International Building Code Section 715 – International Building Code 2006 Discussions

International Building Code 715.1

General. Opening protectives required by other sections
of this code shall comply with the provisions of this section.

International Building Code 715.2

Fire-resistance-rated glazing. Labeled fire-resistance-
rated glazing tested as part of a fire-resistance-rated wall
assembly in accordance with ASTM E 119 shall not be
required to comply with this section.

International Building Code 715.3

Alternative methods for determining fire protection
ratings. The application of any of the alternative methods
listed in this section shall be based on the fire exposure and
acceptance criteria specified in NFPA 252 or NFPA 257. The
required fire resistance of an opening protective shall be permitted
to be established by any of the following methods or
procedures:
1. Designs documented in approved sources.
2. Calculations performed in an approved manner.
3. Engineering analysis based on a comparison of opening
protective designs having fire-protection ratings as
determined by the test procedures set forth in NFPA 252
or NFPA 257.
4. Alternative protection methods as allowed by Section
104.11.

International Building Code 715.4

Fire door and shutter assemblies. Approved fire door
and fire shutter assemblies shall be constructed of any material
or assembly of component materials that conforms to the test
requirements of Section 715.4.1, 715.4.2 or 715.4.3 and the
fire-protection rating indicated in Table 715.4. Fire door
assemblies and shutters shall be installed in accordance with
the provisions of this section and NFPA 80.
Exceptions:
1. Labeled protective assemblies that conform to the
requirements of this section or UL 10A, UL 14B and
UL 14C for tin-clad fire door assemblies.
2. Floor fire door assemblies in accordance with Section
711.8.

Side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors.
Side-hinged and pivoted swinging doors shall be tested in
accordance with NFPA252 or UL 10C. After 5 minutes into
the NFPA 252 test, the neutral pressure level in the furnace
shall be established at 40 inches (1016 mm)or less above the
sill.

Other types of doors. Other types of doors, including
swinging elevator doors, shall be tested in accordance
with NFPA252 orUL10B. The pressure in the furnace shall
be maintained as nearly equal to the atmospheric pressure as
possible. Once established, the pressure shall be maintained
during the entire test period.

Door assemblies in corridors and smoke barriers.
Fire door assemblies required to have a minimum fire
protection rating of 20 minutes where located in corridor
walls or smoke-barrier walls having a fire-resistance rating
in accordance with Table 715.4 shall be tested in accordance
with NFPA 252 or UL 10C without the hose stream test.
Exceptions:
1. Viewports that require a hole not larger than 1 inch
(25 mm) in diameter through the door, have at least
a 0.25-inch-thick (6.4 mm) glass disc and the
holder is of metal that will not melt out where subject
to temperatures of 1,700F (927C).
2. Corridor door assemblies in occupancies of Group
I-2 shall be in accordance with Section 407.3.1.
3. Unprotected openings shall be permitted for corridors
in multitheater complexes where each motion
picture auditorium has at least one-half of its
required exit or exit access doorways opening
directly to the exterior or into an exit passageway.

Smoke and draft control. Fire door assemblies
shall also meet the requirements for a smoke and
draft control door assembly tested in accordance with
UL 1784. Louvers shall be prohibited. Installation of
smoke doors shall be in accordance with NFPA 105.

Glazing in door assemblies. In a 20-minute
fire door assembly, the glazing material in the door itself
shall have a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 minutes
and shall be exempt from the hose stream test. Glazing
material in any other part of the door assembly,
including transom lites and sidelites, shall be tested in
accordance with NFPA 257, including the hose stream
test, in accordance with Section 715.5.

Doors in exit enclosures and exit passageways.
Fire door assemblies in exit enclosures and exit passageways
shall have a maximum transmitted temperature end
point of not more than 450F (250 C) above ambient at the
end of 30 minutes of standard fire test exposure.
Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature rise
is not limited in buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

Glazing in doors. Fire-protection-rated glazing
in excess of 100 square inches (0.065 m2) shall be
permitted in fire door assemblies when tested in accordance
with NFPA 252 as components of the door assemblies
and not as glass lights, and shall have a maximum
transmitted temperature rise of 450F (250C) in accordance
with Section 715.4.4.
Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature
end point is not required in buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2.

Labeled protective assemblies. Fire door assemblies
shall be labeled by an approved agency. The labels
shall comply with NFPA 80, and shall be permanently
affixed to the door or frame.

Fire door labeling requirements. Fire doors
shall be labeled showing the name of the manufacturer,
the name of the third-party inspection agency, the fire
protection rating and, where required for fire doors in
exit enclosures and exit passageways by Section 715.4.4,
the maximum transmitted temperature end point. Smoke
and draft control doors complying with UL 1784 shall be
labeled as such. Labels shall be approved and permanently
affixed. The label shall be applied at the factory or
location where fabrication and assembly are performed.

Oversized doors. Oversized fire doors shall
bear an oversized fire door label by an approved agency
or shall be provided with a certificate of inspection furnished
by an approved testing agency. When a certificate
of inspection is furnished by an approved testing agency,
the certificate shall state that the door conforms to the
requirements of design, materials and construction, but
has not been subjected to the fire test.

Smoke and draft control door labeling
requirements. Smoke and draft control doors complying
with UL 1784 shall be labeled in accordance with
Section 715.4.5.1 and shall showthe letter “S” on the fire
rating label of the door. This marking shall indicate that
the door and frame assembly are in compliance when
listed or labeled gasketing is also installed.

Fire door frame labeling requirements. Fire
door frames shall be labeled showing the names of the
manufacturer and the third-party inspection agency.

Glazing material. Fire-protection-rated glazing
conforming to the opening protection requirements in Section
715.4 shall be permitted in fire door assemblies.

Size limitations.Wired glass used in fire doors
shall comply with Table 715.5.3. Other fire-protection-
rated glazing shall comply with the size limitations
of NFPA 80.
Exceptions:
1. Fire-protection-rated glazing in fire doors
located in fire walls shall be prohibited except
that where serving as a horizontal exit, a
self-closing swinging door shall be permitted to
have a vision panel of not more than 100 square
inches (0.065 m2) without a dimension exceeding
10 inches (254 mm).
2. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall not be
installed in fire doors having a 11/2-hour fire
protection rating intended for installation in fire
barriers, unless the glazing is not more than 100
square inches (0.065 m2) in area.

Exit and elevator protectives. Approved
fire-protection-rated glazing used in fire door assemblies
in elevator and exit enclosures shall be so located as to
furnish clear vision of the passageway or approach to the
elevator, ramp or stairway.

Labeling. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall
bear a label or other identification showing the name of
the manufacturer, the test standard and information
required in Section 715.5.8.1 that shall be issued by an
approved agency and shall be permanently affixed to the
glazing.

Identification. For fire-protection-rated
glazing, the label shall bear the following four-part
identification: “D # H or NH # T or NT # XXX.” “D”
indicates that the glazing shall be used in fire door
assemblies and that the glazing meets the fire resistance
requirements of the test standard. “H” shall
indicate that the glazing meets the hose stream
requirements of the test standard. “NH” shall indicate
that the glazing does not meet the hose stream requirements
of the test. “T” shall indicate that the glazing
meets the temperature requirements of Section
715.4.4.1. “NT” shall indicate that the glazing does
not meet the temperature requirements of Section
715.4.4.1. The placeholder “XXX” shall specify the
fire-protection-rating period, in minutes.

Safety glazing. Fire-protection-rated glazing
installed in fire doors or fire window assemblies in areas
subject to human impact in hazardous locations shall
comply with Chapter 24.

Door closing. Fire doors shall be self- or automatic
closing in accordance with this section.
Exceptions:
1. Fire doors located in common walls separating
sleeping units in Group R-1 shall be permitted
without automatic- or self-closing devices.
2. The elevator car doors and the associated hoistway
enclosure doors at the floor level designated for
recall in accordance with Section 3003.2 shall be
permitted to remain open during Phase I emergency
recall operation.

Latch required. Unless otherwise specifically
permitted, single fire doors and both leaves of pairs of
side-hinged swinging fire doors shall be provided with
an active latch bolt that will secure the door when it is
closed.

Automatic-closing fire door assemblies.
Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be
self-closing in accordance with NFPA 80.

Smoke-activated doors. Automatic-closing
doors installed in the following locations shall be automatic
closing by the actuation of smoke detectors
installed in accordance with Section 907.10 or by loss of
power to the smoke detector or hold-open device. Doors
that are automatic closing by smoke detection shall not
have more than a 10-second delay before the door starts
to close after the smoke detector is actuated:
1. Doors installed across a corridor.
2. Doors that protect openings in exits or corridors
required to be of fire-resistance-rated construction.
3. Doors that protect openings in walls that are
capable of resisting the passage of smoke in
accordance with Section 508.2.2.1.
4. Doors installed in smoke barriers in accordance
with Section 709.5.
5. Doors installed in fire partitions in accordance
with Section 708.6.
6. Doors installed in a fire wall in accordance with
Section 705.8.
7. Doors installed in shaft enclosures in accordance
with Section 707.7.
8. Doors installed in refuse and laundry chutes and
access and termination rooms in accordance with
Section 707.13.
9. Doors installed in the walls for
compartmentation of underground buildings in
accordance with Section 405.4.2.
10. Doors installed in the elevator lobby walls of
underground buildings in accordance with Section
405.4.3.
11. Doors installed in smoke partitions in accordance
with Section 710.5.3.

Doors in pedestrian ways. Vertical sliding or
vertical rolling steel fire doors in openings through
which pedestrians travel shall be heat activated or activated
by smoke detectors with alarm verification.

Swinging fire shutters. Where fire shutters of the
swinging type are installed in exterior openings, not less
than one rowin every three vertical rows shall be arranged to
be readily opened from the outside, and shall be identified
by distinguishing marks or letters not less than 6 inches (152
mm) high.

Rolling fire shutters. Where fire shutters of the
rolling type are installed, such shutters shall include
approved automatic-closing devices.

International Building Code 715.4.1

International Building Code 715.4.2

International Building Code 715.4.3

International Building Code 715.4.3.1

International Building Code 715.4.3.2

International Building Code 715.4.4

International Building Code 715.4.4.1

International Building Code 715.4.5

Labeled protective assemblies. Fire door assemblies
shall be labeled by an approved agency. The labels
shall comply with NFPA 80, and shall be permanently
affixed to the door or frame.

Fire door frame labeling requirements. Fire
door frames shall be labeled showing the names of the
manufacturer and the third-party inspection agency.

International Building Code 715.4.5.1

International Building Code 715.4.5.2

International Building Code 715.4.5.3

International Building Code 715.4.5.4

Fire door frame labeling requirements. Fire
door frames shall be labeled showing the names of the
manufacturer and the third-party inspection agency.

International Building Code 715.4.6

Glazing material. Fire-protection-rated glazing
conforming to the opening protection requirements in Section
715.4 shall be permitted in fire door assemblies.

Safety glazing. Fire-protection-rated glazing
installed in fire doors or fire window assemblies in areas
subject to human impact in hazardous locations shall
comply with Chapter 24.

International Building Code 715.4.6.1

International Building Code 715.4.6.2

International Building Code 715.4.6.3

International Building Code 715.4.6.3.1

International Building Code 715.4.6.4

Safety glazing. Fire-protection-rated glazing
installed in fire doors or fire window assemblies in areas
subject to human impact in hazardous locations shall
comply with Chapter 24.

International Building Code 715.4.7

Automatic-closing fire door assemblies.
Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be
self-closing in accordance with NFPA 80.

International Building Code 715.4.7.1

International Building Code 715.4.7.2

Automatic-closing fire door assemblies.
Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be
self-closing in accordance with NFPA 80.

International Building Code 715.4.7.3

International Building Code 715.4.7.4

International Building Code 715.4.8

International Building Code 715.4.9

Rolling fire shutters. Where fire shutters of the
rolling type are installed, such shutters shall include
approved automatic-closing devices.

International Building Code 715.5

Fire-protection-rated glazing. Glazing in fire window
assemblies shall be fire-protection rated in accordance with
this section and Table 715.5. Glazing in fire door assemblies
shall comply with Section 715.4.6. Fire-protection-rated glazing
shall be tested in accordance with and shall meet the acceptance
criteria of NFPA 257. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall
also comply with NFPA 80. Openings in nonfire-resistance-
rated exterior wall assemblies that require protection in
accordance with Section 704.3, 704.8, 704.9 or 704.10 shall
have a fire-protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour.
Exceptions:
1. Wired glass in accordance with Section 715.5.3.
2. Fire-protection-rated glazing in 0.5-hour fire-resistance-
rated partitions is permitted to have an
0.33-hour fire-protection rating.

Testing under positive pressure. NFPA 257 shall
evaluate fire-protection-rated glazing under positive pressure.
Within the first 10 minutes of a test, the pressure in the
furnace shall be adjusted so at least two-thirds of the test
specimen is above the neutral pressure plane, and the neutral
pressure plane shall be maintained at that height for the balance
of the test.

Nonsymmetrical glazing systems. Nonsymmetrical
fire-protection-rated glazing systems in fire partitions, fire
barriers or in exteriorwalls with a fire separation distance of
5 feet (1524 mm) or less pursuant to Section 704 shall be
tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the
assigned fire protection rating shall be the shortest duration
obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with
NFPA 257.

Wired glass. Steel window frame assemblies of
0.125-inch (3.2 mm) minimum solid section or of not less
than nominal 0.048-inch-thick (1.2 mm) formed sheet steel
members fabricated by pressing, mitering, riveting, interlocking
or welding and having provision for glazing with
1/4-inch (6.4 mm) wired glass where securely installed in the
building construction and glazed with 1/4-inch (6.4 mm)
labeled wired glass shall be deemed to meet the requirements
for a 3/4-hour fire window assembly.Wired glass panels
shall conform to the size limitations set forth in Table
715.5.3.

Nonwired glass. Glazing other than wired glass in
fire window assemblies shall be fire-protection-rated glaz-

Installation. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall be
in the fixed position or be automatic-closing and shall be
installed in approved frames.

Window mullions. Metal mullions that exceed a
nominal height of 12 feet (3658 mm) shall be protected with
materials to afford the same fire-resistance rating as
required for the wall construction in which the protective is
located.

Interior fire window assemblies. Fire-protection-
rated glazing used in fire windowassemblies located in
fire partitions and fire barriers shall be limited to use in
assemblies with a maximum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour
in accordance with this section.

Where permitted. Fire-protection-rated glazing
shall be limited to fire partitions designed in accordance
with Section 708 and fire barriers utilized in the
applications set forth in Sections 706.3.6 and 706.3.8
where the fire-resistance rating does not exceed 1 hour.

Size limitations. The total area of windows
shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a common wall
with any room.

Labeling requirements. Fire-protection-rated
glazing shall bear a label or other identification showing the
name of the manufacturer, the test standard and information
required in Section 715.5.8.1 that shall be issued by an
approved agency and shall be permanently affixed to the
glazing.

Identification. For fire-protection-rated glazing,
the label shall bear the following two-part identification:
“OH # XXX.” “OH” indicates that the glazing
meets both the fire-resistance and the hose-stream
requirements of NFPA 257 and is permitted to be used in
openings. “XXX” represents the fire-protection rating
period, in minutes, that was tested.

International Building Code 715.5.1

International Building Code 715.5.2

International Building Code 715.5.3

International Building Code 715.5.4

Nonwired glass. Glazing other than wired glass in
fire window assemblies shall be fire-protection-rated glaz-

International Building Code 715.5.5

Installation. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall be
in the fixed position or be automatic-closing and shall be
installed in approved frames.

International Building Code 715.5.6

International Building Code 715.5.7

shall be limited to fire partitions designed in accordance
with Section 708 and fire barriers utilized in the
applications set forth in Sections 706.3.6 and 706.3.8
where the fire-resistance rating does not exceed 1 hour.

Size limitations. The total area of windows
shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a common wall
with any room.

International Building Code 715.5.7.1

International Building Code 715.5.7.2

Size limitations. The total area of windows
shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a common wall
with any room.

International Building Code 715.5.8

International Building Code 715.5.8.1

International Building Code 716.1

General. The provisions of this section shall govern the
protection of duct penetrations and air transfer openings in
assemblies required to be protected.

Ducts without dampers. Ducts that penetrate
fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are not required by this
section to have dampers shall comply with the requirements
of Section 712.

International Building Code 716.1.1

Ducts without dampers. Ducts that penetrate
fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are not required by this
section to have dampers shall comply with the requirements
of Section 712.

International Building Code 716.2

Installation. Fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination
fire/smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers located
within air distribution and smoke control systems shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of this section,
the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the dampers’
listing.

Smoke control system. Where the installation of a
fire damper will interfere with the operation of a required
smoke control system in accordance with Section 909,
approved alternative protection shall be utilized.

Hazardous exhaust ducts. Fire dampers for hazardous
exhaust duct systems shall comply with the International
Mechanical Code.

International Building Code 716.2.1

International Building Code 716.2.2

Hazardous exhaust ducts. Fire dampers for hazardous
exhaust duct systems shall comply with the International
Mechanical Code.

International Building Code 716.3

Damper testing and ratings. Dampers shall be listed
and bear the label of an approved testing agency indicating
compliance with the standards in this section. Fire dampers
shall comply with the requirements ofUL555. Only fire dampers
labeled for use in dynamic systems shall be installed in
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems designed to
operate with fans on during a fire. Smoke dampers shall comply
with the requirements of UL 555S. Combination
fire/smoke dampers shall comply with the requirements of both
UL 555 and UL 555S. Ceiling radiation dampers shall comply
with the requirements of UL 555C.

Fire protection rating. Fire dampers shall have the
minimum fire protection rating specified in Table 716.3.1
for the type of penetration.

Fire damper actuating device. The fire
damper actuating device shall meet one of the following
requirements:
1. The operating temperature shall be approximately
50F (10C) above the normal temperature within
the duct system, but not less than 160F (71C).
2. The operating temperature shall be not more than
286F (141C) where located in a smoke control
system complying with Section 909.
3. Where a combination fire/smoke damper is
located in a smoke control system complying with
Section 909, the operating temperature rating shall
be approximately 50F (10C) above the maximum
smoke control system designed operating
temperature, or a maximum temperature of 350F
(177C). The temperature shall not exceed the UL
555S degradation test temperature rating for a
combination fire/smoke damper.

Smoke damper ratings. Smoke damper leakage
ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature
ratings shall not be less than 250F (121C).

Smoke damper actuation methods. The
smoke damper shall close upon actuation of a listed
smoke detector or detectors installed in accordance with
Section 907.10 and one of the following methods, as
applicable:
1. Where a damper is installed within a duct, a smoke
detector shall be installed in the duct within 5 feet
(1524 mm) of the damper with no air outlets or
inlets between the detector and the damper. The
detector shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature
and humidity anticipated at the point where it
is installed. Other than in mechanical smoke control
systems, dampers shall be closed upon fan
shutdown where local smoke detectors require a
minimum velocity to operate.
2. Where a damper is installed above smoke barrier
doors in a smoke barrier, a spot-type detector listed
for releasing service shall be installed on either
side of the smoke barrier door opening.
3. Where a damper is installed within an unducted
opening in a wall, a spot-type detector listed for
releasing service shall be installed within 5 feet
(1524 mm) horizontally of the damper.
4. Where a damper is installed in a corridor wall or
ceiling, the damper shall be permitted to be controlled
by a smoke detection system installed in the
corridor.
5. Where a total-coverage smoke detector system is
provided within areas served by a heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, dampers
shall be permitted to be controlled by the
smoke detection system.

International Building Code 716.3.1

Fire protection rating. Fire dampers shall have the
minimum fire protection rating specified in Table 716.3.1
for the type of penetration.

International Building Code 716.3.1.1

International Building Code 716.3.2

Smoke damper ratings. Smoke damper leakage
ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature
ratings shall not be less than 250F (121C).

International Building Code 716.3.2.1

International Building Code 716.4

Access and identification. Fire and smoke dampers
shall be provided with an approved means of access, which is
large enough to permit inspection and maintenance of the
damper and its operating parts. The access shall not affect the
integrity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies. The access openings
shall not reduce the fire-resistance rating of the assembly.
Access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior
by a label having letters not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in
height reading: FIRE/SMOKEDAMPER,SMOKEDAMPER
or FIRE DAMPER. Access doors in ducts shall be tight fitting
and suitable for the required duct construction.

International Building Code 716.5

Where required. Fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination
fire/smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall
be provided at the locations prescribed in Sections 716.5.1
through 716.5.5. Where an assembly is required to have both
fire dampers and smoke dampers, combination fire/smoke
dampers or a fire damper and a smoke damper shall be
required.

Fire walls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted
in fire walls in accordance with Section 705.11 shall be
protected with listed fire dampers installed in accordance
with their listing.

Fire barriers. Ducts and air transfer openings of
fire barriers shall be protected with approved fire dampers
installed in accordance with their listing. Ducts and air
transfer openings shall not penetrate exit enclosures and exit
passageways except as permitted by Sections 1020.1.2 and
1021.5, respectively.
Exception: Fire dampers are not required at penetrations
of fire barriers where any of the following apply:
1. Penetrations are tested in accordance with ASTM
E119 as part of the fire-resistance rated assembly.
2. Ducts are used as part of an approved smoke control
system in accordance with Section 909 and
where the use of a fire damper would interfere with
the operation of a smoke control system.
3. Such walls are penetrated by ducted HVAC systems,
have a required fire-resistance rating of 1
hour or less, are in areas of other than Group Hand
are in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. For the purposes of this
exception, a ducted HVAC system shall be a duct
system for conveying supply, return or exhaust air
as part of the structure’s HVAC system. Such a
duct system shall be constructed of sheet steel not
less than 26 gage thickness and shall be continuous
from the air-handling appliance or equipment to
the air outlet and inlet terminals.

Shaft enclosures. Shaft enclosures that are permitted
to be penetrated by ducts and air transfer openings shall
be protected with approved fire and smoke dampers
installed in accordance with their listing.
Exceptions:
1. Fire dampers are not required at penetrations of
shafts where:
1.1. Steel exhaust subducts are extended at least
22 inches (559 mm) vertically in exhaust
shafts, provided there is a continuous airflow
upward to the outside; or
1.2. Penetrations are tested in accordance with
ASTME119 as part of the rated assembly; or
1.3. Ducts are used as part of an approved smoke
control system designed and installed in accordance
with Section 909 and where the fire
damper will interfere with the operation of the
smoke control system; or
1.4. The penetrations are in parking garage exhaust
or supply shafts that are separated from
other building shafts by not less than 2-hour
fire-resistance-rated construction.
2. In Group B and R occupancies, equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1, smoke dampers are
not required at penetrations of shafts where:
2.1. Kitchen, clothes dryer, bathroom and toilet
room exhaust openings are installed with steel
exhaust subducts, having a wall thickness of
at least 0.019 inch (0.48 mm); and
2.2. That extend at least 22 inches (559 mm) vertically;
and
2.3. An exhaust fan is installed at the upper terminus
of the shaft that is, powered continuously
in accordance with the provisions of Section
909.11, so as to maintain a continuous upward
airflow to the outside.
3. Smoke dampers are not required at penetration of
exhaust or supply shafts in parking garages that are
separated from other building shafts by not less
than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
4. Smoke dampers are not required at penetrations of
shafts where ducts are used as part of an approved
mechanical smoke control system designed in
accordance with Section 909 and where the smoke
damper will interfere with the operation of the
smoke control system.

Fire partitions. Ducts and air transfer openings
that penetrate fire partitions shall be protected with listed
fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing.
Exceptions: In occupancies other than Group H, fire
dampers are not required where any of the following
apply:
1. The partitions are tenant separation or corridor
walls in buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the duct is protected
as a through penetration in accordance with
Section 712.
2. Tenant partitions in covered mall buildings where
the walls are not required by provisions elsewhere
in the code to extend to the underside of the floor or
roof deck above.
3. The duct system is constructed of approved materials
in accordance with the International Mechanical
Code and the duct penetrating the wall
complies with all of the following requirements:
3.1. The duct shall not exceed 100 square
inches (0.06 m2).
3.2. The duct shall be constructed of steel a
minimum of 0.0217 inch (0.55 mm) in
thickness.
3.3. The duct shall not have openings that communicate
the corridor with adjacent spaces
or rooms.
3.4. The duct shall be installed above a ceiling.
3.5. The duct shall not terminate at a wall register
in the fire-resistance-rated wall.
3.6. A minimum 12-inch-long (305 mm) by
0.060-inch-thick (1.52 mm) steel sleeve
shall be centered in each duct opening. The
sleeve shall be secured to both sides of the
wall and all four sides of the sleeve with
minimum 11/2-inch by 11/2-inch by
0.060-inch (38mmby 38mmby 1.52 mm)
steel retaining angles. The retaining angles
shall be secured to the sleeve and the wall
with No. 10 (M5) screws. The annular
space between the steel sleeve and the wall
opening shall be filled with mineral wool
batting on all sides.

Corridors. A listed smoke damper designed
to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each
point a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a corridor
enclosure required to have smoke and draft control doors
in accordance with Section 715.4.3.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke dampers are not required where the
building is equipped throughout with an
approved smoke control system in accordance
with Section 909, and smoke dampers are not
necessary for the operation and control of the
system.
2. Smoke dampers are not required in corridor
penetrations where the duct is constructed of
steel not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) in
thickness and there are no openings serving the
corridor.

Smoke barriers. A listed smoke damper designed
to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each point
a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a smoke barrier.
Smoke dampers and smoke damper actuation methods shall
comply with Section 716.3.2.1.
Exception: Smoke dampers are not required where the
openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment
and the ducts are constructed of steel.

International Building Code 716.5.1

Fire walls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted
in fire walls in accordance with Section 705.11 shall be
protected with listed fire dampers installed in accordance
with their listing.

International Building Code 716.5.2

International Building Code 716.5.3

International Building Code 716.5.4

International Building Code 716.5.4.1

International Building Code 716.5.5

International Building Code 716.6

Horizontal assemblies. Penetrations by ducts and air
transfer openings of a floor, floor/ceiling assembly or the ceiling
membrane of a roof/ceiling assembly shall be protected by
a shaft enclosure that complies with Section 707 or shall comply
with Sections 716.6.1 through 716.6.3.

Through penetrations. In occupancies other than
Groups I-2 and I-3, a duct constructed of approved materials
in accordance with the International Mechanical Code that
penetrates a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assembly
that connects not more than two stories is permitted without
shaft enclosure protection, provided a listed fire damper is
installed at the floor line or the duct is protected in accordance
with Section 712.4. For air transfer openings, see
Exception 7 to Section 707.2.
Exception: A duct is permitted to penetrate three floors
or less without a fire damper at each floor, provided it
meets all of the following requirements:
1. The duct shall be contained and located within the
cavity of a wall and shall be constructed of steel not
less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) (26 gage) in thickness.
2. The duct shall open into only one dwelling or
sleeping unit and the duct system shall be continuous
from the unit to the exterior of the building.
3. The duct shall not exceed 4-inch (102 mm) nominal
diameter and the total area of such ducts shall
not exceed 100 square inches (0.065 m2) in any
100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area.
4. The annular space around the duct is protected
with materials that prevent the passage of flame
and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste
where subjected toASTME 119 time-temperature
conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential
of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water at the location
of the penetration for the time period
equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the construction
penetrated.
5. Grille openings located in a ceiling of a fire-resistance-
rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
shall be protected with a listed ceiling radiation
damper installed in accordance with Section
716.6.2.1.

Membrane penetrations. Ducts and air transfer
openings constructed of approved materials in accordance
with the International Mechanical Code that penetrate the
ceiling membrane of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or
roof/ceiling assembly shall be protected with one of the following:
1. A shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 707.
2. A listed ceiling radiation damper installed at the ceiling
line where a duct penetrates the ceiling of a
fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assembly.
3. A listed ceiling radiation damper installed at the ceiling
line where a diffuser with no duct attached penetrates
the ceiling of a fire-resistance-rated
floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly.

Ceiling radiation dampers. Ceiling radiation
dampers shall be tested in accordance with UL 555C and
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions and listing. Ceiling radiation dampers
are not required where either of the following applies:
1. Tests in accordance withASTME119 have shown
that ceiling radiation dampers are not necessary in
order to maintain the fire-resistance rating of the
assembly.
2. Where exhaust duct penetrations are protected in
accordance with Section 712.4.1.2, are located
within the cavity of a wall and do not pass through
another dwelling unit or tenant space.

Nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies. Duct
systems constructed of approved materials in accordance
with the International Mechanical Code that penetrate
nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies shall be protected
by any of the following methods:
1. A shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 707.
2. The duct connects not more than two stories, the
annular space around the penetrating duct is protected
with an approved noncombustible material that
resists the free passage of flame and the products of
combustion.
3. The duct connects not more than three stories, the
annular space around the penetrating duct is protected
with an approved noncombustible material that
resists the free passage of flame and the products of
combustion and a fire damper is installed at each floor
line.
Exception: Fire dampers are not required in ducts
within individual residential dwelling units.

International Building Code 716.6.1

International Building Code 716.6.2

International Building Code 716.6.2.1

International Building Code 716.6.3

International Building Code 716.7

Flexible ducts and air connectors. Flexible ducts and
air connectors shall not pass through any fire-resistance-rated
assembly. Flexible air connectors shall not pass through any
wall, floor or ceiling.

International Building Code 717.1

General. Fireblocking and draftstopping shall be
installed in combustible concealed locations in accordance
with this section. Fireblocking shall comply with Section
717.2. Draftstopping in floor/ceiling spaces and attic spaces
shall comply with Sections 717.3 and 717.4, respectively. The
permitted use of combustible materials in concealed spaces of
buildings of Type I or II construction shall be limited to the
applications indicated in Section 717.5.

International Building Code 717.2

Fireblocking. In combustible construction, fireblocking
shall be installed to cut off concealed draft openings (both vertical
and horizontal) and shall form an effective barrier between
floors, between a top story and a roof or attic space.
Fireblocking shall be installed in the locations specified in Sections
717.2.2 through 717.2.7.

Fireblocking materials. Fireblocking shall consist
of 2-inch (51 mm) nominal lumber or two thicknesses of
1-inch (25 mm) nominal lumber with broken lap joints or
one thickness of 0.719-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural
panel with joints backed by 0.719-inch (18.3 mm) wood
structural panel or one thickness of 0.75-inch (19 mm)
particleboard with joints backed by 0.75-inch (19 mm)
particleboard. Gypsum board, cement fiber board, batts or
blankets of mineral wool, glass fiber or other approved
materials installed in such a manner as to be securely
retained in place shall be permitted as an acceptable
fireblock. Batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber or other
approved nonrigid materials shall be permitted for compliance
with the 10-foot (3048 mm) horizontal fireblocking in
walls constructed using parallel rows of studs or staggered
studs. Loose-fill insulation material shall not be used as a
fireblock unless specifically tested in the form and manner
intended for use to demonstrate its ability to remain in place
and to retard the spread of fire and hot gases. The integrity of
fireblocks shall be maintained.

Double stud walls. Batts or blankets of mineral
or glass fiber or other approved nonrigid materials
shall be allowed as fireblocking in walls constructed
using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs.

Concealed wall spaces. Fireblocking shall be provided
in concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions,
including furred spaces, and parallel rows of studs or staggered
studs, as follows:
1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels.
2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048
mm).

Connections between horizontal and vertical
spaces. Fireblocking shall be provided at interconnections
between concealed vertical stud wall or partition spaces and
concealed horizontal spaces created by an assembly of floor
joists or trusses, and between concealed vertical and horizontal
spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings, cove
ceilings and similar locations.

Stairways. Fireblocking shall be provided in concealed
spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom
of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall also comply
with Section 1009.5.3.

Ceiling and floor openings. Where annular space
protection is provided in accordance with Exception 6 of
Section 707.2, Exception 1 of Section 712.4.1.2, or Section
712.4.2, fireblocking shall be installed at openings around
vents, pipes, ducts, chimneys and fireplaces at ceiling and
floor levels, with an approved material to resist the free passage
of flame and the products of combustion. Factory-built
chimneys and fireplaces shall be fireblocked in accordance
with UL 103 and UL 127.

Architectural trim. Fireblocking shall be installed
within concealed spaces of exterior wall finish and other
exterior architectural elements where permitted to be of
combustible construction as specified in Section 1406 or
where erected with combustible frames, at maximum intervals
of 20 feet (6096 mm), so that there will be no open
space exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 m3). Where wood furring
strips are used, they shall be of approved wood of natural
decay resistance or preservative-treated wood. If
noncontinuous, such elements shall have closed ends, with
at least 4 inches (102 mm) of separation between sections.
Exceptions:
1. Fireblocking of cornices is not required in single-
family dwellings. Fireblocking of cornices of a
two-family dwelling is required only at the line of
dwelling unit separation.
2. Fireblocking shall not be required where installed
on noncombustible framing and the face of the
exterior wall finish exposed to the concealed space
is covered by one of the following materials:
2.1. Aluminum having a minimum thickness of
0.019 inch (0.5 mm).
2.2. Corrosion-resistant steel having a base
metal thickness not less than 0.016 inch
(0.4 mm) at any point.
2.3. Other approved noncombustible materials.

Concealed sleeper spaces. Where wood sleepers
are used for laying wood flooring on masonry or concrete
fire-resistance-rated floors, the space between the floor slab
and the underside of thewood flooring shall be filled with an
approved material to resist the free passage of flame and
products of combustion or fireblocked in such a manner that
there will be no open spaces under the flooring that will
exceed 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area and such space shall
be filled solidly under permanent partitions so that there is
no communication under the flooring between adjoining
rooms.
Exceptions:
1. Fireblocking is not required for slab-on-grade
floors in gymnasiums.
2. Fireblocking is required only at the juncture of
each alternate lane and at the ends of each lane in a
bowling facility.

International Building Code 717.2.1

International Building Code 717.2.1.1

International Building Code 717.2.2

International Building Code 717.2.3

International Building Code 717.2.4

Stairways. Fireblocking shall be provided in concealed
spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom
of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall also comply
with Section 1009.5.3.

International Building Code 717.2.5

International Building Code 717.2.6

International Building Code 717.2.7

International Building Code 717.3

Draftstopping in floors. In combustible construction,
draftstopping shall be installed to subdivide floor/ceiling
assemblies in the locations prescribed in Sections 717.3.2
through 717.3.3.

Draftstopping materials. Draftstopping materials
shall not be less than 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board,
0.375-inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel, 0.375-inch (9.5
mm) particleboard, 1-inch (25-mm) nominal lumber,
cement fiberboard, batts or blankets of mineral wool or
glass fiber, or other approved materials adequately supported.
The integrity of draftstops shall be maintained.

Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4. Draftstopping
shall be provided in floor/ceiling spaces in Group R-1 buildings,
in Group R-2 buildings with three or more dwelling
units, in Group R-3 buildings with two dwelling units and in
Group R-4 buildings. Draftstopping shall be located above
and in line with the dwelling unit and sleeping unit separations.
Exceptions:
1. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, provided
that automatic sprinklers are also installed in
the combustible concealed spaces.

Other groups. In other groups, draftstopping shall
be installed so that horizontal floor areas do not exceed
1,000 square feet (93 m2).
Exception: Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

International Building Code 717.3.1

International Building Code 717.3.2

International Building Code 717.3.3

International Building Code 717.4

Draftstopping in attics. In combustible construction,
draftstopping shall be installed to subdivide attic spaces and
concealed roof spaces in the locations prescribed in Sections
717.4.2 and 717.4.3. Ventilation of concealed roof spaces shall
be maintained in accordance with Section 1203.2.

Draftstopping materials. Materials utilized for
draftstopping of attic spaces shall comply with Section
717.3.1.

Openings. Openings in the partitions shall be
protected by self-closing doors with automatic latches
constructed as required for the partitions.
Groups R-1 and R-2. Draftstopping shall be provided
in attics, mansards, overhangs or other concealed roof
spaces of Group R-2 buildings with three or more dwelling
units and in all Group R-1 buildings. Draftstopping shall be
installed above, and in line with, sleeping unit and dwelling
unit separation walls that do not extend to the underside of
the roof sheathing above.
Exceptions:
1. Where corridor walls provide a sleeping unit or
dwelling unit separation, draftstopping shall only
be required above one of the corridor walls.
2. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
3. In occupancies in Group R-2 that do not exceed
four stories in height, the attic space shall be subdivided
by draftstops into areas not exceeding 3,000
square feet (279 m2) or above every two dwelling
units, whichever is smaller.
4. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, provided
that automatic sprinklers are also installed in
the combustible concealed spaces.

Other groups. Draftstopping shall be installed in
attics and concealed roof spaces, such that any horizontal
area does not exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m2).
Exception: Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

International Building Code 717.4.1

Draftstopping materials. Materials utilized for
draftstopping of attic spaces shall comply with Section
717.3.1.

Openings. Openings in the partitions shall be
protected by self-closing doors with automatic latches
constructed as required for the partitions.
114 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION

International Building Code 717.4.1.1

International Building Code 717.4.2

Groups R-1 and R-2. Draftstopping shall be provided
in attics, mansards, overhangs or other concealed roof
spaces of Group R-2 buildings with three or more dwelling
units and in all Group R-1 buildings. Draftstopping shall be
installed above, and in line with, sleeping unit and dwelling
unit separation walls that do not extend to the underside of
the roof sheathing above.
Exceptions:
1. Where corridor walls provide a sleeping unit or
dwelling unit separation, draftstopping shall only
be required above one of the corridor walls.
2. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
3. In occupancies in Group R-2 that do not exceed
four stories in height, the attic space shall be subdivided
by draftstops into areas not exceeding 3,000
square feet (279 m2) or above every two dwelling
units, whichever is smaller.
4. Draftstopping is not required in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, provided
that automatic sprinklers are also installed in
the combustible concealed spaces.

International Building Code 717.4.3

International Building Code 717.5

Combustible materials in concealed spaces in Type I
or II construction. Combustible materials shall not be permitted
in concealed spaces of buildings of Type I or II construction.
Exceptions:
1. Combustible materials in accordance with Section
603.
2. Combustible materials exposed within plenums complying
with Section 602 of the International Mechanical
Code.
3. Class A interior finish materials classified in accordance
with Section 803.
4. Combustible piping within partitions or shaft enclosures
installed in accordance with the provisions of
this code.
5. Combustible piping within concealed ceiling spaces
installed in accordance with the International
Mechanical Code and the International Plumbing
Code.
6. Combustible insulation and covering on pipe and tubing,
installed in concealed spaces other than plenums,
complying with Section 719.7.