Door opening in Fire Barrier

[JMORRISON]

Is a fusible link hold open closure allowed for door openings in a 2-hour fire barrier utilized to limit a fire area to less than 12,000 sq ft?

 

[High Desert]

I think they have to be activated by smoke detectors (2009 IBC Section 715.4.8.3 Item #6).

 

[Codegeek]

I'm with HD, it has to be activated by a smoke detector or be an automatic closing assembly per NFPA 80.

 

[Coug Dad]

I think they have to be activated by smoke detectors (2009 IBC Section 715.4.8.3 Item #6).

Item 6 deals with Fire Walls. I thought the OP asked about fire barrier walls.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I think they have to be activated by smoke detectors (2009 IBC Section 715.4.8.3 Item #6).

That is for doors in a Fire Wall the OP stated Fire Barrier. I do not find a prohibition to a fusible link in the I-Codes

 

[cda]

Gives you options and para before says per nfpa 80

Fusable links use to be approved

715.4.8.3 Smoke-activated doors. Automatic-closing doors installed in the following locations shall be automatic-closing by the actuation of smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section 907.3 or by loss of power to the smoke detector or hold-open device. Doors that are automatic-closing by smoke detection shall not have more than a 10-second delay before the door starts to close after the smoke detector is actuated:

 

[Codegeek]

The 2012 code reference is 716.5.9 for door closing and it deals with fire door assemblies, regardless of installed in a fire barrier or fire wall.

 

[gbhammer]

:agree Seems to be allowed.

 

[High Desert]

Item 6 deals with Fire Walls. I thought the OP asked about fire barrier walls.

Sorry, read the OP too quickly. NFPA 80 will give specifics.

 

[JMORRISON]

Thanks for replies. IBC 2009 Sec 715.4.8.2 automatic closing sends you to NFPA 80; Sec 715.4.8.3 Smoke ativated doors does not refer to Sec 707 Fire Barriers. NFPA 80 simply says door holder release devices shall be labelled and installed according to manufacturers instructions.

Merry Christmas to all

Jeff Morrison

 

[cda]

from nfpa 80

3.3.6 Automatic-Closing Device. A device that causes the door or window to close when activated by a fusible link or detector.

 

[JBI]

HD went a little too far... (from the 2009 IBC)715.4.8.3 Smoke-activated doors. Automatic-closing doors installed in

the following locations shall be automatic-closing by the actuation of smoke

detectors installed in accordance with :Next('./icod_ibc_2009_9_sec007_par060.htm')'>Section 907.3

or by loss of power to the smoke detector or hold-open device. Doors that are

automatic-closing by smoke detection shall not have more than a 10-second delay

before the door starts to close after the smoke detector is

actuated:

1. Doors installed across a corridor.

2. Doors that protect openings in exits or corridors required

to be of fire-resistance-rated construction3. Doors that protect openings in walls that are capable of resisting the

passage of smoke in accordance with

4. Doors installed in smoke barriers in accordance with Section

710.5.

Sounds like fusible links are a no-go.

 

[cda]

JM

Would these happen to be overhead rolling rated door???

This one is icc stamp of approval:::

http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-2879.pdf

 

[JMORRISON]

Existing 2-story block wall with Hollow metal doors and frames (3-hour) label. Will be using wall as fire barrier to keep fire area under 12,000 sq ft after an addition. Doors currently have no closure and are open all the time.

JBI; there is a difference between smoke barrier and fire barrier

 

[jrpros]

Assuming IBC 2009 and NFPA 80 2007.

Looking at 707.6 (Opening in Fire Barriers), "Openings in a fire barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 715."

715.4 states "Fire door assemblies and shutters shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this section and NFPA 80."

715.4.8 (Door Closing) "Fire doors shall be self- or automatic-closing in accordance with this section."

715.4.8.2 (Automatic-Closing Fire Door Assemblies) "Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be self-closing in accordance with NFPA 80."

note that the locations listed under 715.4.8.3 (Smoke-activated doors) do not appear to apply to your doors. The closest is Fire Wall which you have stated this is not.

NFPA 80 Chapter 6 (Swinging Doors with Builders Hardware)

6.1.4.3 Automatic-Closing Doors - shall be permitted to close automatically by means of the installation of a closing device and one of the following:

(1) A separate, labeled, fail-safe door holder/release device or a hold-open mechanism that shall be permitted to be an integral part of the basic closing device

(2) An integral closing device that allows the door to swing freely and that automatically closes the door during an alarm condition, provided the hold-open mechanisms are released by one or a combination of automatic fire detectors acceptable to the AHJ

It appears as though you may have found the one application where a fusible link might still be acceptable. Good luck. One other question, does NFPA 101 apply? If it does, you may be out of luck because I don't think there is any reference to fusible links being acceptable.

 

[JBI]

Thanks JM. Saw it after I posted it but was too lazy to dlete it... figured someone would catch that.