Someone asked me recently why distributors are still ordering swinging fire doors with a neutral pressure fire rating. I don’t know the answer to that, since the model codes have required positive pressure assemblies for many years. Here’s where the IBC states this requirement:
716.2.1.1 Side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors. Fire door assemblies with side-hinged and pivoted
swinging doors shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 252 or UL 10C. For tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 252, the fire test shall be conducted using the positive pressure method specified in the standard.
UL 10C is called the Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies – that’s pretty clear. NFPA 252 can be used for either a neutral pressure test or a positive pressure test, but the IBC states that the positive pressure method must be used. So where are neutral-pressure doors being installed? Do you know?
If you’re not familiar with the difference between neutral pressure and positive pressure fire testing, I just came across this video from Reeb Millwork and I think it’s a great explanation.
If you have a theory on where neutral pressure doors are still being installed, please leave a comment!
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Fantastic video,
As a code official, I have notice a large number of my peers, contractors, design professionals and etc are lazy when it comes to reading code and staying abreast of changes. That said, I would bet most have no idea what is required by code.
Hi thanks for your great video , I would like to know why IBC is asking only swinging doors must be tested with positive pressure?
Are old door required to be brought up to UL10C code when worked on?
Hi Luis –
In my experience, this is not usually required.
– Lori