THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
(Matter added to The Philadelphia Code by these amendments shown in bold;
Matter deleted by these amendments shown by strikethrough).
SECTION 1. Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
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SUBCODE "F" (THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE)
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CHAPTER 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
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SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
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F-907.1.10 Group R-1, and R-2 and R-3 congregate living facilities. Existing Group R-1 and R-2 congregate living facilities shall have hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and Section 907.2.11.10.1 or 907.2.1110.2 as applicable of the Philadelphia Building Code. (Group R-l congregate living is up to more than 10 and Group R-2 congregate living is up to more than 16 occupants. See Chapter 2 under Occupancy Classifications for the complete definition of Group R-1 and R-2 congregate living facilities.) Existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities shall have hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms installed in accordance with F-907.1.10.1.
F-907.1.10.1 Hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms in existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities. In addition to the requirements of Section F-907.2, hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections F-907.2.10.1.1 through F-907.2.10.1.3 and NFPA 72 (2016 edition) on each floor, including basements, of existing Group R-3 congregate living facilities.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
2. Buildings equipped with hard-wired smoke alarms installed in compliance with the Building Code.
F-907.1.10.1.1 Interconnection. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-907.1.10 shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the hard-wired alarms in the facility. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
F-907.1.10.1.2 Power source. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-907.1.10 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 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.
F-907.1.10.1.3 Retrofit of R-3 congregate living facilities. The smoke alarms required by this Section F-907.1.10 shall be installed prior to December 31, 2019. Electrical permits for such installations shall be secured prior to July 1, 2019.
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SECTION 2. Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
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SUBCODE "PM" (THE PHILADELPHIA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE)
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CHAPTER 7
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
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[F]SECTION PM-704 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
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PM-704.4 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in Group R-2, R-3, or R-4 and in dwellings not regulated as Group R occupancies, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings which are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind, except for congregate living facilities as regulated by the Philadelphia Fire Code.
2. Except in congregate living facilities, Ssmoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be effective October 1, 2018.
End