Interpretation #7574
Published August 20, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- MECHANIC
- Code Description
- Mechanical
- Chapter
- 5
- Section
- 513.3
- Topic
- Use of smoke bombs
Question
In regards to Informal Interpretation Report Number 7540, which indicates " No, it is not the intent to use smoke bombs. ". If smoke is not to be used, how is the Fire Inspector able to determine that smoke has cleared in the allotted time of 13 minutes to see the exit sign from 20 feet away, per Fire Code criteria?
Answer Published 08/20/2015 at 10:23 AM
Ask the design engineer. It may not be the intent of the
Code to require smoke bombs, but smoke bombs can certainly
be used if the approved testing methodology employs them.
Code to require smoke bombs, but smoke bombs can certainly
be used if the approved testing methodology employs them.
Commentary
As a note - Smoke bombs do not provide the same hot smoke a
fire does. Even if the test was done with smoke bombs and
passed, it would not necessarily mean it would perform the
same in a real fire.