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NFPA 72 - 2010 - Smoke Det & HVAC

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212 views10 pages

NFPA 72 - 2010 - Smoke Det & HVAC

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Chris Ames
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© © All Rights Reserved
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oprah 203 Naoal Fe Protacon asain (FPA) License, by sreemen nil se nds ourcnd a ebay 2,203 BULDING ELECTRON CTL or designated utr Scene. icwano TAYLOR Roser mpractton ar waumison nn om permed wie writen pensar of NFPA Fr nso eporunanre co 304 Chapter 17 + Initiating Devices 17.7.4 Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC). 17.7.4.1* In spaces served by ait-handling systems, detectors shall not be located where air- flow prevents operation of the detectors ‘A.17.7.4.1 Detectors should not be located in a direct airflow or closer than 36 in.(910 mm) from an air supply diffuser or return air opening. Supply or return sources larger than those ‘commonly found in residential and small commercial establishments can require greater ‘clearance to smoke detectors. Similarly, smoke detectors should be located farther away from. high velocity air supplies. For year, the rule in 17.7.4.1 had been applied only to air supplies. In research conducted under the International Fire Detection Research Project, managed by the Fie Protection Re- search Foundation, the computer modeling conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified situations where areas of nonactuation extended almost 11 (3.4 m) from some supply diffuser. In addition, the research showed that a smoke dilution effect occurred near air returns, An ar return pulls air up from levels inthe room that are be- neath the ceiling jet, which has the effect of diluting smoke concentration near the ai return grille. Consequently, the designer should arrange the detection so that detectors are not adja- cent to either air supplies or air returns. : Situations may exist where even a 3 ft (0.9 m) separation is not adequate. Tis situation would depend on the air velocity (supply air and return air) and the throw characteristics of the supply diffuser and diffuser size. Unfortunately, Because the research didnot address wide variations in HVAC flow rates, the minimum distance between a detector and the HVAC sys- tem supply oF return recommended in A.17.7.4.1 might not be valid in all cases. Where in Except where used as permitted in 17.7.5.4.2.2(B), complete area smoke detection is not 's complete area smoke necessary to provide for such control features. Specific locations are often identified for spe- detection aways required? cific fre scenarios. For example, smoke detectors are often placed at the perimeter of an atrium to detect smoke movement into the atrium space from a corridor that opens into the atrium, Another example is the use of smoke detectors to release smoke doors only as their 2010 ‘National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook ‘coi 203 Nao Fe Pron Asaition (FPA). sean by agreement engi asin onmindon Fabry 25,203 BUILDING ELECTRON CNT dente ter [WARD TAYLOR Noche epochton or weumisey nan fom permed wine wien permison of NFPA. Fringes oo pon auton ws, eras eenlngoma oy Section 17.7 + Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors 307 associated smoke detector is actuated, thus avoiding premature release of all other doors. Se- lective door release is sometimes chosen to prevent the premature release of doors needed t0 facilitate rapid evacuation. Paragraph 17.7.5.4.1 also allows complete area coverage to be used for the control of smoke spread. In this case, when a compartment detector actuates in the smoke compartment, it signals the fire alarm control unit, which, in turn, signals the HVAC control system or smoke door release system. The HVAC controller operates or controls fans and dampers to prevent the introduction of smoke into other smoke compartments and to vent the smoke from the fire compartment, facilitating occupant egress. The smoke door release system either closes all doors in the building or all doors in the smoke zone, 17.784.2* Smoke Detection for the Air Duct System. A.17.75.4.2 Smoke detectors are designed to sense the presence of particles of combustion, ‘but depending on the sensing technology and other design factors, different detectors respond to different types of particles. Detectors based on ionization detection technology are most re- sponsive to smaller, invisible sub-micron sized particles. Detectors based on photoelectric technology, by contrast, are most responsive to larger visible particles. Itis generally accepted that particle size distribution varies from sub-micron diameter particles predominant in the proximity ofthe flame of a flaming fire to particles one or more ‘orders of magnitude larger, which are characteristic of smoke from a smoldering fire. The ac- twal particle size distribution depends on a host of other variables including the fuel and its physical make-up, the availability of oxygen including air supply and fire-gas discharge, and other ambient conditions, especially humidity. Moreover, the particle size distribution is not ‘constant, but as the fire gases cool, the sub-micron particles agglomerate and the very large ones precipitate. In other words, as smoke travels away from the fire source, the particle size distribution shows a relative decrease in smaller particles, Water vapor, which is abundantly present in most fites, when cooled sufficiently will condense to form fog particles — an ef- fect frequently seen above tall chimneys. Because water condensation is basically clear in color, when itis mixed with other smoke particles, it can be expected to lighten the color of the mixture. {In almost every fire scenario in an air-handling system, the point of detection will be some distance from the fire source; therefore, the smoke will be cooler and more visible be- : ‘cause of the growth of sub-micron particles into larger particles due to agglomeration and re~ combination. For these reasons, photoelectric detection technology has advantages over ionization detection technology in air duct system applications. 17.7.84.2.1 Supply Air System. Where the detection of smoke in the supply air system is required by other NFPA standards, a detector(s) listed for the air velocity present and that is located in the supply air duct downstream of both the fan and the filters shall be installed. : Exception: Additional smoke detectors shall not be required to be installed in ducts where the air duct system passes through other smoke compartments not served by the duct. ‘The NFPA standards relevant to 17.7.5.4.2.| are NFPA 90A; NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke- Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences; and NFPA 101. The purpose of supply-side smoke detection is the sensing of smoke that might be contaminating the area served by the duct but not as a result of a fre in that area. The smoke might be coming from ‘another area via return air ducts, from outside via fresh air mixing ducts, or from a fire within the duct (such as in a filter or fan belt). Ifthe source of the smoke is from outside or from within the duct, a fie alarm response for area detection within the space would not normally be expected to produce the most appropriate set of responses, Different airflow management programs are required for supply-side smoke inflow as opposed to smoke generated within the compartment. Furthermore, compartment area detec~ ‘ tion cannot be relied on to respond to a supply duct smoke inflow, because of the expected di- lution of smoke-laden air with fresh air as it enters the smoke compartment where the area "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook 2010 coorgn aa teal ee ron auc FPA maby rar onl an ang end on ery 6,22 1 BLO ELECTRON CAT olan tt 'ehano TAYLOR No car produto namin nan fom pried wine wien Permiasono NEPA. ernest wud ot, oma Nene 308 Chapter 17 + initiating Devices ‘detection is installed. This expected condition necessitates the use of detectors downstream of, the fan and filters in the supply air duct. ‘The exception 10 17.7.5.4.2.| is based on the fie resistance of HVAC ducts and the un- likelihood of smoke escaping from the HVAC duct into a compartment not served by the duct. Refer tothe following excerpt from NEPA 90A for supply and return air smoke detection requirements. : 64.2" Location. (904:6.4.2] 6.42.1 Smoke detectors listed for use in se distribution systems shall be located as follows: (1) Downstream ofthe air filters and ahead of any branch connections in air supply systems having a capacity greater than 944 L/sec (2000 f/min) (2) Ateach story prior tothe connection toa common return and prior to any recirculation oF fresh air inlet connection in air return systems having a capacity greater than 7O80 Lisee (15,000 f°/min) and serving more than one story [90A:6.4.2.1] {6442.2 Return system smoke detectors shall not be required where the entire space served by the air distribution system is protected by a system of area smoke detectors, [90A:6:4.2.2} 6A.23 Smoke detectors shall not be required fo fan units whose sole function i to remove air from the inside ofthe building to the outside ofthe building, [90A:6.4.2.3] 17.7.5.4.2.2* Return Air System, Unless otherwise modified by 17.7.5.4.2.2(A) or 17.7 54.2.2(B) if the detection of smoke in the return air system is required by other NFPA ‘standards, a detector(s) listed forthe air velocity present shal be located where the air leaves ‘each smoke compartment, or in the duct system before the air enters the returm air system ‘common to more than one smoke compartment. (A) Additional smoke detectors shall not be required to be installed in ducts where the air ‘duct system passes through other smoke compartments not served by the duct. Paragraph 17.7.5.4.2.2(A) is based on the same reasoning used in the exception to 17.7.5.4.2.1, With reference to Figure A.17.7.5.4.2.2(c), the top duct does not need additional detectors and/or dampers where it passes through either the center compartment or the right ‘compartment. (B) Where total coverage smoke detection is installed in all areas ofthe smoke compartment served by the return air system, installation of air duct detectors in the return air system shall ‘tbe required, provided tha their function is accomplished by the design of the area detec- tion system. ‘The key phrase in 17-75 4.2.2(B) is “provided that ther function is accomplished by the de- sign ofthe area detection system.” When an engineering analysis shows thatthe area smoke ‘According tothe research, what ‘orientation has been shown to Improve detector performance? rors than 36 in. (O10 mr) wid l=) —— ut ath | Inger a plugin this oatmethibe Erpected artow rection Return tube slant cut face ‘vented dowrstream Sarton — eles taco = ®t nse a plgin pera tere foxnaa abe FIGURE A.17.7.5.5.2(6) Inlet Tube Orientation ingress via the fresh air intake for the unit. They cannot be expected to serve the purpose of ‘providing detection forthe return side of the system, ‘Where return side detection is required, that requirement should be fulfilled with sepa- rate detectors from those monitoring the supply side. In order to be effective, return air duct smoke detectors should be located such that there are no filters between them and the source of the smoke. ‘Sampling tubes should be oriented to overcome thermal stratification due to buoyancy of ‘the smoke in the upper half of the duct. This condition occurs where duct velocities are low, ‘buoyancy exceeds flow inertia, or the detector is installed close to the fire compartment. A vertical orientation of sampling tubes overcomes the effects of differential buoyancy. ‘Where a detector is installed on a duct serving a single fire compartment, where the buoy~ ancy exceeds the flow inertia of the air inthe duct and the sampling tube cannot be oriented vertically, then the effects of thermal stratification can be minimized by locating the detector sampling tube in the upper half of the duct. "The thermal stratification is not a concer where the detector is installed far from the fire ‘compartment or where the smoke is at or close to the average temperature in the duct. ‘This portion of the Code was substantially revised for the 2007 edition. For years, the Code had recommended that duet detector sampling tubes be located at least 6 to 10 duct diameters downstream of a bend or change in dimension, Research conducted under the auspices of the Fire Detection Institute discovered that the recommendation had no technical basis. ‘The research also showed that in most cases detector performance would be improved by ‘mounting sampling tubes in a vertical orientation rather than the horizontal orientation most often seen in actual practice, The vertical orientation would provide for effective sampling when thermal stratification in the duct caused variations in smoke concentration: However, the validity of this generalization becomes less reliable when ducts are encountered that are ‘much wider than they are tall in cross-section, ‘The requirements in 17.7.5.5.2 and the guidance in A.17.7.5.5.2 are provided to ensure that the detectors in the air duct are suitably located to obtain an adequate sampling of air. ‘These location guidelines should be followed to maximize the probability that smoke will be cevenly distributed throughout the duct cross-section atthe detector location. 17.7883 Detectors shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s published in- structions and shall be accessible for cleaning by providing access doors or control uni 2010. National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook eri 21 Nao re Prtton asson NFPA) tan by arent nil nad eg domo on erry 2012 BUILDING ELECTRON ENT oid er (Mehta TavCOR ho ome mprocteon ar vanmason nan om rman whos writen Permilon ol NFPA. For ngs oa opr snare as, coma! eanangone ae Section 17.7 + Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors 313, accordance with NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Vea ing Systems CChaper 14 provides inspection and testing schedules foreach ype of detector. The aces Dility of detectors is cial in rde fo facta cleaning Por or oeglecied uimenance f dominant cnoe of unwarated war in make eect, 17,7554 The location ofall detectors in air duct systems shall be permanently and clearly identified and recorded. A permanent placard placed outside the first point of access is advisable to indicate that a de- tector is accessible from that point. For example, the placard might be mounted on the wall ‘beneath the ceiling tile that must be removed to access the duct. HVAC and fire alarm draw- ings should clearly show the actual as-built locations of the detectors. In most cases, one drawing that shows only the smoke detector locations is useful. The location can also be in- cluded in the display descriptor of addressable systems. 17.7.8, Detectors mounted outside of a duct that employs sampling tubes for transporting, smoke from inside the duct to the detector shall be designed and installed to allow verifica- tion of airflow from the duct to the detector, 17.886 Detectors shall be listed for operation over the complete range of air velocities, tem- perature, and humidity expected at the detector when the air-handling system is operating, ‘The listing requirements of 17.7.5.5.6 are important to ensure proper operation of a detector in its installed location. Often HVAC system fans and ducts are located in penthouses and me- chanical rooms, where comfort heating and cooling are not provided. Consequently, the en- Vironment of the detector might exceed the limits observed in the listing investigation. In : addition, when warm moist air is circulated through a cold duct smoke detector housing, con- ensation can occur in the duct smoke detector housing. These conditions can seriously de~ grade detector performance and stability. Where these extremes are likely, provisions must be ‘made to maintain the operating environment of the detector within its operating range. 17.78.7 All penetrations of a return air duct in the vicinity of detectors installed on or in an air duct shall be sealed to prevent entrance of outside air and possible dilution or redirec~ : tion of smoke within the duct, Subsection 17.7.5.5.8 was deleted by a tentative interim amendment (TIA). 1.7.5.6 Smoke Detectors for Door Release Service. ‘Two general methods of controlling doors with smoke detectors are available. The first is to use area smoke detectors to control the doors for that area. Either smoke detectors served by «a selected circuit ofa fire alarm control unit or specific addressable detectors are programmed to operate magnetic door release devices via the fie alarm system control unit. When one of the area smoke detectors renders an alarm, the control unt transfers to the alarm state and en- ergizes the output circuit that controls the door holders. The requirements for such a system are addressed in Chapter 21, The second method is to control the door holder mechanism di rectly with a dedicated smoke detector or smoke detectors. ‘The requirements in 17.7.5.6 apply equally to both design concepts. When the open area protection system is used, 17.7.5.6.1 allows the spacing in the corridors as normally required {or area protection in conformance with 17.7.3 to be considered acceptable for smoke door release service. In that case, the explicit spacing requirements of 17.7.5.6.2 do not apply. When dedicated smoke detectors are used for door release service, the requirements of 1.7563 through 17.7.5.6.6 apply. 117.5.6.1 Smoke detectors that are part of an open area protection system covering the room, corridor, or enclosed space on each side of the smoke door and that are located and spaced as required by 17.7.3 shall be permitted to accomplish smoke door release service. ‘National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook 2010

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