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FAQs: Natural Gas Detection Devices
These FAQs address questions related to Natural Gas Detection Devices involving 1RCNY §908-02 standards for installation and location of natural gas alarms in private dwellings, Class A multiple dwellings, and Class B multiple dwellings as defined in the Housing Maintenance Code.
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Does 1 RCNY §908-02 require the installation of natural gas alarms or natural gas detectors?
1 RCNY §908-02 requires the installation of natural gas alarms with the exception that in Class B multiple dwellings installation of line operated zoned natural gas detecting system is permissible. Pursuant LL 157 of 2016, Natural Gas Alarm is defined as, A single or multiple station alarm responsive to natural gas.
How many natural gas alarms are required to be installed in a multiple dwelling with natural gas burning appliances within the dwelling unit?
Pursuant to 1 RCNY §908-02, one or more are required to be installed in accordance with this Rule. For Class A multiple dwellings, one or more natural gas alarms must be installed in each dwelling.
For Class B multiple dwellings, one or more natural gas alarms must be installed in each dwelling or a line operated zoned natural gas detecting system can be installed in all public corridors and public spaces.
Natural Gas Alarms shall be provided and installed in accordance with the adopted standard, NFPA 715 of 2023.
Would a fully electrified residential high-rise building, that requires an emergency generator that runs on natural gas from the public utility street main, meet the exception in Section (b) of 1RCNY §908-02?
No, the presence of gas piping in the building means the building is still subject to the requirements of the Rule. Please refer to the adopted unamended Section 9.4 of NFPA 715 of 2023 for the specific location of gas alarms.
Are gas detecting devices or gas alarms required within dwelling units that do not contain any gas appliances nor is the point of entry within such dwelling unit?
No, natural gas alarms are not required within the dwelling unit that do not contain any gas appliances.
In buildings with a gas service but no gas appliances in dwelling units, are gas alarms required at the fuel gas point of entry to the building?
Yes, if the point of entry is below grade, then location of such required natural gas alarms shall be in accordance with Section (f)(2) of 1 RCNY §908-02 , and unamended Section 9.4 of NFPA 715 of 2023 as adopted by 1RCNY §908-02.
Are hotels required to install these alarms in each room, or does the installation of line operated zone gas detecting systems installed in all public corridors and public spaces satisfy the requirements of the 1 RCNY §908-02?
Any hotel that is classified as a Class B multiple dwelling must be protected in accordance with Section (e) of 1RCNY §908-02, by either installing a gas detecting system or a gas alarm.
As such, if the line operated zone gas detecting system is installed in all public corridors and public spaces, such Class B multiple dwelling would be in compliance with this Rule, and installation of one or more natural gas alarms in each dwelling would not be required.
However, if there is a gas appliance within the dwelling unit, then a gas alarm must be installed even if a line operated zone gas detecting system is installed in all public corridors and public spaces. The alarm must be located at least 3 feet, but not more than 10 feet from the appliance, measured horizontally.
What occupancies aside from R-1, R-2, or R-3 require compliance with this1RCNY §908-02?
Local Law 157 of 2016 and this rule apply only to R-1, R-2, and R-3 occupancies pursuant to Sections (c), (d) and (e).
In R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies within dwelling units are any gas alarms required other than those located between 3 and 10 feet from permanent gas-fired appliance? Are any devices required in or in the vicinity of sleeping areas, in addition to those near the appliances?
No, gas alarms are not required unless interconnection of alarms is required by Section 9.6.4 of NFPA 715 of 2023. Where interconnection of alarms is required, such alarms shall be located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom in accordance with NFPA 715.
Pursuant to (f) (2) of the 1RCNY §908-02, where a fuel-gas-burning appliance is installed within a dwelling, the natural gas alarm must be installed in the same room as the appliance. The alarm must be located at least 3 feet, but not more than 10 feet from the appliance, measured horizontally.
For R1 occupancy buildings (J1 - designation per the 1968 Building Code), 1RCNY §908-02 allows for gas detecting system to be installed within corridors and public spaces. How will notification within guestrooms be achieved?
In accordance with Local Law 157 of 2016, Section 27-2045 b.1.c, a line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system shall be installed with central annunciation and central office tie-in for all public corridors and public spaces.
There are numerous Class B multiple dwellings that are nearing construction completion, some of which may have temporary certificate of occupancy, where adding centrally monitored gas detecting systems may present a hardship. Do we need to comply with1RCNY §908-02?
Yes, compliance is required. There are no exceptions. For Class B multiple dwellings, a line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system or gas alarm in each dwelling unit is required to be installed on or before May 1, 2025, regardless of when a building was built or when a building acquired a CO or a TCO, pursuant to Sections (e) of1RCNY §908-02.
Do existing R-1, R-2 and R-3 buildings, constructed under the 2008, 2014 or 2022 BCs, require primary power source for gas alarms to be hard wired or would it be allowed to provide battery operated gas alarm?
Any building that was issued a TCO or CO prior to January 2024 is allowed to provide a monitored battery as primary power source to fuel gas warning equipment (Refer to 1 RCNY 3616-06).
For those buildings issued a TCO or CO after January 2024, AC power and secondary power source is required to be provided for fuel gas warning equipment (gas alarm and gas detector). Electrically powered fuel gas warning equipment must be provided with a primary AC power source in accordance with 9.5.2.1 and a secondary power source in accordance with 9.5.4 of NFPA 715.
Does 1RCNY §908-02 supersede the installation requirements of the gas alarms or gas detecting requirements of another section of 2008 and 2014 Building Codes?
No, this Rule sets forth new natural gas alarm installation requirements.
Should we assume that an existing building is a building that received its certificate of Occupancy prior to January 1, 2024, for the purposes of 1RCNY §908-02? What does “constructed before January 1st, 2024” mean? How is “constructed” defined within this context?
An existing building, as defined in Section 28-101.5 of the administrative code, is a “A completed building or structure that is in existence at the time of an applicable reference in this code.” For the purposes of this rule and 1 RCNY §3616-06, an existing building, is a building constructed before January 1, 2024. “Constructed before January 1, 2024” shall mean when a building has a TCO or CO prior to January 1, 2024.
Should the line operated zone gas detecting system be connected to the building fire alarm system in accordance with 2022 Building Code Section 918, or can it be a separate, independent system?
It can be a separate, independent system. A line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system shall be installed with central annunciation and central office tie-in for all public corridors and public spaces. 1 RCNY §908-02 references NFPA 715-2023, as such natural gas line operated zone gas detecting systems shall comply with NFPA 715 and are not required to comply with the interconnection requirements to 2022 Building Code Section 918.
What parts of the NFPA 715 of 2023 are applicable to this Rule?
1 RCNY §908-02 adopts NFPA 715 of 2023 and 1 RCNY §3616-06 amends certain provisions of NFPA 715 of 2023.
Are audible and visible occupant notification appliance devices required when choosing to install gas detecting system in class B multiple dwelling instead of gas alarms in each dwelling unit of such class B multiple dwelling?
No, they are not required.
Is there a specific make/model for the gas alarms that is required or a minimum specification?
The Department does not endorse any manufacturer’s products with regards to gas alarms or gas detection. Such equipment shall comply with Section 9.6 of NFPA 715, which specifies that such natural gas alarms must be listed and labeled to UL 1484.
What are the installer qualifications for hard-wired natural gas alarms?
Pursuant Section (g) of the Rule, natural gas alarms must be installed by a New York City Licensed electrical contractor, who obtains all required permits. Natural gas alarms that are powered either by battery or by plug-in AC receptacle may be installed by other than a licensed electrical contractor, including but not limited to the building owner, building maintenance personnel, or the dwelling unit occupant.
Is FDNY plan review and inspection required for installation of a line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system?
Yes, plan review is required. In accordance with Local Law 157 of 2016, Section 27-2045 b.1.c, a line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system shall be installed with central annunciation and central office tie-in for all public corridors and public spaces. Such systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.
Which agency will be approving filings for gas alarms?
Plan review and inspection by FDNY are required only for gas detection systems, not for gas alarms.
Who is responsible for the installation and maintenance of required smoke detecting devices, carbon monoxide detecting devices and natural gas detecting devices?
Pursuant to Local Law 157 of 2016, the owner and occupant are responsible for the installation and maintenance of such devices. The owner is required by law to install such devices and to periodically replace such devices upon the expiration of their useful life. The occupant is responsible for the maintenance and repair of such device that are battery operated and within the occupant’s dwelling unit and for replacing.
How will compliance with the retroactive provisions of 1RCNY §3616-06, which allows for battery operated gas alarms, be enforced?
Please refer to Local Law 157 of 2016, Section 27-2045, “Duties of owner and occupant with respect to installation and maintenance of smoke detecting devices, carbon monoxide detecting devices and natural gas detecting devices.” Enforcement shall be at the discretion of NYC HPD.