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 D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017)
 Title 12. CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2013
 SubTilte 12-E. MECHANICAL CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2013
 Chapter 12-E6. DUCT SYSTEMS

Section 12-E607. DUCT AND TRANSFER OPENINGS

Latest version.

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    Strike Section 607.5.4 of the International Mechanical Code in its entirety and insert new Section 607.5.4. in the Mechanical Code in its place to read as follows:

    607.5.4 Corridors/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 wall or a corridor enclosure required to have smoke and draft control doors in accordance with the International Building Code.  Smoke dampers and smoke damper actuation methods shall comply with Section 607.5.4.1.

     

    Exceptions:

     

    1. Smoke dampers are not required in corridor penetrations where the building is equipped throughout with an approved smoke control system in accordance with Section 513 and smoke dampers are not necessary for the operation and control of the system.

     

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

     

    1. Smoke dampers are not required in corridor penetrations where the duct is constructed of steel not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) in thickness and there are no openings serving the corridor.
    1. Smoke dampers are not required in ducted corridor penetrations where:

     

    1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 of the Building Code;

     

    1. The duct is constructed of steel not less than 0.019 inches (0.48 mm) in thickness;

     

    1. The ducted system supplies outdoor air only to the corridor and to air handling units that serve spaces adjoining the corridor through ducted connections; and

     

    1. The outdoor air supply fan is designed to provide a continuous airflow.

    Strike Section 607.5.5 of the International Mechanical Code in its entirety and insert new Section 607.5.5 in the Mechanical Code in its place to read as follows:

    607.5.5 Shaft enclosures.  Shaft enclosures that are permitted to be penetrated by ducts and air transfer openings shall be protected with listed fire and smoke dampers installed in accordance with their listing.

     

    Exceptions:

     

    1. Fire and smoke dampers are not required at penetrations of exhaust shafts where steel exhaust subducts extend at least 22 inches (559 mm) vertically in exhaust shafts provided there is a continuous airflow upward to the outside and the fan is provided with backup standby power.

     

    1. Fire dampers are not required where penetrations are tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 as part of the fire-resistance-rated assembly.

     

    1. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where ducts are used as part of an approved smoke control system in accordance with Section 909 of the Building Code.

     

    1. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where the penetrations are in dedicated parking garage exhaust or supply shafts that are separated from other building shafts by not less than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

     

    1. Smoke dampers are not required at penetrations of shafts where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the Building Code.

     

    1. Fire dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers are not required in kitchens and clothes dryer exhaust systems installed in accordance with the Mechanical Code.

     

     

authority

Section 10 of the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 (Act), effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1409 (2012 Repl.)) and Mayor’s Order 2009-22, dated February 25, 2009, as amended.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 3101 (March 28, 2014 – Part 2); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 61 DCR 5246 (May 23, 2014).

EditorNote

The District of Columbia Mechanical Code (2013), referred to as the “Mechanical Code,” consists of the 2012 edition of the International Mechanical Code, published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the District of Columbia Mechanical Code Supplement (2013)(12 DCMR E). The International Mechanical Code is copyrighted by the ICC and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/imc/2012/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2012-000005&bu2=IC-P-2012-000019.