"(1) A standpipe and hose system in accordance with Articles 3.2.9.1. to 3.2.9.7. of the Building Code shall be installed in buildings more than four storeys in building height where the fifth or sixth storey is used for a residential occupancy.
(2) A wet or dry standpipe system shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where it includes:
(3) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), existing standpipe systems and water supplies may be used if the systems or measures will provide sufficient fire suppression capability in the circumstances and if the systems or measures are approved."
Q1: Can hose connections be taken off a dry sprinkler system in a basement parking garage to meet Article 9.5.5.2. of the Fire Code?
A1: Although there is no specific provision prohibiting this practice, this would not be desirable because of the greater potential for false tripping of the dry pipe valve which could then lead to freezing in the sprinkler piping. NFPA 13 permits hose connections on wet pipe systems only. This means that the connection for the hose standpipe system would have to be made upstream of the sprinkler dry pipe valve.
(2) Openings in a fire separation having a 30-min fire-resistance rating shall be protected with closures having a 20-min fire-protection rating.
(3) Where a 1.5-hr fire-protection rating is required, existing closures consisting of hollow metal or kalamein doors in hollow metal frames, with openings, if any, protected by wired glass panels not exceeding 645 cm2, and equipped with self-closing and latching devices shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
(4) Where a 1-hr or 45-min fire-protection rating is required, existing closures consisting of:
shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
(5) Where a 20-min fire-protection rating is required, or where a fire separation is required by Article 9.6.2.5., existing closures consisting of door assemblies of 45 mm ( 1 3/4-in) solid core wood doors installed in solid wood or hollow metal frames and equipped with self-closing and latching devices shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2).
(6) Where the floor area is sprinklered, existing closures in fire separations to which Article 9.6.2.5. applies shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (2) and Sentences 3.1.8.4.(2) and 3.1.8.10.(1) of the Building Code.
(7) Despite Sentence (1), garbage intake room doors that swing inward shall be acceptable without a latching device.
(8) Existing operable transoms and glass lights shall be fixed shut and shall meet the fire-protection rating requirements of Sentences (1) and (2).
(9) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), fire dampers or fire-stop flaps are not required in existing non combustible ducts at penetrations of fire separations."
The required fire-protection rating of closures with respect to the grade of the fire separation in which they are located is summarized in the table below.
| Grade of Fire Separation | Required Fire-Protection Rating of Closure |
|---|---|
| 30 min. | 20 min. |
| 45 min. | 45 or 20 min. |
| 1 hr. | 45 min. |
| 1-1/2 hr | 1 hr. |
| 2 hr. | 1-1/2 hr. |
Doors with a 20 min. fire-protection rating may be used in any fire separation of up to 3/4-hour fire-resistance rating required between a corridor and dwelling unit or sleeping room not within a dwelling unit.
Existing doors and fixed screens are permitted in fire separations that are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
Every door in a required fire separation (other than doors to freight elevators and dumbwaiters) is required to be equipped with a self-closing device.
Every rated swing-type door in a required fire separation shall have a positive latching device. As an exception, a garbage intake room door that swings inward need not be equipped with a latch. Where new latches are installed for suite entrance doors they must be of the type that do not lock automatically when the door is closed in order for occupants to re-enter during a fire emergency, if necessary, and to facilitate firefighters in their suppression efforts.
The table below identifies existing door assemblies that are acceptable in lieu of the above requirements.
| Fire-Protection Rating | Door with Self-Closer | Frames for Doors or Screens | Area of Wired Glass Panels | Area of Wired Glass Screens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1/2 hr. | Hollow Metal or Kalamein | Hollow Metal | Less than 645 cm2 | Not Permitted |
| 1 hr. & 45 min. | Hollow Metal or Kalamein | Hollow Metal | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 20 min. | 45 mm Solid Core Wood | Solid Wood (1) or Hollow Metal | Unlimited | Unlimited |
(1) Existing solid wood frames should have a minimum thickness of 38 mm or the door hinge should be securely anchored through the frame to the wall studs. Wired glass in solid wood doors or frames must be fixed in place with steel stops.
Q1: If suite doors already have automatic locking devices, do they have to be changed to a type that do not automatically lock?
A1: No. The locking devices would need to be changed only if the door hardware is replaced.
Q2: Are suite entrance doors with mail slots acceptable?
A2: A mail slot with a steel or brass flap over each side of the opening is acceptable. The flap can include a self-closing spring or can close by gravity.
Q3: Does an existing self-closing device or other door hardware have to be listed?
A3: If the entire door and frame is replaced or installed in a new fire separation, then all hardware must be listed. Otherwise, the existing self-closing device or other hardware does not have to be listed as long as the hardware will function as intended.
Q4: Are there acceptable alternatives to installing a self-closer on suite doors where physical limitations prevent an occupant from opening a suite door equipped with a self-closer?
A4: No. The installation of a self-closing device on an apartment door is intended to help limit the spread of fire and smoke that may originate in the suite, and to provide protection to other building occupants. In the absence of a self-closer, an apartment occupant could easily flee from the fire scene and allow the fire and smoke to spread to the corridor and beyond, via an open door.
Rather than consider an exemption from providing a door closer, there are other viable options that maintain the necessary fire safety. Perhaps the current door closer setting could be altered to accommodate the individual. Alternately, another brand or type of hardware could be installed on the door. For instance, hardware exists which will allow a door to swing freely under normal conditions but which will automatically close the door in the event of a fire emergency.
Typically, detector activated devices must also be wired to close in the event of a power failure. Such an arrangement would be more commonly found in health care facilities.
Q5: Are existing kalamein or hollow metal doors required to be of any minimum thickness?
A5: No. Existing kalamein or hollow metal doors are acceptable where a 45-min fire-protection rating is required.
Q6: Are tubular core wood doors with wood face panels exteriors acceptable as existing construction for 20 minute doors?
A6: Yes. It is the opinion of the Office that any core configuration where the core material is in direct contact with the entire surface of the face panels, such as with tubular core doors, would meet the intent of the solid core requirement. There should be no part of the door cross-section consisting only of the two combustible face panels with no wood core material between.
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