National Fire Protection Association€¦ · NFPA Technical Committee on Air Conditioning . NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B . FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA (A2020) Thursday, October 11, 2018 –

NFPA Technical Committee on Air Conditioning

NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B

FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA (A2020)

Thursday, October 11, 2018 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Web/Teleconference

To Join the Meeting: https://nfpa.adobeconnect.com/kcarr/

US Toll Free Telephone Number: 1-877-806-9883

Participant Passcode: 600958

1. Call to Order. Call web/teleconference meeting to order by Chair Ralph Gerdes

at 10:00 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

2. Chairman’s Remarks. Ralph Gerdes.

3. Staff Liaison Introduction. Kevin Carr.

4. Self-Introduction of Committee Members and Guests. For a current

committee roster, see page 2.

5. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes. Approve the September 27, 2016 Second

Draft Meeting Minutes, see page 5.

6. PowerPoint Presentation. Review of the A2020 Revision Cycle, First Draft

Meeting Procedures and First Draft Balloting, see page 8.

7. Review of NFPA 90A Public Input, see page 42.

8. Review of NFPA 90B Public Input, see page 128.

9. Other Business.

10. Future Meetings.

11. Adjournment.

NFPA 90A/NFPA 90B FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA Page 1 of 164

https://nfpa.adobeconnect.com/kcarr/

Address List No PhoneAir Conditioning AIC-AAA

Kevin Carr08/17/2018

AIC-AAA

Ralph D. Gerdes

ChairRalph Gerdes Consultants, LLC5510 South East Street, Suite EIndianapolis, IN 46227-1939

SE 08/09/2012AIC-AAA

Kevin Carr

Secretary (Staff-Nonvoting)National Fire Protections AssociationOne Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 022169

4/19/2018

AIC-AAA

Ramzi A. Amawi

PrincipalIntertek Testing Services1717 Arlingate LaneColumbus, OH 43228

RT 3/2/2010AIC-AAA

Joseph F. Andre

PrincipalSteel Tube Institute17514 26th Drive SEBothell, WA 98012-6606Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaAlternate: Jay Burris

M 12/08/2015

AIC-AAA

Rendell K. Bourg

PrincipalNational Fire Protection Company Inc.4355 Lawehana Street #8Honolulu, HI 96818Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Alternate: David L. Hall

M 08/17/2018AIC-AAA

Laurence W. Caraway, Jr.

PrincipalKitchen Klean Inc.AirDuct Clean27 Black Hall RoadPO Box 754Epsom, NH 03234National Air Duct Cleaners Association

IM 3/21/2006

AIC-AAA

Michael Earl Dillon

PrincipalDillon Consulting Engineers, Inc.671 Quincy AvenueLong Beach, CA 90814-1818Alternate: Diane B. Copeland

SE 1/1/1980AIC-AAA

James T. Dollard, Jr.

PrincipalIBEW Local Union 981701 Spring Garden StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19130International Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersAlternate: Harold C. Ohde

L 7/14/2004

AIC-AAA

Jonathan Flannery

PrincipalAHA - ASHE224 Colonial CourtLittle Rock, AR 72205

U 10/23/2013AIC-AAA

John C. Harrington

PrincipalFM Global1151 Boston Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102

I 10/27/2005

AIC-AAA

Jonathan Hartsell

PrincipalRodgers5701 North Sharon Amity RoadCharlotte, NC 28215

IM 07/29/2013AIC-AAA

Marcelo M. Hirschler

PrincipalGBH International2 Friar’s LaneMill Valley, CA 94941North American Flame Retardant Alliance/Plenum CableAssn.Alternate: Timothy Earl

M 10/3/2002

1NFPA 90A/NFPA 90B FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA Page 2 of 164



AIC-AAA

Eli P. Howard, III

PrincipalSheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Natl. Assn.4201 Lafayette Center DriveChantilly, VA 20151-1219Alternate: Mark Terzigni

IM 7/22/1999AIC-AAA

Anthony Hurst

PrincipalMason & Hanger121 Irving LaneGeorgetown, KY 40324-2094

SE 10/23/2013

AIC-AAA

Ralph A. Koerber

PrincipalATCO Rubber Products, Inc.Research & Development7101 ATCO DriveFort Worth, TX 76118Air Diffusion Council

M 4/17/2002AIC-AAA

William E. Koffel

PrincipalKoffel Associates, Inc.8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21045-2107Plastics Industry Association (Plastics)

M 11/2/2006

AIC-AAA

Ajay V. Prasad

PrincipalJENSEN HUGHES3610 Commerce Drive, Suite 817Baltimore, MD 21227-1652JENSEN HUGHES


Michael Schmeida

PrincipalGypsum Association3730 Sharon-Copley RoadMedina, OH 44256-9778

M 12/08/2015

AIC-AAA

Dwayne E. Sloan

PrincipalUL LLC12 Laboratory DrivePO Box 13995Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3995

RT 4/14/2005AIC-AAA

George A. Straniero

PrincipalAFC Cable Systems, Inc.106 Village Center DriveFreehold, NJ 07728-2510National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationAlternate: Michael Lloyd

M 9/30/2004

AIC-AAA

John M. Wright

PrincipalSMART 20Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Union1301 W. Franklin StreetEvansville, IN 47710

L 12/06/2017AIC-AAA

Charles C. Cottrell

Voting AlternateNorth American Insulation Manufacturers Assn.44 Canal Center PlazaSuite 103Alexandria, VA 22314-1595

M 10/27/2009

AIC-AAA

Amando Lyndyll Hisole

Voting Alternateccrd partners808 Travis, Suite 200Houston, TX 77002


William A. Webb

Voting AlternateWEBB FIRE Protection Consulting, LLC15350 Flight Path Drive, Suite ABrooksville, FL 34604-6861American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & AirConditioning Engineers Inc.

IM 04/05/2016




AIC-AAA

Jay Burris

AlternateWheatland Tube (Div. of Zekelman Industries)9208 Jeffrey DriveCambridge, OH 43725Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaPrincipal: Joseph F. Andre

M 12/06/2017AIC-AAA

Diane B. Copeland

AlternateDillon Consulting Engineers, Inc.671 Quincy AvenueLong Beach, CA 90814-1818Principal: Michael Earl Dillon

SE 4/15/2004

AIC-AAA

Timothy Earl

AlternateGBH International6862 Shallowford WayPortage, MI 49024North American Flame Retardant Alliance/Plenum CableAssn.Principal: Marcelo M. Hirschler

M 04/04/2017AIC-AAA

David L. Hall

AlternateApollo America Inc.Air Products and Controls Inc.25 Corporate DriveAuburn Hills, MI 48326Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Principal: Rendell K. Bourg

M 7/28/2006

AIC-AAA

Michael Lloyd

AlternateHoneywell International, Inc.3825 Ohio AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174-5467National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationPrincipal: George A. Straniero

M 08/17/2015AIC-AAA

Harold C. Ohde

AlternateIBEW 134/Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training & Trust9318 South Longwood DriveChicago, IL 60643-6339International Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersPrincipal: James T. Dollard, Jr.

L 7/14/2004

AIC-AAA

Mark Terzigni

AlternateSheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Natl. Assn.4201 Lafayette Center DriveChantilly, VA 20151-1219Principal: Eli P. Howard, III

IM 8/2/2010AIC-AAA

Kevin Carr

Staff LiaisonNational Fire Protections AssociationOne Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 022169

4/19/2018


Technical Committee on Air Conditioning – September 27, 2016 Second Draft Meeting Minutes Page 1

1

Draft Meeting Minutes

Air Conditioning Technical Committee NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B Second Draft Meeting

September 27, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern

In Person and Web/Teleconference MeetingNFPA Headquarters

Quincy, MA Item 1, Call to Order

The Second Draft meeting was called to order by Chair Ralph Gerdes at 12:02 p.m. (Eastern) on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at NFPA Headquarters, Quincy, MA with Adobe Connect Online option.

Item 2, Introduction of Members and Guests

The Chair opened the meeting with welcoming remarks. The Chair provided a general overview of the agenda and opening remarks.

A roll-call of participants and guests was conducted at the beginning of the session. The following Technical Committee principal and alternate members participated:

NAME COMPANY Ralph Gerdes, Principal (Chair) Ralph Gerdes Consultants, LLC Joseph Andre, Principal Steel Tube Institute James Buckley, Principal Jacobs/Representing American Society for Heating,

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. James Dollard, Principal IBEW Local Union 98/Representing International

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Thomas Dusza, Alternate to A. Prasad

JENSEN HUGES

Jonathan Flannery, Principal AHA-ASHE David Hall, Alternate to T. Hammerberg

Apollo America Inc./Representing /Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.

Thomas Hammerberg, Principal Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. Jonathan Hartsell, Principal Rodgers Marcelo M. Hirschler, Principal GBH International/ Representing American Fire

Safety Council/Plenum Cable Assn. Amando Hisole, Voting Alternate

ccrd partners

Ralph A. Koerber, Principal ATCO Rubber Products Inc./ Representing Air Diffusion Council



2

William Koffel, Principal Koffel Associates, Inc./Representing Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

Michael Lloyd, Alternate to G. Straniero

Honeywell International, Inc./Representing National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Harold C. Ohde Alternate to J. Dollard

IBEW 134/Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training & Trust/Representing International Brotherhood of

Electrical Workers Michael Schmeida, Principal Gypsum Association George A. Straniero, Principal AFC Cable Systems, Inc./ Representing National

Electrical Manufacturers Assoc. (NEMA) William Webb, Alternate to J. Buckley

WEBB Fire Protection Consulting, LLC/Representing American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers Inc.

Principal Technical Committee Members Who Did Not Participate (Whose Alternates Did Not Attend)

NAME COMPANY Rami A. Amawi Intertek Testing ServicesJustin Biller Carilion Clinic Laurence W. Caraway, Jr. Kitchen Klean, Inc./Representing National Air

Duct Cleaners Association Charles Cottrell, Voting Alternate

North American Insulation Manufacturers Assn.

Michael E. Dillon Dillon Consulting Engineers, Inc. J.C. Harrington FM Global Eli P. Howard, III Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Nat’l

Assn.Anthony Hurst Mason & Hanger Timothy J. Orris AMCA International, Inc./Representing Air

Movement & Control Association Dwayne Sloan UL LLC

Guests Present:

Ben Pugh NFPA Meaghan Cotter NFPA

The following NFPA staff participated:

Allan Fraser Diane Matthews



3

Item 3, Staff Comments. Staff reviewed the 2017 Annual Revision Cycle and timeframes, Second Draft Balloting the revision cycle schedule, how the new process works and explained a little about the features of our new conference center.

Item 4, Approval of Minutes

The committee approved the minutes of the October 15, 2015 First Draft meeting as written.

Item 5, Review of Public Input received for NFPA 90A

The committee reviewed and acted on thirty five (35) Public Comments and developed six (6) Second Revisions to 90A.

Item 6, Review of Public Input received for NFPA 90B

The committee reviewed and acted on sixteen (16) Public Comments and developed two (2) Second Revisions to 90B.

Item 7, Next Meeting

The next meeting will be the First Draft Meeting in the next revision cycle. Plans will be made when the Annual Cycle Schedule is available.

Item 8, Adjournment

On Tuesday, September 27, 2016 the meeting was adjourned at 1:35 pm by the Chair, Ralph Gerdes.

Minutes prepared by Allan B. Fraser, CBI, CPCA, NFPA Staff Liaison


Annual 2020 Master Schedule

Process Stage Process Step Dates for TCDates for TC

with CC

Public Input Stage (First Draft)

Public Input Closing Date* 6/27/2018 6/27/2018

Final Date for TC First Draft Meeting 12/05/2018 9/05/2018

Posting of First Draft and TC Ballot 1/23/2019 10/17/2018

Final date for Receipt of TC First Draft ballot 2/13/2019 11/07/2018

Final date for Receipt of TC First Draft ballot ‐ recirc 2/20/2019 11/14/2018

Posting of First Draft for CC Meeting 11/21/2018

Final date for CC First Draft Meeting 1/02/2019

Posting of First Draft and CC Ballot 1/23/2019

Final date for Receipt of CC First Draft ballot 2/13/2019

Final date for Receipt of CC First Draft ballot ‐ recirc 2/20/2019

Post First Draft Report for Public Comment 2/27/2019 2/27/2019

Comment Stage (Second Draft)

Public Comment Closing Date* 5/08/2019 5/08/2019

Notice Published on Consent Standards (Standards that received no Comments)Note: Date varies and determined via TC ballot.

Appeal Closing Date for Consent Standards (Standards that received no Comments)

Final date for TC Second Draft Meeting 11/06/2019 7/31/2019

Posting of Second Draft and TC Ballot 12/18/2019 9/11/2019

Final date for Receipt of TC Second Draft ballot 1/08/2020 10/02/2019

Final date for receipt of TC Second Draft ballot ‐ recirc 1/15/2020 10/09/2019

Posting of Second Draft for CC Meeting 10/16/2019

Final date for CC Second Draft Meeting 11/27/2019

Posting of Second Draft for CC Ballot 12/18/2019

Final date for Receipt of CC Second Draft ballot 1/08/2020

Final date for Receipt of CC Second Draft ballot ‐ recirc 1/15/2020

Post Second Draft Report for NITMAM Review 1/22/2020 1/22/2020

Tech Session Preparation (&

Issuance)

Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) Closing Date 2/19/2020 2/19/2020

Posting of Certified Amending Motions (CAMs) and Consent Standards 4/01/2020 4/01/2020

Appeal Closing Date for Consent Standards 4/16/2020 4/16/2020

SC Issuance Date for Consent Standards 4/26/2020 4/26/2020

Tech Session Association Meeting for Standards with CAMs 6/17/2020 6/17/2020

Appeals and Issuance

Appeal Closing Date for Standards with CAMs 7/08/2020 7/08/2020

SC Issuance Date for Standards with CAMs 8/14/2020 8/14/2020

TC = Technical Committee or PanelCC = Correlating Committee

As of 2/3/2017

Page 1 of 2

8/17/2018https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-stand...


NFPA.ORG | © National Fire Protection Association. All rights reserved.

IT’S A BIG WORLD. LET’S PROTECT IT TOGETHER.TM

NFPA 90A and 90BFirst Draft Meeting

NFPA HeadquartersQuincy, MA

October 11, 2018



NFPA First Draft Meeting

• Any changes/updates to your contact information should be sent to Diane Matthews to [email protected].

• Members categorized in any interest category who have been retained to represent the interests of ANOTHER interest category (with respect to issues addressed by the TC) shall declare those interests to the committee and refrain from voting on those issues throughout the process.

3

Members:




• All guests are required to identify themselves and their affiliations.

• Participation is limited to TC members or those individuals who have previously requested time to address the committee.

• Participation by other guests is permitted at the Chair’s discretion.

4

Guests:




• Use of audio recorders or other meanscapable of reproducing verbatimtranscriptions of this meeting is notpermitted.

5

Members and Guests:



Annual 2020 Revision Cycle – Key Dates• Public Input Stage (First Draft):

First Draft Meeting: October 11, 2018 Posting of First Draft for Balloting Date: January 23, 2019 Posting of First Draft for Public Comment: February 27, 2019

• Comment Stage (Second Draft): Public Comment Closing Date: May 8, 2019 Second Draft Meeting Period: TBD – August 1-31, 2019 Posting of Second Draft for Balloting Date: December 18, 2019 Posting of Second Draft for NITMAM: January 22, 2020

• Tech Session Preparation: NITMAM Closing Date: February 19, 2020 NITMAM / CAM Posting Date: April 1, 2020 NFPA Technical Meeting: June 17, 2020 (San Antonio)

• Standards Council Issuance: Issuance of Documents with CAM: August 14, 2020

6NFPA 90A/NFPA 90B FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA

Page 13 of 164



• Either Principal or Alternate can vote, not both.• All Principals are encouraged to have an Alternate.• Voting (simple majority) during meeting is used to

establish a base position on First Revisions.• Voting (simple majority) during meeting is also used

to establish Public Input resolution responses and to create Committee Inputs.

7

Voting During the First Draft Meeting:




• Follow Robert’s Rules of Order

• Discussion requires a motion

8

General Procedures:




• Member addresses the chair.

• Receives recognition from the chair.

• Member introduces the motion.

• Another member seconds the motion.

9

Committee Member Actions:




• Restates the motion

• Calls for discussion

• Ensures all issues have been heard

• Calls for a vote

• Announces the vote result10

Committee Chair Actions:




• Not in order when another member has the floor• Requires a second• Not debatable and DOES NOT automatically stop

debate• 2/3 affirmative vote immediately closes debate,

returns to the original motion• Less than 2/3 allows debate to continue

11

Motion to End Debate, Previous Question, or to “Call the Question”


12nfpa.orgNFPA 90A/NFPA 90B FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA

Page 19 of 164



• Resolve Public Input (PI)

• Create a First Revision (FR)

• Create a Committee Input (CI) – a placeholder used tosolicit Public Comments and permit further work atSecond Draft stage

13

Committee Actions and Motions:




• Committee develops a committee statement to respond to(i.e., resolve) a Public Input.

• Committee indicates in statement its reasons for notaccepting the recommendation and/or points to a relevantFirst Revision.

• PI response does not get balloted.

14

Resolve a Public Input (PI):




• FR is created to change current text or add new text.• Committee statement is developed to substantiate the

change.• Associated PIs get a committee response, often simply

referring to the relevant FR.• Each FR gets balloted.

15

Create a First Revision (FR):




• Committee is not ready to incorporate a change into theFirst Draft but wants to receive Public Comment on a topicthat can be revisited at Second Draft stage.

• Committee statement is developed to explain committee’sintent.

• CI is not balloted.

16

Create a Committee Input (CI):




• All Public Input must receive a Committee Statement.• A valid technical reason must be provided.• Vague references to “intent” should not be used.• Reasons for why the submitter’s substantiation is inadequate should

be provided.• A First Revision should be referenced if it addresses the intent of the

submitter’s Public Input

17

Committee Statements:




• In-meeting votes establish a base committee position on the development of First Revisions (FRs).

• FRs are secured by electronic balloting (≥2/3 of completed ballots affirmative, and affirmative by ≥1/2 voting members).

• Only the results of the electronic ballot determine the official position of the committee on the First Draft.

18

Formal Voting on First Revisions




• Only First Revisions (FR) are balloted Public Inputs and Committee Statements not balloted Reference materials are available

• First Draft, PI, CI, and CS• Voting options:

Affirmative on all FRs Affirmative on all FRs with exceptions specifically noted

• Ballot provides option to vote affirmative with comment• Vote to reject or abstain requires a reason

19

Ballots:




• Ballot system is web-based.

• Alternates are encouraged to complete ballots.

• Ballot session will time out after 90 minutes.

• Use “submit” to save your work – ballots can be reviseduntil the balloting period is closed.

20

Electronic Balloting:




21

• Click link provided in ballot email.• Sign in with NFPA.org username and password.




22

• Select either ‘Affirmative All’ or ‘Affirmative withException(s)’.




23

• Use “See FR- #” link toreview all First Revisions.

• Use “edit election” tochange individual votes orto modify vote aftersubmitting ballot.




24

• Make selection:Affirmative with Comment,Negative, or Abstain

• No selection defaults toaffirmative

• Must include comment(reason) on each voteother than Affirmative




25

• To complete ballot, click ‘ParticipantConsent and Submit’.

• Return to edit any votes by ballot due date.




• Initial ballot

• Circulation of negatives and comments – electronicballoting re-opened to permit members to change votes

• Any First Revision that fails ballot becomes a CommitteeInput (CI)

26

Balloting:



Legal

• Must comply with state and federal antitrust laws

• Participants are to conduct themselves in strict accordance with these laws

• Read and understand NFPA’s Antitrust Policy which can be accessed at nfpa.org/regs

27

Antitrust Matters:



Legal

• Participants must avoid any conduct, conversation or agreement thatwould constitute an unreasonable restraint of trade

• Conversation topics that are off limits include: Profit, margin, or cost data Prices, rates, or fees Selection, division or allocation of sales territories, markets or

customers Refusal to deal with a specific business entity

28

Antitrust Matters (cont’d):



Legal

• NFPA’s standards development activities are based on openness, honesty, fairness and balance

• Participants must adhere to the Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards and the Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Standards Development Processwhich can accessed at nfpa.org/regs

• Follow guidance and direction from your employer or other organization you may represent

29




Legal

• Manner is which standards development activity is conducted can beimportant

• The Guide of Conduct requires standards development activity to beconducted with openness, honesty and in good faith

• Participants are not entitled to speak on behalf of NFPA• Participants must take appropriate steps to ensure their statements

whether written or oral and regardless of the setting, are portrayed aspersonal opinions, not the position of NFPA

• Be sure to ask questions if you have them

30




Legal

• Disclosures of essential patent claims should be made by the patentholder

• Patent disclosures should be made early in the process• Others may also notify NFPA if they believe that a proposed or existing

NFPA standard includes an essential patent claim• NFPA has adopted and follows ANSI’s Patent Policy• It is the obligation of each participant to read and understand NFPA’s

Patent Policy which can accessed at nfpa.org/regs

31

Patents:



TC Struggles with an Issue

•TC needs dataon a newtechnology oremerging issue

•Two opposingviews on anissue with noreal data

•Data presentedis not trustedby committee

Code Fund Lends a Hand

•TC rep and/orstaff liaisonsubmits a CodeFund Request

•Requests arereviewed by aPanel andchosen basedon need /feasibility

Research Project Carried Out

•Funding forproject isprovided by theCode Fundand/or industrysponsors

•Project iscompleted anddata isavailable to TC

www.nfpa.org/researchNFPA 90A/NFPA 90B FIRST DRAFT MEETING AGENDA

Page 39 of 164


Document Information Pages

About

• Document scope• Table of contents• Articles• Research and statisticalreports

• Latest codes andstandards news on NFPAToday blog feed

• Free access

Current and Previous Editions

• Issued TIAs, FIs, Errata• Archived revisioninformation such asmeeting and ballotinformation, First DraftReports (previouslyROPs), Second DraftReports (previouslyROCs), and StandardsCouncil and NITMAMinformation

Next Edition

• Revision cycle schedule• Posting & closing dates• Submit publicinput/comments viaelectronic submissionsystem.

• Meeting and ballotinformation

• First Draft Report andSecond Draft Report

• NITMAM information• Standard CouncilDecisions

• Private TC info (*redasterisk)• Ballot circulations,informational ballots andother committee info

Technical Committee

• Committee name andstaff liaison

• Committee scope andresponsibility

• Committee list withprivate information

• Committee documents(codes & standards) inPDF format

• Committees seekingmembers

• Online committeemembership application



Questions?

• www.nfpa.org/90A• www.nfpa.org/90B

34

NFPA 90A & NFPA 90B Document Information Pages


Public Input No. 35-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Global Input ]

Type your content here ...Remove ANSI from in front of all UL standards referenced in NFPA 90A.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input

Many years ago, UL preferred the ANSI/UL reference because there was a transition of traditional UL standards towards an ANSI standards development process.

Now, years later, a large majority of UL Standards are ANSI approved and follow the ANSI development and maintenance process. However, sometimes readers are confused because they don’t understand the standards are actually UL standards, not developed by ANSI. There are many other references to standards promulgated by other standards development organizations where they are considered ANSI approved but do not include ANSI in the reference.

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Kelly Nicolello

Organization: UL LLC

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Jun 26 14:30:48 EDT 2018

Committee:

National Fire Protection Association Report https://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPar...

1 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM


Public Input No. 36-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Global Input ]

Type your content here ...Remove the terms “Standard for” or “Subject” from in front of all UL standards referenced in NFPA 90A.


The terms are redundant and unnecessary. This change results in the proper short form name of the referenced document..




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee:


2 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM


Public Input No. 31-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. 2.3.2 ]

2.3.2 ASTM International Publications.

ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM C411, Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, 2011 2017 .

ASTM D93, Standard Test Methods for Flashpoint by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, 2012 2016a .

ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2016 2018 .

ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, 2012a 2018 .

ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, 2016 2016a .

ASTM E2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface BurningCharacteristics, 2009 2018 .

ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-Shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C, 2016.


date updates


Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler

Organization: GBH International

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee:


3 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM



2.3.6 UL Publications.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013, revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts, 2013, revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013, revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, 2011, revised 2015 2018 .

ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers, 2006, revised 2014 2016 .

ANSI/UL 555C, Standard for Ceiling Dampers, 2014, revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Smoke Dampers, 2014, revised 2016 .

ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2008, revised 2013 2018 .

ANSI/UL 867, Standard for Electrostatic Air Cleaners, 2011, revised 2013 2016 .

ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2015.

ANSI/UL 1598, Luminaires, 2012.

ANSI/UL 1820, Standard for Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2004, revised 2013 2017 .

ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2004, revised 2013 2017 .

ANSI/UL 1995, Standard for Heating and Cooling Equipment, 2015.

ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Cable Routing Assemblies and Communications Raceways, 2014, revised 2015.

ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-HandlingSpaces, 2013.

UL 2518,Outline of Outline for Investigation for Air Dispersion System Materials, 2005 2016 .

ANSI/UL 2846, Fire Test of Plastic Water Distribution Plumbing Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2005.

ANSI/UL 2846, Standard for Fire Test of Plastic Water Distribution Plumbing Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2014.

ANSI/UL 60335-2-40, Standard for Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2-40: Particular Requirements for Electrical HeatPumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers, 2012 2017 .


Update the publishing dates for each of the UL standards listed to reflect the most up to date edition.




Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee:


4 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM



3.3.3* Air Connector.

A conduit for transferring air between an air duct or plenum and an air terminal unit or an air inlet or air outlet. This is a limited use product. Airconnectors are not UL listed air ducts.

Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved

90A_PC2.pdf 90A_PC2


NOTE: This Public Input appeared as “Reject but Hold” in Public Comment No. 2 of the (A2017) Second Draft Report.

Justification: UL has a testing protocol for air connectors and air ducts. This consist of 16 test. Air connectors are only required to pass 13 of these 16 test. The three they do not have to pass areflame penetration, puncture, and impact test. Many times air connectors are used connected to a 1 inch collar penetrating a fire/Smoke assembly. Allowing the use of air connectors next to these fireassemblies without passing the flame penetration test allows for smoke to immediately by pass the fire smoke assembly.


Submitter Full Name: TC on AIC-AAA

Organization: NFPA

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Jan 25 07:48:10 EST 2018

Committee:


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Public Comment No. 2-NFPA 90A-2016 [ Section No. 3.3.3 ]

3.3.3* Air Connector.

A conduit for transferring air between an air duct or plenum and an air terminal unit or an airinlet or air outlet. This is a limited use product. Air connectors are not UL listed air ducts.



Connector_attached_at_floor.pdf

Air connector attached to a register boot in a second floor wall cavity. No flame penetration test is required for air connectors and this allows for failure of smoke control and drafting into the second floor essentially bypassing the floor assembly.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment

Justification: UL has a testing protocol for air connectors and air ducts. This consist of 16 test. Air connectors are only required to pass 13 of these 16 test. The three they do not have to pass are flame penetration, puncture, and impact test. Many times air connectors are used connected to a 1 inch collar penetrating a fire/Smoke assembly. Allowing the use of air connectors next to these fire assemblies without passing the flame penetration test allows for smoke to immediately by pass the fire smoke assembly.

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 2-NFPA 90A-2015 [Section No. 4.3.2]


Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Fri Feb 26 14:50:07 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held

Resolution: This public comment introduces a concept that has not had public review by beingincluded in a related Input or First Revision as shown in the First Draft.

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...

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3.3.4 Air Distribution System.

A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to air ducts, can include air connectors, air duct fittings, dampers,plenums, fans, and accessory air-handling equipment but that does not include conditioned spaces.



90A_PC4.pdf 90A_PC4



Why does NFPA require draft stop material around openings when you allow a product that fails with fire immediately and allows smoke and fire to jump floor to floor or into a wall cavity. NFPA requiresdraft stopping on penetrations but about every 8 feet NFPA allows for air connectors attached to floor boots that do not pass a flame penetration test. These floor boots are about every 8 foot on theperimeter of the floor making a perfect situation to help fire and smoke spread quickly. It is like allowing balloon framing again. Seems so odd that the small cracks around a duct have to be draftstopped but consideration for the inside of the duct is not considered.



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3.3.4 Air Distribution System.

A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to air ducts, can includeair connectors, air duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans, and accessory air-handling equipmentbut that does not include conditioned spaces.



Air_Connector_connecting_furnace_return_and_path_to_first_floor.pdf

This diagram shows how fire and smoke can jump floor to floor due to no flame penetration testing required for air connectors.


Why does NFPA require draft stop material around openings when you allow a product that fails with fire immediately and allows smoke and fire to jump floor to floor or into a wall cavity. NFPA requires draft stopping on penetrations but about every 8 feet NFPA allows for air connectors attached to floor boots that do not pass a flame penetration test. These floor boots are about every 8 foot on the perimeter of the floor making a perfect situation to help fire and smoke spread quickly. It is like allowing balloon framing again. Seems so odd that the small cracks around a duct have to be draft stopped but consideration for the inside of the duct is not considered.



Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Tue Mar 01 15:09:24 EST 2016

Committee Statement

Committee Rejected but held


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Action: Resolution: This public comment introduces a concept that has not had public review by being

included in a related Input or First Revision as shown in the First Draft.


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3.3.5 Air Duct.

A conduit or passageway for conveying air to or from heating, cooling, air-conditioning, or ventilating equipment, but not including the plenum.Flexible air ducts shall meet UL 181.



90A_PC3.pdf 90A_PC3



For classification as an air duct UL has developed 16 test. To be classified as an air duct all 16 test must be passed. Currently there is a lot of confusion on what an air connector is and what an air ductis. This will help code officials determine what is an air duct. by allowing air connectors to be called air ducts leads to confusion on what is an air duct and what is and air connector. NFPA defines what an air duct is, then NFPA defines what and air connector is, and NFPA then turns around and says an air connector is an air duct. An air connector is not an air duct as per UL 181 so please don't use theterm air duct to describe a air connector.



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3.3.5 Air Duct.

A conduit or passageway for conveying air to or from heating, cooling, air-conditioning, orventilating equipment, but not including the plenum. Flexable air ducts shall meet UL 181.



boot_into_second_floor_air_connector.jpg

This picture shows how the fire and smoke can use the duct system to allow smoke and fire to jump floor to floor. Air connectors do not pass a flame penetration test so air connectors can immediately fail and allow fire and smoke to jump floor to floor or in a wall cavity.

Picture_of_UL_listed_Air_Duct_vs_air_connector_taking_a_flame.pdf

This is the same HVAC duct connection showing one connection with an air duct and one connection with a UL listed air duct. The air connector does not pass the flame penetration test and will


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allow smoke and fire to jump floors or into a wall cavity quickly.


This diagram shows how fire and smoke have a huge void to allow for fire and smoke to jump to the first floor.


For classification as an air duct UL has developed 16 test. To be classified as an air duct all 16 test must be passed. Currently there is a lot of confusion on what an air connector is and what an air duct is. This will help code officials determine what is an air duct. by allowing air connectors to be called air ducts leads to confusion on what is an air duct and what is and air connector. NFPA defines what an air duct is, then NFPA defines what and air connector is, and NFPA then turns around and says an air connector is an air duct. An air connector is not an air duct as per UL 181 so please don't use the term air duct to describe a air connector.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 4-NFPA 90A-2018 [ New Section after 3.3.23.4 ]

3.3.23.5 Raised Floor Plenum.

The space between the top of the finished floor and the underside of a raised floor not used to supply air to the occupied area or to return air toor exhaust air from the occupied area.



90A_PC5.pdf 90A_PC5



There are 2 applications for raised floors. One is used as a supply duct and the other as an access for wiring etc. 2 separate applications should have 2 separate definitions.



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Public Comment No. 5-NFPA 90A-2016 [ New Section after 3.3.23.4 ]

3.3.23.5 Raised Floor Plenum.

The space between the top of the finished floor and the underside of a raised floor notused to supply air to the occupied area or to return air to or exhaust air from theoccupied area.


There are 2 applications for raised floors. One is used as a supply duct and the other as an access for wiring etc. 2 separate applications should have 2 separate definitions.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 5-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. 4.3.1.2 ]

4.3.1.2

Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and AirConnectors , and installed in conformance with the conditions of listing shall be permitted to be used for ducts where air temperature in the ductsdoes not exceed 121°C (250°F) or where used as vertical ducts serving not more than two adjacent stories in height.



90A_PC7.pdf 90A_PC7



Stop the spread of smoke and fire. UL has a testing protocol for air connectors and air ducts. This consist of 16 test. Air connectors are only required to pass 13 of these 16 test. The three they do nothave to pass are flame penetration, puncture, and impact test. Many times air connectors are used connected to a 1 inch collar penetrating a fire/Smoke assembly. Allowing the use of air connectorsnext to these fire assemblies without passing the flame penetration test allows for smoke to immediately by pass the fire smoke assembly. Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test and should not be used in HVAC duct systems. The IAPMO sub comittee on duct construction is recommending to remove air connectors as a product to be used in HVAC duct systems.



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Public Comment No. 7-NFPA 90A-2016 [ Section No. 4.3.1.2 ]

4.3.1.2

Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standardfor Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors , and installed in conformance with theconditions of listing shall be permitted to be used for ducts where air temperature in the ductsdoes not exceed 121°C (250°F) or where used as vertical ducts serving not more than twoadjacent stories in height.



Pictures_of_air_connector_used_on_the_other_side_of_a_1_hour_fire_rarted_ceiling.pdf

This photo shows how it is currently not against any code to use air connectors attached to a short fitting (2") right up tight to a fire rated ceiling. Why bother with a fire rated ceiling if it allowed to have penetrations with air connectors attached to the ceiling. It is not right to have multiple penetrations with no flame penetration test required on products that penetrate a fire wall or


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ceiling.

Drafting_required_around_air_connector.jpg

The photo is for the irony of it all. Requiring draft stop material around a product that does not pass a flame penetration test. One quick flame on the air connector and wide open hole is in that assembly.

Connector_going_through_several_assembelies.jpg

Allowing the use of air connectors can lead to several assemblies being breached with one HVAC duct run.

Connector_going_throgh_floor_with_a_elbow.jpg

This shows how using air connector can breach a floor assembly easily.

Connector_being_used_to_penatrate_floor_with_short_register_boot.jpg

This is a typical application of using air connectors. About every 8 feet around the perimeter of a building has a floor boot through the floor.


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Allowing several penetrations for flame and smoke spread.


This illustration shows how a huge hole is in the floor and how air connector can allow fire and smoke spread to go from one area to the other. On a side note for humor "at least the gap around the outside of the duct is draft stopped" :-)


Stop the spread of smoke and fire. UL has a testing protocol for air connectors and air ducts. This consist of 16 test. Air connectors are only required to pass 13 of these 16 test. The three they do not have to pass are flame penetration, puncture, and impact test. Many times air connectors are used connected to a 1 inch collar penetrating a fire/Smoke assembly. Allowing the use of air connectors next to these fire assemblies without passing the flame penetration test allows for smoke to immediately by pass the fire smoke assembly. Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test and should not be used in HVAC duct systems. The IAPMO sub comittee on duct construction is recommending to remove air connectors as a product to be used in HVAC duct systems.



Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:


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Submittal Date: Tue Mar 01 16:46:48 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.3 Gypsum Board Air Ducts.

4.3.1.3.1

Gypsum board having a flame spread index not exceeding 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a smoke developedindex not exceeding 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of BuildingMaterials , or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials , shall be permitted to be used fornegative pressure exhaust and return ducts where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed 52°C (125°F) in normal service.

4.3.1.3.2

The air temperature limits of 4.3.1.3.1 shall not apply where gypsum board material is used for emergency smoke exhaust air ducts.



90A_PC28.pdf 90A_PC28



Eliminate the fire and smoke hazard created by allowing people to build HVAC ducts how they feel like doing it verses building the ducts to a recognized standard.



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4.3.1.3 Gypsum Board Air Ducts.

4.3.1.3.1

Gypsum board having a flame spread index not exceeding 25 without evidence of continuedprogressive combustion and a smoke developed index not exceeding 50 when tested inaccordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials , or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials , shall be permitted to be used for negative pressure exhaust and returnducts where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed 52°C (125°F) in normalservice.

4.3.1.3.2

The air temperature limits of 4.3.1.3.1 shall not apply where gypsum board material is usedfor emergency smoke exhaust air ducts.


File Name Description

Email_from_manufacture_saying_no_testing_has_been_done_on_sheet_rock_as_metal_ducts.pdf

There is no standard to build gypsum wall board ducts. No manufactures have done testing on this. What if any standard does one have to follow when constructing HVAC ducts our of gypsum wall board?


Eliminate the fire and smoke hazard created by allowing people to build HVAC ducts how they feel like doing it verses building the ducts to a recognized standard.




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Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Thu Mar 03 15:33:14 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 7-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. 4.3.1.3.1 ]

4.3.1.3.1

Gypsum board having a flame spread index not exceeding 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a smoke developedindex not exceeding 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of BuildingMaterials , or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials , shall be permitted to be used fornegative pressure exhaust and return ducts where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed 52°C (125°F) in normal service.



90A_PC6.pdf 90A_PC6



All HVAC duct work is built to a national standard except gypsum ductwork. SMACNA leads the way in these standards. Flex duct goes through UL testing to get approved. Phenolic is and has gonethrough an extensive process to have industry standards. Why can people just use gypsum board anyway they want to for HVAC ducts? There is no standard for building gypsum ducts, that I amaware of or anyone on ASHRAE TC 5.2 Duct construction technical committee know of. What standard are gypsum ducts sealed to? What type of tape is used on these ducts? NFPA requires UL181 testing for tapes on duct work, but if a person uses gypsum they can use an untested paper tape to seal it up? IF there are standards for gypsum ducts they should be allowed if there are notstandards gypsum should not be used until there are standards developed for making HVAC duct work out of gypsum boards. Can people use 1/4 gypsum for ducts? Does it have to be 3/8" thick?Does it have to fire rated? If so why? If not why?



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Public Comment No. 6-NFPA 90A-2016 [ Section No. 4.3.1.3.1 ]

4.3.1.3.1

Gypsum board having a flame spread index not exceeding 25 without evidence of continuedprogressive combustion and a smoke developed index not exceeding 50 when tested inaccordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials , or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials , shall be permitted to be used for negative pressure exhaust and returnducts where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed 52°C (125°F) in normalservice.


File Name Description Ap

National_Gypsum_Association_stand_on_not_using_gypsum_board_as_HVAC_ductwork.pdf

These are communications from the Gypsum Association and USG on not using gypsum as HVAC ductwork.


All HVAC duct work is built to a national standard except gypsum ductwork. SMACNA leads the way in these standards. Flex duct goes through UL testing to get approved. Phenolic is and has gone through an extensive process to have industry standards. Why can people just use gypsum board anyway they want to for HVAC ducts? There is no standard for building gypsum ducts, that I am aware of or anyone on ASHRAE TC 5.2 Duct construction technical committee know of. What standard are gypsum ducts sealed to? What type of tape is used on these ducts? NFPA requires UL 181 testing for tapes on duct work, but if a person uses gypsum they can use an untested paper tape to seal it up? IF there are standards for gypsum ducts they should be allowed if there are not standards gypsum should not be used until there are standards developed for making HVAC duct work out of gypsum boards. Can people use 1/4 gypsum for ducts? Does it have to be 3/8" thick? Does it have to fire rated? If so why? If not why?



Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:


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Zip:Submittal Date: Tue Mar 01 16:30:40 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.3.2

The air temperature limits of 4.3.1.3.1 shall not apply where gypsum board material is used for emergency smoke exhaust air ducts.



90A_PC8.pdf 90A_PC8



Eliminate this exemption. The gypsum association technical director says not to use this material and have documented gypsum is not a viable material for HVAC ducts at temperatures above 125 degrees F. Along with gypsum board being a porous surface that absorbs material from the air stream. Toxins from smoke can be absorbed by the gypsum board and stay in the building. These smoke evac shafts are typically in non-accessible areas and to remove them after a smoke evac event is nearly impossible and very expensive. Gypsum wall board cannot be cleaned with any duct cleaningmachines on the market today. These smoke evac ducts are used many times during a buildings life. They are not only used once in a catastrophe. Even the toxins from smoke candles can impregnated into the gypsum.

Many of these smoke evac ducts have a very high static pressure. This can be a positive pressure if the fan is located in the building. When the fan is located in the building this static pressure will puteven more pressure and along with the heat from the fire/smoke on the gypsum board causing it to fail and the smoke at that point will not be pushed outside of the building. At what point do these ducts fail? At what point can these ducts fail? All code approved duct work is built to a standard. SMACNA leads the way in these standards. There are no standards that these gypsum board ducts systems are built to. To date I have only found one gypsum board company that makes any construction standard when using their wall board as an air shaft and it must be constructed to a 2 hour fire rating with specified bracing and supports. If this is allowed NFPA at a minimum should require the designed system must be built to that company’s standard. I can provide that standard upon request.

The gypsum association also recommends that the dew point is never reached inside a gypsum duct. During a event how is this prevented? If any type of water is used or sprayed onto a fire the relativehumidity is not controllable and could easily hit dew point inside the gypsum duct. This exemption goes against all 3 minimum requirements set by the gypsum association1 Negative pressure ducts only2 Control humidity below dew point3 Temperature shall never go above 125 degreesRemaining questions about the use of gypsum material used as emergency smoke exhaust air ducts:1 Does NFPA have any studies on why this is allowed?2 Where is the science behind this exception?3 What is the NFPA standard these gypsum ducts need to be built to?



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4.3.1.3.2

The air temperature limits of 4.3.1.3.1 shall not apply where gypsum board material is usedfor emergency smoke exhaust air ducts.


File Name Description Ap

National_Gypsum_Association_stand_on_not_using_gypsum_board_as_HVAC_ductwork.pdf

Communication on the use of gypsum used as HVAC duct work. 3 conditions which must be met, and information there is no national standard on how to build duct work using gypsum.


Eliminate this exemption. The gypsum association technical director says not to use this material and have documented gypsum is not a viable material for HVAC ducts at temperatures above 125 degrees F. Along with gypsum board being a porous surface that absorbs material from the air stream. Toxins from smoke can be absorbed by the gypsum board and stay in the building. These smoke evac shafts are typically in non-accessible areas and to remove them after a smoke evac event is nearly impossible and very expensive. Gypsum wall board cannot be cleaned with any duct cleaning machines on the market today. These smoke evac ducts are used many times during a buildings life. They are not only used once in a catastrophe. Even the toxins from smoke candles can impregnated into the gypsum.

Many of these smoke evac ducts have a very high static pressure. This can be a positive pressure if the fan is located in the building. When the fan is located in the building this static pressure will put even more pressure and along with the heat from the fire/smoke on the gypsum board causing it to fail and the smoke at that point will not be pushed outside of the building. At what point do these ducts fail? At what point can these ducts fail?All code approved duct work is built to a standard. SMACNA leads the way in these standards. There are no standards that these gypsum board ducts systems are built to. To date I have only found one gypsum board company that makes any construction standard when using their wall board as an air shaft and it must be constructed to a 2 hour fire rating with specified bracing and supports. If this is allowed NFPA at a minimum should require the designed system must be built to that company’s standard. I can provide that standard upon request.


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The gypsum association also recommends that the dew point is never reached inside a gypsum duct. During a event how is this prevented? If any type of water is used or sprayed onto a fire the relative humidity is not controllable and could easily hit dew point inside the gypsum duct.

This exemption goes against all 3 minimum requirements set by the gypsum association1 Negative pressure ducts only2 Control humidity below dew point3 Temperature shall never go above 125 degrees

Remaining questions about the use of gypsum material used as emergency smoke exhaust air ducts:1 Does NFPA have any studies on why this is allowed? 2 Where is the science behind this exception? 3 What is the NFPA standard these gypsum ducts need to be built to?




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.4

All air duct materials shall be suitable for continuous exposure to the temperature and humidity conditions of the environmental air in the air duct.Exception gypsum wall board used as smoke evacuation duct.



90A_PC9.pdf 90A_PC9



If 4.3.1.3.2 is not eliminated this exemption should be mentioned here since it says that you can use gypsum for smoke evacuation duct even though it is not supposed to be used for temps above 125 F.No gypsum wall board company allows their product for this application.



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4.3.1.4

All air duct materials shall be suitable for continuous exposure to the temperature and humidityconditions of the environmental air in the air duct. Exception gypsum wall board used assmoke evacuation duct.


If 4.3.1.3.2 is not eliminated this exemption should be mentioned here since it says that you can use gypsum for smoke evacuation duct even though it is not supposed to be used for temps above 125 F. No gypsum wall board company allows their product for this application.



Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Wed Mar 02 13:24:00 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 10-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. 4.3.1.5 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

The materials, thickness, construction, and installation of ducts shall provide structural strength and durability in conformance with recognizedgood practice.






Delete this section “good practice” is not code or standard language. Where can one find the definition of good practice? The following section address what standards duct shall be built to.



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Public Comment No. 10-NFPA 90A-2016 [ Section No. 4.3.1.5 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

The materials, thickness, construction, and installation of ducts shall provide structural strengthand durability in conformance with recognized good practice.


Delete this section “good practice” is not code or standard language. Where can one find the definition of good practice? The following section address what standards duct shall be built to.

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 2-NFPA 90A-2015 [Section No. 4.3.2]First Revision No. 2-NFPA 90A-2015 [Section No. 4.3.2]



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 11-NFPA 90A-2018 [ New Section after 4.3.1.6 ]

Duct made of other materials other than metal.






If NFPA is going to allow HVAC ducts to made up of gypsum board and any other materials those materials should at least meet ASHRAE standard 62.1



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Public Comment No. 29-NFPA 90A-2016 [ New Section after 4.3.1.6 ]

TITLE OF NEW CONTENTDuct made of other materials other than metal.



ASHRAE_62.1_for_mold_and_duct_erosion_NFPA_90B.docxASHRAE language for ducts made out of other materials


If NFPA is going to allow HVAC ducts to made up of gypsum board and any other materials those materials should at least meet ASHRAE standard 62.1

Related ItemPublic Input No. 1-NFPA 90A-2015 [Global Input]



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.6

Where no standard exists for the construction of air ducts, the ducts shall be constructed to withstand both the maximum positive and themaximum negative pressures of the system at fan shutoff.






All HVAC ducts should be built to a duct construction standard. Having this section allows for anyone to use anything and construct duct anyhow they want to and still claim to meet NFPA 90. NFPA listseveral duct construction standards about this section which mandate HVAC duct work is built to a recognized standard. UL has standards to built to as well.



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4.3.1.6

Where no standard exists for the construction of air ducts, the ducts shall be constructed towithstand both the maximum positive and the maximum negative pressures of the system atfan shutoff.


All HVAC ducts should be built to a duct construction standard. Having this section allows for anyone to use anything and construct duct anyhow they want to and still claim to meet NFPA 90. NFPA list several duct construction standards about this section which mandate HVAC duct work is built to a recognized standard. UL has standards to built to as well.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.6

Where no standard exists for the construction of air ducts, the ducts shall be constructed to withstand both the maximum positive and themaximum negative pressures of the system at fan shutoff.






All duct should be built to a duct construction standard. Having this section allows for anyone to anything and construct duct anyhow they want to and still claim to meet NFPA 90. NFPA list several duct construction standards about this section which mandate HVAC duct work is built to a recognized standard. UL has standards to build ducts to as well.



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4.3.1.6

Where no standard exists for the construction of air ducts, the ducts shall be constructed towithstand both the maximum positive and the maximum negative pressures of the system atfan shutoff.


All duct should be built to a duct construction standard. Having this section allows for anyone to anything and construct duct anyhow they want to and still claim to meet NFPA 90. NFPA list several duct construction standards about this section which mandate HVAC duct work is built to a recognized standard. UL has standards to build ducts to as well.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.1.7

A duct enclosure used for the multiple distribution or gathering of ducts or connectors shall be constructed of materials and methods specified in4.3.1.

4.3.1.7.1

Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables within a duct enclosure shall comply with 4.3.4.






Allowing the use of air connectors that do not pass UL 181 testing can lead to flame and smoke spread. Allowing them in this section is allowing them in a “cluster” area compounding the threat notpassing UL 181 flame penetration testing in the “cluster” area.



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4.3.1.7

A duct enclosure used for the multiple distribution or gathering of ducts or connectors shall beconstructed of materials and methods specified in 4.3.1.

4.3.1.7.1

Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables within a duct enclosure shall comply with4.3.4.


Allowing the use of air connectors that do not pass UL 181 testing can lead to flame and smoke spread. Allowing them in this section is allowing them in a “cluster” area compounding the threat not passing UL 181 flame penetration testing in the “cluster” area.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



27 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.1.8 Air Dispersion Systems.

Air dispersion systems shall meet the following criteria:

(1) They shall only be installed in entirely exposed locations.

(2) They shall always operate under positive pressure.

(3) They shall not penetrate fire resistance–rated construction.

(4) They shall not pass through fire resistance–rated construction.

(5) They shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2518, Outline of Investigation for Air Dispersion System Materials.

(6) They shall not connector to a duct penetrating a fire wall or fire assembly.






Allowing air dispersion ducts to attach to a 6 inch metal collar to pass through a fire assembly should only be allowed if a fire damper is installed in the fire wall.



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19 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM



4.3.1.8 Air Dispersion Systems.

Air dispersion systems shall meet the following criteria:

(1) They shall only be installed in entirely exposed locations.

(2) They shall always operate under positive pressure.

(3) They shall not penetrate fire resistance–rated construction.

(4) They shall not pass through fire resistance–rated construction.

(5) They shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2518, Outline of Investigation forAir Dispersion System Materials.

(6) They shall not connector to a duct penetrating a fire wall or fire assembly.


Allowing air dispersion ducts to attach to a 6 inch metal collar to pass through a fire assembly should only be allowed if a fire damper is installed in the fire wall.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



28 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be required to conform to the provisions for air ductswhere they meet the requirements of 4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.7 .






Delete the use of air connectors. They are not considered air ducts by UL test 181 and have spawned as a new HVAC product. Air connectors do not pass the UL 181 test for flame penetration and should not be used in a HVAC duct system. Air connectors are currently found being used in the wrong application as a UL 181 listed air duct. UL 181 Listed air ducts pass 16 of 16 UL test to be listed as an air duct. Air connectors pass 13 of 16 UL test for being a listed air ducts, failing 3 of the required test for being a listed air duct. The three test that are not required are, puncture, flame penetration, and impact test. Allowing the use of air connectors connected next to a fire wall kind of defeats the purpose of the fire wall since there is no flame penetration test you have an open hole to the other side of the fire wall. Allowing smoke to pass through the opening at the first flame that touches the air connector. Even when installed under the current requirements air connectors are the weak link leading to instant penetration of a HVAC duct system, breaching fire assembles and the HVAC system itself. When the HVAC duct system is breached the HVAC fan will spread smoke and heat to other parts of the building. IAPMO (UMC) did not allow the use of air connectors until a couple years ago. When they allowed the use of them it was a mistake as they thought an air connector was the small piece of flex to eliminate HVAC vibration. Attached are photos of what is viewed as air connectors by engineers, sheet metal workers, and installing contractors.



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Sub-Sections] ]

Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not berequired to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the requirements of4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.7 .



Air_connector_photo_with_round_and_rectangular_labels.jpg

This photo shows how confusing the manufactures can make identifying a air connector in the field, There are no standards on how air connectors are labeled. A round UL label indicates the product is a air connector, a UL rectangular label indicates that the product is a UL listed air duct. Sometimes manufactures put a very small round label on the air connector, and also put a larger rectangular performance label next to the smaller round label. When an inspector looks for a


29 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM


flexible air duct they look for that rectangular label. Well the air connector has that larger rectangular label next to the UL symbol and it is overlooked as an air connector and is passed off as a UL listed air duct.


What air connectors are to engineer, sheet metal installers and contractors. Not a round duct for conveying air.

HVAC-DUCT-_Connector-Ad-LOWRES-JULY_20_air_connector.pdf

What air connectors are to engineer, sheet metal installers and contractors. Not a round duct for conveying air.

HVAC-3202_Silicone_HI-T_TDS_7-27-12_air_connector.pdf

What air connectors are to engineers, sheet metal installers and contractors. Not a round duct for conveying air.

HVAC-3202_Neoprene_TDS-LOW-RES_air_connector.pdf

What air connectors are to engineers,


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sheet metal installers and contractors. Not a round duct for conveying air.

HVAC-3202_VinylFlex_TDS-LOWRES_air_connector.pdf


HVAC-3202_Residential_Quality_2-3-2_28G_TDS-US_Version_01-10-13_air_connector.pdf


Carlisle_connector_plus.png



Delete the use of air connectors. They are not considered air ducts by UL test 181 and have spawned as a new HVAC product.

Air connectors do not pass the UL 181 test for flame penetration and should not be used in a HVAC duct system.

Air connectors are currently found being used in the wrong application as a UL 181 listed air duct. UL 181 Listed air ducts pass 16 of 16 UL test to be listed as an air duct. Air connectors pass 13 of 16 UL test for being a listed air ducts, failing 3 of the required test for being a listed air duct. The three test that are not required are, puncture, flame penetration, and impact test. Allowing the use of air connectors connected next to a fire wall kind of defeats the purpose of the fire wall since there is no


31 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM


flame penetration test you have an open hole to the other side of the fire wall. Allowing smoke to pass through the opening at the first flame that touches the air connector. Even when installed under the current requirements air connectors are the weak link leading to instant penetration of a HVAC duct system, breaching fire assembles and the HVAC system itself. When the HVAC duct system is breached the HVAC fan will spread smoke and heat to other parts of the building. IAPMO (UMC) did not allow the use of air connectors until a couple years ago. When they allowed the use of them it was a mistake as they thought an air connector was the small piece of flex to eliminate HVAC vibration. Attached are photos of what is viewed as air connectors by engineers, sheet metal workers, and installing contractors.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



32 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be required to conform to the provisions for air ductswhere they meet the requirements of 4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.7 .






There are no standards on how air connectors are labeled. Only how often they must be marked with a rectangular or a round UL listing label. A round UL label indicates the product is a air connector, aUL rectangular label indicates that the product is a UL listed air duct. Sometimes manufactures put a very small round label on the air connector, and also put a larger rectangular performance label nextto the smaller round label. When an inspector looks for a flexible air duct they look for that rectangular label. Well the air connector has that larger rectangular label next to the UL symbol and it isoverlooked as an air connector and is passed off as a UL listed air duct.



Organization: NFPA

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Sub-Sections] ]

Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not berequired to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the requirements of4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.7 .



Air_connector_photo_with_round_and_rectangular_labels.jpg

Shows how air connectors that can only use a round UL label also has a rectangular label on the air connector which give and appearance of the product being a air duct not an air connector.


There are no standards on how air connectors are labeled. Only how often they must be marked with a rectangular or a round UL listing label. A round UL label indicates the product is a air connector, a UL rectangular label indicates that the product is a UL listed air duct. Sometimes manufactures put a very small round label on the air connector, and also put a larger rectangular performance label next to the smaller round label. When an inspector looks for a flexible air duct they look for that rectangular label. Well the air connector has that larger rectangular label next to the UL symbol and it is overlooked as an air connector and is passed off as a UL listed air duct.




Committee Statement

Committee Rejected but held


33 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM


Action: Resolution: This public comment introduces a concept that has not had public review by being

included in a related Input or First Revision as shown in the First Draft.


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4.3.2.1.1

Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standardfor Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors. Air connectors are only required to pass 13 of the 16 UL 181 test for air ducts.






To aid ASHRAE, IAPMO, and the ICC this language can help AHJ's see the difference between air ducts and air connectors.



Organization: NFPA

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4.3.2.1.1

Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors whentested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and AirConnectors. A ir connectors are only required to pass 13 of the 16 UL 181 test for air ducts.


To aid ASHRAE, IAPMO, and the ICC this language can help AHJ's see the difference between air ducts and air connectors.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



35 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.2.1.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m 2 m (14 ft 7 inches ) in length.






Air connectors are for vibration elimination and do not need to be longer than 7.8”.

Using them for longer lengths and allows for breaching of the HVAC duct systems in more spots.

ASHRAE TC 5.2 cannot find any information on where this 14 foot limitation came from or any data on why it is allowed to be used for 14 feet.

The IMC and UMC allow 14 feet of air connectors because NFPA says they can be 14 feet. NFPA is essentially providing the design of duct systems with this limitation and mention of air connectors.

ASHRAE has made formal request for this justification of 14 feet from NFPA with no response back to the ASHRAE 5.2 subcommittee on duct construction.

Air connectors were first developed to stop HVAC fan vibration in a building. They would be installed by the furnace, equipment or fan with the sole purpose of eliminating the fan vibrations fromtransferring though out the duct system. The ASHRAE 5.2 TC has been researching where this 14 foot limitation comes from with no real concrete findings.

The UMC and IMC codes refer back to this NFPA limitation of 14 feet and do not know why or how 14 feet was determined.

How did NFPA determine this 14 foot limitation? Please let ASHRAE know (5.2)



Organization: NFPA

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4.3.2.1.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4 .27 2 m (14 ft 7 inches ) in length.



Carlisle_connector_plus.png What the industry views air connectors as

HVAC-DUCT-_Connector-Ad-LOWRES-JULY_20_air_connector.pdf Air connector by manufacture

FlexConnCatalog2013_LR_air_connector.pdf

Duro Dyne air connector is not flex duct but a flexible air piece that connects to pieces of HVAC air duct.


Air connectors are for vibration elimination and do not need to be longer than 7.8”.

Using them for longer lengths and allows for breaching of the HVAC duct systems in more spots.

ASHRAE TC 5.2 cannot find any information on where this 14 foot limitation came from or any data on why it is allowed to be used for 14 feet.

The IMC and UMC allow 14 feet of air connectors because NFPA says they can be 14 feet. NFPA is essentially providing the design of duct systems with this limitation and mention of air connectors.

ASHRAE has made formal request for this justification of 14 feet from NFPA with no response back to the ASHRAE 5.2 subcommittee on duct construction.

Air connectors were first developed to stop HVAC fan vibration in a building. They would be installed by the furnace, equipment or fan with the sole purpose of eliminating the fan vibrations from transferring though out the duct system. The ASHRAE 5.2 TC has been researching where this 14 foot limitation comes from with no real concrete findings.

The UMC and IMC codes refer back to this NFPA limitation of 14 feet and do not know why or how 14 feet was determined.

How did NFPA determine this 14 foot limitation? Please let ASHRAE know (5.2)



Submitter Full Name: John Hamilton


36 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM


Organization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Thu Mar 03 13:39:47 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



37 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.2.1.4

Air connectors shall not pass be within 15 feet of passing through any wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have afire resistance rating of 1 hour 1 hour or more.






Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test. Allowing them to be attached to a short (no limit on length requirement) piece of metal next to or going through the fire assemble allows for aflame to breach right into the fire rated assembly. 15 feet may give enough length of duct with UL listed Duct flame penetration test duct or metal duct to stop the spread of smoke and flame throughthe floor. When looking from the top view of a floor plan having opening 8 feet apart on the entire floor looks a lot like balloon framing to me except in the occupied space not in wall cavities.



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4.3.2.1.4

Air connectors shall not pass through be within 15 feet of passing through any wall,partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1hour or more.




Shows how a air connector can be attached close to a outlet going through a floor or into a wall cavity.

Pictures_of_air_connector_used_on_the_other_side_of_a_1_hour_fire_rated_ceiling.pdf

1 hour fire assembly with air connector right next to the diffuser opening. Doesn't make sense to have a fire assembly if using a air connector next to the opening is allowed.


This show how currently a large opening from floor to floor is created by allowing the use of


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air connectors


Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test. Allowing them to be attached to a short (no limit on length requirement) piece of metal next to or going through the fire assemble allows for a flame to breach right into the fire rated assembly. 15 feet may give enough length of duct with UL listed Duct flame penetration test duct or metal duct to stop the spread of smoke and flame through the floor. When looking from the top view of a floor plan having opening 8 feet apart on the entire floor looks a lot like balloon framing to me except in the occupied space not in wall cavities.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



39 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.2.1.5

Air connectors shall not pass be within 15 feet of passing through floors.






When air connector are attached to floor boot registers there is only about 2 inches of metal below the floor. With air connectors not passing the UL 181 flame penetration test this allows for smoke and fireto jump through a floor or into a wall cavity with relative ease. Easier than the smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct.



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4.3.2.1.5

Air connectors shall not pass be within 15 feet of passing through floors.


File Name Description ApprovedConnector_attached_at_floor.pdf Fitting which is attached to a opening in the floor.


When air connector are attached to floor boot registers there is only about 2 inches of metal below the floor. With air connectors not passing the UL 181 flame penetration test this allows for smoke and fire to jump through a floor or into a wall cavity with relative ease. Easier than the smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



40 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.2.1.6

An air connector shall not be interrupted by a short collar less than 15 feet or any other fitting on one side and then connected to another airconnector on the other side where penetrating a floor or a wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire-resistancerating of 1 hour.






When using the term “short” what does that mean?If the air connector is used only on one side of the floor or wall can it be used on one side of the fire assembly? With this language it could be. Weather the penetration is connected on the other side ofthe fitting to another duct or is open it should not matter. Allowing this to penetrate a floor or wall into the occupants space would allow smoke to enter the space quicker.

This language will allow for unlimited numbers or air connectors used on a duct run if connected with “long” collars. How long is a long collar? 1 foot?



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4.3.2.1.6

An air connector shall not be interrupted by a short collar less than 15 feet or any other fittingon one side and then connected to another air connector on the other side where penetrating afloor or a wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire-resistancerating of 1 hour.




Shows a floor boot going from basement to first floor

Connector_attached_at_floor.pdf

Picture of fitting going through floor.


When using the term “short” what does that mean? If the air connector is used only on one side of the floor or wall can it be used on one side of the fire assembly? With this language it could be. Weather the penetration is connected on the other side of the fitting to another duct or is open it should not matter. Allowing this to penetrate a floor or wall into the occupants space would allow smoke to enter the space quicker.

This language will allow for unlimited numbers or air connectors used on a duct run if connected with “long” collars. How long is a long collar? 1 foot?




Committee Statement


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CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.3.2.1.7

Multiple air connector runs shall not be spliced together, or be longer than 14 in total, to exceed the length limitation in 4.3.2.1.3.






Stopping the installation of 14 feet in the basement, 14 feet in the first floor, 14 feet in the second floor, 14 feet in the attic. I have not found any information on why NFPA has this 14 foot limitation, but I amassuming NFPA does not want 14 feet of connector on each level of a home or building. This would help define NFPA's position.



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4.3.2.1.7

Multiple air connector runs shall not be spliced together, or be longer that 14 in total, to exceedthe length limitation in 4.3.2.1.3.


Stopping the installation of 14 feet in the basement, 14 feet in the first floor, 14 feet in the second floor, 14 feet in the attic. I have not found any information on why NFPA has this 14 foot limitation, but I am assuming NFPA does not want 14 feet of connector on each level of a home or building. This would help define NFPA's position.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



43 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.2.2

Vibration isolation Air connectors in duct systems shall be made of materials having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximumsmoke developed index of 50.






The HVAC industry calls these products air connectors. NFPA calls them Vibration eliminators. Either NFPA should change their definition, or try to have the HVAC industry change their definition. Either way this a disparity that should be address and brought together.



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4.3.2.2

Vibration isolation Air connectors in duct systems shall be made of materials having amaximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50.




Manufactures description of a air connector. NFPA defines this product as a Vibration isolator.














The HVAC industry calls these products air connectors. NFPA calls them Vibration eliminators. Either NFPA should change their definition, or try to have the HVAC industry change their definition. Either way this a disparity that should be address and brought together.




44 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



45 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added toair ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems, unless otherwise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shall have, in theform in which they are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a maximum smokedeveloped index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of BuildingMaterials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Pipe and duct insulation andcoverings, duct linings and their adhesives, and tapes, except gypsum wall board paper tape, shall use the specimen preparation and mountingprocedures of ASTM E2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess SurfaceBurning Characteristics.






Since NFPA allows the use of gypsum wall board as ducts and its tape the paper sheet rock tape should be noted as an exemption.



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Sub-Sections] ]

Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder facings, adhesives,fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added to air ducts, plenums, panels, and ductsilencers used in duct systems, unless otherwise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shallhave, in the form in which they are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 without evidenceof continued progressive combustion and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when testedin accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials. Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings and their adhesives, andtapes, except gypsum wall board paper tape, shall use the specimen preparation and mountingprocedures of AASTM E2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting ofPipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics.


Since NFPA allows the use of gypsum wall board as ducts and its tape the paper sheet rock tape should be noted as an exemption.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



46 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added toair ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems, unless otherwise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shall have, in theform in which they are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a maximum smokedeveloped index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of BuildingMaterials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Pipe and duct insulation andcoverings, duct linings and their adhesives, and tapes shall use the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E2231, StandardPractice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics. Shall meetASHRAE standard 62.1 for HVAC duct surfaces.






Make the duct last at least a specific length of time as per ASHRAE.



Organization: NFPA

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Sub-Sections] ]

Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder facings, adhesives,fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added to air ducts, plenums, panels, and ductsilencers used in duct systems, unless otherwise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shallhave, in the form in which they are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 without evidenceof continued progressive combustion and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when testedin accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding Materials. Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings and their adhesives, andtapes shall use the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of AASTM E2231, StandardPractice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials toAssess Surface Burning Characteristics. Shall meet ASHRAE standard 62.1 for HVAC ductsurfaces.



ASHRAE_62.1_for_mold_and_duct_erosion_NFPA_90.docx ASHRAE standard on HVAC duct surfaces


Make the duct last at least a specific length of time as per ASHRAE




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



47 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM



4.3.3.2

Closure systems for use with rigid and flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts andAir Connectors, shall have been tested, listed, and used in accordance with the conditions of their listings, in accordance with one of thefollowing:

(1) ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts

(2) ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors

(3) Except gypsum board ducts.






If NFPA is going to allow gypsum board ducts to be used there is no closure standard for them. The sheet rock paper used as tape has not been rested to either standard in this section.



Organization: NFPA

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4.3.3.2

Closure systems for use with rigid and flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181,Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, shall have been tested, listed,and used in accordance with the conditions of their listings, in accordance with one of thefollowing:

(1) ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts

(2) ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts andAir Connectors

(3) Except gypsum board ducts


If NFPA is going to allow gypsum board ducts to be used there is no closure standard for them. The sheet rock paper used as tape has not been tested to either standard in this section.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



48 of 53 11/9/2016 9:07 AM


Public Input No. 28-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. 4.3.11.2.6.10 ]

4.3.11.2.6.10

Air ducts complying with 4.3.1.2 and air connectors complying with 4.3.2 shall be permitted.






Deleting this would make fire rated assemblies safer and meet their design intent.

Air connectors do not pass the UL 181 test for flame penetration and should not be used in a HVAC duct system.Air connectors are currently found being used in the wrong application as a UL 181 listed air duct. UL 181 Listed air ducts pass 16 of 16 UL test to be listed as an air duct. Air connectors pass 13 of 16 UL test for being a listed air ducts, failing 3 of the required test for being a listed air duct. The three test that are not required are, puncture, flame penetration, and impact test. Allowing the use of airconnectors connected next to a fire wall kind of defeats the purpose of the fire wall since there is no flame penetration test you have an open hole to the other side of the fire wall. Allowing smoke to passthrough the opening at the first flame that touches the air connector. Even when installed under the current requirements air connectors are the weak link leading to instant penetration of a HVAC ductsystem, breeching fire assembles and the HVAC system itself. When the HVAC duct system is breached the HVAC fan will spread smoke and heat to other parts of the building. IAPMO (UMC) didnot allow the use of air connectors until a couple years ago. When they allowed the use of them it was a mistake as they thought an air connector was the small piece of flex to eliminate HVACvibration. Attached are photos of what is viewed as air connectors by engineers, sheet metal workers, and installing contractors.

There are no standards on how air connectors are labeled. Only how often they must be marked with a rectangular or a round UL listing label.A round UL label indicates the product is a air connector, a UL rectangular label indicates that the product is a UL listed air duct. Sometimes manufactures put a very small round label on the airconnector, and also put a larger rectangular performance label next to the smaller round label. When an inspector looks for a flexible air duct they look for that rectangular label. Well the air connector has that larger rectangular label next to the UL symbol and it is overlooked as an air connector and is passed off as a UL listed air duct.



Organization: NFPA

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:


Committee:


32 of 40 7/24/2018, 7:33 AM


Public Comment No. 30-NFPA 90A-2016 [ Section No. 4.3.11.2.6.10 ]

4.3.11.2.6.10

Air ducts complying with 4.3.1.2 and air connectors complying with 4.3.2 shall be permitted.


Deleting this would make fire rated assemblies safer and meet their design intent.

Air connectors do not pass the UL 181 test for flame penetration and should not be used in a HVAC duct system.Air connectors are currently found being used in the wrong application as a UL 181 listed air duct. UL 181 Listed air ducts pass 16 of 16 UL test to be listed as an air duct. Air connectors pass 13 of 16 UL test for being a listed air ducts, failing 3 of the required test for being a listed air duct. The three test that are not required are, puncture, flame penetration, and impact test. Allowing the use of air connectors connected next to a fire wall kind of defeats the purpose of the fire wall since there is no flame penetration test you have an open hole to the other side of the fire wall. Allowing smoke to pass through the opening at the first flame that touches the air connector. Even when installed under the current requirements air connectors are the weak link leading to instant penetration of a HVAC duct system, breeching fire assembles and the HVAC system itself. When the HVAC duct system is breached the HVAC fan will spread smoke and heat to other parts of the building. IAPMO (UMC) did not allow the use of air connectors until a couple years ago. When they allowed the use of them it was a mistake as they thought an air connector was the small piece of flex to eliminate HVAC vibration. Attached are photos of what is viewed as air connectors by engineers, sheet metal workers, and installing contractors.

There are no standards on how air connectors are labeled. Only how often they must be marked with a rectangular or a round UL listing label.

A round UL label indicates the product is a air connector, a UL rectangular label indicates that the product is a UL listed air duct. Sometimes manufactures put a very small round label on the air connector, and also put a larger rectangular performance label next to the smaller round label. When an inspector looks for a flexible air duct they look for that rectangular label. Well the air connector has that larger rectangular label next to the UL symbol and it is overlooked as an air connector and is passed off as a UL listed air duct.



Submitter Full Name: John HamiltonOrganization: National Energy Management InsStreet Address:City:State:Zip:


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Submittal Date: Thu Mar 10 15:05:36 EST 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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4.4.2* Limited-Combustible Material.

A material shall be considered a limited-combustible material where all the one of the following is met:

(1) The conditions of 4.4.2.1 and 4.4.2.2, and the conditions of either 4.4.2.3 or 4.4.2.4, are shall be met.

(2) The conditions of 4.4.2.5 shall be met. [101:4.6.14]

4.4.2.1

The material shall not comply with the requirements for noncombustible material in accordance with 4.4.1. [101:4.6.14.1]

4.4.2.2

The material, in the form in which it is used, shall exhibit a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg) where tested inaccordance with NFPA 259. [101:4.6.14.2]

4.4.2.3

The material shall have the structural base of a noncombustible material with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) where thesurfacing exhibits a flame spread index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for SurfaceBurning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.[101:4.6.14.3]

4.4.2.4

The material shall be composed of materials that, in the form and thickness used, neither exhibit a flame spread index greater than 25 norevidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface BurningCharacteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, and shall be ofsuch composition that all surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would neither exhibit a flame spread indexgreater than 25 nor exhibit evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or ANSI/UL 723.[101:4.6.14.4]

4.4.2.5 Materials shall be considered limited combustible materials where tested in accordace with ASTM E2965, Standard Test Method forDetermination of Low Levels of Heat Release Rate for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter , at an incident heat

flux of 75 kW/m 2 for a 20-minute exposure and both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The peak heat release rate shall not exceed 150 kW/m 2 for longer than 10 seconds.

(2) The total heat released shall not exceed 8 MJ/m 2 . [101.4.6.14.5]

4.4.2.6

Where the term limited-combustible is used in this standard, it shall also include the term noncombustible. [101:4.6.14.5 6 ]

(also, add ASTM E2965 2017 to section 2 on referenced ASTM standards)


This updates the extract from NFPA 101. Both NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 updated the section on limited combustible materials to add another option. The new option involves using ASTM E2965, which involves a very large cone heater, intended to measure very low levels of heat release.Some background and history follows:For many years there have been debates about using modern technology to assess whether a material provides very little added fire hazard compared to a non-combustible material. The technology used in NFPA 101 and in NFPA 5000 is based on NFPA 259 and ASTM E84, both venerable tests of 1950s vintage. Task Group E05.23.01 first met in December of 1987 at the ASTM E05 meeting in Bar Harbor, FL. The Task Group was charged with the development of an ASTM standard test method to measure degrees of combustibility based on heat release rate. The history of the development of that work is presented below. 1. The idea to use small-scale heat release rate data as a measure of the combustibility of a product was first proposed by Prof. Ed Smith at Ohio State University. This effort later resulted in the development of the Ohio State University (OSU) calorimeter (standardized as ASTM E906 and used by the FAA for regulatory purposes of large surfaces in aircraft). 2. The first attempt at developing a standard describing a method to measure combustibility of products on the basis of heat release rate was made in Canada. Task Group No. 22 of the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) Committee on Fire Tests was formed in 1980 to develop a test method to evaluate building products in terms of degrees of combustibility. Initially, the ULC Task Group considered modifying the standard test method for non- combustibility of building products (CAN/ULC-S114) to obtain quantitative measurements suitable for ranking products in terms of degrees of combustibility. Attempts were made to rank products on the basis of maximum temperature rise and the area under the temperature-time curves. After a series of round-robin tests, it was the consensus of the Task Group that the non-combustibility furnace was not suitable. This was consistent with the results of a study conducted in Finland which concluded that there is no consistency between the temperature rise measurements in the ISO 1182 non-combustibility furnace and heat release rate measured on the basis of oxygen consumption. In addition, the Task Group considered the CAN/ULC-S114 method to be somewhat limited for the following reasons: a. A quantitative measurement is preferable to a pass/fail type test; b. Heating of one surface of a specimen is preferable to heating of a block of material; and c. The CAN/ULC-S114 test is limited to elementary building materials, and a test method applicable to composite products is preferable. 3. Work was done at the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) to explore the use of the OSU calorimeter for measuring degrees of combustibility. The OSU apparatus at NRCC was equipped with oxygen consumption instrumentation, and the airflow through the apparatus was reduced to half the flow prescribed in the ASTM E 906 and FAA versions of the test method to increase accuracy and sensitivity of the heat release rate measurements. Four products were tested with heat release rates ranging from 8 to 300 kW/m². 4. Around the same time, Forintek Canada Corporation explored the use of the Cone Calorimeter for measuring degrees of combustibility. Seventeen different products were tested in the horizontal and vertical orientation at 40 and 50 kW/m². The lower heat flux level was chosen to obtain results that could be compared to the modified OSU data from the NRCC study. The higher heat flux level was chosen to be comparable to the irradiance in the CAN/ULC-S114 test, since 50 kW/m² is equal to the radiative heat flux from a blackbody source at 700°C. 5. The work of the ULC Task Group resulted in a new standard test method CAN/ULC-S135, “Standard Method for Determination of Degrees of


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Combustibility of Building Materials Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter (Cone Calorimeter).” The standard was published in 1992, and was largely based on the research conducted at Forintek. The method described in CAN/ULC-S135 is nearly identical to that in ASTM E 1354, except for the following important modifications: a. A different specimen holder is used so that the bottom and the sides of the specimen are insulated with ceramic fiber blanket; b. The test duration is fixed at 15 min; c. Mass loss measurements are optional; and d. Smoke obscuration measurements are not included. Products are tested in triplicate, in the horizontal orientation, at a heat flux of 50 kW/m², and with the spark igniter. Several proposals have been published for a classification system based on CAN/ULC-S135 test performance and its incorporation into the building codes. Chen et al., in Taiwan, evaluated 18 products in the Cone Calorimeter according to the test procedure in CAN/ULC S135, but with the horizontal specimen holder specified in ASTM E 1354. The results from this study were consistent with earlier work at Forintek, and qualitative agreement was found between CNS 6532 (equivalent to JIS 1321) and the classification system proposed by Richardson and Brooks. 6. In October 1992, the Board for the Coordination of the Model Codes (BCMC) formed a Task Group to work on new definitions for the terms “Non-Combustible”, “Limited Combustible”, and “Combustible”. Following general discussions of the issue over the first year after its formation, the BCMC Combustibility Task Group decided to pursue the ' development of a system of "degrees of combustibility" akin to a proposal under consideration in Canada based on results obtained from Cone Calorimeter tests performed according to CAN/ULC S135. 7. At the March 1994 BCMC Task Group meeting, it was decided to use the Cone Calorimeter as described in ASTM E 1354. A Subcommittee was formed to look at the details of the test procedure and formulate a proposal. The Subcommittee met in April 1994, and presented its report at the Task Group meeting in June 1994. The Subcommittee recommended the BCMC test protocol call for a. An irradiance level of 75 kW/m2; b. Testing in the horizontal orientation; c. Mandatory use of the retainer frame described in ASTM E 1354; d. Use of the spark plug ignition pilot; e. Measurements every two seconds; f. A fixed test duration of 15 minutes; and g. Other test and reporting details as in ASTM E 1354. The BCMC protocol is significantly different from that described in CAN/ULC 5135. Most of the deviations from the Canadian standard were motivated by NIST recommendations made a few years earlier. After lengthy discussion, the Task Group accepted the proposed protocol and disbanded the Subcommittee. 8. Subsequently, a new Subcommittee was formed to develop a database of Cone Calorimeter measurements obtained under test conditions comparable to those specified by the BCMC protocol. In addition, the Subcommittee was instructed to determine feasibility of the development of a classification system of four or five degrees of combustibility on the basis of the database. The Subcommittee collected Cone Calorimeter data obtained at 75 kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation for 111 products, and organized the data in tabular form and in bar charts. Most of the data were obtained at NIST. Strictly speaking, none of these tests were conducted according to the BCMC protocol, since all tests were run with a five second interval between measurements. However, the reduction from five to two seconds only results in better precision of the maximum heat release rate. The retainer frame was used for less than 10 percent of the tests in the database. Research has shown that the heat sink effect of the frame can be accounted for by reducing heat release rate data obtained without the frame by approximately 6 percent [10-11]. Therefore, it was agreed that the test conditions were close enough to those prescribed by the BCMC protocol so that valid conclusions could be reached concerning the feasibility question. 9. The Subcommittee analyzed the data in detail at a meeting in April 1995. It was concluded that there are sufficient Cone Calorimeter data so that a classification system for degrees of combustibility can be developed. Proposed class limits were based on two limiting values; total heat release, and the maximum of a one-minute sliding average heat release rate. Some Subcommittee members questioned whether the precision of the Cone Calorimeter is sufficient to justify regulatory use of the test method. The concern was based on poor reproducibility estimated from a recent Cone Calorimeter round robin conducted under the auspices of the ASTM Institute for Standards Research (ISR). In addition, significant discrepancies were found between two laboratories in the U.S. for identical gypsum board specimens tested under the same conditions. The Subcommittee also identified the need to quantify the effect of the retainer frame more precisely. 10. The Subcommittee presented its findings to the Task Group at a meeting in June, 1995. The Task Group instructed the Subcommittee to organize a Cone Calorimeter round robin with the purpose of determining the precision of the instrument specifically for the BCMC test protocol. The Subcommittee was asked to focus on the commercial testing laboratories in North America, and to present a detailed plan (products, participating laboratories, time schedule, etc.) at the next BCMC Task Group meeting in October, 1995. The Task Group formed a new Subcommittee to develop a strategy for implementation of a system for degrees of combustibility in the model codes. Unfortunately, BCMC was disbanded shortly after the October 1995 meeting, resulting in an unclear future for the test project. However, at the same time the Board for the Development of a Model Code (BDMC) was formed by the International Code Council (ICC) to pick up many of the activities of the Council of American Building Officials (CABO), including those of the BCMC. The BDMC decided to maintain the BCMC activities in the area of combustibility. In a memorandum to interested parties from the BDMC secretariat dated May 29, 1996 it was stated that “... The round robin tests are required to document test results and address the repeatability and reproducibility issue of the test method. Conducting the round robin tests in accordance with the BDMC protocol and analyzing the data is pertinent to this project. Until financial support or other means are obtained to proceed with the round robin tests in accordance with the BDMC protocol, no time frame for completion by the task group can be established and therefore, there can be no further activity on this BDMC agenda item.” 11 In April, 1996 the NFPA Fire Tests Committee discussed a proposal describing the use of the Cone Calorimeter for determining degrees of combustibility of products according to the protocol developed by the BCMC. After lengthy discussion, the Committee voted on a motion to support the proposal. The outcome was undecided, and a Task Group was formed to review the issue and to make a recommendation to the Committee at its next meeting in October 1996. Since no new information had been obtained since the BCMC was disbanded, the NFPA Task Group reached the same conclusion as the BCMC Combustibility Task Group did one year earlier, i.e., that there is a need for a series of interlaboratory tests to determine the precision of the test method for this application. 12. In the spring of 1997 the Pacific Fire Laboratory (PFL) took the initiative to prepare a proposal for the round robin to prospective sponsors. The following seven organizations joined the project: American Forest & Paper Association, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Atlas Electric Devices Company, Canadian Wood Council, Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, W.R. Grace & Company, and Wilsonart International Inc. Representatives of sponsors and four participating commercial laboratories together with Dr. Joe Urbas, the project coordinator, formed the “Cone Calorimeter Round Robin Consortium” (Consortium) to organize the project. The Consortium defined the scope of the project, selected the products to be tested, confirmed the participating laboratories, defined the calibration procedure, and confirmed the test protocol. according to the protocol developed by the Board for the Coordination of the Model Codes (BCMC). All laboratories first performed extensive calibrations of their equipment, and conducted preliminary tests on two reference products (black PMMA with a relatively high heat release output and mineral ceiling board with a relatively low heat release output). The calibration and reference test data were used to correct minor discrepancies and inconsistencies prior to the round robin tests. Sixteen building products covering a wide range of heat release rates were tested in triplicate by each laboratory according to the BCMC protocol. All testing was completed by the summer of 1998, and it took approximately 18 months to analyze and review the data and to finalize the report. The sponsors finally released the report in the spring of 2000. The precision data presented in the report are comparable to those obtained in earlier round robins as reported in the ISO, ASTM, and other Cone Calorimeter standards, and are valid for a wider range of heat release rates. 13. Over the years since its inception the ASTM Task Group E05.23.01 continuously monitored activities pertinent to the use of the Cone Calorimeter for measuring degrees of combustibility of products. A first draft based on the BCMC protocol was distributed at the New Orleans Task Group meeting in December 1999. 14. Legislation was introduced into several countries, including Canada, Japan and Taiwan, to regulate "quasi non combustible materials" using the cone calorimeter (ASTM E1354 or ISO 5660). A concern that was expressed frequently was that the errors were similar in order of magnitude to the measurements needed. 15. Work was initiated in ISO TC92 SC1 to develop a variation of the cone calorimeter, ISO 5660-4, that could be used for such low heat release measurements.16. It was later discovered that a larger cone heater and a larger test specimen were needed in order to get the variability of the measurement to become significantly smaller than the required measured values. Other concerns were related to drift of the signal and noise. Work was conducted in England by Sean Gregory et al. (manuscript attached) to solve these problems. This concept was first introduced into ASTM in 2011 and balloted at that time. Several subsequent ballots followed, refining the procedure, with special emphasis on issues such as flow rate and capturing the entirety of the smoke emitted, which required a larger hood.


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17. A successful ballot was completed earlier this year and standard E2965, Standard Test Method for Determination of Low Levels of Heat Release Rate for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter, has been approved. 18. The criteria proposed are based on the Japanese criteria, with a higher incident heat flux (75 kW/m2 instead of 50 kW/m2) so that any materials that would meet the requirements would contain almost no combustible content.

The proposed test (ASTM E2965) is a variation of the cone calorimeter (ASTM E1354) with a much larger test specimen (150 mm x 150 mm instead of 100 mm x 100 mm), a larger radiant heat source and a slower duct flow rate.This test has been developed specifically to identify materials that are of very low levels of heat release. If a material has very low levels of heat release it will have very low levels of combustibility. The scope of ASTM E2965 includes the following: "This test method differs from ASTM E1354 in that it prescribes a different specific test specimen size, specimen holder, test specimen orientation, and volumetric flow rate for analyses via oxygen consumption calorimetry.It is intended for use on materials and products that contain only small amounts of combustible ingredients or components e.g. test specimens that yield a total heat release of less than 15 MJ/m2." The significance and use states as follows: "This test method is used primarily to determine the heat evolved in, or contributed to, a fire involving materials or products that emit low levels of heat release. The recommended use for this test method is for materials with a total heat release rate measured of less than 10 MJ over the first 20 min test period, and which do not give peak heat release rates of more than 200kW/m2 for periods extending more than 10 seconds. Also included is a determination of the effective heat of combustion, mass loss rate, the time to sustained flaming, and (optionally) smoke production. These properties are determined on small size test specimens that are representative of those in the intended end use. "In this public input I propose a low threshold, of 150 kW/m2, as used in NFPA 101 and 5000. Please note that this is not intended to replace the NFPA259 test for the assessment of limited combustibility but is an alternate approach and will, thus, have no influence on any material or product assessed in the traditional way in the past.Information in terms of the abstract from a study made with the cone calorimeter before developing ASTM E2965 by J. Urbas (2002) and from a follow-up study by M. Janssens and K. Carpenter (2005) follows.

The Urbas work indicates that (out of 16 materials assessed) 1 material would qualify easily under the criteria shown, namely SPRF (sprayed fire resistant material on non-combustible backing), and that 5/8" Type X Gypsum Board would most likely qualify (in 3 out of 4 labs) while several other materials would fail primarily on total heat released (the most severe property). On the other hand paper-faced glass wool would fail on peak heat release rate and not on total heat released.

The work from Carpenter & Janssens (one of the labs used by the Urbas study) indicates similar types of results as above. This shows that the criteria used are consistent with what would happen for limited combustible materials under the present criteria and that nothing unacceptable would "sneak" in. The data in that e attached tables was taken at exposures to 75 kW/m2 for 20 min, just like the proposed new criteria.

BDMC interlaboratory cone calorimeter test programme by Joe Urbas (Fire Mater. 2002; 26: 29–35)Abstract: In the spring of 1997, seven companies and industry associations from the USA and Canada decided to sponsor the cone calorimeter interlaboratory test programme. Reproducibility and repeatability were determined for the scalar variables measured in the cone calorimeter (ASTM E1354) according to the protocol developed by the Board for the Coordination of the Model Codes. The main requirement of the protocol was that the sample irradiance should be75kW/m2. The purpose of the project was to assist the model building code organizations, NFPA and various other groups in the development of a system to determine degrees of combustibility of building materials. Three US and one Canadian laboratory agreed to conduct tests on 16 materials.The results of this round robin show that the cone calorimeter, following the Board for the Coordination of the Model Codes protocol, can provide precision similar to that cited in the current cone calorimeter standards. It is recommended that further improvements of the standards are pursued and provisions are made to improve the quality of operation of the cone calorimeter in commercial laboratories to maintain and possibly improve its repeatability and reproducibility.

Using Heat Release Rate to Assess Combustibility of Building Products in the Cone Calorimeter by Karen Carpenter and Marc Janssens (Fire Technology 41 – 79-92, 2005)Abstract: Building codes generally permit unlimited use of materials that contribute negligible quantities of heat in the event of a fire. These materials are referred to as non-combustible. Whether a material qualifies as being non-combustible is generally based on performance in a small-scale furnace test, or on its potential heat content measured in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. However, furnace and oxygen bomb methods to assess combustibility have serious limitations. The most significant limitations are that materials cannot be evaluated in their end use configuration, that test conditions are not representative of real fire exposure conditions, and that the test results do not provide a realistic measure of the expected heat release rate. These limitations led to the idea of exploring the use of small-scale heat release calorimeters to assess material combustibility. The Cone Calorimeter has emerged in recent years as the most widely used apparatus for this application.

ASTM E2965 was developed as the tool for this.




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Submittal Date: Thu Jun 14 13:59:41 EDT 2018

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5.3.4.5

Shafts that constitute air ducts or that enclose air ducts used for the movement of environmental air shall also not enclose the following:

(1) Exhaust ducts used for the removal of smoke- and grease-laden vapors from cooking equipment

(2) Ducts used for the removal of flammable vapors

(3) Ducts used for moving, conveying, or transporting stock, vapor, or dust

(4) Ducts used for the removal of nonflammable corrosive fumes and vapors

(5) Refuse and linen chutes

(6) Piping, except for noncombustible piping conveying water or other nonhazardous or nontoxic materials

(7) Combustible storage


Editorial only.


Submitter Full Name: Peter Leszczak

Organization: PSL Engineering LLC

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6.4.3.1

Smoke detectors provided as required by 6.4.2 shall automatically stop shunt their respective fan(s) on detecting the presence of smoke.






The desire is for fans to immediately begin to spin down upon detection of smoke to prevent the spread of smoke by the air handler. An example is a 135,000 cfm system that ran for three and a half minutes after the detection indicated smoke. This circulated 472,000 cf of smoke. The intent of this comment is to have the power to the fans immediately shunted, so that the spin down of the airhandler begins immediately. This avoids the time it may take to relay through the system to begin shutdown. As noted by the committee’s reason for not utilizing PI 32, it would be nearly impossible toimmediately stop the airflow, which was not the intent of PI 32. Having a shunt will immediately begin the process of stopping the air handler, much like the shunting of an elevator upon heat detection.



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6.4.3.1

Smoke detectors provided as required by 6.4.2 shall automatically stop shunt their respectivefan(s) on detecting the presence of smoke.


The desire is for fans to immediately begin to spin down upon detection of smoke to prevent the spread of smoke by the air handler. An example is a 135,000 cfm system that ran for three and a half minutes after the detection indicated smoke. This circulated 472,000 cf of smoke. The intent of this comment is to have the power to the fans immediately shunted, so that the spin down of the air handler begins immediately. This avoids the time it may take to relay through the system to begin shutdown. As noted by the committee’s reason for not utilizing PI 32, it would be nearly impossible to immediately stop the airflow, which was not the intent of PI 32. Having a shunt will immediately begin the process of stopping the air handler, much like the shunting of an elevator upon heat detection.

Related ItemPublic Input No. 32-NFPA 90A-2015 [Section No. 6.4.3.1]


Submitter Full Name: Jim MuirOrganization: Building Safety Division, Clark County, WashingtonAffilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC)Street Address:City:State:Zip:Submittal Date: Tue May 10 13:22:52 EDT 2016

Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



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Public Input No. 34-NFPA 90A-2018 [ New Section after A.4.3.11.2.6.5 ]

A.4.3.11.4.1

It is not the intent of this section to apply to a room containing an air handler with a single source of return into the room, where the air fromvarious sources is combined outside of the air-handling unit room (such as in apartment units).


Some AHJ's see the term "air-handling unit room" and assume this applies to all air-handler closets. This annex note is intended to clarify the application of this term.


Submitter Full Name: John Rickard

Organization: P3 Consulting

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Public Input No. 32-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. C.1.2.3 ]

C.1.2.3 ASTM International Publications.



ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, 2016 2016a .


ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-Shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C, 2016.


date updates




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Public Input No. 38-NFPA 90A-2018 [ Section No. C.1.2.6 ]

C.1.2.6 UL Publications.


ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers, 2006, revised 2014 2016 .

ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Smoke Dampers, 1999, revised 2014 2017 .

ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, 2013.


UL Subject 2424,Outline of for Investigation for for Cable Marked Limited Combustible, 2013.

UL 62275, Cable Management Systems — Cable Ties for Electrical Installations, 2016.

Building Materials Directory, 2012 2018 .

Fire Resistance Directory, 2012 2018 .

Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory, 2012 2018 .






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Public Input No. 18-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Global Input ]

Type your content here ...

Remove ANSI from in front of all UL standards referenced in NFPA 90B.


Many years ago, UL preferred the ANSI/UL reference because there was a transition of traditional UL standards towards an ANSI standards development process.

Now, years later, a large majority of UL Standards are ANSI approved and follow the ANSI development and maintenance process. However, sometimes readers are confused because they don’t understand the standards are actually UL standards, not developed by ANSI. There are many other references to standards promulgated by other standards development organizations where they are considered ANSI approved but do not include ANSI in the reference.




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Public Input No. 19-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Global Input ]

Type your content here ...

Remove the terms “Standard for” or “Subject” from in front of all UL standards referenced in NFPA 90B.


The terms are redundant and unnecessary.This change results in the proper short form name of the referenced document. .

Related Public Inputs for This Document

Related Input Relationship

Public Input No. 21-NFPA 90B-2018 [Section No. B.1.2.3]




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Public Input No. 15-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 2.3.2 ]

2.3.2 ASTM Publications.


ASTM C411, Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, 2011 2017 .

ASTM D93, Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, 2015 2016a .

ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2016. 2018


ASTM E2688, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Tapes to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2016 2018 .

ASTM E2690, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics,2010e2 2017b .


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Public Input No. 20-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 2.3.4 ]

2.3.4 UL Publications.


ANSI/UL 94, Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances, 2013, revised 2015. 2018

ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013 revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts, 2013 revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013 revised 2017 .

ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2008, revised 2013 2018 .

ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2015.

UL 1381, Outline of Investigation for Investighation for Aerosol Duct Sealant, 2013.


UL 2518,Outline of Investigation Outlinefor Invesigatin for Air Dispersion System Materials, 2015 2016 .






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Public Input No. 17-NFPA 90B-2018 [ New Section after 3.3.12 ]

Chapter 4 - Noncombustible materials

4.1* A material that complies with any of the following shall be considered a noncombustible material [101.4.16.3]:

(1)* A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or releaseflammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat

(2) A material that is reported as passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750Degrees C

(3) A material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E136 when tested in accordance with the test method andprocedure in ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750Degrees C [101.4.6.13.1]

A.4.1The provisions of 4.1 do not require inherently noncombustible materials to be tested in order to be classified as noncombustiblematerials [101.A.4.6.13].

A.4.1(1) Examples of such materials include steel, concrete, masonry, and glass [101.A.4.6.13.1(1)].

(also add ASTM E136 (2016a) and ASTM E2652 (2016) into section 2 on referenced ASTM standards)

(also renumber chapters 4 to 6 as chapter 5 to 7)


The section on definitions states that for information on noncombustible material go to 4.1. However, apparently that section was missed out. This public input adds the section, as an extract from NFPA 101. This is consistent with the language in NFPA 90A and in NFPA 101.




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5 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Input No. 1-NFPA 90B-2018 [ New Section after 4.1.1.1 ]

Airstream surfaces shall be r esistance to mold growth. tested by the UL 81.3 ASTM C 1338,4 or comparable test methods.

Exception: Sheet metal surfaces and metal fasteners.

All duct surfaces shall be resistant to erosion. Airstream surface materials shall pass UL 1813




90B_PC15.pdf 90B_PC15



Controlling the HVAC duct material is a critical part to control fire and smoke spread from a fire event.



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6 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Comment No. 15-NFPA 90B-2016 [ New Section after 4.1.1.1 ]

TITLE OF NEW CONTENTAirstream surfaces shall be r esistance to mold growth. tested by the UL 81.3 ASTM C 1338,4 orcomparable test methods.


All duct surfaces shall be resistant to erosion. Airstream surface materials shall pass UL 1813




ASHRAE_62.1_for_mold_and_duct_erosion_NFPA_90.docx ASHRAE standard for HVAC duct material


Controlling the HVAC duct material is a critical part to control fire and smoke spread from a fire event.

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 2-NFPA 90B-2015 [Section No. 4.3.5.4]



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



2 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM


Public Input No. 2-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 4.1.1.1 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

Supply ducts shall be made of either of the following materials:

(1) Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181

(2) Sheet metal having a nominal thickness as shown in Table 4.1.1.1

(3) Gypsum sheet rock ducts shall be 5/8" minimum thickness and temps not exceed 125 degrees

(4) All poures surfaced ducts shall have an anti microbial surface

(5) Airstream surface materials shall be evaluated in accordance with the “Erosion Test” in UL

1813

Table 4.1.1.1 Nominal Thickness of Sheet Metal Ducts

Diameter or Width Nominal Thickness

Galvanized Sheet Aluminum Tin Plate

Minimum Thickness Thickness

Minimum Weight

per Base Box

mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. kg lb

Round Ducts and Enclosed Rectangular Ducts

356 or less 14 or less 0.406 0.016 0.330 0.013 0.406 0.016 61 135

Over 356 Over 14 0.483 0.019 0.406 0.016 0.508 0.020 — —

Exposed Rectangular Ducts

356 or less 14 or less 0.483 0.019 0.406 0.016 0.508 0.020 — —

Over 356 Over 14 0.559 0.022 0.483 0.019 0.584 0.023 — —



90B_PC1.pdf 90B_PC1



ASHRAE and UL both have standards for HVAC air ducts and they should be followed by NFPA



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7 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Comment No. 1-NFPA 90B-2016 [ Section No. 4.1.1.1 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

Supply ducts shall be made of either of the following materials:

(1) Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air ducts tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181

(2) Sheet metal having a nominal thickness as shown in Table 4.1.1.1

(3) Gypsum sheet rock ducts shall be 5/8" minimum thickness and temps not exceed 125degrees

(4) All poures surfaced ducts shall have an anti microbial surface

(5) Airstream surface materials shall be evaluated in accordance with the “Erosion Test” in UL1813

Table 4.1.1.1 Nominal Thickness of Sheet Metal Ducts

Diameter or Width NominalThickness

Galvanized Sheet Aluminum Tin Plate

MinimumThickness Thickness

MinimumWeight

per Base Box

mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. kg lb

Round Ducts and Enclosed Rectangular Ducts356 orless

14 orless 0.406 0.016 0.330 0.013 0.406 0.016 61 135

Over 356 Over 14 0.483 0.019 0.406 0.016 0.508 0.020 — —

Exposed Rectangular Ducts356 orless

14 orless 0.483 0.019 0.406 0.016 0.508 0.020 — —

Over 356 Over 14 0.559 0.022 0.483 0.019 0.584 0.023 — —



ASHRAE_62.1_for_mold_and_duct_erosion_NFPA_90B.docx This is from ASHRAE Standard 62.1


ASHRAE and UL both have standards for HVAC air ducts and they should be followed by NFPA

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 8-NFPA 90B-2015 [Global Input]



3 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



4 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM


Public Input No. 3-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 4.1.1.1.1 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

Supply Steel supply ducts that are completely encased in not less than 51 mm (2 in.) of concrete in a floor slab shall not be required to meet therequirements of 4.1.1.1.

Ducts enclosed in concrete shall be sloped to allow for drainage to an access point

Ducts enclosed in concrete shall be sealed prior to the pouring of concrete

Combustiable material shall not be used for underground duct systems



90B_PC2.pdf 90B_PC2



The current NFPA language allows for wood and other combustibles to be used as HVAC supply duct work if it encased in concrete. This creates a plethora of fire and smoke related issues. Including thislanguage would eliminate those concerns.



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8 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Comment No. 2-NFPA 90B-2016 [ Section No. 4.1.1.1.1 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

Supply Steel supply ducts that are completely encased in not less than 51 mm (2 in.) ofconcrete in a floor slab shall not be required to meet the requirements of 4.1.1.1.

Ducts enclosed in concrete shall be sloped to allow for drainage to an access point

Ducts enclosed in concrete shall be sealed prior to the pouring of concrete

Combustiable material shall not be used for underground duct systems


File Name Description ApprovedUnderground_duct_work.docx Current codes on underground duct work


The current NFPA language allows for wood and other combustibles to be used as HVAC supply duct work if it encased in concrete. This creates a plethora of fire and smoke related issues. Including this language would eliminate those concerns.

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 8-NFPA 90B-2015 [Global Input]



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



5 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM


Public Input No. 4-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 4.1.1.2 ]

4.1.1.2*

Supply ducts shall be installed in conformance with the following:

(1) The conditions of their listing

(2) SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards

(3) SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible

(4) SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual

(5) Flexiable air ducts shall pass all 16 UL 181 test for classificaiton as a air duct



90B_PC3.pdf 90B_PC3



Clear up confusion the use of air connectors as air ducts which changes the integrity of fire and smoke control of a building.



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9 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Comment No. 3-NFPA 90B-2016 [ Section No. 4.1.1.2 ]

4.1.1.2*

Supply ducts shall be installed in conformance with the following:

(1) The conditions of their listing

(2) SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards

(3) SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible

(4) SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual

(5) Flexiable air ducts shall pass all 16 UL 181 test for classificaiton as a air duct



UL_181_16_test_for_classification_as_a_air_duct.docxThese are the 16 test UL preforms when test to ducts to classify them as a air duct.


Clear up confusion the use of air connectors as air ducts which changes the integrity of fire and smoke control of a building.

Related ItemFirst Revision No. 5-NFPA 90B-2015 [Section No. 4.1.2]



Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



6 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM


Public Input No. 5-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. 4.1.2 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be required to conform to the provisions for air ductswhere they meet the requirements in 4.1.2.1 through 4.1.2.7 .



90B_PC4.pdf 90B_PC4



The use of air connectors that do not pass the UL flame penetration test for classification as an air duct leads to the spread of smoke and fire from floor to floor and into wall cavities.



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10 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Comment No. 4-NFPA 90B-2016 [ Section No. 4.1.2 [Excluding any

Sub-Sections] ]

Air connectors shall be permitted to be used as limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not berequired to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the requirements in 4.1.2.1through 4.1.2.7 .




Example of how the use of a air connector can allow for smoke and fire to penetrate the floors of a building.


The use of air connectors that do not pass the UL flame penetration test for classification as an air duct leads to the spread of smoke and fire from floor to floor and into wall cavities.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



7 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.1

Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors when tested in accordance with 13 of the 16 tests for airducts from ANSI/UL 181.



90B_PC5.pdf 90B_PC5



This will give AHJ's information that air connectors have not passed all the UL test for classification as a HVAC air duct.



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11 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.1

Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors whentested in accordance with 13 of the 16 tests for air ducts from ANSI/UL 181.


This will give AHJ's information that air connectors have not passed all the UL test for classification as a HVAC air duct.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



8 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.2

Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors shall not be used in ducts as a air duct containing air at temperatures in excess of 121°C (250°F).



90B_PC6.pdf 90B_PC6



I believe this is a typo



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12 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.2

Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors shall not be used in ducts as a air duct containing air attemperatures in excess of 121°C (250°F).


I believe this is a typo




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



9 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m (14 ft) in total length for any individual duct run .



90B_PC7.pdf 90B_PC7



Currently NFPA language has allowed installs of 14 feet of connector attached to small splice pieces and fittings leading to 95% of a 100 foot duct run being air connectors



Organization: NFPA

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13 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m (14 ft) in total length for any individual duct run .


Currently NFPA language has allowed installs of 14 feet of connector attached to small splice pieces and fittings leading to 95% of a 100 foot duct run being air connectors




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



10 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m (14 ft 2 m (7.8 inch ) in length.



90B_PC8.pdf 90B_PC8



Clarification of what an sir connector is, a small piece of flexible material used to eliminate vibration in a HVAC system. Not 14 feet



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14 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.3

Air connector runs shall not exceed 4 exceed . 27 2 m ( 14 ft 7.8 inch ) in length.




This is a product the industry calls a air connector. This is not what NFPA has classified as a air connector














Clarification of what an sir connector is, a small piece of flexible material used to eliminate vibration in a HVAC system. Not 14 feet


11 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM





Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



12 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.4

Air connectors shall not pass through within 15 feet of any wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire-resistancerating of 1 hour or more.



90B_PC9.pdf 90B_PC9



Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test. Allowing them to be attached to a short (no limit on length requirement) piece of metal next to or going through the fire assemble allows for aflame to breach right into the fire rated assembly. 15 feet may give enough length of duct with UL listed Duct flame penetration test duct or metal duct to stop the spread of smoke and flame throughthe floor.



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15 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.4

Air connectors shall not pass through with in 15 feet of any wall, partition, or enclosure of avertical shaft that is required to have a fire-resistance rating of 1 hour or more.



Pictures_of_air_connector_used_on_the_other_side_of_a_1_hour_fire_rated_ceiling.pdf

Shows air connector next to a 1 hour fire rated cieling


Air connectors do not pass the UL flame penetration test. Allowing them to be attached to a short (no limit on length requirement) piece of metal next to or going through the fire assemble allows for a flame to breach right into the fire rated assembly. 15 feet may give enough length of duct with UL listed Duct flame penetration test duct or metal duct to stop the spread of smoke and flame through the floor.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



13 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.5

Air connectors shall not pass through floors within 15 feet of the floor opening .






When air connector are attached to floor boot registers there is only about 2 inches of metal below the floor. With air connectors not passing the UL 181 flame penetration test this allows for smoke and fireto jump through a floor or into a wall cavity with relative ease. Easier than the smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct. Why have smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct when air connectors allows for the fire and smoke to go through the duct.



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16 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.5

Air connectors shall not pass through floors within 15 feet of the floor opening .



Connector_attached_at_floor.pdf Shows samll metal connection to floor and air connector right next to the floor.


When air connector are attached to floor boot registers there is only about 2 inches of metal below the floor. With air connectors not passing the UL 181 flame penetration test this allows for smoke and fire to jump through a floor or into a wall cavity with relative ease. Easier than the smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct. Why have smoke drafting material around the outside of the duct when air connectors allows for the fire and smoke to go through the duct.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



14 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.6

An air connector shall not be interrupted by a short collar or any other fitting on one side and then connected to another air connector on theother side when penetrating a be at least 15 feet away from a floor or a wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have afire-resistance rating of 1 hour.






When using the term “short” what does that mean? If the air connector is used only on one side of the floor or wall can it be used on one side of the fire assembly? With this language it could be. Weatherthe penetration is connected on the other side of the fitting to another duct or is open it should not matter. Allowing this to penetrate a floor or wall into the occupants space would allow smoke to enterthe space quicker. This language will allow for unlimited numbers or air connectors used on a duct run if connected with “long” collars. How long is a long collar? 1 foot? 15 may be long enough if NFPA feels it is safe to allow the use of air connectors in the first place.



Organization: NFPA

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17 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.6

An air connector shall not be interrupted by a short collar or any other fitting on one side andthen connected to another air connector on the other side when penetrating a be at least 15feet away from a floor or a wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to havea fire-resistance rating of 1 hour.


File Name Description ApprovedConnector_attached_at_floor.pdf Connector attached at floor


When using the term “short” what does that mean? If the air connector is used only on one side of the floor or wall can it be used on one side of the fire assembly? With this language it could be. Weather the penetration is connected on the other side of the fitting to another duct or is open it should not matter. Allowing this to penetrate a floor or wall into the occupants space would allow smoke to enter the space quicker. This language will allow for unlimited numbers or air connectors used on a duct run if connected with “long” collars. How long is a long collar? 1 foot? 15 may be long enough if NFPA feels it is safe to allow the use of air connectors in the first place.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



15 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.2.7

Multiple air connector runs shall not be spliced together in an attempt to exceed the 14 foot total duct run length limitation in 4.1.2.3.






Some duct runs in homes has up to 4 pieces of air connectors per duct run. Air connector in the basement to a fitting in the floor wall cavity, air connector in the first floor wall cavity up to a fitting in the second floor, air connector in the second floor wall cavity up to a fitting into the attic space, air connector in the attic space to the terminal device, 4 piece of air connectors in one duct run.



Organization: NFPA

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18 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.2.7

Multiple air connector runs shall not be spliced together in an attempt to exceed the 14 foottotal duct run length limitation in 4.1.2.3.


Some duct runs in homes has up to 4 pieces of air connectors per duct run. Air connector in the basement to a fitting in the floor wall cavity, air connector in the first floor wall cavity up to a fitting in the second floor, air connector in the second floor wall cavity up to a fitting into the attic space, air connector in the attic space to the terminal device, 4 piece of air connectors in one duct run.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



16 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM



4.1.3.1

Furnace plenums shall be constructed of metal that is of the minimum thickness as shown in Table 4.1.1.1 except for the vibration eliminator(connector) .






Typical installation of a furnace plenum includes a flex connector for vibration elimination.



Organization: NFPA

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19 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM



4.1.3.1

Furnace plenums shall be constructed of metal that is of the minimum thickness as shown inTable 4.1.1.1. except for the vibration eliminator (connector)


Typical installation of a furnace plenum includes a flex connector for vibration elimination.




Committee Statement

CommitteeAction:

Rejected but held



17 of 18 11/9/2016 10:00 AM


Public Input No. 16-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. B.1.2.1 ]

B.1.2.1 ASTM Publications.





date updates




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20 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM


Public Input No. 21-NFPA 90B-2018 [ Section No. B.1.2.3 ]

B.1.2.3 UL Publications.


ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013 revised 2017 .

UL 1381,Outline of Investigation for Outline of Investigaion for Aerosol Duct Sealant, 2013.

Building Materials Directory, 2012 2018 .



Related Public Inputs for This Document

Related Input Relationship

Public Input No. 19-NFPA 90B-2018 [Global Input]




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21 of 21 7/24/2018, 8:36 AM
