|
|
Positive Pressure Testing,
|
What is it? Positive pressure testing is a new fire test for doors and hardware. It differs from the old test in that where before fresh air was drawn in from the non- fire side of the door through the gap between the door and frame. Now, there is a slight pressure on the fire side of the door, forcing hot flammable gasses out through these gaps. This more closely simulates the conditions in a real fire. See the illustrations below from Ingersoll-Rand.
|
|
|
Why is it required? There were many that argued against the change, stating that it would only create an unnecessary expense and that no loss of life had ever been documented, or even suspected because of a failure of a fire door tested by the old method. The ultimate goal is to improve the protection of people in a fire. And as we said above, the new test more closely simulates the conditions in a real fire.
What about the "S" label? The "S" label is another addition to the old system. It indicates a smoke control door. A door with this label is intended to control the "cold smoke" generated in the early stages of a fire. Generally this is a supplementary label added to fire rating label. Architects should determine which doors are required by UBC 7-2(1997) to have the "S" label and note this on the door schedule like any other rating.
We carry a wide range of products that have passed the test and meet the requirements for "Positive Pressure" and "S" labeling call us at 507-374-2425
