HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.039 - Fire Sprinkler System Spare Head BoxesEffective Date: May 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 5/13/2025 Section 405.039
Next Revision (1) Date: 5/13/2028 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.039 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SPARE HEAD BOXES
PURPOSE
This policy has been established to provide direction for the placement of spare fire
sprinkler head boxes and their appurtenances for all fire sprinkler systems, excluding
sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all automatic fire sprinkler system installations, except those for
one- and two-family dwellings, including required and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
As noted in the latest edition of the California Fire Code (CFC) the Fresno Fire
Department (FFD or Department) is permitted to specify the requirements for the
location of spare fire sprinklers and fire sprinkler spare head boxes for all automatic
fire sprinkler systems.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, the Department has determined that each automatic fire
sprinkler system spare head boxes (and the stock of spare fire sprinklers) is required
to be as follows:
1. All spare fire sprinkler head boxes must be securely installed on a wall
directly adjacent to the fire sprinkler riser or other FFD approved location.
The maximum height of the fire sprinkler system spare head box is sixty
inches (60”) to the top of the box as measured from the floor of the room.
2. The currently adopted National Fire Protection Association 13: Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13) required clear working
space must be provided directly in front of the spare head box, and six
inches of clear working space must be provided directly adjacent to the
spare head box.
Effective Date: May 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 5/13/2025 Section 405.039
Next Revision (1) Date: 5/13/2028 Page 2 of 3
3. Where a second spare head box is added, it may be placed directly adjacent
to the first spare head box, but the same clear working space requirements
apply. Spare head boxes may not be located less than forty-eight inches
(48”) from the floor of the room they are installed in.
4. A list conforming to the requirements of those in NFPA 13 must be provided
in each box prior to requesting a final inspection.
5. Where multiple fire sprinklered buildings are located on a site or at a facility,
the installing contractor may mount the spare fire sprinkler head box as
noted above, or may mount multiple boxes conforming to the requirements
noted above in an FFD approved, centrally located area.
When multiple boxes are to be placed in an FFD approved, centrally located location,
the following must be provided in the site lock box:
I. An information card with the location of the spare fire sprinkler head boxes.
II. A prominently marked key to the building containing the sprinkler head
boxes.
III. A prominently marked key to the specific room or area containing the
sprinkler head boxes.
Note: At the sole discretion of the Fire Marshal (or designee), spare fire sprinkler
head boxes may be positioned in a manner which provides an equivalent
level of access when it is not practical to install them as noted above.
An economic condition or aesthetic concern is not considered a valid basis for a
request to modify the installation location of a spare fire sprinkler head box.
Submitted fire sprinkler plans are required to note the location and number of the spare
fire sprinkler head boxes. All spare fire sprinkler head boxes must be in accordance
with this policy prior to system final.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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Effective Date: May 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 5/13/2025 Section 405.039
Next Revision (1) Date: 5/13/2028 Page 3 of 3
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code, Currently adopted edition.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 13)
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Currently adopted
edition