What are the requirements for penetrations in smoke barrier walls?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

Smoke barriers are used to subdivide building spaces into smoke compartments. They restrict the passage of smoke and therefore through-penetrations must be sealed with a material capable of restricting the transfer of smoke.

Smoke barrier walls in existing health care and ambulatory health care occupancies are required to have a ½-hour fire rating. In new health care and ambulatory health care occupancies, smoke barrier walls are required to have a 1-hour fire rating. When sealing penetrations in these walls, a material that is UL listed for the appropriate fire rating must be used.

Facilities are classified as "existing" if final plans for construction, additions, renovations, or changes in occupancy were approved by the local authority having jurisdiction before July 5, 2016.

Where ductwork penetrates a smoke barrier wall, a smoke damper is not required if the HVAC system is fully ducted. Air transfer openings (non-ducted) shall have a smoke damper installed.

Reference LS.02.01.30 EP19

Last updated on June 28, 2023 with update notes of: Editorial changes only

First Published Date: April 11, 2016