Basic Smoke Control Strategy and Tactics

The International Building Code (IBC) is the model code for most building codes in the United States. Mechanical and fire codes define the requirements for fire and smoke dampers and their operation in case of fire. The various codes have exceptions and specific instances in which one or more smoke control methods discussed here may or may not be required.

The purpose here is to explain how dampers operate in those systems so that the fire fighter, fire prevention officer, code official, consulting engineer, or building owner can better understand the technology. The specific code requirements are not the subject, but it is sometimes necessary to keep them in mind.

Chapter 3 of the IBC gives use and occupancy classifications; that is, the different activities and uses that define, for example, a mercantile occupancy or high-rise business occupancy. Chapter 4 gives special detailed requirements based on the classifications. Chapter 7 provides the criteria for construction, including fire and smoke dampers in barriers and walls. Chapter 9 covers the requirements for sprinklers, alarms, and smoke control systems. Chapter 10 is Egress Solutions and Chapter 30 covers elevators. These chapters cover the code provisions for fire and smoke dampers. Provisions in the code are based on experience either in building construction or lessons learned in past fires or disasters. Some cities have damper requirements; for example, the New York City Codes have provisions in all three codes. The NYC Mechanical Code, section 405, covers some of the requirements for high-rise business building manual or automatic control of some dampers and section 513 covers some requirements for smoke exhaust systems. Sections 606 and 607 cover smoke detector and some remote control requirements. The NYC Fire Code section 704.1 includes floor openings and shafts.

Many other states and cities have codes with modified provisions based on the model codes. Many have strong smoke control provisions as a seismic activity which can tear gas lines from the ground causing fire hazard and simultaneously breaking water lines thus disrupting sprinkler action.

Understand smoke control strategies, download the Guide on Actuated Dampers in Smoke Control Systems.

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