Stair ventilation question,Thanks

[wyblueheart]

An office buiding, 3 floors, each floor 13464sqft, total height 36 ft,
is there any requirement for the ventilation or positive pressure requirement for stairs?

where can I check this??? Thanks

[drivewizard]

Not sure but, maybe check with the Fire Marshall.
Might depend on your location?

[snipe70e]

That would all depend on the stat and age of building.

[jayhawker]

The IMC year 2000 says 0.05 cfm of fresh air per square foot of public spaces, corridors and utilities, the best refrence would be ASHRAE standard 62

[daspe]

BOCA, IBC and UBC require stairwell pressurization for buildings over 70' (high rise). HVAC guys can never find this because the requirements for stair pressurization (and all other smoke control) is found in the BUILDING Code NOT the Mechanical Code.

Don't look for any guidlines either, like CFM per sf or per door. It is an engineered system per NFPA Standards. Assume 100 to 200 fpm per door and you have to have the fan on a speed drive (or bypass damper) to control on pressure as doors open and close.

Hope this helps.

PS: God help you if the fire marshall wants to do a smoke test.

[wyblueheart]

Thanks for all of your information.
"Stairwell Pressurization
BOCA, IBC and UBC require stairwell pressurization for buildings over 70' (high rise)."

For the buidling I am working for, although the height is less than 70'( 36') the stairwell is designed in the central part of this building,there are no windows. Also, this building is wood frame.

I feel stairwell pressurization is still needed.

Any advice, I really appreciate.