Stair Elevator Pressurization - An Overview

S TA I R W E L L & E L E VAT O R H O I S T W AY
P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – A N O V E R V I E W
Presented By: Enzo Carlesimo, PE, CEM, LEED AP
25th June 2015

COPYRIGHT © 1976-2015 BUROHAPPOLD ENGINEERING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
S TA I R W E L L & E L E VAT O R
H O I S T W AY P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N –
AN OVERVIEW
COPYRIGHT © 1976-2015 BUROHAPPOLD ENGINEERING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 17th February 2015
Introduction/Objectives
1.) Provide an overview of stairwell and elevator hoist
way pressurization system design and
implementation.
- Smoke containment vs. smoke management
- Evolution of pressurization systems in New York City
(Codes and Standards – ASHRAE, IBC & NFPA)
- Design fundamentals
- Calculation procedures
- Building equipment and controls
- Documentation for submission to DOB and AHJ
- Testing
2.) Encourage technical discussions to develop
design standards for BHNY MEP & FP design teams
in regards to life safety systems.

W H Y D O W E N E E D TO P R E S S U R I Z E S TA I R W E L L S ?
 Number of large loss fires occurred where smoke was deemed a major contributing
factor.
 Need to provide occupants a smoke-free escape route in the event of a building fire.
 Need to provide a smoke-free staging area for first responders.
 And, most importantly, it is required by building codes for certain types of buildings.

W H Y D O W E N E E D TO P R E S S U R I Z E E L E VAT O R H O I S T W AY S ?
And, most importantly, it is required by building codes for certain types of buildings.

S M O K E C O N TA I N M E N T V S . S M O K E M A N A G E M E N T –
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
 The answer is…YES!

 Both seek to achieve a common goal, but take different paths to achieve it (NFPA 92 –
Standard for Smoke Control Systems).
Goal Objectives Methods Approaches
[4.1.2] [4.1.1] [4.3]
Stairwell Pressurization
Contain smoke to zone Smoke
of fire origin. ```
Containment
Zoned Pressurization
Elevator Pressurization
Maintain tenability in Vestibule Pressurization
Control stairs. Smoke Refuge Area Pressurization
`
smoke
Maintain tenability in
exit access. Smoke Filling
Maintain smoke layer at Maintain smoke layer interface
Smoke at pre-determined height
pre-determined height.
```
Management Control smoke layer rate of
descent
Opposed airflow

H I S TO R Y O F S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N I N N Y C
BUILDING CODE
 1968 Building Code of NYC

 Title 27/Subchapter 5 – “Fire Protection Construction Requirements”
• 27-353 Smoke and Heat Venting
• Smoke shaft required for new Group E Occupancy (Business) buildings greater than 100 ft. in height
(60 AC/hr at 2 in. w.g. negative static pressure – Reference Standard RS 5-17; “Standards for the Installation of
Smoke Shafts).
• Fully sprinklered buildings were exempt from smoke shaft requirements.
• Existing office buildings greater than 100 ft. in height were able to install stair pressurization systems (Reference
Standard RS 5-18; “Standards for the Pressurization of Stairs”) in lieu of smoke shaft.
• Fully sprinklered existing office buildings were exempt from smoke shaft and stair pressurization systems.
• Reference Standard RS 5-18 – “Standards for the Pressurization of Stairs”
• 100% outside air supplied at one or more levels.

• 3,000 fpm (max.) air velocity at discharge point(s) into stairwell.
• Minimum volumetric flow rate = 24,000 cfm + 200 cfm per story of stairwell
• 0.40 in. w.c. ∆P (max.) between stair shaft and occupied floor whether doors are open or closed.
• 0.10 in. w.c. ∆P (min.) between stair shaft and occupied floor with all doors closed.
• 0.050 in. w.c. ∆P (min.) between stair shaft and occupied floor when (3) doors are open.

H I S TO R Y O F S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N I N N Y C
BUILDING CODE
 2008 & 2014 NYC Building Codes

• 2008 Code based upon 2003 International Building Code (IBC).
• 2014 Code based upon 2009 IBC.
• 403.5.4 Smokeproof exit enclosures – Required for high rise buildings (> 75 ft. in height).
• 909.20 Smokeproof enclosures - Consists of either enclosed interior exit stairway and ventilated vestibule.
• 909.20.5 Stair pressurization alternative – In lieu of ventilated vestibule, exit stairways can be pressurized if
building is fully sprinklered.
• Minimum positive ∆P : 0.10 in. w.c. (25 Pa)
• Maximum positive ∆P: 0.35 in. w.c. (87 Pa)
• All stairway doors closed.

H I S TO R Y O F E L E VATO R H O I S T W AY P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N
IN NYC BUILDING CODE
 1968 Building Code of NYC

• Title 27/Subchapter 5 – “Fire Protection Construction Requirements”
• 27-353.2 Smoke Protection for Elevators in E Occupancies
• No requirement for elevator hoist way pressurization.
• Elevators required to open into enclosed vestibule on every floor above main entrance floor.
• Enclosed vestibules required to separated from occupied space by smoke barriers.
 2008 & 2014 NYC Building Codes
• 708.14.1 Elevator lobby - Enclosed elevator lobby required when hoist way connects
more than three (3) stories.
• 708.14.2 Enclosed elevator lobby – Elevator hoist way pressurization can be provided
in lieu of enclosed elevator lobbies.
• 708.14.2.1 Pressurization alternative – Elevator hoist ways to be pressurized with
respect to adjacent occupied spaces on all floors.
• Minimum positive ∆P: 0.10 in. w.c. (25 Pa)
• Maximum positive ∆P: 0.25 in. w.c. (67 Pa)
• All elevator cab doors and hoist way doors open on floor of recall (ground floor).
• All other hoist way doors closed.
• Elevator pressurization fan intake to be located 20 ft. (min.) from any exhaust outlet.

H O W D O E S I B C C O M PA R E T O N F PA 9 2 ?
 IBC 2009 vs. NFPA 92-2012
2009 IBC NFPA 92-2012 Notes

Stair Pressurization Min. 0.10 in. w.g. 0.05 in. w.g. IBC – All doors closed
NFPA – Design number of doors
Max. 0.35 in. w.g. Door opening force open
Elevator Hoist Way Min. 0.10 in. w.g. 0.05 in. w.g. Both IBC & NFPA – Elevator car on
Pressurization recall floor with doors open
Max. 0.25 in. w.g. Door opening force
Notes:
AS – Sprinklered,
NS – Non-Sprinklered.
Number of open doors
determined by Engineer and
is based on stack effect,
buoyancy, etc.

T Y P E S O F S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N S Y S T E M S
 Series of systems defined by NFPA 92 – Standard for Smoke Control Systems (Annex F)
 Injection Type
• Single-Injection System
• Multiple-Injection System
 Compensation Type
• Non-compensated
• Compensated
• Modulated supply airflow
• Overpressure relief
• Barometric relief dampers
• Supply fan bypass

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – S I N G L E - I N J E C T I O N S Y S T E M
 Pressurizes stairwell at one (1) location, usually

at top of stairwell.
 Roof-mounted or exterior wall-mounted
propeller supply fans can be used (wind shields
highly recommended).
 Advantages:
• Propeller fans have quick response to
airflow changes.
• Propeller fans have lower installation costs
than other types of fans.
 Disadvantages:
• Propeller fans are highly susceptible to
wind pressures (centrifugal fans are
recommended).
• Smoke can enter stairwell through
pressurization fan intake.
• High likelihood for failure if a few doors
are open near air supply injection point.
• Risk for failure increases in bottom-
injection systems when ground floor
stairwell door is open.

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – M U LT I P L E - I N J E C T I O N S Y S T E M
 Injection points and fans can be

located at any level.
 More vertical distance between

injection points, more difficult it is to
balance system.
 Duct can be located in stairwell

instead of separate shaft.
 Pressurization fan intake required to be

separated from all building exhausts,
outlets from shafts, vents, etc.

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – M U LT I P L E - I N J E C T I O N S Y S T E M
 Injection points and fans can be located at any level.

 Stairwell Compartmentation
 More vertical distance between injection points,
more difficult it is to balance system.  Alternative to multiple injection systems.
 Duct can be located in stairwell instead of separate shaft.  Inappropriate for densely occupied
buildings where total building evacuation
 Pressurization fan intake required to be separated from all by stairwell is planned in event of fire.
building exhausts, outlets from shafts, vents, etc.

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – N O N - C O M P E N S AT E D V S .
C O M P E N S AT E D S Y S T E M S
 Non-Compensated System  Compensated System

• Does not compensate for changes in pressure  Compensates for varying pressure differentials and door
differentials or door status. statuses and maintains constant pressure differences across
openings.
• Single speed fan(s).
 Two (2) Methods:
• Constant volumetric flow rate. • Modulate supply airflow (variable speed fans).
• Pressurization level varies based on how many • Fan(s) is controlled by one or more static pressure sensors that
doors are open or closed. measure pressure difference between stairwell and building.
• Provide overpressure relief (dampers, supply fan bypass,

• Works best in buildings where doors are not
etc.)
opened very often or for very long.
• Example: Low occupant load buildings such

as luxury high-rise apartment buildings.

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – C O M P E N S AT E D S Y S T E M S
– OVERPRESSURE RELIEF –DAMPERS
 Barometric Dampers
• Simplest, least expensive method
• Use adjustable counterweights
• Prone to “chatter” and
weather infiltration
• Should not be placed
close to supply openings.
 Motorized Dampers
• More complicated and

expensive than barometric
dampers.
• Provide more control than
barometric dampers
• Controlled by differential
pressure sensors.

S TA I R W E L L P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – C O M P E N S AT E D S Y S T E M S –
O V E R P R E S S U R E R E L I E F – S U P P LY FA N B Y PA S S
 Supply Fan Bypass

• Pressurization fan sized to supply required airflow when design
number of doors are open.
• Stairwell air flow rate varied by modulating bypass dampers.
• Bypass dampers controlled by static pressure sensors.
• When all stairwell doors are closed, bypass damper opens.
• Bypass air increases, supply air to stairwell decreases.

S TA I R W E L L & E L E VATO R H O I S T W AY P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N –
RULES OF THUMB
 Stairwell Pressurization
• 1,000 – 1,500 cfm/stair landing
 Elevator Pressurization
• 500 cfm/floor/elevator cab
• 1,000 cfm per door (2009 IBC 708.14.2.4.4 – Fan Capacity)
• Drawbacks
• Limited use
• Not intended to be accurate and reliable for every situation.
• OK for Schematic Design and Design Development only.
• Does not prove to NYC DOB & AHJ’s (e.g. FDNY) that smoke control system has been properly engineered.
• Does not account for construction features (e.g. leakage, dimensions, etc.) of stairwell
. and elevator hoist way.
• For Bid & Construction Documents, it’s time to get serious…

C A L C U L AT I O N P R O C E D U R E S
 For stairwells with all doors closed and no leakage

directly to outdoors:
∆psbt = Pressure difference between stairwell and
B y building at stairway top (in. w.g.).
psbt  psbb  ∆psbb =
(1) A 
2 Pressure difference between stairwell and
building at stairway bottom (in. w.g.)
1   sb  B= Pressure difference due to buoyancy of
 Abo  hot gases and smoke in stairway (in. w.g.)
y= Height of stairway (ft.)
Eq. 10.7 – ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Asb = Flow area (a.k.a. leakage area) between
Management stairwell and building (ft2 per floor)
Eq. 14 – SFPE Handbook (3rd Edition)
Abo = Flow area (a.k.a. leakage area) between
building and outdoors (ft2 per floor)
(2) B  7.64   1  1  TO = Absolute temperature of outside air (°R)

 
 TO TS  TS = Absolute temperature of stairwell air (°R)
Eq. 10.15 – ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management

(3) Q  1740  N  A   psbt 2  psbb 2 

3 3
Q= Volumetric flow rate (cfm) Note: Equations (1) and (2) can be adapted for reuse
N= Number of floors in stairwell with pressurized elevators by redefining the
 psbt  psbb 
sb
subscript s in the analysis from stairwell to hoist way.

C A L C U L AT I O N P R O C E D U R E S ( C O N T I N U E D )
 To account for a number of interior or exterior open doors, calculate flow/leakage areas (walls, closed & open
doors) and use Equation (2) to determine ∆pstack – “Pressure Difference due to Stack Effect.”
 Add ∆pstack to “Minimum Design Pressure in Stair” (0.10 in. w.g. – 2009 IBC) to determine ∆pdesign -“Design
Pressure Difference across Flow Path.”
 Then, calculate Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) using the following equation:
C= Flow coefficient (dimensionless)

2  pdesign A= Flow area (leakage area) including stairwell walls, closed & open doors (ft2)
(4) Q  C  A
 ∆pdesign = Design pressure difference across flow path (in. w.g.)
ρ= Density of air entering flow path (lb/ft3)
 Since C ranges between 0.60 and 0.70 (use C = 0.65) and ρair = 0.075 lb/ft3, Equation (4) becomes:
Kf = Constant (IP – 2,610; SI – 0.839)

(5) Q  K f  A  pdesign
Eq. 5a – SFPE Handbook (3rd Edition)
Note: Equations (4) and (5) can also be applied to the analysis of pressurized elevator hoist ways.

C A L C U L AT I O N P R O C E D U R E S ( C O N T I N U E D )
 Maximum Pressure Difference (∆P) to Ensure Stairwell Doors Can Be Opened

• Interior swinging doors shall be set in motion when subjected to 30 lb. force (2009 IBC – 1008.1.3).
• Door-closing device applies 15 lb. force (2009 IBC – 1008.1.3).
5.2  (W  A)  P
(6) F  Fr 
2  (W  d )
F= Total door-opening force (lb.)
Fr = Force required to overcome door closer & other friction (lb.)
W= Door width (ft.)
A= Door area (ft2)
∆P = Pressure difference across door (in. w.g.)
d= Distance from door knob to knob side of door (ft.)
Figure A.4.4.2.2 – NFPA 92 – 2012 Edition • Solving Equation (6) for ∆P…
2  (W  d )  ( F  Fr )
(7) P 
5.2  (W  A)
• Barometric relief dampers should be set to open at ∆P calculated from Equation (7) to prevent over-
pressurization of stairwell and allow doors to be opened.

H A N D C A L C U L AT I O N S
 Stairwell Pressurization Example (2003 ASHRAE Handbook – Applications):

Given: B y
20-story building (N = 20) with average leakiness. psbt  psbb  2
Floor-to-floor for each story is 10.8 ft. A 
Exterior building wall area is 6,030 ft2/floor 1   sb 
Stairwell wall area is 560 ft2/floor  Abo 
Area of Gap around each stairwell door is 0.26 ft2
Outside design temperature: To = 14°F or To = 474°R (°R = °F + 460) 1 1
Stairwell air temperature: Ts = 70°F or Ts = 530°R B  7.64    
Maximum design pressure in stairwell: 0.551 in. w.g. (all stairwell doors closed)  TO TS 
Minimum design pressure in stairwell: 0.052 in. w.g.
Find:  p 3 2  p 3 2 
Required volumetric flow rate in stairwell (Q) to maintain pressure range listed above Q  1740  N  Asb   sbt sbb

Solution:  p sbt  p sbb 
Average Leakiness – Exterior Building Walls A/Aw = 0.21 x 10-3
Average Leakiness – Stairwell Walls A/Aw = 0.11 x 10-3
Flow Area Between Building & Outside: Abo = 6,030 ft2 x 0.21 x 10-3 = 1.27 ft2
Stairwell Leakage Area = 560 ft2 x 0.11 x 10-3 = 0.06 ft2
Flow Area Between Stairwell & Building: Asb = 0.26 ft2 + 0.06 ft2 = 0.32 ft2

H A N D C A L C U L AT I O N S ( C O N T I N U E D )
 Stairwell Pressurization Example (2003 ASHRAE Handbook – Applications):

Solution (Continued): B y
1 1 psbt  psbb 
𝐵 = 7.64 × [474 −
530
] A 
2
1   sb 
 Abo 
B = 0.00170 in. of water/ft.
y = 20 stories x 10.8 ft./story = 216 ft. 1 1

B  7.64    
 TO TS 
∆psbb = 0.080 in. w.g. (Selected to be above minimum design pressure of
0.052 in. w.g. as a safety margin)
 p 3 2  p 3 2 
0.00170 × 216 Q  1740  N  Asb   sbt sbb

∆𝑝𝑠𝑏𝑡 = 0.080 +  p  p 
1 + (0.32ൗ1.27)2
sbt sbb
∆𝑝𝑠𝑏𝑡 = 0.425 in. w.g. (This is good; ∆psbt should not exceed maximum design pressure in stairwell)
3 3ൗ
0.425 ൗ2 − 0.080 2
𝑄 = 8,200 cfm
𝑄 = 1740 × 20 × 0.32 × [ ]
0.425 − 0.080

C A L C U L AT I O N S P R E A D S H E E T S
Leakage Area for Stairwell

Walls (not including doors)
Leakage Area for Stairwell

Doors Only
Equation (2) – ∆Pstack Due to

Buoyancy of Smoke & Hot Gases
IBC minimum ∆P + ∆Pstack
Equation (5) – Pressurization Air

Flow Rate Required for Stairwell

C A L C U L AT I O N S P R E A D S H E E T S
 Elevator Hoist Way Pressurization

S I M U L AT I O N S O F T W A R E
 Network Modelling / Nodal Analysis
• CONTAM – Developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/IAQanalysis/software/index.htm
Figure 1: Simulation of Figure 2: Simulation of
 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling Stairwell Pressurization Elevator Hoist way
System in FloVENT Pressurization System
• FloVENT in FloVENT

S TA I R W E L L & E L E VATO R H O I S T W AY P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – FA N S
• Single-Injection Systems: Propeller fan (NFPA 92 – 4.6.3.1).
• Multiple-Injection Systems: Centrifugal or inline axial fan (NFPA 92 – 4.6.3.2).
 Elevator Hoist way Pressurization

• No recommendation in NFPA 92.
Roof-Mounted Centrifugal Fan
 Required Fan Construction Features (2009 IBC – 909.10.5 Fans) (Greenheck Mod. USF-300)
• 1.5 × number of belts required for design duty; minimum number of belts = 2.
• Fan motor to have minimum service factor of 1.15.
 Specify fans that have “U.L. 705 Listing – Power Ventilators for Smoke Control Systems”.
• U.L.-listed fans designed and tested to withstand severe temperatures.
• 500°F for 4 hours. Note: Ductwork within building must
be enclosed in 2-hour fire-rated
• 1,000°F for 15 minutes. construction or externally wrapped in Inline Vane Axial Fan
2-hour fire-rated blanket insulation (Greenheck Mod. TBI-FS)
 Common Fan Operating Configurations (3M Fire Barrier Duct Wrap 615+).
• Single fan w/ variable frequency drive (VFD) and static pressure sensor.
• “Lead” & “lag” fans – each w/ VFD. One (1) averaging static pressure sensor for system.
• “Duty” & “stand-by” fans – each w/ VFD & static pressure sensor.

BUILDING EQUIPMENT – ELECTRICAL SERVICE
 Systems to be provided with two (2) sources of power (2009 IBC – 909.11 Power Systems)
• Primary Power: From normal building power system.
• Stand-by Power: From emergency & stand-by power system complying with Section 2702.1 & NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).
• Stand-by power equipment to be separated from normal power equipment in minimum 1-hour fire-rated enclosure.
• Transfer between primary power & stand-by power must be automatic.
• Transition to occur within 60 seconds of primary power failure.
 Wiring (2009 IBC – 909.12.1)

• Must be enclosed in continuous raceways, in addition to complying with other NFPA 70 requirements.
 2-hour fire-rated enclosure required for control & power wiring (2009 IBC – 909.20.6.1 Ventilation System)
• Exceptions:
• 2-hour fire-rated cable or cabling system is used.
• Wiring is encased in minimum 2 inches of concrete.
 All junction boxes, pull boxes, and termination points must be identified as pertaining to smoke control system
(2009 IBC – 909.14 Marking and Identification).
 Fire alarm system supplying control input or output signals to smoke control system must have control unit that
complies with U.L.-864 (2009 IBC – 909.12 Detection and Control Systems).

CONTROLS
• Automatic Activation – Operation of any zone of the fire alarm system must cause all stairwell pressurization fans to start, unless an
engineering analysis determines that activation of all fans is not necessary (NFPA 92 – 6.4.6.1).
• Smoke Detection – A smoke detector must be provided in the stair pressurization supply ductwork, and if it senses smoke it must
shut down the stairwell pressurization fan (NFPA 92 – 6.4.6.2).
• Manual Pull Stations – If the system response is identical for all fire alarm zones, then activation via manual pull station is permitted
(NFPA 92 – 6.4.6.3).
 Elevator Hoist way Pressurization

• Activation of either the building’s fire alarm system or elevator lobby smoke detectors shall trigger elevator hoist way pressurization
system to operate (2009 IBC – 708.14.2.6 Activation of Pressurization System).

D O C U M E N TAT I O N
Detailed Design
Operations and
Report (Rational
Maintenance Manual
Analysis)

D O C U M E N TAT I O N ( C O N T I N U E D )
 Detailed Design Report (NFPA 92 – 7.2)

• Also referred to as “Rational Analysis” in 2009 IBC (909.4 Analysis).
• Must accompany construction documents filed with DOB and AHJ’s.
• Rational Analysis should discuss the following topics, where applicable:
• System purpose
• System design objectives
• Design approach and assumptions (e.g. building height, ambient conditions,
reliance on other fire protection systems, leakage, etc.)
• Location of smoke zone(s) (this is more suitable for smoke exhaust systems)
• Design pressure differences
• Building use limitations that arise out of the system design
• Design calculations
• Pressurization calculations to consider stack effect, wind effect and temperature effect of fire (buoyancy).
• Fan, duct, and damper specifications
• Detailed inlet or exhaust inlets site information
• Sequence of operation for system activation
• Smoke control system operation logic
• System commissioning procedures

D O C U M E N TAT I O N ( C O N T I N U E D )
 Operation & Maintenance Manual (NFPA 92 – 7.3)

• Initial commissioning procedures & measured system performance when
commissioning occurred.
• Testing and inspection requirements for system and required frequency of testing.
• Critical design assumptions and building use limitations.
• Special equipment maintenance requirements.
• Purpose of smoke control system.
 Operations & Maintenance – Who Is Responsible?
The answer is…

Building Owner is responsible for ensuring the systems are tested
and maintained in accordance with the O&M Manual, and for keeping
records of all testing and maintenance (NFPA 92-7.3.3).

S TA I R W E L L & E L E VATO R H O I S T W AY P R E S S U R I Z AT I O N – T E S T I N G
 Three (3) Types of Tests

• Component testing (NFPA 92 – 8.3)
• Acceptance testing (NFPA 92 – 8.4)
• Periodic testing (NFPA 92 – 8.6)
 NFPA 3 and NFPA 4

• NFPA 3 – Recommended Practice for Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire
Protection and Life Safety Systems
• NFPA 4 – Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing
• Not referenced by NFPA 92

(CONTINUED)
 Component Testing (NFPA 92 – 8.3)

• Test operation of subsystems and components prior to interconnection.
• Ductwork must be leak tested at 1.5 × maximum design pressure. Measured leakage can
not exceed 5% of design flow (2009 IBC – 909.10.2).
• Verify system is ready for acceptance testing.
 Acceptance Testing (NFPA 92 – 8.4)

• Verifies that installed system complies with design documents and functions as intended.
• Shall be conducted when equipment is operating on both primary (normal) and stand-by
(emergency) power.
• Force necessary to open each egress to be measured (using spring-type scale) and
recorded.
• Proper operation of all fans, dampers and related equipment to be verified and recorded.

(CONTINUED)
 Pressure Testing of Smoke Containment Systems (NFPA 92 – 8.4.6.1)
• Stairwell Pressurization
• Measure pressure differentials across smoke barriers with all interior doors closed.
• Leave exterior door open if it would be open during evacuation.
• Then measure pressure differentials with number of egress doors open per design.
• Measure force to open egress doors with number of doors open per design.
• Elevator Hoist way Pressurization
• Pressure differential across each elevator door with all elevator doors closed shall be
measured and recorded.
• If elevator door(s) on the recall floor would normally be open during system pressurization, it
shall be open during testing too.
 Force Testing of Smoke Containment Systems (NFPA 92 – 8.4.6.2)

• With the containment system activated and the number of doors used in the system
design open, the force necessary to open each egress door shall be measured (using
spring-type scale) and recorded.

(CONTINUED)
 Periodic Testing (NFPA 92 – 8.6)
• Maintain components per manufacturer’s recommendations

• Verify:
• Pressure differentials
• Airflow at air-moving and distributing equipment
• Input/output functions
• Emergency/stand-by power
• Dedicated systems (do not function under normal building operation) – Semi-annual testing
• Non-dedicated systems – Annual testing
• NFPA 90A (Standard for Installation of Air-Conditioning & Ventilating Equipment) contains
additional information on operation and maintenance.

C O N C L U S I O N S / R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
 Avoid the lure of rules of thumb…
 Understand how the systems work and how to design them properly since you
need to prove it to the DOB and AHJ’s.
• ASHRAE, IBC & NFPA are comprehensive references.
 It’s good to oversize a life safety system to some extent, but don’t over do it…

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Stair Elevator Pressurization - An Overview

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Stair Elevator Pressurization - An Overview

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S TA I R W E L L & E L E VAT O R H O I S T W AY

Presented By: Enzo Carlesimo, PE, CEM, LEED AP

25th June 2015

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 The answer is…YES!

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 1968 Building Code of NYC

• Reference Standard RS 5-18 – “Standards for the Pressurization of Stairs”

• 100% outside air supplied at one or more levels.

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 2008 & 2014 NYC Building Codes

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 1968 Building Code of NYC

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 IBC 2009 vs. NFPA 92-2012

2009 IBC NFPA 92-2012 Notes

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 Pressurizes stairwell at one (1) location, usually

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 Injection points and fans can be

 More vertical distance between

 Duct can be located in stairwell

 Pressurization fan intake required to be

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 Injection points and fans can be located at any level.

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 Non-Compensated System  Compensated System

• Provide overpressure relief (dampers, supply fan bypass,

• Example: Low occupant load buildings such

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• More complicated and

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 Supply Fan Bypass

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• 1,000 – 1,500 cfm/stair landing

• 500 cfm/floor/elevator cab

• 1,000 cfm per door (2009 IBC 708.14.2.4.4 – Fan Capacity)

• For Bid & Construction Documents, it’s time to get serious…

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 For stairwells with all doors closed and no leakage

(2) B  7.64   1  1  TO = Absolute temperature of outside air (°R)

Eq. 10.15 – ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management

(3) Q  1740  N  A   psbt 2  psbb 2 

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C= Flow coefficient (dimensionless)

Kf = Constant (IP – 2,610; SI – 0.839)

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 Maximum Pressure Difference (∆P) to Ensure Stairwell Doors Can Be Opened

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 Stairwell Pressurization Example (2003 ASHRAE Handbook – Applications):

Stairwell Leakage Area = 560 ft2 x 0.11 x 10-3 = 0.06 ft2

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 Stairwell Pressurization Example (2003 ASHRAE Handbook – Applications):

y = 20 stories x 10.8 ft./story = 216 ft. 1 1

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Leakage Area for Stairwell

Leakage Area for Stairwell

Equation (2) – ∆Pstack Due to

IBC minimum ∆P + ∆Pstack

Equation (5) – Pressurization Air