Seals for rated units

[Tim Cannon]

Does anyone know if seals- S88 or similar are required for rated units? I have always done it, but now I am hearing it is not required. It was explained to me that the seals were required to prevent new air into the room to feed the fire. Thresholds and or sweeps are not required because the heat will pressurize the room and prevent new air from coming in under the door. Anyone know where I can find out which way to go with this...

 

[Builder Bob]

SECTION 710 SMOKE PARTITIONS

710.5 Openings.

Openings in smoke partitions shall comply with Sections 710.5.1 and 710.5.2.

710.5.1 Windows.

Windows in smoke partitions shall be sealed to resist the free passage of smoke or be automatic-closing upon detection of smoke.

710.5.2 Doors.

Doors in smoke partitions shall comply with Sections 710.5.2.1 through 710.5.2.3.

710.5.2.1 Louvers.

Doors in smoke partitions shall not include louvers.

710.5.2.2 Smoke and draft control doors.

Where required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke partitions shall meet the requirements for a smoke and draft control door assembly tested in accordance with UL 1784. The air leakage rate of the door assembly shall not exceed 3.0 cubic feet per minute per square foot (0.015424 m3/(s • m2)) of door opening at 0.10 inch (24.9 Pa) of water for both the ambient temperature test and the elevated temperature exposure test. Installation of smoke doors shall be in accordance with NFPA 105.

710.5.2.3 Self- or automatic-closing doors.

Where required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke partitions shall be self- or automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.5.9.3.

The building code itself does not specify (as it once did) but requires doors doors in smoke partitions to meet the requirements for a smoke and draft control door assembly to be tested in accordance with UL 1784 and installed in accordance with NFPA 105.

 

[cda]

Does anyone know if seals- S88 or similar are required for rated units? I have always done it, but now I am hearing it is not required. It was explained to me that the seals were required to prevent new air into the room to feed the fire. Thresholds and or sweeps are not required because the heat will pressurize the room and prevent new air from coming in under the door. Anyone know where I can find out which way to go with this...

Ask the doctor

http://idighardware.com/about-2/get-more-hardware-help/

 

[cda]

http://idighardware.com/2014/02/decoded-terminated-stops-and-door-bottom-seals-march-2014/

http://idighardware.com/2014/02/wwyd-emergency-exit-seals/

http://idighardware.com/2009/08/1738/