BCAB #1688 - Provision of centralized electronic shutoff controls for lighting, plumbing and ventilation; Sentence 1.1.1.12.(1) and Articles 3.7.2.3., 3.7.2.2., 6.2.2.1., 7.1.3.1. & 7.6.1.3.

January 20, 2011

BCAB #1688

Re: Provision of centralized electronic shutoff controls for lighting, plumbing and ventilation; Sentence 1.1.1.12.(1) and Articles 3.7.2.3., 3.7.2.2., 6.2.2.1., 7.1.3.1. & 7.6.1.3.

Project Description
The project is an alteration to an existing correctional facility of Group B, Division 1 occupancy containing individual living units with plumbing, electrical and mechanical services.

Reason for Appeal
It is proposed that electronic controls be installed to permit wardens in the central control tower to disable building services in a living unit in the event of an emergency situation.

Appellant’s Position
The appellant contends that the centralized electronic shutoffs for non-emergency lighting, plumbing and ventilation are not in contravention of any specific code requirements.  Further, the shutoffs are similar to other controls that are commonly installed such as electrical switches and circuit breakers, plumbing shut-off valves as required by 7.6.1.3., or typical electronic controls for ventilation systems, respectively.  The appellant concludes that the provision of electronic shutoffs is consistent with the general principles and objectives of the code.

Building Official's Position
The building official maintains that lighting, plumbing for domestic water, and ventilation are required by 7.1.3.1., 3.7.2.2. and 3.7.2.3., and 6.2.2.1., respectively.  The provision of additional electronic shutoffs is intended to satisfy a different set of objectives (control of emergency situations such as riots) at the expense of the code’s objectives.  The shutoffs are thus not consistent with the general principles and objectives of the code.  Further, the building official maintains that the alteration will facilitate disruption of building services, which represents a decrease in building performance in contravention of 1.1.1.2.(1) of Division A.

Appeal Board Decision #1688
It is the determination of the Board that the Code does not prohibit the remote control of building services, including shutting them off, and does not regulate the operation of the building.

George Humphrey, Chair