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Session’s Learning Objectives

• List some of the challenges that must be addressed in the design of a stair pressurization system
• Describe the differences between the four main types of life safety dampers
SEMINAR 9 • Properly apply pressure relief dampers in a stair pressurization system
• Explain when it is necessary to use multiple injection points for stair pressurization
PRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS FOR PROTECTING EXIT • Understand real world design issues associated with stairway and elevator pressurization systems
Peter W. McDonnell, PE,
STAIRWELLS DURING A FIRE • Identify the applicable code standards for stairway and elevator pressurization systems
BD+C AP

McClure Engineering
pmcdonnell@mcclureeng.com
(314) 645-6232

Applications of Stairway and

Elevator Pressurization Systems:
Is It Really That Easy?

Stairway and Elevator Pressurization

Graphic Insert floor plan from 700 Market St

Why – The intent of these systems is to mitigate the movement of smoke and provide a safe
passageway for occupants to egress the building during a fire event.
When – The system requirements are driven by building codes.
How – The system performance is defined by NPFA Standard 92.
Where to Start – Identify the building parameters (height of building, locations of egress
stairways, applicable building codes, ASHRAE – Applications Handbook Chapter 53).
Building Height – Know what the building code utilizes to define high rise. Some codes, for
example, say above 75 feet (22.9m) from ground to the top occupied floor level. Other
codes may say 50 feet (15.2m) from accessible grade to the top of the parapet. These
can be dependent upon the Fire Department equipment available. Newer codes now
identify tall (> 120 feet) (36.6m)and super tall buildings 420 feet (128m)and greater.
Egress Stairs (and Fire Fighter Elevators) – All stairs may not be listed for life safety/egress.
Building Codes – National codes (International Code Congress and Uniform, State/City or Local
Codes). Some are based upon one of the national codes, but not all.
Talk with the Building and Fire AHJ(s)!

NFPA Standard 92 NFPA Standard 92 Elevator Pressurization Systems

Article 4.4.1 – Design shall incorporate the effect of
outdoor temperatures and wind on performance of
systems.
Article 4.4.2.1.1 – Pressure differences across spaces
(Table 4.4.2.1.1) or higher as determined by designer.
Article 4.7 – When system is provided, elevator hoistway
shall be pressurized to maintain a minimum pressure in
accordance with Table 4.4.2.1.1. The minimum pressure
shall be with elevator car at recall floor and doors and
hoistway vent are open.

Article 4.6.4.1.2 – Design analysis shall be performed for

all single-bottom-injection systems and for all other single- Table 4.4.2.1.1. (applicable to all systems)
injection stairway systems in excess of 100 feet (30.5 m) in Building Type Ceiling Height Design PD
height.
(Ft) (m) (In. W.G.) (Pa)
Article 4.6.4.2 – For multiple-injection system designs with
injection points greater than three stories apart, a design Sprinklered Any 0.05 12.45
analysis shall be performed to ensure that opened doors Non-sprinklered 9 2.75 0.10 24.91
don’t lead to pressures below minimum design.
Non-sprinklered 15 4.57 0.14 34.87
Article 4.10 – Vestibules not required, but are permitted as
part of system (either pressurized or non-pressurized). Non-sprinklered 21 6.40 0.18 44.87

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Issues to Consider
Do we need pressure relief vents in these systems?
If system is designed to maintain pressures when doors are opened,
then generally relief vents are needed.
Can we utilize a single injection point?
Yes, however you must do the analysis per NFPA!
Note that the outdoor air temperatures will effect the distribution of
air (and pressures) within the shaftways.
Do we need a dedicated pressurization system?
No, however it must be controlled by a listed and monitored system
(fire alarm or UL 864 BAS). Remember that these spaces must be
served by systems dedicated to the stair or elevator.
Do these systems need to be tested?
Yes, the acceptance testing procedures and pass/fail criteria need to
be understood.
Examples
Scissor Stairs
Issues to Consider
Review ASHRAE- HVAC Applications Handbook Chapter 53 Article 7 and 8.
1/22/2018
Examples
Scissor Stairs
Issues to Consider
What is the wall construction?
When performing a design analysis, poured and painted shaftway
walls will result in less leakage through the walls.
Are there other smoke management systems that could be operating?
If the fire floor is exhausted, this would impact pressures across
that floor’s doorway to the stair or elevator.
For an elevator pressurization system, confirm floor for recall.
In elevator systems, the doors are open.
Consider the outdoor design conditions for the building.
The make-up air temperature will effect how the air flows within the
shaftway!
Review ASHRAE- HVAC Applications Handbook Chapter 53 Article 7 and 8 .
Conclusions
• Stairway and elevator pressurization systems should be designed with attention to detail.
• Identify the code (or owner) requirements.
• Coordinate the system and equipment early in the design process (intakes, fans, supply injections
points and controls).
• Plan the tests that are required to execute the systems.
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References

International Building Code – International Code Council

NFPA Standard 92 – National Fire Protection Association
2015 ASHRAE Handbook _ HVAC Applications - ASHRAE
• Peter McDonnell, P.E.(CA, FL, MO)
Questions? McClure Engineering
pmcdonnell@mcclureeng.com