside screw and yoke type, sealed open and tagged to designate its purpose, so located as to control each source of water supply except that from Fire Department hose connections. All such gate valves shall be located within the building where easily visible and readily accessible and as close as possible to the supply inlet.

   (3) Water supply check valves. The piping connecting each source of water supply with the sprinkler system, including Fire Department connections, shall be provided with a check valve. On two-source systems, check valves shall have a gate valve on each side to permit repair of check without shutting off both supplies, except that where the two sources of supply consist of tanks located above the highest line of sprinklers, a gate valve need only be provided on the downstream side of each check valve .

   (4) Control valves. All automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided with a main control or shut-off valve arranged to be readily accessible as near the stairways or fire tower as possible and sealed in the open position; except that when the sprinkler system is fed from water supplies on the roof of the building, independent and readily accessible floor control valves, sealed in the open position, may be installed. When not more than ten (10) standard one-half (1/2) inch sprinkler heads or three (3) Conran heads in any automatic wet pipe system are exposed to cold and subject to freezing shut-off valves may be provided to discontinue the places which cannot be properly heated, shall be controlled by an automatic dry-pipe valve.

   (5) Dry-pipe valves. A dry-pipe valve shall be taken to mean a valve automatically controlling the water supply of the sprinkler system in such a manner that under normal conditions its piping system beyond the valve is maintained dry, but in the event of fire, the valve automatically releases the water into the sprinkler system, for fire extinguishing purposes. Dry-pipe valves shall, for the purpose of these rules, be classified as follows: Type A, in which the valve is actuated by the release of compressed air in the sprinkler piping system, due to the opening of a sprinkler head; and Type B, in which the valve is actuated by an approved trip under electric control of an approved automatic thermostatic fire alarm system. Dry-pipe valves shall be located as near as practicable to the sprinkler system in an enclosed and accessible place protected from mechanical injury and freezing. Automatic wet-pipe sprinkler systems in which only twenty-five percent (25%) of the heads are required to be maintained dry for protection from freezing, shall have only such heads under dry-pipe valve control.

      (i) When “Type A” valve is installed, the air pressure in sprinkler systems under such dry-pipe valve control shall not exceed forty (40) pounds per square inch, nor be permitted to fall below twenty-five (25) pounds per square inch, nor shall it be less than one-sixth (1/6) of the water pressure in any case. The air compressor shall have a capacity of not less than eleven (11) cubic feet per minute and the air supply for the pump shall be taken, if possible, from a room containing dry air, or it shall be passed through a drying chamber containing calcium chloride, in order to avoid the introduction of moisture into the system. The air pressure on such dry-pipe systems shall be maintained throughout the year. Not more than the following number of heads shall be controlled by one “Type A” dry-pipe valve:

      (ii) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads…..400

      (iii) For Conran one (1) inch heads…..100

      (iv) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads…..64

   Where equipped with an approved quick-opening device the following number of heads may be controlled by one “Type A” dry-pipe valve:

      (v) For Conran one (1) inch heads…..150

      (vii) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads…..96

      (viii) When “Type B” valve is installed the actuating alarm system shall be designed to operate at a temperature lower than that required to open the sprinkler heads, and all connections between the alarm system and the dry-pipe valve shall be adequately protected against injury of any kind. When required by the administrative official having jurisdiction, the dead end of every feed main in such dry-pipe system shall be provided with an air relief valve or vent, so constructed as to be normally open in order to permit the free escape of air from the system, but to close automatically against the escape of water. Not more than the following number of heads shall be controlled by one “Type B” dry-pipe valve:

      (ix) For standard one-half (1/2) inch heads…..600

      (x) For Conran one (1) inch heads…..150

      (xi) For Conran one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inch heads…..96

   (6) Alarm valve. All automatic wet pipe sprinkler systems shall be equipped with an alarm valve so constructed that a flow of water through a one-half (1/2) inch orifice will operate an electric or mechanical gong. When an electrically operated alarm is installed in connection with an alarm valve or dry pipe valve, the installation shall be made in conformity with the provision of 2 RCNY § 4-09(mm).

2000. High and low water. Electric Alarm on Gravity and Pressure Tanks. All gravity tanks shall be equipped with a device to indicate when the water falls below or rises above the normal level in the tank, with an indicator and alarm located in the engineers’ room near the pump. All gravity and pressure tanks shall be equipped with a high and low alarm as hereinafter specified. The high and low gravity and the high and low pressure electric alarm shall be so constructed and arranged that when the water falls below or rises above the normal level in the gravity tank, and when the pressure falls below or rises above the predetermined level in the pressure tank, an audible and visible signal will be given in either the pump room or engineer’s room. The audible signaling device for high and low water and high and low pressure electric alarm shall consist of a vibrating gong of at least 3 inches in diameter of the enclosed type and arranged for conduit installation, the same to be operated automatically from an approved device indicating the level of water in the gravity tank and from the pressure gauge of pressure tank. The audible signaling device for the alarm and dry pipe valves shall consist of an enclosed type 6-inch vibrating gong arranged for conduit installation. A closed circuit annunciator shall be provided in connection with the alarm system. The high and low toll-tale electric connections shall be so constructed that it will not be affected by moisture and the parts shall be heavy and rugged. The float shall be of approved type. All wiring shall be installed in iron or steel conduits and the installation shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances. Only approved closed circuit systems shall be installed. Control panels to operate the signaling equipment must be approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals. The control cabinet shall be located in the engineer’s or pump room where it will be under the supervision of the person in charge of the sprinkler system. The following sources of energy may be employed and are given in their order of preference:

   (1) Public utility electric light and power systems.

   (2) Electric light or power system (public utility or isolated plant) supplemented by storage battery either controlled by an automatic throw-over device or floating on the line and protected by a reverse current circuit breaker.

   (3) Storage batteries in duplicate.

   (4) Primary batteries of the closed circuit type. When the system is connected to the 110 volt lighting service a suitable cut-out is to be provided and it shall be enclosed in a locked or sealed metal cabinet. The connection to the system shall be the first connection on the house side of and as near as practicable to the meter. When batteries are used to operate the system they shall be placed in an approved cabinet provided with a lock and key.

(nn) Heating of tanks. The water in all sprinkler tanks subject to freezing shall be protected by internally heating the water or enclosing the tank in a frost-proof house properly heated and lighted.

(oo) Concealed pipe systems. All pipe in concealed pipe systems shall be of standard full-weight wrought iron or steel, painted with two coats of protective paint, one before and one after installation. Such pipe as shall be installed in ducts or be encased in cement mortar shall be inspected prior to concealment. When installed in the concealed space between floor arches and ceiling, such pipe shall be supported by hangers and all pipe, fittings and hangers be protected with two coats of paint.

(pp) Preparation of building. Floor or wall openings and other structural defects which prevent the banking up of heated air and retard the automatic action of sprinkler heads shall be provided with the necessary curtain boards and draft stops to permit specific control of the fire by the local sprinklers. Curtain boards shall project at least three (3) inches below the lowest sprinkler.

(qq) Approval of sprinkler system. Before acceptance all automatic sprinkler systems, excluding the water supply tanks, shall be subjected after installation to a hydrostatic pressure test of at least one (1) hour’s duration at not less than fifty (50) pounds per square inch in excess of that which will be normally carried and observed in the sprinkler system, such test pressure, however, to be not less than one hundred and fifty (150) pounds per square inch in any part of the system. All pressure tanks shall be tested after erection to a test pressure of one and one-half (1 1/2) times the working pressure. To prevent the possibility of serious water damage in case of a break, the pressure shall be maintained by a small pump, the main controlling gate being meanwhile kept shut. Brine or other corrosive chemicals shall not be used for testing systems. In automatic dry-pipe systems with “Type A” valve control, an air pressure of forty (40) pounds per square inch shall be pumped up, be held for twenty-four (24) hours, and all leaks stopped which allow a loss of pressure of over two (2) pounds per square inch for the twenty-four (24) hours. In the case of automatic dry-pipe systems with differential “Type A” valve, the valve shall be held off its seat during the test to prevent injuring the valve. Non-automatic systems shall be tested after installation at not less than fifty (50) pounds per square inch in excess of the pressure necessary to reach the highest line of sprinklers. All tests of installed systems shall be made by the contractor in the presence of the Fire Commissioner, or his authorized representative. No piping, devices nor any portion of a newly constructed sprinkler system shall be covered up or permanently concealed until tested by the Bureau of Fire Prevention and approved of in writing, except piping passing through floors, walls, partitions or beams for distances equal to the thickness of such floors, walls, partitions or beams.

(rr) Types of buildings.

   (1) Non-fireproof business buildings. Automatic sprinklers required in non-fireproof business buildings under the provisions of Chapter 5, Article 4, Section 72, Subdivision L, Code of Ordinances, shall consist of at least a One Automatic Source System, except buildings used as freight depots, car barns, stables, garages, factories and grain elevators which sprinkler systems shall be supplied by any two of the automatic sources or one of the automatic sources and a fire pump as described in 2 RCNY § 4-09(l) and (m).

   (2) Department stores. Wet sprinkler systems shall be required in all department stores and where the floor area on any story or cellar exceeds 20,000 square feet, the system shall be supplied by two of the automatic sources as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-09(q).

   (3) Factories and other buildings. Where the Labor Law or the Code of Ordinances require automatic sprinkler systems, or where any of the requirements of the Labor Law or Code of Ordinances are waived because of the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, such sprinkler systems, unless specifically otherwise required by the Fire Commissioner, Code of Ordinances, Labor Law, or these rules, shall have at least the following sources of supply installed in accordance with these rules:

      (i) A gravity tank and siamese, or

      (ii) A pressure tank and siamese, or

      (iii) A direct 6 inch connection to the City water supply fed two ways, capable of furnishing water at not less than 15 pounds per square inch static – pressure at the highest line of sprinklers below the main roof, and the required siamese.

   (4) Theatre buildings. Automatic sprinklers required in theatre buildings under the provisions of Chapter 5, Article 25, Section 524, Code of Ordinances, shall consist of at least a One Automatic Source Automatic System.

   (5) Firework storage. Automatic sprinklers required in buildings in which fireworks are stored or sold under the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 6, Section 92, Code of Ordinances, shall consist of either of the two automatic sources as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-09(q).

   (6) Nitro-cellulose products. Automatic sprinklers as required in buildings in which nitro-cellulose products are stored under the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 19, Section 232, Code of Ordinances, shall consist of a system supplied from both approved gravity tank supply and an approved pressure tank supply, except that no change shall be required in supplies to automatic sprinkler equipments previously approved by the Fire Commissioner as two source systems, in conformity with the provisions of this paragraph (6) as in force up to December 1, 1921. In buildings wherein are stored or handled only limited quantities of nitro-cellulose products, not exceeding 500 pounds, the automatic sprinklers may consist of either of the two automatic sources as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-09(q).

   (7) Flammable motion-picture films. Automatic sprinklers, required in buildings in which flammable motion-picture films are stored under the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 20, Section 241, Code of Ordinances, shall consist of a system supplied from both an approved gravity tank supply and an approved pressure tank supply except that no change shall be required in supplies to automatic sprinkler equipments previously approved by the Fire Commissioner as two source systems in conformity with the provisions of this paragraph (7) as in force up to December 1, 1921.

   (8) Sprinkler protection for special hazards in non-sprinklered buildings not provided for by laws or ordinances or in these rules. Sprinkler heads and piping may be provided on ceiling of enclosed rooms, closets, shafts, or other spaces which are used as carpenter shops, upholstering rooms, paint shops, waste paper rooms, old record storerooms, trunk and general storage rooms in hotels, offices or other buildings, and in stores and showrooms or where nitro-cellulose products or flammable photographic or X-ray film is stored or used, or in ice boxes of cold storage plants. The number and type of sprinkler heads, spacing and size of pipe, location and number of valves, method of draining lines, water flow or other alarms, shall be as required by the Fire Commissioner to properly protect the special hazard. The source of water supply where required may be taken from the house supply tank or other sources of water supply, except that no connection shall be taken from the standpipe system or from the feed line to boilers. In all cases there shall be sufficient water to provide 20 gallons of water per head for 30 minutes and, further, that the pressure on any sprinkler line shall, where practicable, be not less than 15 pounds static pressure.

(ss) Existing installations and approvals. Automatic sprinkler systems and devices heretofore installed shall not be required to conform to these rules where the fire hazard due to construction and occupancy of the building is not increased or where substantial additions or extensions in height or area is made to the building when these rules shall apply if deemed advisable or necessary by the Fire Commissioner.

(tt) Communicating openings. When a building fully equipped with sprinklers communicates with another not so equipped the openings must be protected by approved fire doors on both sides of the wall, one of which must be automatic.

(uu) [Repealed.]

§ 4-10 Fire Extinguishing Appliances – Standpipe and Fireline.

(a) Plans. A preliminary set of paper plans and cross section drawn clearly and distinctly to a scale of 1/4-inch or by permission of the Fire Commissioner 1/8-inch to the foot, for each proposed standpipe (fireline) installation or alteration, shall be submitted to and approved by the Fire Commissioner before the work in connection with the installation is started. Such plans shall show the size and location of the standpipe (fireline) risers, size and location of siamese and cross-connections, valves, tanks and connections, pumps, hose stations, lengths of hose, etc., and the location of stairways and enclosing partitions in relation to the standpipe risers and hose stations. Upon approval of preliminary plans such number of sets of clean, corrected plans on cloth as the Fire Commissioner may require, not exceeding three (3) shall be filed for final approval by the Fire Commissioner. A certified copy of approved plans shall be forwarded to the Department of Buildings by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Such application and specification forms as may be prescribed by the Fire Commissioner shall accompany preliminary plans. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout the building or in any portion of the building, the plans shall include a note to this effect.

2. Approval. Before acceptance all standpipe (firelines) shall be tested for at least one-half hour in the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Fire Prevention to a pressure of at least 300 pounds per square inch at the street level, or such additional pressures as may be required to give 100 pounds at the highest hose outlet, except that when a change is made in a source of supply, or minor changes are made in an existing equipment previously approved, the system be tested to a pressure sufficient to give 50 lbs. per sq. in. at the highest story hose outlet. No valves, risers, or other material portions of any standpipe (fireline) equipment shall be covered in or permanently concealed until tested and approved, in writing, by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Modified standpipe equipment installed as per General Resolution, Cal. 179-20-S of the Board of Standards and Appeals shall not be required to stand a pressure test in excess of 100 pounds per square inch. When entirely completed in accordance with the approved plans, and as per test herein provided for, application shall be made to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for inspection of the completed installation. When the standpipe equipment is approved, the applicant will be so advised in writing by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. When deemed necessary by the Fire Commissioner, diagrams of the standpipe fireline equipment in buildings of large area or height, not more than three in number and printed on cloth in size 8 1/2 in. × 11 in., shall be filed by the applicant for the use of the fire companies in the district in which the premises are located.
3. [Repealed.]
4. Approved devices. All devices approved for use in standpipe fireline equipment shall bear the manufacturer’s name and the date of and the number of the approval. Certified copies of the approval, working drawings and photographs of the device approved, shall be submitted to the administrative authority having jurisdiction for preservation as records and reference data.
5. [Repealed.]
6. Area of building. For the application of Chapter 5 of § 581 of the Code of Ordinances, and of Cal. 179-20-S of the Board of Standards and Appeals, the area of the building shall be taken as the area within the exterior walls or the area between fire walls constructed as, and with areas protected as, per § 371 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances, provided that fire walls extend throughout the entire height of the building, and provided further that the combined areas of the floor areas on either side of the wall do not exceed 15,000 sq. ft. and that no area on either side of fire wall exceeds 10,000 sq. ft.
7. Height. The term “height” as applied to a building or structure, means the vertical distance measured in a straight line from the curb level, to the highest point of the roof beams in the case of flat roofs, and to the average height of gable in case of roofs having a pitch of more than 20 degrees with a horizontal plane.
8. Standpipe equipment. Standpipe equipment shall consist of a system of piping connected to one or more approved sources of water supply and provided with sufficient number of hose outlets and hose located as hereinafter set forth, to make possible the covering of every portion of each floor area with a standpipe hose stream, except that where the 1st story or basement or both are occupied as stores without connection or communication with the entrance hall or stair enclosure to upper stories the Fire Commissioner may permit the omission of standpipe protection in such stores and, if so omitted, may prescribe such portable protection as he may deem necessary. Cellars, sub-cellars, basements, etc., shall be protected in the same manner as the stories above grade. Every standpipe (fireline) equipment shall be a Standard Wet System, except as hereinafter provided for:

   (1) In any building not exceeding 40 feet in height and 20,000 sq. ft. in area, a four-inch street supply system having one four (4) inch direct connection to a street main fed two ways or having one 4-in. direct connection to each of the two street mains on two street fronts, each main so fed that the shutting off of one main will not interfere with the supply of the other main, may be installed, provided there is sufficient pressure in the street main or mains to maintain a minimum of twenty-five (25) pounds per square inch static pressure at the highest hose outlet. Evidence establishing the fact that water main conditions and pressures are as required shall be submitted to the Fire Department.

   (2) In buildings as specified in General Resolution, Cal. 179-20-S, of the Board of Standards and Appeals, in which modified systems shall be accepted.

   (3) The installation of a pressure tank system, instead of a Standard Wet System, may be permitted by the Fire Commissioner when, in his opinion, the efficiency of the system will be not less than that of a Standard Wet System.

      (i) Classification of standpipe fireline equipment. For the purpose of these rules standpipe equipment shall be classified as:

   (1) Standard Wet System in which the pipes are of sizes as specified in § 581 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances, and in which the system is at all times filled with water from at least one standard source of supply.

   (2) Four-inch street connection system, in which the pipes are of sizes as specified in § 581 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances and the system is at all times filled with water from one or more 4-in. diameter direct connections to public water mains in the street.

   (3) Automatic dry systems, in which the pipes are of sizes as specified in § 581 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances, and are normally dry, the system being connected to a source of water supply controlled by an automatic dry pipe valve as defined elsewhere in these rules.

   (4) Modified systems, in which the piping is 2 1/2 inches in diameter and supplied from a street main through a tap of at least 2 in. in diameter, as per General Resolution 179-20-S of the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   (5) Pressure tank system, which will be similar to a standard wet system except that primary supply of water shall be obtained from a pressure tank as defined elsewhere in these rules.

10. Tanks above roof. Construction shall be as per § 581 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances and tank structure and supports shall be approved by the Buildings Superintendent. The covers of all unenclosed standpipe tanks shall be conical in shape and protected with a type of roofing approved by the Buildings Superintendent.
11. Reserve for standpipe. Gravity tanks, intermediate tanks and pressure tanks shall contain not less than 3,500 gallons of water at all times, reserved solely for standpipe firelines purposes. When a gravity tank is to be used for both standpipe and house supply, the connection for the latter shall be made through the side of the tank above the level of the required standpipe reserve. Standpipe and sprinkler supplies may not be taken from one tank. Mercantile or Industrial Buildings in Group under the same ownership and operation: One gravity tank of sufficient water capacity to supply the largest unit of a group of separate and distinct buildings operating under one ownership, and located at such elevation that the bottom of the tank will be at least 20 feet above the roof of the highest building of the group, will be accepted as an adequate tank supply for the entire standpipe equipment, provided a dead riser is carried down from the bottom of the tank to an underground header system having a Post Indicator control valve for each building unit, the P.I. Valves to be located as the Fire Commissioner may direct. All underground piping shall be extra heavy cast iron. When in his opinion, the area covered is excessive or the occupancy is such that an unusual fire hazard is introduced, the Fire Commissioner may require additional protection in the nature of additional tank or tanks located remote from any other standpipe tank, or additional water supply in the main gravity tank, or a fire pump and suction tank of size and capacity to be determined by the Fire Commissioner or the Board of Standards and Appeals, or a combination of any of the foregoing supplies.
12. Standard source of supply. Gravity tank located so that the bottom of same will be not less than 20 feet above the roof level and of a capacity as stated elsewhere in these rules and direct connected to the standpipe equipment by pipes of the same diameter as that of the largest riser. Tanks may not be fed through the standpipe fireline, but shall be fed through a separate line at least 2 inches in diameter, discharging into the top of the tank above the overflow level through the side or through the bottom, that portion of the pipe within the tank to be of brass or bronze. An electric or steam pump of sufficient capacity to deliver 65 gallons of water per minute at the tank shall be provided, or if the pressure in the service line is sufficient and the plumbing is such that a minimum of 65 gallons of water per minute may be delivered to the tank, connection to the house water service main in the basement, cellar or lowest story may be used instead of pump. The sprinkler and standpipe tanks may be fed from a common source of supply, either a pump or a direct service main connection, when a ball (float) valve is provided for each tank. Floats shall be of copper.

   Overflow. An overflow of diameter at least as large as that of the fill line shall be provided for each standpipe tank. It may be run through the bottom of the tank, provided it is of brass or bronze and has no joint inside of the tank, otherwise it must be brought through the side of the tank, 3 inches below the top (of sides). Overflows shall terminate in a 90 degree elbow not more than 24 inches above the roof.

   Emergency drain. There shall be provided for each tank an emergency drain not less than 4 inches in diameter connected directly to the bottom of the tank or to the standpipe supply line above the roof, and terminating not less than 30 inches nor more than 4 feet above the roof in a horizontal run. Emergency drain shall be provided with a 4-inch quick opening gate valve located in a readily accessible position not more than 4 feet above the roof.

   Elevation of tank. The bottom of each gravity tank used for standpipe fireline supply shall be at least 20 feet above the level of the roof. When the area of a penthouse exceeds 50% of the roof area or when it exceeds an area of 2,500 sq. ft., the bottom of the tank shall be required to be not less than 20 ft. above the level of the penthouse roof. In existing standpipe equipment the bottom of the gravity standpipe tank shall not be required to be more than 20 feet above the outlet in the highest story.

   Access to tank. Access to the top of each standpipe tank shall be provided by means of an iron gooseneck ladder of substantial construction and rigid bracing.

13. High and low alarm and flow tell tale. Every tank used for standpipe fireline purposes shall be provided with either an electric high and low water alarm as defined elsewhere in these rules or with a flow tell tale constructed as provided for elsewhere in these rules, in order that it may be determined at any time whether or not the required standpipe reserve is in the tank, except that where the house water supply is taken from the same tank as the standpipe supply and not from any other tank, neither a high and low alarm or a flow tell tale need be provided when an automatic tank filling pump is installed.
14. Check valve. There shall be provided in a horizontal run of pipe below the main roof in the line connecting the standpipe tank with the standpipe riser an approved type swing check valve opening toward riser, except that where a siamese steamer connection has been omitted under these rules, no check valve shall be required. An O. S. & Y. gate valve shall be provided on each side of the check valve and shall be sealed open in an approved manner.
15. Heating of tanks. All tanks used for standpipe supply purposes shall be heated by means of steam supplied through a brass coil with brass fittings and of a type and radiating surface as prescribed by the Board of Standards and Appeals. The heater shall be fed through a 1 1/4-inch steam line with a 1-inch return, separately trapped. The water in the tank shall be maintained at a temperature above 40 F., which condition, if obtained by a variation of the arrangement of coil as may be specified by the Board of Standards and Appeals, will be acceptable. Tanks supplying both standpipe and house service lines in hotels, hospitals and institutes using the tank supply seven days a week shall not require heating. If in an adequately heated enclosure, interior heating of tanks shall not be required.
16. Suction tanks. Suction tanks shall be of at least 5,000 gallons effective water capacity reserved for fire pump use exclusively and shall be constructed of steel or reinforced concrete, located in the cellar, or in the basement or lowest story if there is no cellar under the building. The Fire Commissioner may permit suction tanks to be located in a separate enclosure or building provided they are accessible and in his judgment such location will be more practicable. Suction tanks shall be fed by a connection at least 3 inches in diameter taken direct from the public street main. The supply shall enter the suction tank above the top or through the side near the top of the tank and shall be controlled by a bronze ball cock and copper float.
17. Pressure tanks. Pressure tanks shall contain the quantities of water as specified for gravity tanks, but in no case may a tank have a capacity in excess of 9,000 gallons. Pressure tanks shall be located in the top story or penthouse and shall be properly protected against freezing. The tank shall be kept two-thirds full of water under a pressure of 30 lbs. per square inch and shall be so located and proportioned that a pressure of not less than 15 lbs. per square inch will be available at the hose outlet in the highest story. The air compressor shall be of sufficient capacity to increase the air pressure at an average of one pound in two minutes in each pressure tank. The connection to riser or risers, the emergency drain and the means of access to tank shall be as required for gravity tank in 2 RCNY § 4-10(l). Pressure and water level gauges shall be required. The means of supplying water shall be as required for gravity tanks except that filling must be done without reducing the pressure in the tank.
18. Support for tanks. Tanks of more than 500 gallons capacity hereafter placed in or on any building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete or steel construction of sufficient strength and carried to a proper foundation as provided for in § 428 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances.
19. Intermediate tanks. The location of intermediate tanks shall be as directed by the Fire Commissioner and as prescribed elsewhere in these rules and each such tank shall have at least 3,500 gallons of water reserved exclusively for fire line purposes. The bottom of each tank shall be at least 20 feet above the floor level of the story next above the highest outlet supplied therefrom. The method of water supply to tanks, the overflow, the high and low water alarm, the emergency drain, etc., shall be as prescribed for tanks above the roof except that the overflow and emergency drain shall be direct connected to the drainage system of the building. The connection of the tank to the system shall be as hereinafter set forth: Piping of the same diameter as the riser shall connect the tank with the riser of the portion of equipment supplied from that tank and in this connecting line in a horizontal run there shall be placed an approved swing check valve opening downward, and two O. S. & Y. gate valves one at each side of the check valve. Each tank section shall be direct connected to the tank section above by means of piping of the same diameter as that of the largest riser and in this connecting line shall be provided an approved swing check valve opening upward, in order that water pumped into the siamese connection may enter the entire equipment of the building, and that each tank will supply only its portion of the system.
20. Valves. All valves controlling standpipe water supply except valves at hose outlets shall be iron body brass mounted. Outside Stem & Yoke gate type.
21. Piping. Materials of Construction: All new piping for standpipe firelines shall be of genuine full weight wrought iron or steel and properly tested by the manufacturer to 500 lbs. per square inch hydrostatic pressure. All pipes shall be lap welded. Where working pressures are in excess of 150 lbs. to the square inch extra heavy cast iron valves and fittings shall be used. The standard weight fittings and valves may be used where the pressure is not more than 150 lbs. per sq. inch. Fittings in horizontal runs shall have long turns. All underground piping shall be of extra heavy cast iron.
22. Construction. Each standpipe fireline riser shall be supported at the bottom and in every other (alternate) story, and shall be properly braced. Horizontal lines shall be supported by heavy wrought iron hangers attached by straps or bars extending around and over floor beams at intervals of not more than 10 ft., and at more frequent intervals if deemed necessary by the Fire Commissioner and shall be securely braced to withstand vibration. Hangers may be supported by straps or bars extending over and around bars of at least 1 in. in diameter and 12 in. in length embedded in concrete floors parallel to and at least 2 in. from the undersurface or by approved malleable iron concrete inserts. The arrangement of lines must be straight and as direct as practicable. Offsets will be permitted only when unavoidable or where necessary to install horizontal check valves. Where standpipe lines are adjacent to or in close proximity to other pipes of 4 in. or larger diameter, the standpipe firelines shall be coated with red paint. Except where flange fittings and pipes are permitted elsewhere in this rule, all joints shall be screwed joints made up thoroughly water tight with red lead, litharge and glycerin, or compressed graphite lead and boiled linseed oil, or any joint compound that may be approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals. In horizontal runs of piping of standpipe fireline systems, if larger than 4 in. in diameter, fittings and valves may be of the flange type, provided flange races are machined true and smooth and do not show rings, and sand holes or other imperfections. All joints must be either ground or provided with corrugated copper gaskets. All standpipe (fireline) equipments must be installed in a workmanlike manner.
23. Protection of risers. Standpipe risers when not located within stair enclosure shall be protected against interior fire damage by means of at least one inch asbestos covering, or a covering of expanded metal lath and three-quarters inch Portland cement plaster or by a 2 in. terra cotta block encasement. Standpipe lines shall be properly protected from freezing.
24. Number of risers. Where standpipe fireline equipment is required there shall be at least one riser for each 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area in any story, basement or cellar. Each building fronting on more than one street shall have at least one riser for each street front. For the application of this subdivision (x) a corner building shall not be considered as facing on more than one street when it is on but one corner. In all cases regardless of area or location there shall be a sufficient number of risers, so that any portion of each floor area may be covered by the stream from a standpipe hose not exceeding 100 ft. in length, except in the case of hotels where portions of floor area most remote from the stairway are more than 100 ft. distant therefrom, when hose shall not be more than 125 ft. in length. Each standpipe riser must be located within a stair enclosure and one riser must be located in main stairway. Where impracticable to locate a riser within the stair enclosure, the Fire Commissioner may permit it located immediately adjacent to a stair enclosure. Not more than 10 feet will be allowed for the throw of hose stream, except where the static pressure at the hose outlet is 15 lbs. or more, when 20 ft. will be allowed. When there are two or more risers in a standpipe (fire line) equipment, all risers shall be cross-connected by piping of a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the largest riser, but in no case shall the cross-connection be less than five inches.
25. Fire pumps. Where required: In every building exceeding 280 ft. in height, an electric or steam pump shall be kept in readiness for immediate use by the Fire Department during all hours of the night and day, including Sundays and holidays.
26. Arrangement, location and supply of fire pumps. Fire pumps where required due to building height in excess of 280 ft., shall be connected to the standpipe systems and have a capacity of 750 gallons of water per minute at a pressure of 50 lbs. to the sq. inch at the hose outlet in the highest story. Fire pumps shall draw from steel or reinforced concrete suction tanks of at least 5,000 gallons water capacity. For the purpose of testing fire pumps a 4 in. diameter branch shall be taken from the discharge line at the pump side of the check valve and run to the suction tank over the side or through the side above the overflow level. From this branch there shall be taken a 4 in. line with an approved type pressure relief valve, extending to the tank in a manner similar to that of the 4 in. test line. In the 4 in. test line between the 4 in. relief branch and the tank there shall be placed an O. S. & Y. gate valve, which shall be kept closed except during a test of the fire pump. In the line from the fire pump to the standpipe risers and beyond the test branch there shall be placed an approved type check valve in a horizontal position and also an O. S. & Y. gate valve, the latter to be open except when the fire pump is undergoing test. A pressure gauge shall be provided and connected to the discharge line of the pump. In all standpipe equipment where the height of the building and the layout of the standpipe installation are such as to require a pressure exceeding 275 lbs. to the square inch to obtain at the highest story outlet a pressure of 50 lbs. per sq. inch, the Fire Commissioner shall prescribe such pump or additional pumps, and the location, supply, etc., of same, as he may deem necessary. The piping connecting discharge from the fire pumps shall be 4 in. in diameter in the case of systems with 4 in. risers and 6 in. in diameter where risers exceed 4 in. in diameter, and shall enter the standpipe system in the basement, or cellar, or if there is no basement or cellar, in the lowest story. All bearings of electric controls must be of rustless materials and springs must be of phosphor bronze or must be completely encased in filled oil cups.

(aa) Siamese connections for fire department use. Each standpipe system shall be provided with one or more approved type 3 inch × 3 inch inlet siamese connections for use by the Fire Department as hereinafter set forth. When a building faces on but one street and has a frontage of less than 250 ft. and requires but one four (4) inch diameter standpipe riser one siamese connection shall be provided; where the street frontage exceeds 200 ft. in length and requires but two four (4) inch diameter standpipe risers one siamese connection shall be provided for each 200 ft. of street frontage or fraction thereof. Buildings exceeding 250 ft. in height shall have not less than two siamese steam connections for each riser and buildings not more than 250 ft. in height shall have at least one siamese connection for each 6 inch riser. Buildings having frontages on more than one street shall have a siamese connection on each street front when the frontage is not continuous but in all cases where more than one siamese connection is required they shall be properly distributed as the Fire Commissioner may direct and not grouped. Any building, other than theatre with stage, not over 45 feet in height shall not be required to have a siamese connection except when such building is on a water front or when it is one of a group of buildings and has a cross-connection to the standpipe equipment in one or more of the other buildings. Each siamese connection placed on the street front of a building shall be located not less than 18 ins. and not more than 24 ins. above the sidewalk level and shall be set in a horizontal position and shall be readily accessible for Fire Department use. Each siamese shall have cast in the body on top in letters at least 1 in. in length and not less than 1/8 in. in depth, the word “standpipe.” The piping connecting the siamese with the standpipe equipment proper shall be not less than 5 in. in diameter where there are two or more 4 in. risers and not less than 6 in. in diameter for risers of 6 and 8 in. diameter. When there is but one 4 in. riser, connection from siamese may be 4 in. In each line between the siamese connection and the standpipe system there shall be placed an approved type swing check valve and between the siamese and its check valve there shall be placed either a 1/2-in. open drip without valve or cock, extended to a sink or sump, insuring visible flow, or there shall be provided a 3/4-in. automatic ball drip of an approved type which will close under a pressure of not more than 7 lbs. per sq. inch.

(bb) Siamese connections for fire boat use. Siamese connection on piers or warehouses, etc., intended for fire boat use exclusively shall be 3 1/2 in. × 3 1/2 in. at inlets with Fire Department female thread. Between siamese and the system proper there shall be an approved type swing check valve, and between the check valve and the siamese either a 1/2-in. open drip without valve or cock, or a 3/4-in. automatic ball drip of approved type closing under a pressure of not more than 7 lbs. per sq. inch. Where systems have both fire boat and steamer siamese the steamer (land) siamese shall have male connections and shall be without clappers, but shall have on each inlet a 3 in. gate valve with Fire Department male thread for hose connection. Check valve shall not be provided for the land end siamese.

200. Hose outlets. When practicable all hose outlets shall be placed within a stair enclosure. They shall be 2 1/2 in. in diameter, set not less than 5 ft. nor more than 6 ft. above the floor or landing as the case may be. Outlets and racks shall be located above the floor or landing and shall not be over a run of stairs or in a stair well. When impracticable to place hose outlets within the stair enclosure, the Fire Commissioner may permit them to be located immediately adjacent to a stair enclosure, in a conspicuous place, in which case there shall be painted upon the stair side of the wall of the stair enclosure a conspicuous sign in letters not less than 8 in. in height and 5 in. in width indicating the location of the outlet. Where there is but one riser its termination above roof shall be a 2 1/2 in. outlet hose valve and where there is more than one riser the termination of every second riser shall be a 2 1/2 in. outlet hose valve. Roof outlets shall be located not less than 18 ins. nor more than 24 ins. above the roof and each valve shall be provided with a regulation 2 1/2 in. Fire Department cap. Where roof outlets cannot be located within a heated stair enclosure, the control valve shall be located below the roof and shall have a long stem extending above the roof with a wheel handle at the upper end. Between the long stem valve and the roof outlet there shall be a 1/2 in. open drip extending to a sink or a 3/4 in. automatic ball drip of approved type. The outlet above the roof shall have standard 2 1/2 in. Fire Department thread and a regulation cap. No branch line may be less than 4 in. in diameter, except that any branch from a riser or cross-connection to but one hose outlet may be 2 1/2 in. if not over four (4) feet in length, and may be 3 in. in diameter if not more than twenty-five (25) feet in length. In buildings not exceeding 40 ft. in height hose outlets above roof shall not be required. Each outlet other than roof outlet shall have attached thereto 2 1/2 in. unlined linen hose of lengths as stated elsewhere in these rules, except that in buildings or premises that do not contain occupancies storing, handling or using flammable motion picture films or nitro cellulose products, and which are not classified as hazardous, the Fire Commissioner may permit the installation of 1 1/2 in. unlined linen hose attached to each outlet by means of an approved type 2 1/2 in. × 1 1/2 in. coupling. A spanner wrench shall be provided at each hose outlet valve.

(dd) Nozzles. All 2 1/2 in. fire hose shall be provided with approved smooth bore nozzles 15 in. in length, the outlet at the tip to be not less than 1 in. nor more than 1 1/8 in. in diameter. All 1 1/2 in. fire hose shall be provided with approved smooth bore nozzles 12 ins. in length, the outlet at the tip to be not less than 1/2 in. nor more than 5/8 in. in diameter.

(ee) Hose. Hose shall be unlined linen. There may not be more than 100 ft. of hose at any outlet except in hotels, where 125 ft. of hose may be permitted at the discretion of the Fire Commissioner. No single section of hose may be more than 50 ft. in length except by special permission of the Fire Commissioner. The minimum length of hose that may be provided at any outlet shall be 25 ft. All hose used in connection with the standpipe fireline system shall be at least equal in material and construction to the type of hose bearing the approval label of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.

(ff) Couplings. Hose couplings for standpipe shall be equal to hose couplings of the regular Fire Department pattern and thread.

(gg) Racks. All standpipe hose shall be suspended from racks of stamped steel, malleable iron or other metal equal thereto, of approved swing type, so designed and constructed that they will permit of ready and easy release of hose for use. The racks shall be supported securely and substantially from standpipe risers or wall, except that where a cast nipple of non-corrosive material is screwed into the hose outlet valve the rack may be suspended from said nipple. The minimum thickness of nipple to be 5/16 in. In no case will automatic racks be permitted. Racks shall be not more than 6 feet above the floor.

(hh) Hose cabinets. Hose racks may be installed in cabinets, provided the cabinets are conspicuously located within a stair enclosure, and are of a size sufficient to accommodate the entire equipment and permit of easy handling of hose and operation of valve. In theatres cabinets may be permitted outside of stair enclosures, provided they are conspicuous, and that during performances the cabinets are illuminated by means of an electric lamp placed inside. Each cabinet shall have a clear glass door (one panel only) without lock and shall have the words “Fire Hose” painted on the glass in letters not less than 2 1/2 inches in height.

2. Regulation and reduction of pressures. The maximum pressure which will be permitted at any outlet is 80 lbs. per sq. inch. In buildings exceeding 300 ft. in height, one intermediate standpipe supply tank shall be provided for each 300 ft. of height or fraction thereof except that where the fraction does not exceed 50 ft. an additional intermediate tank need not be provided. Where pressure regulating or pressure reducing valves or outlet reducers are required, they shall be of a type approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals. Pressure regulating valves shall be set to deliver at 50 lbs. to the sq. inch at the outlet side and shall be placed in a by-pass around the check valve in the standpipe riser, so located that the pressure at any outlet will not exceed 80 lbs. per sq. inch. The setting of pressure reducing valve shall be 60 lbs. to the sq. inch at the outlet side and it shall be located in a manner similar to that of the pressure regulating valve. Outlet pressure reducers shall be set as prescribed by the Fire Commissioner on 2 1/2-inch approved type hose outlet valves. Where pressure regulating or pressure reducing valves are placed in a by-pass of the riser there shall be provided in the standpipe riser within the limits of the by-pass, an approved type swing check valve opening upward.

(jj) Buildings in course of erection. In buildings in course of erection standpipe firelines shall be carried up with each story after the structure reaches the 7th story or a height of 85 ft. and there shall be provided an outside siamese steamer connection in a proper and accessible place, and regulation hose outlets on each story above the 2nd shall be provided as the work progresses. The top of each riser shall be securely capped at all times during the progress of the work except when work on the standpipe fireline is in progress at that point.

(kk) Places covering large areas. Yards or plants shall have one yard hydrant and hose for each 20,000 sq. ft. of area, but in no case shall there be more than 250 ft. distance between hydrants. Plants exceeding 40,000 sq. ft. in area shall be provided with a fire pump of not less than 1,000 gallons per minute capacity, suctioning from a tank or sump of at least 30,000 gallons capacity. The Fire Commissioner may permit suction from a river or well if in his opinion the required quantity of reasonably clean water may be obtained thereby, except that where river suction is proposed and standpipe primary water supply is taken from street main, approval of the proposition shall be obtained also from the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection. In addition to yard hydrants, the Fire Commissioner may require one Monitor nozzle with remote control for each 40,000 sq. ft. of area or fraction thereof when in his opinion an unusual hazard exists or will exist. Monitor nozzles shall be located as ordered by the Fire Commissioner. Provision for steamer connections, fireboat connections, pressure reliefs and general layout of plant standpipe systems shall be made by the Fire Commissioner as his judgment may dictate for each individual case. Fire extinguishing equipment in addition to the foregoing shall be prescribed by the Fire Commissioner for all oil storage plants, oil refineries, fire work plants and other plants when deemed by the Fire Commissioner as presenting unusual fire hazards.

(ll) Theatres, etc. In every theatre or opera house or other building used for theatrical or operatic purpose or amusement purposes as per § 520 of Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances, the standpipe fireline equipments in addition to the tank shall also be supplied by approved electric pump or pumps having a capacity of at least 250 gals. per minute at 100 lbs. per square inch in buildings without occupancy above the roof and at 125 lbs. per square inch pressure in buildings having any occupancy above the auditorium roof. Power for pumps shall be supplied by 25 H. P. electric motors. Pumps shall be by-passed to suction tanks as provided for elsewhere in these rules under fire pumps. Pumps shall suction from steel or reinforced concrete tanks of not less than 5,000 gallons water capacity. Pumps shall deliver initial supply of water and shall be connected to an approved electric device which upon a reduction of pressure below the allowable minimum will automatically start the pump and upon a restoration of the required pressure will automatically shut off the pump. The automatic starting device shall be set to cut in at 60 lbs. pressure and to cut out at 80 lbs. pressure. In addition to the automatic starting device there shall be provided a hand starter for emergency use and there shall also be provided on the panel board a pressure gauge.

2000. Street main connections. Subject to the requirements of Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection, the size of each standpipe connection to a street main shall be not less than 4 in. in diameter and shall have a conveniently accessible control valve in the line at or near the curb or when practicable in a more remote location. The control valve shall be fitted with a frost and waterproof box not less than 4 ft. nor more than 6 ft. below the curb with a fixed stem extending to a compartment at the level of the sidewalk. The cover shall be bolted to the casing, and shall be so marked as to be quickly located and to indicate the purpose of the valve. The valve shall be of an indicating pattern, operating by a special socket wrench approved by the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection. The water meters used in standpipe fireline supplies shall be of a type allowing free flow of water and bearing the approval of the Board of Standards and Appeals and the Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection, or a type of fire line meter which has been previously specifically approved by the Fire Commissioner for use in connection with fire extinguishing equipment. Supply through the meter shall be checked against the Fire Department Siamese Supply and against tank supply. Where 2 1/2 in. standpipe equipment are permitted, the piping from the 2 in. tap to the meter shall be not less than 2 in. in diameter and a meter not less than 2 in. in size shall be provided. All piping beyond the meter and all fittings, valves, check valves, etc., shall be not less than 2 1/2 in. in diameter. Where, due to the presence of a vault under the sidewalk and extending to within 18 in. of the curb, it is impracticable to install a control valve box at the curb, there shall be placed in the feed line from the main a control valve located not more than two feet from the point of entry.

(nn) High and low water to electric alarm. The high and low water electric alarm shall be so constructed and arranged that a lowering of or decrease in the quantity of water in the standpipe tank below the required fire line reserve shall cause an alarm to be given in either the pump room or engineers room. An annunciator shall be provided in connection with the alarm system. The high and low tell-tale electric connection shall be so constructed that it will not be affected by moisture and the parts shall be heavy and rugged. The float shall be of copper. The audible signaling device for high and low water electric alarm shall consist of a vibrating gong of at least 6 in. diameter of the enclosed type and arranged for conduit installation, the same to be operated automatically by the gravity tank float switch. The control cabinet shall be arranged for conduit installation and shall be located in the engineer’s room or pump room where it will be under the supervision of the person in charge of the standpipe supply. All wiring shall be installed in rigid conduits and the installation shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances. Only approved closed circuit systems shall be installed. Control panels must be approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals. The following sources of energy may be employed and are given in their order of preference:

   (1) Public utility electric light and power systems.

   (2) Electric light or power system (public utility or isolated plant), supplemented by storage battery either controlled by an automatic throw-over device or floating on the line and protected by a reverse current circuit breaker.

   (3) Storage batteries in duplicate.

   (4) Primary batteries of closed circuit type. When the system is connected to the 110 volt lighting service a suitable cut-out is to be provided and it shall be enclosed in a locked or sealed metal cabinet. The connection to system shall be the first connection on the house side of and as near as practicable to the meter. When batteries are used to operate the system they shall be placed in an approved cabinet provided with a lock and key.

(oo) Dry pipe valve. A dry pipe valve shall be taken to mean a valve automatically controlling the water supply of the standpipe system in such a manner that under normal conditions its piping system will be maintained dry, but in the event of a hose valve being opened, the dry pipe valve automatically releases the water into the standpipe system. In refrigerating plants or in unheated buildings, piers or warehouses where wet lines might be impracticable, the Fire Commissioner may permit the installation of dry pipe valves. Type A, in which the valve is actuated by the release of compressed air in the standpipe system due to the opening of a hose valve; and Type B, in which the valve is actuated by an approved trip under electrical control of an approved non-coded or coded closed circuit system operated from the control station at each hose outlet. Dry pipe valve shall be located as near as practicable to the standpipe system, in an enclosed place, protected from mechanical injury and freezing. When Type A valve is installed the air pressure in the standpipe system under such dry pipe valve control shall not exceed 40 lbs. per sq. in. nor be permitted to fall below 25 lbs. per sq. in. nor shall it be less than one-sixth of the water pressure in any case. Not more than 16 hose outlets shall be supplied through one dry pipe valve. The air compressor shall have a capacity of not less than 11 cu. ft. per minute, and the air supply for the pump shall be taken, if possible from a room containing dry air, or it shall pass through a drying chamber containing calcium chloride in order to avoid the introduction of moisture into the system. An alarm shall be provided in connection with each dry pipe valve installation; the electrical layout shall be approved by the Fire Commissioner.

(pp) Flow tell-tale. A flow tell-tale may be accepted in lieu of an electrical high and low water alarm for tanks in cases where the house supply is taken from the same tank as the standpipe fire line supply. A flow tell-tale shall consist of a 3/4 in. pipe brought through the side of the standpipe supply tank at a level above the 3,500 gallon fire line reserve, and said pipe shall be extended to either the pump room or engineer’s room and shall terminate in a brass or bronze valve directly above a sink or sump. The control valve shall bear a conspicuous sign reading: “Standpipe Tank Tell-Tale.”

(qq) Monitor nozzle. Monitor nozzles shall be so constructed and designed that they may be moved in both vertical and horizontal arcs, and shall be so located that streams may be brought to bear on all portions of the plant or building within the effective radius of stream play and such other exposing properties as may be within this radius. They shall be supplied from connections to the standpipe system not less than 4 in. in diameter.

(rr) Existing standpipes. Standpipe fire line equipment which were approved by the Fire Commissioner as conforming to the rules and regulations then being enforced, shall not be required to be altered to conform to the provisions of these rules, except where substantial additions or extension in height or area is made to the building, when these rules shall apply if deemed advisable or necessary by the Fire Commissioner.

(ss) Hose outlet valve. Hose outlet valve shall be 2 1/2 in. designed and constructed in accordance with specifications printed elsewhere in these rules.

(tt) Outlet valves.

   (1) Valves shall have a clear waterway of at least 5 sq. in. in area.

   (2) They shall show not more than 10 lbs. fiction loss for a flow of 300 gallons per minute.

   (3) They shall close tightly against 300 lbs. pressure under normal working conditions.

   (4) They shall stand a pressure test of 500 lbs. per sq. in. for 30 minutes and not distort.

   (5) They shall stand the operation of full opening and closing 500 times under 150 lbs. pressure without leaking at stuffing box or seat.

   (6) They shall not be of cast or malleable iron.

   (7) Each valve shall bear the maker’s name, and the date or number of the approval of valve.

   (8) Straight run globe valves shall not be permitted.

(uu) Siamese connections. Fire Department siamese connection shall be as hereinafter stated in this subdivision.

   (1) The body of the siamese may be of cast iron, cast steel, brass or any other suitable metals of sufficient strength to comply with 2 RCNY § 4-10(uu)(8). All movable parts, clappers, swivels and all bolts, washers, nuts, screws and pin bearings and all swivel bearings shall be of a non-corrodable metal.

   (2) Clapper valve seats shall be made of non-corrodable metal and shall be machined to insure a tight seat for clapper valves.

   (3) Each inlet to siamese shall be provided with a clapper valve machined to a true face. Single clapper siamese connections shall not be permitted.

   (4) The inside diameter of valve seats shall not be less than the inside diameter of the hose couplings. The area of the waterway beyond the valve seats shall not be less than the combined areas of the waterways through the two valve seats. The area of the waterway of each inlet shall not be reduced by the clapper when in a position of maximum opening.

   (5) Clappers must be so hung that when siamese connection is placed in a horizontal position the clappers will be seated.

   (6) Swivels, attached to the body of the siamese by means of a collar expanded cold or screwed into the body of the siamese, or with other bearing surface extending entirely around the opening and exerting uniform shear, will be approved if giving a strength sufficient to meet paragraph (8) below.

   (7) Clapper valves must be of such design and area that a pressure of 100 lbs. per sq. in. on the standpipe side will not prevent their opening when the pressure on the steamer side is 150 lbs. They must be so hung that with a discontinuance of flow into the siamese through that inlet the valve will close, and that it will not close where there is an inward flow and the pressure on the inlet is 5 lbs. or more greater than the standpipe pressure.

   (8) Siamese connections must stand a pressure test of 500 lbs. for 30 minutes and not distort.

   (9) Clapper valves shall be reasonably tight for any pressure on standpipe side up to 300 lbs.

   (10) Approved caps or plugs must be provided to protect the threads of the inlets.

   (11) The inlet swivels to siamese connection shall be provided with threads to fit the Fire Department hose.

   (12) The work “standpipe” shall be cast into the top of the body of the siamese in 1 in. letters not less than 1/8 of an in. in depth.

   (13) Where there is a fire boat siamese connection in the same system with a land end siamese connection, clapper valves shall be omitted from the land end siamese.

§ 4-11 Factory Built Fireplaces – Obtaining Outdoor Combustion Air.

Each factory built fireplace shall be equipped with a means of providing it with outdoor air adequate to supply as much combustion air as is mandated by the capacity of the fireplace.

§ 4-12 Application and Protection of Sprayed-on Fireproofing.

(a) Definitions.

   Sprayed-on fireproofing materials.

   (1) Type I – Cementitious material with aggregate.

   (2) Type II – Intumescent Mastic with fillers drying to a hard finish.

   (3) Type III – Mineral fibers with inorganic binders.

2. All sprayed-on-fireproofing of any type heretofore or hereafter approved by the Board shall, in addition to being installed in accordance with its specific approval, be further governed by the following requirements:
3. Surfaces to receive sprayed-on-fireproofing shall be cleaned of dirt, grease, oil, loose paint, and any extraneous materials immediately prior to the application of fireproofing.
4. When used to fireproof columns, all types shall be permanently jacketed or otherwise protected from abrasion or displacement for the full height of the exposed column, but such protection need not extend more than 9’-0” above floor level.
5. When used to fireproof beams and/or floor or roof construction, and when the lower flange of the beam or the bottom plane of the floor construction is less than 9’-0” clear to the floor below, Types I and III shall be permanently protected either by a suspended ceiling, or by other means such as mesh screening so as to prevent damage to or displacement of the fireproofing.
6. The material used for the protection of sprayed-on-fireproofing shall be adequate for its purpose as approved by the Department of Buildings.
7. Type III finished fireproofing shall be tamped to a uniform thickness which shall be not less than that approved for the required fire resistive rating.
8. Types I and II finished fireproofing shall be of a uniform thickness which shall be not less than that approved for the required fire resistive rating.
9. The general contractor and the owner shall provide qualified personnel to supervise the application of the sprayed-on-fireproofing. They shall certify to the Department of Buildings that the finished fireproofing of the completed building is in full compliance with the requirements of the approval granted, these rules and the drawings approved by the Department of Buildings.

§ 4-13 Construction and Installation of Gas Shut-Off Valves.

(a) General.

   (1) Gas shut-off valves and accessory appliances shall include valves approved as such by the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C., by the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Ill., by the Associated Factory Mutual Laboratories of Boston, or other recognized standard laboratory; and all valves shall be approved and meet the test prescribed by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   (2) Gas shut-off valves shall be installed only by corporations, firms or individuals who shall furnish evidence of their qualifications under the Code of Ordinances, to the Fire Commissioner or the Tenement House Commissioner in their respective jurisdictions.

   (3) Such corporations, firms, or individuals shall maintain a service station which shall be in direct communication with the Fire Department by telephone or telegraph. Location of service station and means of communication shall be on file with the Fire Commissioner in order that the Fire Department may insure immediate service when the gas is turned off by the members of the Fire Department or from any other cause. The Fire Department shall have exclusive use of gas shut-off valves to be operated in the event of fire or other emergencies.

   (4) All gas shut-off valves to be installed must be made of the best quality of standard materials.

2. Protection of valves.

   (1) The gas shut-off control shall be protected by a suitable, approved metal box placed on the exterior of the building, which shall be connected, through a rigid metal conduit, by a cable, with the valve body placed on the gas intake where the gas pipe enters the building, and as near as practicable to the inside face of the wall, before reaching the meters. The lock for securing box on outside wall of building shall be operative only by a Fire Department inner box key by members of the Fire Department.

   (2) All valve bodies shall be made of brass or bronze. If a spring is used to actuate a valve in conjunction with the fusible link, it shall be of the best quality phosphor bronze.

   (3) The internal mechanism which acts to shut off the gas shall be securely connected with the external mechanism by a direct mechanical connection, made gas tight, where it passes through the valve body, by a stuffing box filled with soft, well-lubricated packing, in accordance with recognized standard practice.

3. Installation.

   (1) The valve shall be so installed as to be conspicuously displayed and readily inspected and reset by authorized persons. Valves shall be located so that condensation will not accumulate in the valves; and shall be installed so that gas will flow through the valve in direction indicated on it.

   (2) Valves shall be secured in piping by threaded connections or companion flanges. Combustible packing or sheet lead shall not be used between flanges.

   (3) The gas main at both ends of the valve must be rigid and secure to withstand the pull from the control handle. Additional non-combustible brackets or hangers must be provided, if necessary, to secure and maintain rigid installation.

   (4) The valve shall be enclosed in a substantial, perforated metal case, conspicuously exposed, painted red, protected by standard lock acceptable to the Bureau of Fire Prevention and shall indicate the name, telephone number and address of installer, to insure prompt service to property owner.

   (5) Casing of the valve on gas intake shall be kept locked to protect valve from interference and make it accessible only to authorized persons. Perforations, to allow circulation of air around fusible link, shall be provided and so arranged as to prevent tampering with valve when casing is locked.

4. Control box.

   (1) The control handle for the manual closing of the valve shall be in a locked metal control box having a cast iron cover conspicuously labeled with raised letters, painted red.

   (2) On the outside of the cover or the inside of the control box, in raised or stamped letters, or on a securely fastened metal plate, shall be displayed concise operating directions, together with the name, initials or registered trademark of the manufacturer.

   (3) The control box must be placed as nearly vertically above the point where the gas main enters the premises as is practicable, when this does not involve excessive length of cable and extra turns, and at a height above the sidewalk or grade, of not less than two (2) feet and not more than five (5) feet. Without special permission, the control box shall not be placed or mounted on basement window frames, or directly above basement windows or other openings, nor shall it be located behind doors or other obstructions which would prevent the Fire Department from having easy access to it.

   (4) Control boxes must be securely and permanently fastened. Whenever possible, they shall be fastened to a non-combustible wall, pillar or column. They shall be secured by not less than two 3/16 inch bolts or the equivalent. Unless the building is so constructed that the control box must unavoidably be secured to a wooden part, the use of wood screws is not permitted for supporting countersunk control boxes; lag bolts shall be used. When the walls are of masonry or concrete, through bolts, expansion bolts or toggle bolts shall be used. All fastenings must be arranged so that they cannot be loosened except from inside opening of the control box.

   (5) Control boxes may be set or recessed into the wall to a depth not greater than the depth of the box so that cover is flush with the face of the wall. Control boxes may be mounted directly on the surface of the wall.

   (6) The control box shall be located on the outside of the building wall, facing the street, whenever possible. When the control box is installed on an alley face of a building, or in a similar place where the control box is subject to injury from passing vehicles, etc., the control box must be thoroughly protected. This may be done by having the control box recessed, marked by waterproof red paint ring and waterproof white paint ring on the wall, or, when such protection is not available, protected by heavy iron channels or angles secured to the wall by through bolts, expansion bolts, or toggle bolts.

5. Control handles. Control handles shall be of standard construction, arranged to fit the control boxes so that they may be locked without difficulty, and cable connections shall be securely made in an approved manner, according to the design of the handle.
6. Cable.

   (1) The connection between the valve and control handle shall be as direct as practicable, and shall consist of a single piece of standard phosphor bronze cable not less than 3/32 inch in diameter. No splices in the cable shall be permitted.

   (2) It is essential that cable connections to valve and handle be securely made according to the design in each case. The cable may be slightly annealed for making ends, and when cutting the cable, it should be taped and cut through the tape, or a small amount of solder applied where it is to be cut, so as to prevent frayed end.

7. Conduit.

   (1) The control cable for the shut-off valve shall be run in galvanized wrought iron or steel pipe or other standard and approved conduit not less than 1/2 inch in pipe size. The pipe or conduit line must be water-tight and continuous from the casing enclosing the operating mechanism of the valve to the control box on outside of building. The cable shall not be exposed at any point in its length.

   (2) All ends of pipe or conduit, not only at valve and control box terminals, but in the run of the piping, shall be carefully reamed so as to remove burrs and fins caused by cutting-off tools, which would interfere with the movement of the cable in the run, or cut, or wear the cable. Unions should not be employed in making joints.

   (3) Pipe or conduit must be rigidly and permanently secured in position. Pipe straps and hangers of standard forms may be employed for this purpose. In every case supports must be provided at points sufficiently numerous to prevent sagging. Pipe straps (if used) must be of metal of sufficient thickness to insure a permanent fastening and must be thoroughly coated to prevent corrosion.

8. Bends and offsets.

   (1) Bends of small radius or through much of an arc, introduce possibilities of binding of the cable or of an appreciable friction resisting the pull of the cable: therefore, approved roller fittings shall be required wherever the pipe or conduit is bent to a radius of less than 4 inches, or wherever the bend is through an arc exceeding 15 degrees except as outlined for offsets.

   (2) When connections to control boxes are made from below it is frequently necessary to make an offset in the conduit to avoid a water table or other part of a building wall. One offset of not more than 2 inches will be permitted for each installation at such points. The bends in the pipe forming the offsets must be carefully made to avoid cracking the enamel or galvanized coating or the flattening or cracking of the pipe or conduit. The amount of offset shall not exceed 2 inches and the length of the offset shall not be less than five times the amount of the offset. For example, a 2-inch offset must be at least 10 inches long. Single offsets only shall be permitted. Double offsets are not acceptable.

1. Roller fittings. For turns in the conduit greater than those mentioned above, approved roller fittings shall be used. No roller fittings turning more than 90 degrees from a straight line shall be used.

10. Automatic control. The fusible link which controls actuation of the valve in the event of direct heat, shall melt at not less than 225 degrees F. and shall be so arranged as to in no way interfere with the manual means of shutting off the gas which is controlled by the handle in box placed on the face of the building. Only approved fusible links shall be used. Automatic control shall in no way depend upon electric current for its operation.
11. Production tests at factory. Valves must be tight under the following tests:

   (1) Valves shall be mounted in the position in which they are designed to operate. Normal city gas pressure or equivalent air pressure shall be applied to the inlet side and the valve shall completely shut off the gas or air when closed as in normal operation.

   (2) To determine whether the valve shuts off tightly under this test, a tube shall be connected with the outlet side of the valve and the outer end of the tube shall be immersed in water to a depth not exceeding one (1) inch, indicating leakage by bubbles rising through the water from the end of this tube.

   (3) Valves, after this test, shall be capable of shutting off ten (10) pounds air pressure applied to the inlet side; to determine whether the valve is tight, the test procedure shall be as indicated in the preceding test.

   (4) Valve bodies shall be strong enough to withstand, without leakage, one hundred (100) pounds pressure applied from either end with the other end closed. In this test the entire valve, including the stuffing box, shall be completely immersed in water, so that leakage will be indicated by bubbles rising through the water.

   (5) The fusible link connections of each valve shall be carefully tested to avoid prematurely operating the gas shut-off valve through vibration or concussion. The construction of the fusible link connections shall be so designed and made that the automatic feature will not operate through vibration or concussion.

   (6) The entire process of manufacture of the valves shall be subject to inspection and review and each valve shall be tested at the factory by a recognized laboratory or agency with facilities for making the test prescribed by the Board of Standards and Appeals, and each valve must bear satisfactory evidence that it has been so tested.

   (7) Manufacturers of gas shut-off valves must submit the name or names of said laboratories or agencies to the Fire Commissioner or the Tenement House Department Commissioner, in their respective jurisdictions, with satisfactory evidence of their ability and facilities to properly carry out said tests.

   (8) Valves and operating mechanism shall be so designed and constructed that they will withstand deteriorating effects or corrosion, as evidenced by operating tests.

12. Installation and inspection tests.

   (1) After shut-off valve is installed, it shall be set and operated to determine that proper closure is secured by operating the control handle. Particular care should be taken to observe that when operating the control handle, no part of the cable or of its attachment to the valve interferes in any way with the positive closure of the valve.

   (2) After the above test, all gas outlets in the building must be inspected to insure their being closed before the valve shall be set and the gas turned on. Valve and connections shall also be tested for leaks by applying a solution of soap and water to all parts, including connections to gas piping.

   (3) After the valve has been used to shut off gas, it shall be reset only by authorized corporations, firms or individuals, or by members of the Fire Department.

   (4) Operating and installation corporations, firms or individuals responsible for the installation of the gas shut-off valves shall permanently maintain properly equipped service stations in each of the boroughs where they install valves.

13. Inspection. Gas shut-off valves and installations shall be inspected at least once a year by members of the Fire Department or the Tenement House Department, in their respective jurisdictions, or by corporations, firms or individuals authorized to install gas shut-off valves, as determined by the Fire Commissioner or the Tenement House Department Commissioner, in their respective jurisdictions.

§ 4-14 Installation and Use of Oil Burning Equipment and the Storage of Oils Used in Connection Therewith.

(a) Scope.

   (1) No person shall install oil-burning, or oil storage equipment for use within the City of New York except as provided in these rules.

   (2) These rules shall not apply to gas companies storing or using oil in the manufacture of illuminating gas for public use.

2. Definitions. For the purpose of these rules the following terms shall be interpreted in accordance with these definitions:

   Approved. “Approved” shall mean devices hereafter approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals and also, when required by the Board of Standards and Appeals, approved, listed as standard, and/or labeled by any nationally recognized standard testing laboratory not operated for commercial profit, provided all such devices are installed in accordance with these rules. Such approval is subject to suspension or revocation for non-compliance with these rules. All devices approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals prior to the adoption of these rules shall be accepted.

   Automatic pump. “Automatic pump” is a pump not an integral part of the burner, which automatically pumps oil from the supply tank and delivers the oil by gravity under a constant head to an oil burning appliance. The pump is designed to stop pumping automatically in case of total breakage of the oil supply line between the pump and the appliance.

   Burner. “Burner” shall mean a device designed for the purpose of burning oil.

   Certificate of operation. A “certificate of operation” as provided for in § B26-58.0 of the Administrative Code, shall mean the operating certificate or certificate of operation issued when required by the Bureau of Air Resources upon completion of the installation of new or remodeled or reconstructed oil burning equipment.

   Commercial installations. “Commercial installations” shall mean oil burner installations in buildings, other than dwellings when used for heating and/or generation of power for use on premises.

   Controls. “Controls” shall mean such electrical or mechanical devices as are installed for the purpose of providing safe and continuous or intermittent operation.

   Discharge line. “Discharge line” shall mean that portion of the line between the discharge outlet of the pump and the burner oil inlet connection.

   Domestic installations. “Domestic installations” shall mean oil burner installations installed in dwellings as defined in these rules.

   Dwellings. “Dwellings” shall mean buildings used exclusively for dwelling purposes and occupied by one or two families, including convents, rectories, and monasteries.

   Electrically grounded. “Electrically grounded” for protection against lightning shall mean storage tanks set directly in or on the ground and/or with underground piping connections. Where storage tanks without underground piping connections are built on bases above the surface of the earth outside of buildings, such storage tanks shall be grounded at two (2) points 180° (degrees) apart as follows:

      (i) The conductor from tank to ground connection shall be of copper not smaller than No. 6 (.162”) A.W.G. wire, or pipe not less than one-half inch (1/2”) in diameter.

      (ii) One end of conductor shall be permanently and electrically bonded to tank. The other end shall be bonded to a ground connection consisting of a water pipe or a rod, pipe or plate having a surface area of not less than one hundred and ninety (190) square inches, buried in moist earth not less than two feet (2’) below the surface of the earth.

   Fill pipe. “Fill pipe” shall mean that portion of the line between the fill pipe terminal and the fill pipe connection in the storage tank.

   Fire retarding materials.

      (i) One half (1/2) inch plaster boards or asbestos boards, or three-eighths (3/8) inch gypsum wall boards weighing not less than 16 pounds per square yard with pointed joints covered with No. 26 U.S. gauge sheet metal with one (1) inch lapped seams nailed to the wood beams when spaced not more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or nailed to furring strips when the floor beams are spaced more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or

      (ii) Two thicknesses of one-quarter (1/4) inch asbestos boards laid with tight staggered joints and nailed to the beams, when spaced not more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or nailed to furring strips when the floor beams are more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or

      (iii) Metal lath weighing not less than three pounds per square yard, attached to furring strips and plastered with Portland cement mortar at least three-quarters (3/4) inch thick.

      (iv) Note – All fire retarding material to be applied as required in rules for fire retarding material of the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   Ground. “Ground” shall mean an electrical conductor having capacity to absorb current.

   Industrial installations. “Industrial installations” shall mean oil burner installations for industrial purposes under same requirements as for Commercial Installations.

   Oil. “Oil” shall mean any liquid mixture, substance or compound derived from petroleum, including kerosene and fuel oil as defined in § 26-47.0 of the Administrative Code and 2 RCNY § 4-14(c).

   Oil burning equipment. “Oil burning equipment” shall mean any device including burners, oil burning heaters, internal combustion engines used for heating; power or other purposes designed for and/or using oil as defined in these rules.

   Oil level indicating device. “Oil level indicating device” shall mean a means by which the level of the oil in a storage tank may be indicated.

   Overflow pipe. “Overflow pipe” shall mean a pipe which conveys, by gravity, the oil from the maximum level of an auxiliary tank to the storage tank or from the pump to the storage tank.

   Permanent deformation. Wherever phrase, “without permanent deformation,” is used in these rules it shall mean that the tanks or containers shall, after release of test pressure, resume their original size and shape.

   Permit. “Permit” shall mean permit for storage of oil.

   Portland cement concrete. “Portland cement concrete” shall mean a mixture of one (1) part cement and not more than two and one-half (2 1/2) parts sand and five (5) parts of coarse aggregate and complying in all other respects with the requirements of § 27-267 of the Administrative Building Code.

   Preheater. “Preheater” shall mean a device designed for heating oil for the purpose of decreasing the viscosity.

   Relief line. “Relief line” shall mean that portion of the line between the by-pass connection of the relief valve and the supply line or storage tank.

   Relief valve. “Relief valve” shall mean a valve held shut by a spring or other means of automatically relieving pressure in excess of its setting.

   Remote control. “Remote control” shall mean a hand, electric, or mechanically-operated device to shut off the oil supply. A thermostat is not acceptable as a remote control.

   Scavenging line. “Scavenging line” shall mean a line installed to permit the removal of water or foreign matter from a storage tank.

   Shop fabricated. “Shop fabricated” shall mean completely built in the shop of the tank manufacturer.

   Shut-off valve. “Shut-off valve” shall mean a device that can be actuated to prevent the flow of liquid in a line of pipe.

   Storage container. “Storage container” shall mean any container for oil connected to a burner or oil-burning heater and having a capacity of six (6) gallons or less.

   Storage tank. “Storage tank” shall mean any tank for oil having the capacity of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons or more, having a fill line and vent line connected thereto.

   Storage tank auxiliary. “Storage tank auxiliary” shall mean any container for oil having a capacity of not over 60 gallons and used as an intermediary tank for gravity feed and equipped with an automatic or manually operated pump.

   Supply line. “Supply line” shall mean that portion of the line between the storage tank and the pump oil inlet connection or hand valve. Where a pump is not used, it shall be that portion of the line between storage tank and burner and burner oil inlet connection or hand valve.

   Test well. “Test well” shall mean an opening in the top of the storage tank or a straight pipe connected to such opening through which a gauge stick may be inserted into the storage tank.

   Transfer pump. “Transfer pump” shall mean an oil pump, automatically or manually operated, which transfers oil through continuous piping from a supply tank to an oil burning appliance or to an auxiliary tank and which is not designed to stop pumping automatically in case of total breakage of the oil supply or return lines.

   Vent pipe. “Vent pipe” shall mean that portion of the line between vent pipe terminal and vent pipe connection in the storage tank.

3. Oil permitted. Oil permitted under these rules shall be any hydrocarbon oils free from acid, grit and fibrous or other foreign matter. The fuel oils shall be classified as provided in current Commercial Standard published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and shall have a flashpoint not lower than 100 degrees Fahrenheit when tested in a Pensky-Martens closed cup tester (American Society for Testing Materials Method D-93-36) and marketed under the following commercial grades:

   Range Oil

   No. 1 Fuel Oil

   No. 2 Fuel Oil

   No. 4 Fuel Oil

   No. 5 Fuel Oil

   No. 6 Fuel Oil

4. Standards for approval of oil burners by the Board.

   (1) Approved burners, including oil-burning heaters, shall be an assembly of approved parts and electrical controls suitable for use with each other for the service intended, as approved, such burners shall be provided with suitable safeguards to prevent abnormal discharge of oil.

      (i) When assembled each burner shall be tested for defects and proper functioning throughout its operating range. Parts shall be so designed as to maintain alignments and to permit interchangeability.

      (ii) The CO2 in the flue gas shall be maintained at not less than 8% without smoking and throughout the operating range of the capacity of the burner when tested.

      (iii) Flexible tubing used as an integral part of burner shall be not longer than 72 inches and of an approved type.

   (2) Approval of burners or oil-burning heaters designed for installation with storage of not more than six (6) gallons shall include approval of storage containers and limitations of installation. If more than six (6) gallons’ storage is desired for such burners or oil-burning heaters, a storage tank shall be installed as provided for in these rules. Portable containers of not more than six (6) gallons’ capacity may be filled from such storage tanks by means of an approved hand pump located above the top of the tank.

   (3) The requirements of these rules shall not apply to the use and installation of portable burners not requiring a connection to a flue where such burners are of the type commonly used for household purposes including oil stoves, oil heaters and oil lamps equipped with a woven wick, nor do the requirements of these rules apply to such portable apparatus such as blow torches, soldering pots, tar heaters, snow melters, etc.

5. Material and construction of tanks.

   (1) Cylindrical tanks (except vertical tanks located outside of the buildings above ground).

      (i) All tanks for the storage of fuel oil shall be built of steel plates made by the open hearth process and known to the trade as “tank steel.” Such plate shall be free from physical imperfections, such as laminations, cracks, mill scale, etc. All steel must be new in good condition and free from rust. The thickness of steel required and the size and spacing of rivets shall be as stated in the table given below.

      (ii) All tanks shall be welded or riveted and caulked, or riveted and welded. Flanges or other pipe connections may be welded. All caulking shall be done with round nose tools and without injury to the plates. Filler of any kind between plates is prohibited.

      (iii) Thickness of cylindrical tanks, except tanks of 275 gallons capacity or less:

         Tanks 36 in. in diameter and less – 1/4 in. shell, 1/4 in. heads.

         Tanks 37 to 72 in. in diameter – 1/4 in. shell, 5/16 in. heads.

         Tanks 73 to 120 in. in diameter – 5/16 in. shell, 3/8 in. heads.

         Tanks over 120 in. in diameter to be of 3/8 in. steel and to be stiffened by angle rings or equivalent members so as to retain their cylindrical form.

      (iv) All cylindrical, oval or round storage tanks shall have dished heads with a curvature the radius of which is not greater than the diameter of the tank. Dished heads shall be formed with an adequate cylindrical extension rim to provide welding or riveting surface. Should flat heads be used they shall be braced in the same manner as described for the bracing of flat sides of rectangular tanks.

      (v) Diameter and spacing of rivets: Riveting in single lap seams shall not exceed a pitch as follows:

         In shell 1/4 in. thick, 5/8 in. in diameter rivets 2 1/4 in. pitch.

         In shell 5/16 in. thick, 5/8 in. in diameter rivets 2 3/8 in. pitch.

         In shell 3/8 in. thick, 3/4 in. in diameter rivets 2 1/2 in. pitch.

   (2) Rectangular tanks.

      (i) All rectangular tanks shall be built of steel plates of the quality required for cylindrical tanks, and of a thickness of not less than 5/16 of an inch.

      (ii) Corners may be made up by bending the plates or by use of angles.

      (iii) Rivets in seams shall be 5/8 of an inch in diameter and spaced not more than 2 1/4 inches center to center.

      (iv) All flat surfaces of rectangular tanks are to be braced. Bracing shall be done either by using structural steel members which will act as girders and which will safely carry the load with a factor of safety of five (5), or by using bars from side to side, end to end and top to bottom of the tanks as the case may be.

      (v) When structural steel members are used such as angle, channels or beams, etc., the distance from center to center of the rivet lines on these members must not be in excess of twenty-four inches, and the rivet spacing must be such that it will develop the full strength of the members. In no case shall the rivets be in excess of six (6) inches center to center on these members.

      (vi) When structural steel reinforcing members are tied together with braces in order to reduce the effective length, the braces shall not be stressed higher than nine thousand (9,000) pounds per square inch taken in the minimum net section.

      (vii) If structural steel members are omitted and the sides of the tank are braced by means of rods or bars, these members should not be spaced farther apart than twenty-four (24) inches center to center, in all directions. The unit stress permitted in these members shall not be in excess of nine thousand (9,000) pounds per square inch on the minimum net section.

      (viii) The connection between these members and the sides of the tank must in all cases be such that it will develop the full net sections of the bars so that the bar will break before the connection will let go.

   (3) All tanks except vertical above-ground storage tanks.

      (i) All storage tanks for oil of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons’ capacity or less, except buried tanks, shall have a minimum thickness of shell and head plates of manufacturers Standard 10 gauge (.134”). Auxiliary storage tanks of 60 gallons or less shall be similarly constructed but need not be of a gauge thicker than U.S. Standard No. 14.

      (ii) At time of installation all storage tanks shall bear a permanently fixed plate, spot-welded or equivalent, bearing the name of tank manufacturer, the gauge of material and capacity of tank. All shop fabricated storage tanks shall be installed without structural alteration.

      (iii) All openings shall be through the top of the storage tank except that storage tanks of 275-gallons may be provided with a three-quarter inch (3/4”) opening for gravity discharge and a one-inch (1”) opening in the bottom for cleaning and protection against corrosion.

      (iv) All buried storage tanks shall have a thorough coating on the outside of two coats of red lead protected by hot tar, asphaltum, or other equivalent rust-resisting material. All such tanks, unless in direct contact by shell or piping with the ground, shall be electrically grounded.

      (v) Manholes: Tanks for oils having a viscosity less than 500 sec. Saybolt Universal at 100° F. need not have manholes; where used for such oils the manhole covers shall be bolted and made gastight; where used for oils having a viscosity greater than 500 sec. Saybolt Universal at 100° F. (No. 5 or No. 6 Commercial Standard grades) shall have manhole covers bolted or otherwise secured to the tanks and kept hydrostatically tight at all times.

   (4) Vertical storage tanks over 1,000 gallons capacity located outside of building above ground.

      (i) Vertical tanks located outside of buildings above ground shall be built of steel plates of the quality required for cylindrical tanks.

      (ii) The minimum thickness of shell or bottom plates shall be 1/4 inch and the minimum thickness of roof plates 1/8 inch. The thickness of shell plates shall be figured in accordance with the following formula:

         t =   P × r × F         T × E

         P equals head pressure at bottom of ring under consideration.

         r equals radius of shell in inches.

         F equals factor of safety (taken as 5).

         T equals tensile strength of plate in pounds per square inch (55,000 pounds per square inch).

         E equals efficiency of vertical joint in ring under consideration (calculations to be based on formulas as given in Bulletin No. 14 of the New York State Industrial Commission).

      (iii) Roof plates shall have single lap riveted or welded watertight seams and the roof shall be built to shed water. Bottom plates shall have single lap riveted or welded seams. Shell plate seams shall be designed with proper efficiency to meet requirements of above formulas for shell plates.

      (iv) In all cases, steel tanks for the storage of fuel oil must be built metal to metal. No filler of any kind will be permitted.

   (5) Storage containers. Storage containers for oil of six (6) gallons capacity or less used in connection with burners or oil-burning heaters shall be designed to withstand a hydrostatic pressure test of five (5) pounds per square inch without permanent deformation, rupture or leakage and shall be approved as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2). Glass storage containers shall not exceed three gallons capacity, protected with a metal jacket provided with hand grips and designed to be rigidly fastened to stand or wall and shall be approved as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2).

6. Location of tanks.

   (1) Inside of buildings, above ground.

      (i) Storage tanks having a capacity of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons and auxiliary tanks may be installed above ground in or on the lowest story of a building, provided such tanks shall be mounted on substantial incombustible supports, with tank permanently attached thereto, and located not less than seven feet (7’) of clear unobstructed space measured horizontally from any furnace or source of exposed flame unless tank is protected as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(1)(ii). Such storage tanks inside buildings shall have an individual capacity of not more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons capacity and not more than two such tanks each of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons capacity may be connected to one burner provided the installation also complies with 2 RCNY § 4-14(h)(1). Not more than two (2) two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons storage tanks shall be installed in a building above ground without protection as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(1)(ii).

      (ii) Storage tanks having a capacity of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons, when installed inside of buildings shall be located on the lowest floor level and all portions of such tanks above the floor shall be protected by not less than four inches (4”) of masonry with weep holes along the bottom one inch in diameter not more than 3 ft. apart. The masonry walls of a structure may be used as part of the protection. Storage tanks may be placed in a protective enclosure having solid masonry walls not less than eight inches (8”) thickness and of dimension not less than fifteen inches (15”) greater on all sides than the outside dimensions of the storage tanks. The walls of enclosure shall be carried up to a height not less than two feet (2’) above the top of the tank or to the ceiling where the ceiling is less than two feet (2’) above the top of the tank. A fireproof access door shall be installed in the enclosure above the point where the enclosure has a capacity equal to the largest tank installed, and for each additional 10 feet or fraction thereof by which the longest inside dimension of the enclosure exceeds 35 feet an additional fireproof access door shall be similarly installed at one or more intervals of not less than 10 feet. Columns, pipes, or similar obstructions, may project into the required fifteen inches (15”) of space within the enclosure, provided that access door or doors are so arranged that all portions of the enclosure are accessible. The ceiling above the tank enclosure shall be either fireproof or fire-retarded.

      (iii) The capacity of individual storage tanks located inside of buildings shall not exceed twenty thousand (20,000) gallons. All buried storage tanks shall be constructed of metal not less than 1/4” in thickness.

      (iv) All storage containers used in connection with burners or oil-burning heaters shall be installed in a substantial and workmanlike manner with rigid metal fasteners to wall or floor and protected against mechanical injury.

   (2) Inside of buildings, below ground.

      (i) Storage tanks having a capacity of 275 gallons or more may be buried inside a building with the top of the tank not less than two feet below floor level. In lieu of two feet of earth over the tank, the tank may be covered by concrete flooring equivalent to the basement floor but not less than the equivalent of 4 inches of reinforced Portland cement concrete with not less than No. 20 gauge steel wire cloth 2” × 2” mesh. Tanks shall be placed in firm soil and shall be surrounded by clean sand or well tamped earth, free from ashes or other corrosive substance, and free from stones larger than will pass through a one-inch mesh. When necessary to prevent floating, tanks shall be securely anchored. Storage tanks, buried below the floor, prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting material.

      (ii) Storage tanks buried below the floor shall not be less than 1/4” in thickness.

      (iii) No tank shall be buried as to be nearer than three feet to any foundation wall or foundation footing.

   (3) Outside of buildings, below ground.

      (i) Storage tanks located outside of buildings, below ground, shall be buried with the top of the tank not less than two feet (2’) below the natural grade of the surface of the ground. Tanks shall be placed on firm soil and shall be surrounded by clean sand or well tamped earth, free from ashes or other corrosive substance, and free from stones larger than will pass through a one-inch (1”) mesh. When necessary to prevent floating, tanks shall be securely anchored.

      (ii) No tank shall be buried so as to be nearer than 3 feet to any foundation wall.

      (iii) All buried storage tanks prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two (2) coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting material. All tanks shall be electrically grounded.

      (iv) All buried storage tanks shall be constructed of metal not less than 1/4” in thickness.

   (4) Outside of buildings, above ground.

      (i) Storage tanks of a capacity greater than 275 gallons located outside of buildings above ground shall be not less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) tank diameters and in no case less than ten feet (10’) from the line of adjoining property, the nearest building or adjacent tank. Such tanks shall be electrically grounded. The maximum capacity of individual tanks located outside of buildings above ground shall be fixed by the following schedule:

If distant 25 feet from line of adjoining property which may be built upon	16,000 gallons
If distant 30 feet	24,000 gallons
If distant 40 feet	36,000 gallons
If distant 50 feet	48,000 gallons
If distant 60 feet	60,000 gallons
If distant 75 feet	96,000 gallons
If distant 85 feet or more	100,000 gallons

~

Two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallon tanks shall be located so as not to interfere with or obstruct any means of egress.

      (ii) Each such storage tank shall be protected by an embankment or a dyke. Such protection shall have a capacity of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the capacity of the tank so surrounded and shall be at least four feet (4’) high but in no case higher than one-fourth (1/4) the height of the tank when the height of the tank exceeds sixteen feet (16’). Embankments or dykes shall be made of earthwork with clay core; or of masonry, or of impervious reinforced concrete. Earthwork embankments shall be firmly and compactly built of good earth; free from stones, vegetable matter, etc., and shall have a flat section at the top of not less than three feet (3’) and a slope of at least one and one-half (1 1/2) to two (2) on all sides. Concrete or masonry dykes shall be so designed as to safely carry the entire volume of the oil in the tank so surrounded. Embankments or dykes shall be continuous and unpierced, § 27-4053 of the Administrative Code.

      (iii) All above ground storage tanks prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two (2) coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting materials. All tanks shall be electrically grounded. All above ground two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallon tanks shall be protected against injury in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Official.

   (5) Tanks located along line of subways.

      (i) Along the line of subways no buried tank shall be placed within twenty feet (20’) from the outside line of the subway wall, and where practicable, tanks shall be placed in a lower position than the roadbed of the subway, except as may be modified in specific instances by the Board of Standards and Appeals. Where an above ground tank within a building is located within the outer lines of the subway, or within twenty feet (20’) from the outside line of the subway wall, such tank shall be placed within a welded steel oil-tight pan of not less than 18 gauge metal of adequate capacity to contain the contents of the tank.

      (ii) For the purpose of this paragraph (5) a subway shall be deemed to be any covered subsurface railroad or rapid transit roadbed.

7. Piping.

   (1) Installation of piping and tubing.

      (i) Piping and tubing shall be run in a substantial and workmanlike manner. Exposed piping shall be protected against mechanical injury and shall be securely supported with rigid metal fasteners or hangers. All pipes connected to buried tanks except test well piping shall be provided with double swing joints at tank.

      (ii) Only new standard full-weight iron, steel or brass pipe, or new extra-heavy copper, brass or aluminum alloy tubing, properly marked and duly approved, may be used. Drawn metal tubing when used for conveying oil, shall be adequately protected. Such tubing unless protected against mechanical injury shall be used only in the same room in which the burner is installed. Drawn tubing when used in domestic-installations shall be not less than three-eighths inch (3/8”) inside diameter up to shut-off valve at burner. Soldered connections are prohibited.

      (iii) Overflow pipes where installed shall not be smaller in size than the supply pipe.

   (2) Relief valves.

      (i) Where a shut-off valve is installed in the discharge line from an oil pump a relief valve shall be installed in the discharge line between the pump and the first shut-off valve.

      (ii) Oil preheaters shall be of approved type and provided with a relief or pressure regulating valve in the piping system to prevent excessive oil pressure. Oil preheaters shall not be installed in the steam or water space of the boiler and shall be so designed that in the event of oil leakage within the preheater, the oil shall be prevented by an approved method from entering the water or steam circulation system. Water piping connection shall be equipped with a blow-down system providing positive flushing of the water side of the preheater. Two (2) thermometers shall also be installed, one on the intake oil lines of the preheater and the other on the discharge oil line.

      (iii) Relief valves shall be set to discharge at not more than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the maximum working pressure of the system. The discharge from relief valves shall be returned to storage tank or to the supply line. Pressure regulating valves and viscosity valves are not included within the scope of this subdivision (g). There shall be no shut-off valve in the line of relief.

   (3) Vent pipe.

      (i) An open vent of iron or steel, without trap, and drainage to the tank, shall be provided for each storage tank. The lower end of the vent pipe shall not extend through the top of the storage tank more than one inch (1”). Cross connection between vent pipe and fill pipe is prohibited.

      (ii) Where a battery of storage tanks, designed to hold the same grade of oil, is installed, vent pipes may be run into a main header.

      (iii) Vents shall be not less than one and one-quarter inches (1 1/4”) in diameter for storage tanks up to 1,100 gallons’ capacity and not less than two inches (2”) in diameter for storage tanks of 1,100 gallons and more. Vents for auxiliary storage tanks shall not be less than 1/2 inch in diameter and may be run into the storage tank vent.

      (iv) Vent pipes shall be provided with an approved weatherproof hood having a free area of not less than the pipe size area and shall terminate outside the building not less than two feet (2’) from any building opening and not less than two feet (2’) nor more than twelve feet (12’) above the fill pipe terminal, except as may be otherwise approved by the Board. When such openings are fixed and constructed of incombustible materials they shall not be deemed openings within the intent of this rule. If the vent pipe terminal is not visible from the fill pipe terminal location, a one-inch (1”) line shall be connected to tank and shall parallel the fill pipe and terminate at the fill pipe terminal with unthreaded end. Such tell-tale lines shall be provided with a check valve set to prevent flow of surface water to storage tank.

   (4) Fill pipes.

      (i) Fill pipe shall terminate outside the buildings with the fill pipe terminal located at or above grade at least two feet (2’) from any building opening and five feet (5’) from any subway grating, at or below the level of the fill pipe terminal. No fill pipe shall be less than two inches (2”) in diameter and no fill pipe for #6 oil shall be less than three inches (3”) in diameter. Where #6 oil is used, the fill pipe terminal shall be located within three feet (3’) of the curb, unless otherwise required by the Bureau of Highway Operations or the Transit Authority. Where there are facilities for the delivery tank truck to drive onto the premises, the fill terminal may be located elsewhere than at the curb provided that the location complies with the other requirements of this rule.

      (ii) Each storage tank shall be provided with a separate fill pipe except where a battery of tanks is installed, containing the same grade of oil, a common fill and header pipe may be installed provided the area of common header pipe is no smaller than the largest branch fill pipe. When different grades of oil are piped to separate tanks from a common fill line, each branch fill pipe shall be provided with a shut-off valve.

      (iii) Where the top of the storage tank is above the fill pipe terminal the fill pipe shall be connected to the top of the tank and be provided with a shut-off valve and swing check valve which shall be located at the fill pipe terminal, or the shut-off valve may be located inside the building at or below the level of the fill pipe terminal, in an accessible location.

      (iv) All fill pipe terminals shall be approved type constructed of a suitable material, provided with lugs for embedding in concrete or in lieu thereof a set screw to fasten terminal to fill pipe. The outer flange of the fill pipe terminal or the seal cap shall be provided with letters reading “Fuel Oil” and the calendar number under which the fill pipe terminal and the seal cap have been approved. The fill pipe terminal shall be separately threaded or provided with other approved means to receive the seal cap and the fill pipe and such seal cap shall be suitably slotted for a special opening wrench. An oilproof gasket inserted in a groove in the fill pipe terminal shall be provided so as to render the fill pipe terminal leakproof. A strainer is not required but if used must be of not less than one-eighth inch mesh. Where there is a storage system of volatile flammable oil and a storage system for fuel oil to be used in the same premises, the terminal of the fuel oil pipe shall be provided with a left-handed thread, and the fill pipe fitting shall be a different size than that required for the fill pipes to gasoline tanks.

   (5) Heating coils in storage tanks. All heating to reduce viscosity of oils in storage tanks shall be only by means of hot water or low pressure ten (10) pounds per square inch maximum steam coils or electric heaters approved for oil storage tanks.

   (6) Scavenging line. When a scavenging line is installed it shall terminate outside of the building and shall be capped oil tight when not in use.

8. Valves and control of oil flow.

   (1) Each supply line from storage tanks of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons’ capacity and from auxiliary storage tanks shall be provided with a shut-off valve at the tank, and may be connected by a common feed pipe with a shut-off valve at the burner and when connected to burners designed for gravity feed, shall be provided with an approved constant level device. Such tanks shall be on the same level and with a common fill pipe complying with 2 RCNY § 4-14(g)(4) and a common vent pipe complying with 2 RCNY § 4-14(g)(3). All valves shall be brass gate or globe valves of 125 lbs. per sq. in. rating.

   (2) Each supply line for storage tanks of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons’ capacity, shall be provided with a shut-off valve at the burner and where the top of the tank is above the oil inlet connection to the burner and/or transfer pump, shall be provided with an approved anti-syphon device located at the highest point in the supply line, except that where heavy oil (No. 6 Commercial Standard Grade) having a viscosity of one hundred (100) seconds or more Saybolt Furol at one hundred and twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit (122° F.) is used, the anti-syphon device shall not be required. No anti-syphon device shall be required where a foot valve is installed at the inlet of the suction line.

   (3) Except as may be modified in specific instances by the Board of Standards and Appeals, oil from storage tanks of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons’ capacity or more may be delivered to burners installed above the lowest floor of a business building only under the following provisions:

      (i) Plans for such installation shall be submitted for approval to the administrative official having jurisdiction before such installation is made.

      (ii) Such burners shall not be installed in any story of any building the floor of which is more than fifty (50’) above the street level. Only one oil delivery line shall be installed for each floor.

      (iii) Oil delivery lines to burners located above the lowest floor of a building shall not be larger than two inches (2”) iron pipe size.

      (iv) The pressure in oil lines to burners located above the lowest floor of a building shall not be more than is necessary to deliver oil to the burners and such pressure shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) pounds per square inch. With each automatic burner there shall be installed and maintained in good working order a set of suitable safety controls of the electric or mechanical type. The proper control for each burner is to be listed in the resolution under which the burner is approved. The controls are to provide the following functions:

         Temperature control

         Ignition control

         Stack or Combustion control

         Pressure control Gravity control

   (4) A remote control shall be provided whereby the flow of oil to any burner can be stopped, and such remote control shall be located outside the entrance to the room in which the burner is located and as close to such entrance as practical, except when outside location is impracticable such control may be located immediately inside the room in which the burner is located if such location is accessible at all times. All such controls shall be legibly labeled “Remote Control for Oil Burner.” On auxiliary storage tanks used with manually operated burners such remote control may be installed on feed lines between tank and burner.

   (5) Except as provided by 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2) for approved combination burner and storage container devices, pressure in storage tank or container for the purpose of discharging oil is prohibited.

   (6) In systems where either steam or air is used for atomizing the oil, the oil and the atomizing supply shall be interlocked, so that in case of the interruption of the atomizing supply, the supply of oil will immediately be cut off. Except that this requirement shall not apply to air and oil supply units directly connected to a common driver.

1. Oil level indicating devices and test wells.

   (1) All tanks located inside the buildings shall be provided with an oil level indicating device. Test wells shall not be permitted in tanks located inside of buildings. Unused tank openings shall be permanently sealed to prevent removal of plugs or cover.

   (2) Oil level indicating devices shall be constructed of substantial materials so designed that there can be no leakage of oil or oil vapor.

   (3) Test well shall be capped oil tight and kept closed when not in use.

10. Permits, plans, inspection and tests of storage tanks and piping.

   (1) Permits.

      (i) No oil burner installation of more than six (6) gallons capacity shall be operated until after a Certificate of Approval has been issued by the Commissioner of Buildings and a permit for the storage of fuel oil has been issued by the Fire Commissioner, except that temporary operation shall be permitted upon the filing by the licensed oil burner installer of a certified statement that such equipment conforms with the approved application for a work permit and plan submitted therewith, and with applicable provisions of law.

      (ii) Application for Fire Department permit for the storage of fuel oil shall be made within ten days after the completion of the installation by the installer who holds a Certificate of License issued by the Commissioner of Buildings on forms furnished by the Commissioner of Buildings which shall include the location of the building in which the installation has been made, name and address of installer, quantity of fuel oil to be stored and signature of the owner.

      (iii) No certificate of approval shall be issued by the Commissioner of Buildings and no fuel oil storage permit shall be issued by the Fire Commissioner until the installer has furnished a certified statement to the Commissioner of Buildings that the installation complies with all requirements, and that the CO2 content of the flue gas by actual test of the completed installation is not less than 8 percent without smoking.

   (2) Plans to be filed where structural considerations are involved. The installer shall file with the Commissioner of Buildings plans showing the size and location of all storage tanks having a capacity greater than 275 gallons where such tanks are to be installed either inside of buildings in or below the lowest floor level or outside of buildings below ground. Plans, however, shall be filed where 275 gallon tanks are to be buried and for all multiple dwellings and for all places of public assembly. All such plans shall show compliance with all structural requirements and shall show all salient features of the installation. Plans shall also be approved by the New York City Transit Authority within the limitation in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(5)(i) for all tanks located in or outside of buildings along the line of subways under its jurisdiction.

   (3) Inspection and tests of installations of storage tanks and piping.

      (i) All fuel storage tanks and piping installed, as required to be tested by these Oil Burner rules, shall after installation, except as indicated in this paragraph (3), be tested by the installer in the manner and to the pressures set forth in this paragraph (3), and proved tight before any fuel oil system shall be placed in operation. A certified statement by the installer attesting to such installation and test shall be filed with the Commissioner of Buildings.

      (ii) Storage tanks of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons’ capacity and all piping for oil connected thereto shall show no change in a shape, rupture or leakage when subjected to a hydrostatic test with water or oil as follows:

         (A) Oval, or round, rectangular and specially shaped storage tanks and piping connected thereto twenty-five (25) pounds per square inch.

         (B) Cylindrical storage tanks and piping connected thereto, fifty (50) pounds per square inch. Pressure shall be applied for a period of thirty minutes. When oil is used there shall be no fire or flame in the room or rooms in which the test is being conducted. The contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment for conducting tests. Such tests may be made with oil in freezing weather for tanks located outside of building.

      (iii) Defective tanks, if repaired by welding, shall have all oil removed and shall be purged of all explosive gases or vapors. Fuel oil tanks may be repaired with non-metallic materials when said materials and methods are approved by the Board.

      (iv) The anti-syphon devices, where used as provided for in these rules, shall be approved devices.

      (v) All piping conveying oil from a transfer pump to a burner subjected to a pressure in excess of 50 lbs. per sq. inch shall be tested for a pressure of 1 1/2 times the working pressure.

   (4) [Repealed.]

   (5) Except as otherwise provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(k), oil burning installations shall be inspected as required by the Commissioner of Buildings and if it is determined that the installation complies with the requirements of the Administrative Code, the rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals and all laws and regulations applicable thereto, a certificate of approval shall be issued by the Commissioner of Buildings.

11. Inspection of installations with not more than six (6) gallons’ storage capacity. All installations of burners with not more than six (6) gallons’ storage capacity except where such installations are made in dwellings shall be reported by installer to the Fire Commissioner giving location of building in which installation is made, name and address of owner and/or occupant name and address of installer and the make and approval number of burner. Such reported installations shall be inspected as required by the Administrative Code.
12. Ventilation.

   (1) No burner shall be installed in any boiler, heater, range or stove unless each boiler, heater, range or stove be connected to a legal chimney, complying with Subchapter 12 of Chapter 1 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code, except that several units may be connected to a common chimney.

   (2) Adequate ventilation, at least 15 square inches clear opening per gallon of oil per hour, required to fire the equipment to gross output shall be provided in all rooms in which burners are installed. If the fixed ventilation is supplied mechanically, it shall be electrically interlocked with the burner, and it shall be capable of supplying at least 36 CFM of air per gallon of oil per hour, required to fire the equipment to gross output. It shall also be capable of maintaining an air pressure in the boiler room when the burner is in operation, no less than the outdoor atmospheric pressure at the same time and elevation.

   (3) Dampers shall be so constructed that they cannot completely cut off the passage of flue gases at any time. Approved automatic draft controls may be installed when necessary to provide proper draft where the draft is excessive.

13. Automatic pumps. Automatic pumps, when not an integral part of the burner shall be of approved type, provided with automatic means for preventing continuous discharge of oil in case of pipe breakage.
14. Fire protection. Note: In order that the intent of Local Law No. 32 of 1958 be carried out, Section C26-693.0 sub. d, par 1, 2, 4 is superseded by the following:

   (1) The clear distance between smoke pipe connections, of any boilers, furnaces or other heating apparatus to flues, and combustible material shall not be less than eighteen (18) inches, except that this clearance may be reduced to nine (9) inches where a baffle consisting of not less than No. 29 gauge sheet metal backed by 1/4 inch thick asbestos is placed two (2) inches above and extending along the entire length of the smoke pipe connections and twice the width thereof and such baffle is securely fastened from the ceiling with substantial hangers. In lieu of such baffle the combustible material may be covered with fire-retarding material as defined in these rules.

   (2) The clear distance between any non-insulated heat-producing parts of boilers, furnaces or other heating apparatus and combustible material shall not be less than twenty-four inches (24”). Where such parts are insulated by two inches (2”) of asbestos, or equivalent, the clear distance shall be not less than twelve inches (12”), or, in lieu of such insulation the combustible material shall be covered with fire retarding material as defined in these rules extending 8 ft. in front and 4 ft. side and rear of the apparatus.

   (3) No movable combustible material shall be stored or maintained within five feet (5’) of heating apparatus, except where same is protected by fire retarding material.

   (4) Burners and all accessories, including tanks and piping shall be maintained oil tight and kept clear at all times.

   (5) The floor beneath boiler or furnace and within two (2) feet in all directions, shall be protected by fireproof construction or a protection consisting of a 1/8 inch steel plate covered with 1/2 inch sheet asbestos and 4 inches of terra cotta. Suspended furnaces shall comply with the requirements of 2 RCNY § 4-14(n)(2).

   (6) Oil burning devices designed for installation with storage of not more than six (6) gallons shall be set level and firmly anchored. The floor beneath stoves or any such heating devices shall be protected by a shield of 1/2”asbestos or equivalent extending at least twelve inches (12”) beyond the projected area of such device where required within the specific approval of each burner. Approved safety cans only shall be used for the storage and filling of oil containers. The fuel oil used for these burners shall be range oil or No. 1 or No. 2 fuel oil. The manufacturer or installer of these burners shall within 48 hours after each installation notify the Fire Department in writing of the name of the person to whom this burner is sold and the address of the premises where installed.

   (7) Near each boiler, furnace or suspended fuel oil-burning unit there shall be immediately available one (1) approved hand fire extinguisher of not less than two quart capacity suitable for oil fires or two (2) rounded bottom pails filled with sand.

15. Instruction cards and certificate of fitness.

   (1) Cards giving complete instructions for the care and operation of the system shall be permanently fixed near the apparatus in readable condition. Where burners or oil-burning heaters designed for use with storage of not more than six (6) gallons’ capacity are installed, there shall also be posted a copy of the specifications under which it was approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals in addition to the instruction card herein provided for.

   (2) [Repealed.]

16. Modification. When, for any reason, it may be impracticable to comply strictly with the foregoing rules, the administrative official having jurisdiction shall have power to accept substitute methods provided the spirit and substance of these rules shall be complied with.
17. Existing installations. Oil burner systems heretofore installed and duly approved as complying with all laws and rules then applicable thereto shall be deemed acceptable, provided there have been no subsequent alterations to the apparatus, except as to 2 RCNY § 4-14(o)(2).

§ 4-15 Inspection of Approved Opening Protective Assemblies.

(a) Definitions.

   Opening Protective Assemblies. “Opening Protective Assemblies” shall include fire rated doors, steel curtain type fire rated doors, fire rated windows, fire rated dampers, and similar types of assemblies.

2. Jurisdiction. The Board of Standards and Appeals will accept amendments to applications which were originally approved before the effective date of the Administrative (Building) Code , and will accept appeals of applications which are denied by the Department of Buildings.
3. Testing and inspections.

   (1) Before any fire rated Opening Protective Assembly is used in New York City, it shall be tested as required in Reference Standards RS 5-6 or RS 5-7 of the Administrative (Building) Code of the City of New York and must receive either the Acceptance of the Materials and Equipment Acceptance (MEA) Division of the Department of Buildings or the Approval of the Board of Standards and Appeals.

   (2) The Board of Standards and Appeals may, upon the submission of satisfactory information, approve assemblies which are oversized and too large for the available test facilities.

   (3) Opening Protective Assemblies shall be inspected at the place of manufacture on a regular and frequent basis by a recognized testing laboratory approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals or the Department of Buildings as having proper facilities; or it may be inspected under the direction of a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.), in accordance with the provisions of § 27-329 of the Administrative (Building) Code.

   (4) The authorized inspector (authorization as detailed in 2 RCNY § 4-15(c)(3)) shall inspect the assembly in sufficient detail during production to assure that the completed units comply in all respects with the Approved or Accepted specifications on file at the Board of Standards and Appeals or at the MEA Division of the Department of Buildings, and thereby authorize a label indicating such compliance.

4. Labeling requirements.

   (1) Every Approved or Accepted Opening Protective Assembly, prior to its installation in a building under the provisions of the Administrative (Building) Code, shall have affixed to it an identification label displaying either the Board of Standards and Appeals Calendar Number, as Approved, or the MEA Number, as Accepted.

   (2) The inspection label affixed to the Opening Protective Assembly as required by 2 RCNY § 4-15(c)(4) must be made of metal and include the name and address of the manufacturer, a trade name or descriptive name, a serial number, a model number, if any, the fire resistive rating, and the name of the inspection agency or laboratory, or Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, who performed the inspection.

   (3) The information required on both the identification label and the inspection label shall be impressed on the metal plates and shall be readily visible and legible at all times. The plates shall be securely attached, by mechanical means, to the Opening Protective Assembly.

   (4) The two labels required by 2 RCNY § 4-15(d)(1) and (2) may be combined into one label provided that all information required for both labels is included in a legible manner.

5. Construction and installation.

   (1) Every labeled Opening Protective Assembly shall be constructed and installed, in all essentials, as tested and Approved or Accepted.

   (2) Before engaging in the manufacture of Approved or Accepted Opening Protective Assemblies, the manufacturer shall have an established plant, completely equipped with the necessary facilities, machinery, and tools for the manufacture of Opening Protective Assemblies.

   (3) All Approved or Accepted Opening Protective Assemblies shall be installed, maintained, and operated in accordance with the provisions of Reference Standard RS 5-8 of the Administrative (Building) Code.

§ 4-16 Design, Construction and Installation of Plastic Pipe and Fittings.

(a) Scope. These rules are to be considered as supplemental to and not in substitution of all applicable provisions of the Building Code. (Where provisions of these rules differ from provisions of the Building Code, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.)

2. Definitions.

   ABS. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene.

   ASTM. American Society for Testing and Materials.

   CS. Commercial Standards of the United States Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards.

   PVC. Polyvinyl Chloride.

3. Application.

   (1) The use of plastic pipe and fittings for plumbing systems shall be limited to drain, waste and vent lines and water service piping for and in buildings of three stories or less in height as set forth under Sections P102.2b and P102.4 of RS 16 of the Building Code of the City of New York.

   (2) Connections between fixtures, traps and drain of waste lines shall be by metal pipe and metal fittings only.

4. Physical and chemical requirements of material. The physical and chemical properties of all pipe and fittings shall comply with the requirements of Commercial Standards CS272-65 of the United States Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe and fittings, and of CS270-65 for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) pipe and fittings and shall be approved by the Board.
5. Tests.

   (1) Applicants for approval of PVC or ABS pipe or fittings shall submit certified test reports from an independent testing laboratory satisfactory to the Board, which reports shall show that the material has been tested as follows:

   (2) Pipe and fittings shall be tested in accordance with the test procedures as set forth in CS272-65 for PVC pipe and fittings or in CS270-65 for ABS pipe and fittings.

   (3) PVC pipe and fittings shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of ASTM D635-68 to determine that the pipe and fittings are self-extinguishing.

   (4) ABS pipe and fittings shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of ASTM D635-68 to determine that the pipe and fittings are slow-burning.

6. Marking.

   (1) All pipe shall be marked on two sides, 180 degrees apart, in letters not less than 3/16 inches high, in contrasting color, and shall consist of the manufacturer’s name or trade mark, nominal pipe size, the symbol PVC or ABS, the type designation (I or II) Schedule 40 CS272-65 for PVC, or CS270-65 for ABS and the symbol of the National Sanitation Foundation Drain Waste Vent spaced at intervals of not more than two (2) feet.

   (2) Fittings shall be marked on the body or hub on opposite sides. The marking shall consist of the manufacturer’s name or trade mark and the symbol PVC or ABS and the type designation (I or II) for PVC and the symbol of the National Sanitation Foundation Drain Waste Vent.

   (3) In addition to the markings as required under 2 RCNY § 4-16(f)(1) and (2), all pipe and fittings shall bear the labeling required under the conditions of approval by the Board and Section P102.2b of RS16 of the Building Code of the City of New York.

7. Installation. Installation of pipe and fittings shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section P102.2b of RS16 of the Building Code of the City of New York.

§ 4-17 Use of Methyl Chloride in Class B and C Refrigerating Systems.

(a) Scope. These rules are supplementary and additional to the requirements of § 27-4116 of the Administrative Code providing for the use of methyl chloride in class B and class C refrigerating systems. The promulgation of these rules has become necessary because of the military requirements for Freon (F12). Methyl chloride, while not permitted to be used in class A systems, is permissively allowed in class B and C systems. However, when used in refrigerating systems which formerly used Freon, additional precautions and safeguards are necessary to adapt the refrigerating equipment for use with methyl chloride.

2. Prohibited uses of methyl chloride refrigerant.

   (1) No direct system or indirect open spray system of air conditioning employing methyl chloride shall be permitted in a public building as defined in § C26-235.0.

   (2) The direct method of refrigeration may be permitted when the installation satisfies the requirements of § 27-4116 and only when the percentage of methyl chloride to the volume of conditioned space is not over .7 of 1 percent. (Methyl chloride to equal 8.0 cubic feet per lb.)

3. Requirements for permissible uses of methyl chloride refrigerant in Class B and C refrigerating systems.

   (1) That the refrigerating equipment room shall be isolated from human occupancies by reasonably gas tight opening closures.

   (2) A mechanical exhaust system with a capacity of ten changes of air per hour shall be provided for the refrigeration equipment room and so controlled electrically and automatically that it shall start with the refrigerating system and be kept running while the system is in operation; that an independent switch remotely located and labeled shall be provided for the mechanical exhaust system so that such ventilating system may operate independently if it should become necessary to stop the refrigerating system during an emergency; that the intake to the exhaust fan shall be located as near the floor as practicable. The capacity of such ventilating system shall in no event be less than the requirements in § C19-99.b.3.

   (3) That the service company making the conversion shall check with the manufacturer of the specific equipment and certify in writing that conversion to methyl chloride can be safely made and shall list the changes in the system and controls as recommended by the manufacturer to make the equipment suitable for use with methyl chloride. The service company shall, after complying with the recommended changes by the manufacturer, certify to the Fire Commissioner that such recommended changes have been made and shall certify that all the requirements of these rules have been complied with.

      (i) The system shall be completely purged of all Freon and the lubricating oil replaced with fresh oil suitable for use in refrigeration.

      (ii) The system shall be thoroughly cleansed, dehydrated and tested for tightness and leaks by pressure immediately after methyl chloride is added. After the system has been purged as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-17(c)(3)(i) and before methyl chloride is added, special tubes shall be attached on the feed side of the line, containing either silica gel (high test solid material specifically designed for refrigerant drying), activated alumina or suitable drying agent to insure thorough dryness of the refrigerant.

      (iii) Expansion valves shall be reset or replaced as required.

      (iv) Relief valves and pressure limiting device shall be reset to conform to the Administrative Code requirements.

      (v) All gaskets in the system shall be replaced with gaskets suitable for use with methyl chloride.

      (vi) Only the exact amount of methyl chloride shall be charged into the system. Capacities shall be measured on the basis of weight of the refrigerant and not volume. Under no circumstances shall external heat, steam, open flame or otherwise, be applied to the cylinder containing the refrigerant and only the exact amount of refrigerant required for charging shall be permitted to be delivered to the premises. After charging, the cylinder shall be immediately disconnected and removed. No reserve storage of methyl chloride shall be permitted nor shall there be any open flames in the same room with the refrigeration equipment.

      (vii) Before charging any refrigeration system with methyl chloride, all parts which are in contact with the refrigerant and are composed of aluminum, magnesium, zinc or their alloys, shall be replaced with parts made of suitable metals.

      (viii) Upon completion of the conversion from freon to methyl chloride, and before the equipment is put in operation, the service company shall make a complete check for leaks using a Halide torch and immediately remedy any leaks.

      (ix) A mask or helmet as approved by the Bureau of Mines of the U.S. Dept. of Interior for use with methyl chloride shall be provided in a suitable wall cabinet located immediately outside the equipment room.

      (x) A weekly inspection by the person holding a certificate of fitness to supervise refrigerating equipment as provided in § C26-214.0 shall be made of the refrigeration equipment and all piping and connections for leakage.

      (xi) Refrigeration equipment within the purview of these rules shall bear a metal sign reading: “Caution: Methyl Chloride Refrigerant, Guard Against Leaks.”

§ 4-18 Exterior Veneering Materials.

(a) Scope. These rules are supplementary and additional to the requirements pertaining to exterior veneering materials not exceeding 2" in thickness, so as to provide for the sufficiency of attaching and anchoring mediums on such exterior veneers in accordance with the intent of the Administrative Building Code as outlined in § C26-3.0. They shall apply to veneering materials of metal, cement-asbestos, precast or natural stone, marble, ceramic, tile, concrete masonry units, glass sheets, glass block, plastic materials and other veneering materials, as may be approved by the Board. Note: These rules shall not apply to interior veneering materials. Extracts from the Administrative Building Code contained herein in small type have been assigned decimal rule numbers for convenient reference only and are not to be construed as rules.

2. General.

   (1) These rules shall apply to all materials used as exterior veneers of a thickness not exceeding two inches, bonded or unbonded, and with or without air spaces between the veneer and the supporting surface.

   (2) Veneer materials shall not be credited with contributing to the total wall thickness, the stress resisting sections, or to the fire resistive value of the composite construction unless specifically approved by the Board for any given combination of materials.

   (3) Veneer materials shall not be used to support vertical loads other than the veneering material above unless permitted otherwise as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-18(b)3(3). Where openings occur the veneer shall be supported by substantial lintels of incombustible materials.

   (4) All joints between masonry veneer materials shall be filled flush with mortar or approved mastic cement. Around wall openings the joints between the veneer and backing material shall be filled flush with similar materials. Gypsum shall not be used in veneer exposed to the weather except for temporary tacking and supplementary to the anchorage and cement mortar requirements set forth in these rules.

   (5) All rosettes, toggle or expansion belts, metal reinforcements, bolts, clips, tie wires and supports shall be of non-corroding metal and of a type and for uses as may be approved by the Board.

   (6) Veneering material shall not be placed over existing veneering material.

   (7) Veneering when placed on a structure shall not encroach beyond the building line.

   (8) Before attaching veneering materials to any surface, the soundness of structural members shall be examined by exposing the structural members and when found necessary, reinforcement or replacement of structural members shall be made to the satisfaction of the borough superintendent.

   (9) Signs shall be so hung that their weight shall not bear on the veneering material and shall be supported by grounds set in the supporting wall.

   (10) Veneering materials used above the first floor shall be installed in a manner permitting Fire Department access to each floor by means of existing or new windows or readily accessible access panels installed as provided in § C26-550.1d.

   (11) Where openings occur in a wall, the veneer shall be supported by a structural member of incombustible material.

   (12) All masonry walls shall be cleaned of dust and dampened before stone, marble, precast concrete units, tile or terra cotta is applied.

3. Metal veneers.

   (1) Metal veneers shall be of non-ferrous materials or of steel sheets protected on all sides by porcelain enamel or other approved corrosion resistant surfacing.

   (2) Metal veneers shall be securely attached to the supporting construction with approved noncorroding metal hangers, clips, ties, screws, or bolts, secured to the metal veneer in a manner approved by the Board for each specific veneering material, and spaced not more than 16” o.c. vertically and 24” o.c. horizontally. Veneer units exceeding 4 sq. ft. in area shall be attached to the construction at not less than four points, so distributed as to render adequate attachment to the supporting construction.

   (3) Where allowed to be used all corrosive supports for metal veneers shall be adequately protected from the effects of the elements by painting with approved paint, galvanizing or other equivalent means. Where the use of wood is permissible all wood used with metal veneers shall be impregnated with creosote or other approved preservative material.

   (4) The joints and edges of all metal veneers shall be caulked or painted with approved waterproofing materials or other approved equivalent methods of providing resistance against moisture penetration.

   (5) The height of walls veneered with metal units on walls other than panel or enclosure walls shall be not more than 40 ft. above the foundations.

4. Precast or natural stone, marble, structural clay, ceramic and porcelain tile, terra cotta and precast concrete units.

   (1) Veneered Wall (§ C26-157.0). The term “veneered wall” shall mean a wall with a masonry facing which is attached to, but not bonded so as to form an integral part of, the wall for purposes of load bearing and stability.

   (2) Anchorage for veneered masonry walls (§ C26-437.0). When masonry walls are veneered with brick, architectural terra cotta, stone or other masonry, the material shall be securely tied into the backing with the equivalent of the following minimum anchorage requirements:

      (i) For anchorage of brick veneering on masonry, one substantial non-corroding metal wall tie for each three hundred square inches of wall surface.

      (ii) For anchorage of architectural terra cotta and other moulded units on masonry, one non-corroding metal anchor at least equal to five-sixteenths of an inch round or one-eighth of an inch by three-quarters of an inch flat in sectional area to each piece and two or more such anchors to all pieces over 18 inches in length or more than three hundred square inches in superficial area, except where such architectural terra cotta facing is bonded and completely filled with the brick backing.

      (iii) For anchorage of stone veneering on masonry, one non-corroding anchor at least three-sixteenths of an inch by one inch flat, or its equivalent in cross sectional area, to each piece over one-half of a square foot in face area and at least two anchors to all pieces over 24 inches in length or more than four hundred square inches in superficial area.

   (3) For slabs of natural stone or marble which are tough and hard and over 2 square feet and up to 4 square feet in area there shall be at least three anchors, from 4 square feet to 12 square feet, at least four anchors, from 12 square feet to 20 square feet at least six anchors and on slabs exceeding 20 square feet, anchors shall be provided at the rate of one anchor for each three square feet of area. All anchors shall be seated in cement mortar in a suitable hole sunk in masonry backing. Such anchors shall be of non-corrosive metal not less than 1/8” in diameter.

   (4) When veneering is used in a continuous wall more than 25 feet in length without openings, suitable vertical expansion joints shall be provided at approximately 25 foot intervals through the entire height of the veneer.

   (5) Thickness and height of veneered walls (§ C26-438.0). In all cases the veneering shall be excluded in calculating the bearing wall thickness and the required thickness of the wall. The maximum height of veneering on walls, other than panel or enclosure walls, shall be forty feet above the foundations.

   (6) Veneered wood frame structures (§ C26-439.0). Wood frame structures may be veneered with masonry laid up in cement or cement-lime mortar. Such veneer shall be anchored to the frame by non-corroding metal ties equivalent to the following minimum requirements:

      (i) For anchorage of brick veneer on frame structures, one wall tie to every 160 square inches of wall area.

      (ii) For anchorage of stone, architectural terra cotta and other moulded units on frame structures, one spike anchor or two wall ties to every two hundred sixty square inches of wall area.

      (iii) It shall be unlawful to use such veneer on frame structures above a maximum height of 35 ft. above the foundation; it shall be unlawful also, to use such veneer on structures having more than two stories and a gable. The veneer shall be directly supported on the foundation.

      (iv) Frame structures veneered with masonry shall be considered to be in a different class from masonry structures. It shall be unlawful to attribute any structural strength to the veneer.

   (7) Veneer units in this group shall be of approved type and not be greater than 2 in. in thickness. The surface bond of veneer units with the scored parging shall be adequately scored or provided with equivalent keys to obtain adequate anchorage. In addition to the attachment herein required, the anchorage requirements of § C26-437.0 shall be complied with. Equivalent substitute methods of anchorage consisting of non-corroding pin and rosette or a continuous angle or anchor bolts secured to the reinforcement within the veneer may be used when approved by the Board for any specific veneering material.

   (8) The parging material in which veneer units are embedded shall consist of a portland cement mortar of 1:2 mix, 1 part of approved portland cement to two parts of screened sand passing through a 20 mesh screen not less than 3/4 in. thick and reinforced with 4 in. mesh (13 gauge) galvanized wire reinforcement or equivalent reinforcing. Such reinforcement to be secured to the masonry or concrete wall with approved non-corroding anchors at the rate prescribed in § C26-437.0. When the supporting wall is of wood framework, approved paper backed wire lath or other approved material may be used when attached to the wood framework as provided in § C26-459.0h, provided the weight of the veneering materials is carried on an incombustible base. The parged surface shall be trawled to a plane surface and then scratched to receive the setting bed. The setting bed of not less than 3/8” thick shall not be applied until the scratched parged surface is set. Prior to parging masonry on concrete surfaces, such walls shall be thoroughly wetted prior to the application of the parging mortar.

   (9) Waterproofing material if used in mortar shall be of approved type.

   (10) The base for supporting veneers shall be of suitable incombustible materials.

   (11) All veneer units used in Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings exceeding 20 ft. in height, regardless of thickness, shall be attached to the scored parged surface by mechanical anchorage as provided in § C26-437.0, pars. 1, 2, 3 and shall have lugs, keys or equivalent scoring of the backside of the veneer unit or supported on relieving shelf angles at each story level.

5. Glass veneer on the exterior of structures may be used only in accordance with the provisions of this title and the rule of the Board.

   (1) Minimum thickness (§ C26-545.0). The minimum thickness of glass veneer shall be eleven-thirty-seconds of an inch, except where glass veneer extends within 4 in., or less of the sidewalk level, the minimum thickness of that portion of the veneer below a level of four inches above the sidewalk at its point of intersection with the veneer shall be seven-sixteenths of an inch.

   (2) Maximum area and dimensions (§ C26-546.0).

      (i) The maximum area of a single section of glass veneer shall not exceed 10 sq. ft. in area when 15 ft. or less above the level of the sidewalk directly below shall not exceed 6 sq. ft. in area when more than 15 ft. above the level of the sidewalk directly below.

      (ii) The maximum length of any section of glass veneer shall be 60 in.

   (3) Edges (§ C26-547.0). All edges of each plate of glass veneer shall be ground square. It shall be unlawful to use mitred joints.

   (4) Backing for glass veneer (§ C26-548.0). Glass veneer may be placed only against substantial, rigid, incombustible surfaces of true plane, plumb and straight. The backing shall in any case provide rigidity and stability equal to or greater than that provided by one-inch thick cement mortar on wire lath secured to studs spaced 12 in. or less on centers. It shall be unlawful to use wood backing surfaces, regardless of whether they are fireproofed.

   (5) Setting of glass veneer (§ C26-549.0).

      (i) Glass veneer shall be set only when the backing is thoroughly dry and after the application of a thorough and uniform bond coat of material approved by the board. The bond coat shall be such as to effectively seal the portions of the veneer backing and to insure against the absorption of the vital properties of the mastic cement.

      (ii) Mastic cement approved by the board shallbe applied to the back surface of each plate of the glass veneer, which veneer shall be applied to the backing with a substantial and uniform pressure over its entire area sufficient to flatten out the gobs of mastic cement to a thickness of between one-quarter of an inch and five-eighths of an inch. Sufficient mastic cement shall be applied to insure that at least 60 percent of the total area of the section is bonded to the backing.

      (iii) The bond coat and the mastic cement shall be of one manufacture and shall be certified to be of such composition as to insure close affinity between the two materials.

      (iv) Abutting edges of glass veneer shall be ground square and uniformly buttered with an approved pointing compound.

      (v) Where glass veneer extends to the sidewalk surface each such section shall rest on two cushions of approved resilient material, one near the end of each such section or plate. Cushions shall be one-quarter of an inch or more in thickness. The joint between the bottom edge of the glass section and the top of the sidewalk shall be caulked with a waterproof compound.

      (vi) Where the glass veneer is permitted to extend below the level of the sidewalk surface, an expansion joint of one-quarter of an inch or more shall be provided between the outer face of the glass veneer and the edge of the sidewalk. Such expansion joint space shall be filled with a resilient caulking compound from the level of the sidewalk surface to a depth at least 3/4 of an inch below such level.

      (vii) Where glass veneer is applied at an elevation more than eight feet above the sidewalk surface, the mastic cement binding shall be supplemented by the use of metal clip angles of a design approved by the Board. Clips shall be located in each vertical or horizontal edge of each section of veneer and shall be secured through the backing directly into the wall behind by means of expansion bolts and in a manner satisfactory to the superintendent. Angle clips shall be two inches or more in length and shall be of at least No. 16 U.S. gauge, and shall be so designed as to furnish at least two-inch bearing support on each clip and shall hold the glass in a vertical plane independently of the mastic cement.

      (viii) All horizontal joints shall be cushoined with pads of adhesive asphaltic tape which shall extend from the rear surface of the glass to one-eighth of an inch or less from the front surface. Horizontal joints shall be buttered with joint cement over the full depth of the joint, including the surface of the cushion tape.

      (ix) Shelf angles of approved design shall be set at vertical intervals of 3 ft. or less, in all horizontal joints located 8 ft. or less above the sidewalk, except that, where there are show windows it shall be unnecessary to have shelf angles below the level of the tops of the show window bulkheads. Shelf angles shall be of a type approved by the board and shall be secured to the backing in a manner satisfactory to the superintendent.

      (x) Where glass veneer is confined between non-resilient materials at ends, expansion shall be provided for by means of an expansion joint at each end of one-quarter of an inch or more throughout the entire height of the veneer.

   (6) Clips required under § C26-549.0, subsection (g) shall be non-corroding and located in each vertical plane in horizontal edge of each section of veneer and shall be thoroughly secured through the backing by means of non-corroding toggle bolts or into the wall directly behind the glass veneer by means of non-corrodible expansion bolts at least 1 1/4” long.

   (7) Shelf angles required under § C26-549.0, sub-section (i) shall be of non-corroding metal of a type approved by the Board and shall be thoroughly secured through the backing by means of non-corroding toggle bolts or into the wall directly behind the glass veneer by means of non-corroding expansion bolts at least 1 1/4” long.

   (8) Glass veneer units shall be separated from each other and adjoining material by an expansion joint at least 1/32” wide. Between the bolts and the veneer units there shall be a clearance of 1/64”. All expansion joints shall be filled with an approved waterproofing mastic compound.

   (9) Glass veneer material shall not be used any higher than 2 stories and not exceeding 35 ft. in height above the foundation of the structure.

   (10) Exposed edges of glass veneer shall be flashed with non-corrodible sheet metal and caulked with an approved waterproofing mastic compound.

   (11) All awning brackets shall be set so as to be free of contact with the glass veneer. Glass veneer above awning boxes shall be carried by a continuous steel angle attached to the wall by anchors.

   (12) Signs shall be hung clear of the glass veneering material.

6. Glass blocks (§ C26-550.1j.). Veneer or ashlar: Glass blocks may be used as exterior wall veneer under the rules of the Board. Note: Investigation has shown that glass block is not used as a veneer material in building construction and when uses of glass block are developed as veneer, the Board will then consider including in these rules the safe provisions for use.
7. Veneering units of a type unprovided for in these rules, may be used, provided they are approved by the Board and are used in accordance with the limitations of the approval.

Chapter 5: Rule Repeal and Recodification*

§ 5-01 Rules Repealed, Renumbered and Transferred Effective May 5, 2019.

The reorganization and recodification of Chapters 3 through 26 of the rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals effective May 5, 2019 is shown in Table 5-01.

TABLE 5-01CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE OF RULES REPEALED, RENUMBERED AND TRANSFERRED

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N/A	New Section	§ 3-01	N/A
§ 3-01	Renumber	§ 3-02	N/A
§ 3-02 (except (e)(4)(i))	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 3-02(e)(4)(i)	Repeal / FDNY Rule	N/A	§ 1401-01(c)(18)
N/A	New Section	§ 4-01	N/A
§ 4-01	Renumber	§ 4-02	N/A
§ 4-02	Renumber	§ 4-03	N/A
§ 5-01	Repeal	N/A	N/A
N/A	New Section	§ 5-01	N/A
§ 5-02(a) through (h)	Repeal / FDNY Rule	N/A	§ 4801-01(d)
§ 5-03	Renumber	§ 4-04	N/A
§ 5-04	Renumber	§ 4-05	N/A
§ 6-01	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 7-01	Renumber	§ 3-03	N/A
§ 7-02	Renumber	§ 3-04	N/A
§ 8-01	Renumber	§ 4-06	N/A
§ 8-01(n), § 8-01(p)	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 8-01(o)	Repeal / FDNY Rule	N/A	§ 4801-01(e)
§ 9-01	Renumber	§ 3-05	N/A
§ 10-01	Renumber	§ 4-08	N/A
§ 10-02	Renumber	§ 4-09	N/A
§ 10-02(uu)	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 10-03	Renumber	§ 4-10	N/A
§ 10-03(c), § 10-03(e)	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 11-01	Renumber	§ 4-11	N/A
§ 12-01	Renumber	§ 4-12	N/A
§ 12-02	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 13-01	Renumber	§ 3-06	N/A
§ 14-01	Renumber	§ 4-13	N/A
§ 15-01	Repeal / FDNY Rule	N/A	§ 4801-01(f)
§ 16-01	Renumber	§ 4-14	N/A
§ 16-01(j)(4), § 16-01(o)(2)	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 17-01	Renumber	§ 4-15	N/A
§ 18-01	Repeal / FDNY Rule	N/A	§ 4801-01(g)
§ 19-01	Renumber	§ 4-16	N/A
§ 21-01	Renumber	§ 4-17	N/A
§ 22-01	Renumber	§ 4-07	N/A
§ 23-01	Renumber	§ 3-07	N/A
§ 24-01	Renumber	§ 4-18	N/A
§ 25-01	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 25-02	Repeal	N/A	N/A
§ 26-01	Repeal	N/A	N/A

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