Double standard for exit passageways?

[Henchalwoog]

2015 IBC sec 402.8.7 allows for mechanical rooms to open on an exit passageway in a mall scenario...nothing about penetrations
Section 1024 only allows access to the exit passageway from normally occupied spaces and section 1024.6 does not allow any penetrations...is it the intent to allow penetrations in a mall situation?

 

[Sifu]

You can have penetrations if using a firestop penetration system. From the 2018 commentary:

In the case of malls, the
code allows an exception to that general rule, provided
that the fire-resistance rating of the exit enclosure
is maintained by appropriate opening protection,
such as fire doors, fire dampers and through-penetration
firestopping.

 

[walker.t]

is it the intent to allow penetrations in a mall situation?

This might be helpful…

Commentary on 2021 IBC 402.8.7 Service Areas Fronting on Exit Passageways (partial quote)
In a covered mall building, it is necessary to provide for services to the tenant spaces that are maintained by mall management…These service must be located in a common space controlled by the mall management and, therefore, cannot be located within the tenant spaces…

Exit passageways are generally treated similarly to exit stairways in that only openings from normally occupied spaces are permitted. In other buildings this would prohibit doors or utility penetrations to such mechanical/electrical rooms. In the case of malls, the code allows an exception to that general rule, provided that the fire-resistance rating of the exit enclosure is maintained by appropriate opening protection, such as fire doors, fire dampers and through-penetration firestopping.

You can have penetrations if using a firestop penetration system. From the 2018 commentary:

Boy, you’re quick!

 

[Sifu]

Boy, you’re quick!

I spend a lot of time on THE FORUM seeking advice and opinions that sometimes one pops up and I can offer my own opinion.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

2015 IBC sec 402.8.7 allows for mechanical rooms to open on an exit passageway in a mall scenario...nothing about penetrations
Section 1024 only allows access to the exit passageway from normally occupied spaces and section 1024.6 does not allow any penetrations...is it the intent to allow penetrations in a mall situation?

A door is an "opening," not a "penetration." Unless I've missed something, an exit passageway must be protected the same as an exit enclosure, and penetrations are allowed only for elements serving the exit passageway. 402.8.7 is a special exception -- that's why it's in Chapter 4. It addresses openings, not penetrations.

 

[Henchalwoog]

A door is an "opening," not a "penetration." Unless I've missed something, an exit passageway must be protected the same as an exit enclosure, and penetrations are allowed only for elements serving the exit passageway. 402.8.7 is a special exception -- that's why it's in Chapter 4. It addresses openings, not penetrations.

Indeed - chapter 10 is more restrictive...but chapter 4 is more specific...