MEPF

ENGINEERING
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
(NFPA 92)
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
NFPA 92 defines
Pressurized Stairwells
as a type of smoke
control system in
which stair shafts are
mechanically
pressurized, with
respect to the fire
area, with outdoor air
to keep smoke from
contaminating them
during a fire incident
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
Determining sizes and ratings of pressurization fans for stairwell
pressurization is achieved by air pressure calculations.

• Provisions for the recommended air pressure differences across the

occupied area and the pressurized stairwell are found in the NFPA 92
Table 5.2.1.1

• With the given air pressure, air flow is calculated taking into
consideration factors such as leakage air flow between doors, total
area of the stair well, number of doors to be opened in case of a fire,
and coefficients factors to arrive with the total air flow required;
usually expressed in CFM(cubic feet per minute).

• Size of pressurization fans must be able to supply computed air flow

in order to achieve recommended air pressure.
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
Sample Air pressure calculation
1.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM
NFPA 92 – 5.2.1.1 Minimum Design Pressure Differences Across
Smoke Barriers
1.4.1 APPLICATION OF STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION
We most commonly see stairwell pressurization systems utilized in
high-rise buildings. However, just because the building meets the
definition of a high-rise does not necessarily imply that every stairwell,
or any stairwell for that matter, is required to be provided with stairwell
pressurization.
The code simply requires that every exit stair serving floors more than
75 feet above the lowest level of fire department access shall be a
‘smokeproof enclosure.’ For example, stairs serving only a couple of
stories within a high-rise building would not be required to satisfy
the requirements for a ‘smokeproof enclosure.’ Similarly, for
underground buildings, every stairway serving floor levels more
than 30 feet below the ‘level of exit discharge’ would also require a
smokeproof enclosure, with one method being stairwell
pressurization.
1.4.2 TYPES OF STAIRWELL PRESSURIZATION
Non-compensated Systems
In a non-compensated system, supply air is injected into the stairwell by actuating a
single speed fan, thus providing one pressure difference with all doors closed, another
difference with one door open and so on.

Compensated Systems – Modulating Supply Airflow

In a modulating supply airflow system, the capacity of the supply fan shall be sized to
provide at least the minimum air velocity when the design number of doors are open.
The flow rate of air into the stairwell is varied by modulating bypass dampers, which
are controlled by one or more static pressure sensors.

Compensated Systems – Overpressure Relief

Compensated system operation can also be accomplished by overpressure relief. In
this instance, pressure build up in the stairwell as doors close is relieved directly from
the stairwell to the outside.
1.4.3 NFPA 92 CODE PROVISIONS
➢ The supply air intake shall be separated from all building exhaust, outlets from smoke
shafts, and roof smoke and heat vents, open vents from elevator shafts, and other
building openings that might expel smoke from the building in a fire.
➢ Single Injection systems – air injection for a single injection system shall be permitted
to be located at any location within the stairwell
1.4.3 NFPA 92 CODE PROVISIONS
➢ Multiple Injection Systems – For system designs with injection points more than three
stories apart, a design analysis shall be performed to minimize loss of pressurization air
through open doors.

➢ Doors located in smoke barriers shall be self-closing or shall be arranged to close

automatically upon activation of the system.
1.5 AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEM
A fire suppression system is, to a degree, precisely what it sounds like – a
system used to suppress and/or extinguish a fire within a building.

Note that fire suppression systems are different than fire sprinkler
systems. Fire sprinklers always use water in copious amounts to
extinguish and/or control a fire. Water damage to the contents of the
room/building can often occur as a result, but lives are saved, as is the
structure.

With fire suppression systems, however, they use other types of

suppressing agents besides water. These suppressing agents include
CO2, chemical, or inert gases.

A suppression system aims to take action before a fire gets a chance to

grow and spread, truly minimizing potential damages. This often means
that these systems activate at a much earlier stage in the fire’s
development than do fire sprinklers.
1.5 AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEM
A fire suppression system is, to a degree, precisely what it sounds like – a
system used to suppress and/or extinguish a fire within a building.
Note that fire suppression systems are different than fire sprinkler systems.
Fire sprinklers always use water in copious amounts to extinguish and/or
control a fire. Water damage to the contents of the room/building can often
occur as a result, but lives are saved, as is the structure.
With fire suppression systems, however, they use other types of
suppressing agents besides water. These suppressing agents include CO2,
chemical, or inert gases.
A suppression system aims to take action before a fire gets a chance to
grow and spread, truly minimizing potential damages. This often means
that these systems activate at a much earlier stage in the fire’s
development than do fire sprinklers.
1.5 AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEM
The suppression system detects
the flames through smoke, heat,
and other warning signals. The
parts of the suppression systems
are often integrated into an alarm
system, which gets triggered
when the fire is detected. This
trigger also initiates the primary
steps that help to suppress the
fire further. Most suppression
systems release the fire
extinguishing components
automatically once the alarm is
triggered. However, other
systems require manual
intervention.
1.5.1 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TODAY
• Chemical Clean Agents – Include ECARO-25® (HFC-125), FM-200 (HFC-
227ea), Novec1230 Fire Protection Fluid and others, all of which offer fast-acting, and
most importantly, people-safe fire-suppressing solutions. Clean agents protect
irreplaceable assets, such as computers, servers, electronics, artwork, and more, as
they produce none of the damage often associated with traditional water sprinkler
systems.
1.5 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TODAY
• Inert Gases – Include nitrogen, argon and CO2, or a combination of two or more, and
reduce oxygen levels to a point where combustion cannot be sustained. These gaseous
agents are safe for both people and the environment.
1.5 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TODAY
• Water Mist Systems – Improve upon the traditional water sprinkler system by
producing ultra-fine water droplets and using 50 to 90 percent less water than a fire
sprinkler, resulting in little to no collateral damage. Water mist systems may be
connected to a building’s water supply for continuous fire-fighting capability, or in
remote locations, may be connected to a tank or reservoir.
1.5 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TODAY
• Kitchen Fire Suppression System
This type of suppression system is typically used in commercial kitchens. The system
properties a water-based chemical type mix over the fire when necessary. Most Kitchen
Fire Suppression Systems are either manual or heat-triggered and do not require any
electrical connection to operate.
1.5.2 APPLICATIONS OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES
➢ Commercial Applications – Include hospitality, healthcare, schools, libraries and office
buildings; places where people live, work and do business. These spaces often have
multiple functions, each with their own unique fire suppression needs and priorities. For
example, a health care facility may use water mist to protect rooms, common areas and
backup generators, and a chemical agent like HFC-125 or HFC-227ea for server rooms,
and electronic medical equipment like MRIs. Special hazard systems providers can help
determine the most effective customized solutions for these unique applications.
➢ Industrial Applications – Include factories and machine shops; where things are made.
Water mist and CO2 are most commonly used because of their cost effectiveness and
the types of hazards most commonly found in these environments. For example, C02 is
recommended for localized applications on specific machines or segments of an
assembly line.
➢ Irreplaceable Asset Applications – Include data centers, telecommunications facilities,
museums and historical sites; where critical assets are contained. For the greatest
protection and preservation of irreplaceable assets, such as server-backed user
information or historical artifacts, gaseous agents (chemical or inert) are ideal.
1.6 EXTRACTION OF FLAMMABLE & TOXIC GASES
1.6 EXTRACTION OF FLAMMABLE & TOXIC GASES
1.6 EXTRACTION OF FLAMMABLE & TOXIC GASES
THANK YOU!