Stairwell Pressurization

[mechfp]

Hi All, M new to HVAC designing. Wanna know more about Stairwell Pressurization. Gone through many threads but need some basic explanation. Please provide some link or document.

 

[DRWeig]

Yessir, ElSid1. The AHJ may not make good sense but he (or she) is the law. Ick.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[ChasBean1]

Too funny. Nice input DRWeig. Code requires .15-.35" stairwell pressure. Max door opening force by Life Safety code is 30#. I know from experience this limits stair pressure to about midway through the required .15-.35" range. You have to add normal force applied by the closer (security doors need to shut and latch consistently) during non-fire conditions. So if the California egress door force limit is 15 pounds, your calcs show that code stair pressure cannot be met during a fire situation.

So the solution would be to buy special doors or closers? Are the Code writers related to the manufacturers of these products?