Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

May 30, 2003

Re: Fire detection system shutdown of HVAC systems
19 NYCRR 1223.1, MCNYS 2002, Section 606.2

This letter is in response to your inquiry regarding whether or not heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) with a volumetric capacity of less than two thousand (2,000) cubic feet per minute (cfm) need to be shutdown upon activation of a fire detection system. It is our opinion that such systems do not need to be shutdown, per the Mechanical Code of New York State, 2002 edition (MCNYS)[19 NYCRR 1223.1].

MCNYS Section 606.2 regulates the installation of smoke detection within HVAC systems as well as the shutdown processes for such systems. The requirements of this section is based on volumetric capacity of systems, with a minimum condition of 2,000 cfm. HVAC systems that are under 2,000 cfm are not affected by this Section and, therefore, do not require a shutdown upon activation of the fire detection system.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Nichols
Fire Protection Engineer I
Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
Al03-109

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526