BayPointArchitect
Sawhorse
Code sections in order of relevance:
2012 IBC 3006.2
ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators, Section 2.7.9.2
2012 IBC 707
2012 IBC 3002.4
Given that local interpretation by the AHJ takes precedence over these National codes, I have come to realize that - where the code requires a machine room to have independent ventilation or air-conditioning system - we are expected to provide a small air conditioning system that is dedicated to that machine room and nothing else.
I love my State Elevator Inspector because he provided redline drawings during his plan review. During his plan review, he added a note calling for 6,222 Btu/Hr HVAC. Regardless of whether-or-not any HVAC contractor was made to look at those redlines during construction, I have two separate projects with two separate engineers who would otherwise interpret the code and provide a 360 cfm fan connected to a thermostat inside the machine room.
Now I know that you are about to remind me that the machine room needs to be fire rated and no openings are allowed into the machine room except for the fire-rated access door. You might even make reference to IBC Section 707 fire barriers, and Section 714 air transfer ducts requiring fire dampers, etcetera. We got that covered. Our small duct penetrations are fully equipped with fire dampers that are ready to slam shut at the slightest whiff of smoke or temperature rise. Looking at 2012 IBC Sections 3003.1.4 and 3004.3.1 (note #4) there is language that would suggest that a thermostat-controlled exhaust fan for the machine room is equally valid compared to the more expensive ($6,916) package split mini heat pump that can have small lines penetrating into the machine room and a (very awkward / inconvenient) condensing unit added to the exterior of the building.
These elevators are located in three story buildings. According to IBC Section 3002.4 these elevators (serving only three stories) are not required to provide fire department emergency access to all floors. Obviously this building is not a high rise and therefore it does not need to serve as an occupant evacuation elevator.
Meanwhile my code commentary and the State Elevator will reason that the temperature-controlled air inside the building may not be circulated through the machine room because that air will become so hot during the burning inferno that the machine room equipment will become disabled. At that very moment, emergency personnel - who are using the elevator inside a three level building - will become trapped inside.
After considering all of this, would you concur that the code language should make it abundantly clear that a small air conditioning unit needs to be both independent and separately provided for elevator machine rooms?
Thank you,
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
2012 IBC 3006.2
ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators, Section 2.7.9.2
2012 IBC 707
2012 IBC 3002.4
Given that local interpretation by the AHJ takes precedence over these National codes, I have come to realize that - where the code requires a machine room to have independent ventilation or air-conditioning system - we are expected to provide a small air conditioning system that is dedicated to that machine room and nothing else.
I love my State Elevator Inspector because he provided redline drawings during his plan review. During his plan review, he added a note calling for 6,222 Btu/Hr HVAC. Regardless of whether-or-not any HVAC contractor was made to look at those redlines during construction, I have two separate projects with two separate engineers who would otherwise interpret the code and provide a 360 cfm fan connected to a thermostat inside the machine room.
Now I know that you are about to remind me that the machine room needs to be fire rated and no openings are allowed into the machine room except for the fire-rated access door. You might even make reference to IBC Section 707 fire barriers, and Section 714 air transfer ducts requiring fire dampers, etcetera. We got that covered. Our small duct penetrations are fully equipped with fire dampers that are ready to slam shut at the slightest whiff of smoke or temperature rise. Looking at 2012 IBC Sections 3003.1.4 and 3004.3.1 (note #4) there is language that would suggest that a thermostat-controlled exhaust fan for the machine room is equally valid compared to the more expensive ($6,916) package split mini heat pump that can have small lines penetrating into the machine room and a (very awkward / inconvenient) condensing unit added to the exterior of the building.
These elevators are located in three story buildings. According to IBC Section 3002.4 these elevators (serving only three stories) are not required to provide fire department emergency access to all floors. Obviously this building is not a high rise and therefore it does not need to serve as an occupant evacuation elevator.
Meanwhile my code commentary and the State Elevator will reason that the temperature-controlled air inside the building may not be circulated through the machine room because that air will become so hot during the burning inferno that the machine room equipment will become disabled. At that very moment, emergency personnel - who are using the elevator inside a three level building - will become trapped inside.
After considering all of this, would you concur that the code language should make it abundantly clear that a small air conditioning unit needs to be both independent and separately provided for elevator machine rooms?
Thank you,
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner