What is an opening?

[Sifu]

Various sections of code refer to openings and penetrations. When does an opening become a penetration, or a penetration an opening? For example, 2018 IBC 602.1 allows openings, ducts, and air transfer openings (none are defined) to be left unprotected unless required by some other section of code. It does not say penetration. Seems like an oversight, but none of the terms have ever been defined as far as I know.

 

[fatboy]

I am of the mind that not everything needs a definition. I think a reasonable person can draw a conclusion what a penetration is, wire, pipe, cable, conduit etc., air transfer openings are just that.

Not slamming your post, just my opinion.

 

[Sifu]

I understand the sentiment. I had a superior ask me the definition of "living", in regards to the definition of a dwelling unit a couple days ago. I said no definition was needed, for two quick reasons. 1) it's pretty easy to tell if you are living if you are not the opposite of living, and 2) if you are eating, sleeping and going to the bathroom, you are living.
However, when I see language that obfuscates what some may see as common sense I think definitions are important. In 602.1 the code says "openings, ducts and air transfer openings". For me, using openings, and air transfer openings in the same example is redundant. Isn't "air transfer opening" covered by "opening"? If not, then is there some difference? Should an air transfer opening count towards allowable openings in an exterior wall? Should a concentric vent pipe, or an exhaust duct termination.

 

[BN4537]

My opinion, that has nothing to back it up:

If something passes through a wall, like a pipe or a cable, if some object protrudes through the wall or membrane, - that is a penetration.

If no object passes through the wall, there is just a hole (like a window or doorway), with nothing passing through or protruding from the wall or membrane - that is an opening.

Again, my opinion, but for something to be a "penetration", there should have to be something "penetrating" it.

Webster's says that penetration is the act of going through or into something, for what that is worth... Chapter 2 says to use ordinarily accepted meanings when terms are not defined, therefore Webster's dictionary is a decent way to go.

 

[classicT]

Penetration is a solid material passing through the wall.

An opening has a cavity that allows for airflow.

 

[BN4537]

Now, what about fixed windows? You have a window opening, but it has glass in it that would prevent airflow. There are scenarios where, because of setbacks, you cannot have unprotected openings on some exterior walls of a building, for example. If the glazing does not meet 716 requirements for opening protectives, and the openings in this scenario are required to be protected, you would be left with an "unprotected opening", even though air cannot pass through because of the glazing installed.

This is a devil's advocate argument, I'm undecided on whether what I just said is true or not...

 

[ICE]

There are “penetrations” and there are “through penetrations”

 

[my250r11]

Webster's says that penetration is the act of going through or into something, for what that is worth... Chapter 2 says to use ordinarily accepted meanings when terms are not defined, therefore Webster's dictionary is a decent way to go.

I agree with this.

.....A door or window are penetrations also technically but my opinion is the are openings for the code world.