Description

This study investigates various door undercut products that are designed to prevent inter-suite cross-contamination of odors and pollutants. One such product also claims to maintain an adequate supply of ventilation air to each suite. Through lab testing, this study provides data on which of these door undercut products help or hinder the distribution of ventilation air compared to conventional door undercuts and stops. Air leakage tests were conducted on a free- standing door in a laboratory environment. The purpose of these tests was to determine the air leakage profile of a suite entrance door with different door products, including: 1) open-cell weather stripping, 2) closed-cell weather stripping, 3) rubber door sweep, 4) brush door sweep, 5) wood block, and 6) door filter. The test method was adapted from ASTM E783-02 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors. The results show that these door undercut products reduce the airflow through the suite entrance door significantly. In addition, the ability of these door products to hinder airflow is similar to that of the conventional door stops (i.e., wood blocks). To fulfill its ventilation role under a typical pressure differential of 5 Pa, the suite door undercut height should be at least 12 mm without weather stripping or door undercut products, based on the results of the laboratory testing undertaken. This conclusion also identifies a conflict between fire control requirements and ventilation requirements. Although fire control requires that the undercut should not exceed 6 mm, the results demonstrated that a 6 mm undercut could not fulfill the ventilation requirements specified by ASHRAE Standard 62.2. We did not identify a conflict between smoke control requirements and ventilation requirements.

Citation: 2020 Winter Conference, Orlando, FL Conference Papers

Product Details

Published:

2020

Number of Pages:

9

Units of Measure:

Dual

File Size:

1 file , 1.5 MB

Product Code(s):

D-OR-20-C007