Elevator Lobby, Draft-Curtains Req'd in NFPA 101?

3/6/2023

I have a new construction 5-story residential (dormitory) being constructed under UFC.

The architect inquired if lobbies need to be provided for the elevators, and, if not, do smoke protection (draft-curtains) need to be provided?

My immediate thought was of course, something needs to be provided. However, when I follow the code track of NFPA 101, it is not exactly clear in comparison to IBC.

The IBC is very clear, Section 3006 regarding the protection of hoistway openings.

Without going through the entire NFPA 101 code-track here, we end up back at NFPA 101 Chapter 8. Section 8.5.3 states a fire barrier can be used as a smoke barrier, provided it meets the requirements of Section 8.5. Hoistway openings, specifically elevator doors are not specifically mentioned in NFPA 101 Section 8.5. The only thing I can point to is Section 8.5.2 Continuity and Section 8.3.5.2 Joint Systems for Fire Barriers.

Other items: The hoistway is to be protected with a 2-hour fire rating, which requires the elevator door to be 1.5 hour rated (Section 8.6.5), and the building is protected throughout with automatic fire sprinklers, including the elevator shaft.

By definition, the building is not considered a high-rise. The hoistway height is ~57 feet.

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

Todd E Wyatt

3/6/2023 09:10:50 am

I recommend clarifying with the Design Professional what the adopted Code(s) (IBC? NFPA 1? NFPA 101?) the project is required to meet ... “UHC” is no longer maintained :

“When referring to the Uniform Fire Codes (UFC), it needs to be clarified (with the Authority Having Jurisdiction AHJ) which fire code release needs to be applied to achieve compliance: Some states and municipalities adopted the Uniform Fire Code from NFPA, also known as NFPA 1, while others adopted the Uniform Fire Code released by ICBO. Since the creation of the International Code Council (ICC) in 1994, the uniform fire code is no longer maintained (last release in 1997) and superseded by the subsequent releases of the International Fire Code (IFC) published by ICC.”

The (scoping) Code will determine the IF the hoistways are required to be protected and HOW they are to be protected.

The 5-story dormitory protected by an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) would be classified as a Residential Group R-2.

Per 2021 IBC 3006.2, this hoistway is required to be protected since it “connects more than (3) stories.” The hoistway protection would consist of either ...
1) An enclosed elevator lobby at each story separated from adjacent spaces with 0-Hour Smoke Partitions (0SP) since the building is protected by an ASPS, or
2) Smoke and Draft Door Assemblies (meeting 716.2.2.1.1) at each elevator door opening, or
3) Pressurized elevator hoistway.

Chapter 10 Means of Egress includes additional elevator lobby requirements (e.g. Identification Signs) if this option is used.

“Draft Curtains” and closely spaced sprinklers are prescriptive requirements for certain “floor openings” (IBC 1019.3(4)) and escalators (712.1.3.1) but are not used for the protection of the hoistways, as per 2021 IBC.

REFERENCES
2021 IBC
Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems

2021 NFPA 1 : No prescriptive requirements for “hoistway protection”.
“Hoistway” = (10) references
Chapter 12 Features of Fire Protection
12.4 Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
A.12.4.1.3
For requirements on the installation of hoistway doors for elevators and dumbwaiters, see the applicable sections of ASME A17.1/CSA B44-2016, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, or ASME A17.3/CSA B44-2015, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators. [80:A.1.1.3]
12.4.2 Care and Maintenance of Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
12.4.2.8* Inspection and Testing.
12.4.2.8.2.4
A record of all inspections and testing shall be provided that includes, but is not limited to, the following information:
A.12.4.2.8.2.4(9)
To aid the AHJ during the review of the inspections and testing reports, the records should include a description of the type of fire door assembly as follows:
Type 14: Hoistway doors for elevators and dumbwaiter
“Draft Curtain” = (0) References

2021 NFPA 101 : No prescriptive requirements for “hoistway protection”.
“Hoistway” = (25) references ... Chapters 7, 8, & 9.
Table 8.3.3.2.2 Minimum Fire Ratings for Opening Protectives in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies and Fire-Rated Glazing Markings : Elevator hoistways ... 2, 1, or 0.5 Hours
“Draft Curtain” = (0) References

Dwight H Havens

3/6/2023 09:43:15 am

I'm thinking that the UFC being referred to is the Unified Facility Criteria developed by the Department of Defense, which for construction specifies the use of the International Codes for construction, except that NFPA 101 be used for egress requirements.

Question Submitter

3/6/2023 09:55:28 am

Dwight - You are correct.

Todd - My apologies. I should have clarified. This project is being constructed under Department of Defense UFC (Unified Facilities Criteria)

In accordance with UFC 3-600-01 Section 3-3.1.1 NFPA 101 must be utilized to determine the occupancy classification as it relates to fire/smoke resistance rating of interior non-load bearing partitions (other than occupancy separation), means of egress, interior finish, features of fire protection (including vertical openings) and associated requirements.

3/7/2023 08:19:58 am

Since the 2021 NFPA 101 does not include prescriptive requirements for “hoistway protection” as the IBC does, the fire-resistance rating (FRR) of the shaft enclosure would need to meet 2021 NFPA Chapter 8 Features of Fire Protection and Chapter 28 New Hotels and Dormitories ...

8.6 Vertical Openings.
8.6.5* Required Fire Resistance Rating.

28.3 Protection.
28.3.1 Protection of Vertical Openings.

... but the "hoistway protection" is not required.

3/7/2023 09:13:40 am

Todd - Correct. We arrived at a similar conclusion. We will be providing a 2 hour rated elevator hoistway based on the requirements of 8.6.5 and 8.3.3.2.2.

The FPE in me finds it odd that a 2 hour fire-rated shaft is required. However, smoke protection regarding the hoistway door opening is not specifically identified. Appears the emphasis is placed more on the fire-resistance and less on the smoke-resistance.

The only code sections I can identify that would possibly address this are previously mentioned: Section 8.5.2 Continuity, Section 8.3.5.2 Joint Systems for Fire Barriers, and Section 8.3.3 Opening Protectives.

Elevator Lobby, Draft-Curtains Req'd in NFPA 101?

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