In these cases, NFPA 92 can be used as guidance to further understand how to design these other types of systems; however, the requirements of the IBC will need to be met. For projects that use NFPA 101 or NFPA 5000, there is a more direct correlation between the code and use of NFPA 92.
What are smoke control measures?
Smoke control systems (or smoke management systems) are mechanical systems that control the movement of smoke during a fire. Most are intended to protect occupants while they are evacuating or being sheltered in place. These feature zones or floors that are either pressurized or exhausted to keep smoke from spreading.
How does a smoke control system work?
Smoke Containment Systems They pressurize a certain area such as a stairwell, elevator, vestibule, or zone of a building by using a mechanical fan. This pressure difference across a barrier ensures that smoke does not migrate into certain areas of a building.
How many CFM should a smoke room have?
Exhaust fans are rated by CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). For example, if your room measures 10′ x 12′ with ceilings that are 8′ high, you would need an exhaust fan rated at 200-300 CFM for a single smoker. For 4 or 5 smokers, a CFM of 900-1100 would be required.
What is smoke ventilation system?
Smoke ventilation systems are life safety systems designed to facilitate the safe escape of occupants in the event of a fire and also enable the fire to be fought in its early stages.
What are the three types of smoke control systems?
use some type of ventilation system for smoke control. While there are many types that you can use on your property for smoke control, three types are the most common and widely used in most buildings and premises. These three options include smoke, natural, and mechanical ventilation system.
Where are smoke control systems required?
The International Building Code (IBC) calls for smoke control for several high-risk building conditions. Typically, it is required in large-volume spaces (e.g. shopping malls, theaters, airport terminals, entrance lobbies, and sports arenas) where many occupants may be exposed to the effects of fire.
What is a smoke control panel?
The Firefighters Smoke Control (FSCS) panel allows a fireman to control the flow of air in a building, in a fire situation. The Smoke Control panel can have switches for the various fans and dampers within a building. It is most commonly used in high rise buildings.
What are the basic principles of a smoke control system?
But the basic principles are the same: The smoke-control system captures the fans and dampers in the event of a fire, in order to control smoke. The front-end of every smoke-control system is the Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station.
How many CFM does it take to remove smoke?
What are the best smoke control calculators?
AtriumCalc Smoke Control Calculator, Version 1.1 AtriumCalc Smoke Control Calculator, Version 1.1 AtriumCalc, a Microsoft® Excel® application that lets engineers perform complicated smoke control calculations in minutes, is available free of charge to purchasers of the Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering.
What is the basis of smoke control system design?
Realize the International Building Code is the basis of smoke control system design. Apply calculations to model the smoke control solution. When designing smoke control systems, the 2015 edition of NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems is a standard you need to know.
Is fire size the most important variable for smoke control?
Fire size is possibly the most important variable for smoke control calculations, but unfortunately, it is an area of great uncertainty. While NFPA 92 provides some equations for determining some characteristics of the fire, the most important piece—heat-release rate—is not established prescriptively.
Can NFPA 92 be used to design smoke control systems?
So, NFPA 92 can be used to design smoke control systems. Simple enough, and on the surface, this covers a very broad scope.
