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Learning Objectives
• List some of the challenges that must be addressed in the
design of a stair pressurization system.
Basic Concepts of Stairwell • Describe the differences between the four main types of life
safety dampers.
Pressurization • Properly apply pressure relief dampers in a stair
pressurization system.
• Explain when is it necessary to use multiple injection points
for stair pressurization.

John H. Klote, DSc, PE

SmokeControlExpert.com
JohnhKlote@gmail.com

Intent of Pressurized Stairwells

• Intent - Provide Tenable Environment in
Stairwell for Evacuation or Relocation of
• Presentation – Occupants
Overview of • Tenable Environment – Smoke & Heat
Stairwell Limited: Conditions Not Life Threatening
Pressurization
• More Detailed
Information –
Chapter 10 of
Handbook

Design Pressure Differences Challenges to Stairwell Pressurization

• Minimum Pressure Difference – Intent
• Challenge: ΔP Across Stairwell Varies with
Prevent Smoke Flow into Stairwell
Height – Possible Failure
• Maximum Pressure Difference – Intent
Prevent Excessive Door Opening Force • Causes of Variation of ΔP:
• Use Min. & Max. – Local Codes • Stack Effect
• IBC 909.20.5 (ICC 2015): Min. ΔP 0.10 in. water • Complicated Building – Floor Plans Differ
(25 Pa) & Max. ΔP 0.35 in. water (87 Pa) Significantly From Floor-to-Floor
• NFPA 92 (2015) – Suggested Values
• Acceptable Pressurization – Operate
Between Min. & Max. ΔP

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Pressurization Systems
• Single & Multiple Injection Systems • Not for Tall Stairwells
(For stairwell heights
• Compartmentation
more than 100 ft (30
• Stairwells with Vestibules m), single injection
• Stairwells with Fire Floor Exhaust systems need a design
• Compensated Stairwells (Open & Closed analysis.)
Doors) • Fan can be at any
height.

• For Tall Stairwells • Multiple Fans

• Duct Distributes Air • Eliminate Duct Shaft
in Stairwell • May Need CONTAM
• Fan can be at any Analysis
height.
• Can Use Multiple
Fans

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• This system is used in some

very tall buildings
• Each compartment has one
or more supply injection
points.
• Caution: This system is not
good for total building
evacuation.

Compensated Stairwells Compensated Stairwells Systems

• Stair Door Opened – ΔP Drops
• Compensated Stairwells
• Intent Maintain ΔP
• Pressure Relief or Adjust Supply Air
• Used in Places
• Need for Compensated Systems
Questionable
• Research (Ko & Lougheed 2016)
• Smoke Leakage through Door Gaps – Diluted
by Supply Air – Tenable Environment
• When Compensated Stairwells Required –
Use One of Following Systems (Klote et al.
2017)
• Barometric Damper (BD) System
• Variable Air Volume (VAV) System
• Open Exterior Door (OED) System
• Exterior Vent (EV) System

Design Analysis Summary

• Challenges - Stack Effect & Complicated
• Method of Analysis Buildings
• Rule-of-Thumb • Systems:
• Algebraic Equations • Single & Multiple Injection Systems
• Network Modeling (CONTAM) • Compartmentation
• Extent of Design Analysis – Extent of • Stairwells with Vestibules
Challenges • Stairwells with Fire Floor Exhaust
• Compensated Stairwells
• Design Analysis – Depends on Extent of
Challenges

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References QUESTIONS?
• ICC 2015. International Building Code, International
Code Council, Country Club Hills, IL.
• Klote, et al. 2012. Handbook of Smoke Control
Engineering, ASHRAE.
• Klote, et al. 2017. Pressurized Stairwells with Open
Doors and the IBC. ASHRAE Annual Conference. John H. Klote, DSc, PE
• Ko, Y. J. and Lougheed, G. D. 2016. Performance of JohnHKlote@gmail.com
Stairwell Pressurization System with Open Doors.
ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 122, Part 2.
• NFPA 2015. Standard for Smoke Control Systems –
NFPA 92, National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA.