Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "F" ("The Philadelphia Fire Code"), by modifying a subsection allowing smoke alarms in existing one- and two-family dwellings to be solely battery powered, all under certain terms and conditions.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

AND OCCUPANCY CODE

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CHAPTER 4-200. TEXT OF SUBCODES

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SUBCODE “F” (THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE)

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CHAPTER 46. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

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SECTION F-4603 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

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F-4603.7.3 Power source

.

Single-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions

:

1. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery

operated

powered with 10-year non-removable (sealed) batteries

in existing

one- and two-family

buildings built prior to January 1, 1988, where no construction is taking place.

2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery

operated

powered with 10-year non-removable (sealed) batteries

in

one- and two-family

buildings that are not served from a commercial power source.

3. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery

operated

powered with 10-year non-removable (sealed) batteries

in existing areas of

one- and two-family

buildings built prior to January 1, 1988, undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

* * *

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall become effective three months after enactment.

Explanations:

Strikethrough

indicate matter deleted.

Italics

indicate new matter added.

End

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