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WDMA TECHNICAL BULLETIN
POSITIVE PRESSURE FIRE DOOR

In 1997 the International Council of Building Officials (ICBO) approved a change to the Uniform Building Code (UBC) that requires fire doors to be tested under positive pressure instead of neutral pressure. Most recently many code groups across the U.S. have adopted the International Building Code (IBC) which also contains the requirement for positive pressure.

Many state already require positive pressure rated fire doors. By 2003, 35 states have plans to adopt positive pressure requirements.

It is very important that the architects, contractors and distributors are aware of the requirements in their area so the appropriate type of door is supplied (neutral or positive pressure). Door manufacturers are not responsible for interpretations of local codes.

All fire doors must meet the requirements of recognized fire door tests and bear the labels of an independent testing agency approved by the building official.

Installation is required to be in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association's Publication NFPA 80, "Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows". Machined fire doors shall be provided with detailed installation instructions when doors bear a label indicating compliance to UBC 7-2-1997 or UL 10C.

IMPORTANT FACTS TO CONSIDER WHEN READING SPECIFICATIONS

1.   KEY PHRASES INDICATING POSITIVE PRESSURE

A.  UBC 7-2-1997-UBC Fire Test
B.  IBC 2000 - Code
C.  UL 10-C - Fire test    
D.  ASTM 2074-00 Fire test
E.  After 5 minutes into the test the neutral pressure plane should be 40"
F.  Shall meet positive pressure requirements
G.  Intumescent seals - not telling you it is positive pressure but implying that it is

2.   KEY PHRASES INDICATING NEGATIVE (NEUTRAL) PRESSURE

A.  UL-10B - Fire test
B.  UBC 7-2 -UBC Fire test
C.  UBC 43-2 - UBC Fire test
D.  Tested at atmospheric pressure
E.  Neutral pressure
F.  Negative pressure
G.  ASTMW-152 - Test Method

3.    PHRASES THAT DON'T TELL YOU IF IT IS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE

A.  NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code
B.  NFPA 105 - Smoke and Draft Control Document
C.  NFPA 252 - Fire Test method which give option to positive or negative
D.  UBC - With no date given could be either positive or negative
E.  UL 1784 - Air Leakage Test for Door Assemblies
F.  NFPA 80 - Installation standard for fire doors and windows  

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