There is a new health care building being constructed in accordance with the requirements of the 2018 IBC. The building has complete quick response sprinkler protection in accordance with IBC Sections 903.3.1.1 and 903.3.2 and has a fully ducted HVAC system in accordance with IMC Section 603.

Do the duct penetrations of smoke barriers need to have smoke dampers?

IBC Section 717.5.5 requires a listed smoke damper must be provided at each duct or air transfer opening penetration of a smoke barrier. Exception 2 to this Section states smoke dampers are not required in smoke barriers where the HVAC system is fully ducted and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and equipped with quick response sprinklers. A hospital with a complete quick response sprinkler protection and a fully ducted HVAC system does not need smoke dampers at the duct penetrations of smoke barriers.

717.5.5 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 717.3.3.2.

Exceptions:

(1) Smoke dampers are not required where the openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment and the ducts are constructed of steel.

(2) Smoke dampers are not required in smoke barriers required by Section 407.5 for Group I-2, Condition 2—where the HVAC system is fully ducted in accordance with Section 603 of the International Mechanical Code and where buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and equipped with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.

If the building is designed to meet the new requirements of the applicable codes, both NFPA 101-2012 Edition and IBC-2018 Edition, and the HVAC system is fully ducted, then smoke dampers would not be required at the smoke barriers.

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