Elevator hoistways shall be pressurized to maintain a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 inch of water (25 Pa) and a maximum positive pressure of 0.25 inch of water (67 Pa) with respect to adjacent occupied space on all floors. This pressure shall be measured at the midpoint of each hoistway door, with all elevator cars at the floor of recall and all hoistway doors on the floor of recall open and all other hoistway doors closed. The pressure differentials shall be measured between the hoistway and the adjacent elevator landing. The opening and closing of hoistway doors at each level must be demonstrated during this test. The supply air intake shall be from an outside, uncontaminated source located a minimum distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) from any air exhaust system or outlet.
Exceptions:
- On floors containing only Group R occupancies, the pressure differential is permitted to be measured between the hoistway and a dwelling unit or sleeping unit.
- Where an elevator opens into a lobby enclosed in accordance with Section 3007.6 or 3008.6, the pressure differential is permitted to be measured between the hoistway and the space immediately outside the door(s) from the floor to the enclosed lobby.
- The pressure differential is permitted to be measured relative to the outdoor atmosphere on floors other than the following:
- The fire floor.
- The two floors immediately below the fire floor.
- The floor immediately above the fire floor.
- The minimum positive pressure of 0.10 inch of water (25 Pa) and a maximum positive pressure of 0.25 inch of water (67 Pa) with respect to occupied floors are not required at the floor of recall with the doors open.
Ventilation systems, other than hoistway supply air systems, are permitted to be used to exhaust air from adjacent spaces on the fire floor, two floors immediately below and one floor immediately above the fire floor to the building's exterior where necessary to maintain positive pressure relationships as required in Section 909.21.1 during operation of the elevator shaft pressurization system.
A rational analysis complying with Section 909.4 shall be submitted with the construction documents.
Any duct system that is part of the pressurization system shall be protected with the same fire-resistance rating as required for the elevator shaft enclosure.
The fan system provided for the pressurization system shall be as required by Sections 909.21.4.1 through 909.21.4.4.
Where located within the building, the fan system that provides the pressurization shall be protected with the same fire-resistance rating required for the elevator shaft enclosure.
The fan system shall be equipped with a smoke detector that will automatically shut down the fan system when smoke is detected within the system.
A separate fan system shall be used for each elevator hoistway.
The supply fan shall be either adjustable with a capacity of not less than 1,000 cfm (0.4719 m3/s) per door, or that specified by a registered design professional to meet the requirements of a designed pressurization system.
The pressurization system shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 2702.
The elevator pressurization system shall be activated upon activation of either the building fire alarm system or the elevator lobby smoke detectors. Where both a building fire alarm system and elevator lobby smoke detectors are present, each shall be independently capable of activating the pressurization system.
Testing for performance shall be required in accordance with Section 909.18.8. System acceptance shall be in accordance with Section 909.19.
Detection and control systems shall be marked in accordance with Section 909.14.
Control diagrams shall be provided in accordance with Section 909.15.
A control panel complying with Section 909.16 shall be provided.
Hoistway pressurization systems shall comply with the requirements for smoke control system response time in Section 909.17.