Interpretation #7230

Published September 25, 2013

Download Final PDF

Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
MECHANIC
Code Description
Chapter
6
Section
607.5.4
Topic

Question

Is it the intent of this section to require smoke
dampers in fresh air ducts supplying air to a
hotel guest room (R1 occupancy)when penetrating a
1 hour rated wall between the corridor and the
hotel room.

Answer Published 09/25/2013 at 1:19 AM

If the duct system that services the guest rooms

communicates directly with the rated corridor, then yes



combination fire/smoke dampers would be required. However,

per exception #3 smoke dampers are not required in corridor

partitions where the duct is constructed of steel not less

than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm)in thickness and there are no

openings serving the corridor.

Commentary

The intent of this section is to prevent the passage of smoke into the egress elements of a building during a fire. The fire partitions and barriers serve to compartmentalize the building to prevent the fire from migrating from space to space. Relating to the comment; FBCB Table 715.4 requires a 20 minute fire resistance rating and evokes Note b. Table 715.4 Note b refers the user to Section 715.4.3 for testing requirements of the fire door. FBCB 715.4.3.1 requires fire door assemblies to meet the smoke and draft control requirements of UL 1784 and specifies the leakage cited by the Coconut Grove building official.