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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Western Montana
    Posts
    261

    Default Dumbwaiter firecode?

    Encountered my first dumbwaiter today - in a 2008 house. Searched IRC, and the only reference was that you can't run gas piping through it.
    Would seem like a great place for a fire to spread from the 1st to 3rd floor. Is there any fire code restrictions such as to the door material or other concerns?

    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    I searched the NC Residential Code and did find anything about dumbwaiters and fire codes. It seems to me that the fire spread would not be any worse with a dumbwaiter than it would be with an open stairway.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Western Montana
    Posts
    261

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    All I could find from one manufacturer's website was reference to check with local authority. We ain't got no authority around this county, so it must be ok.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    I have always treated dumbwaiters like an elevator shaft. The entire shaft needs to be drywalled with min 1/2 gypsum drywall. Then the door opening at each floor must also have a 20 min burn rating.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  5. #5
    Richard Soundy's Avatar
    Richard Soundy Guest

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    I have the space set aside for a dumbwaiter in my own home - the rules and regulations were far too restrictive to have it implemented ( also Laundry chutes).

    All "vertical space" has fire spreading problems - stair well included. But a stairwell is unavoidable and also serves the essential ingress/egress necessary in a fire.

    In addition to what Scott stated, the dumbwaiter has to also take into account the child safety rules, sensors and basically all the same garage door requirements. It all costs money ..... I will just carry up my own food on a tray. Boy, am I a dumb waiter or not!

    All the best - Richard


  6. #6
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    Thi is what the NC Building Code says about shaft enclosures. This is not in the NCIRC the best I can tell.

    SECTION 708
    SHAFT ENCLOSURES
    708.1 General.
    The provisions of this section shall apply to
    shafts required to protect openings and penetrations through
    floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies. Shaft enclosures
    shall be constructed as
    fire barriers in accordance with Section
    707 or
    horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 712,
    or both.

    708.2 Shaft enclosure required.
    Openings through a
    floor/ceiling assembly shall be protected by a shaft enclosure
    complying with this section.

    Exceptions:
    1. A shaft enclosure is not required for openings totally
    within an individual residential dwelling unit and
    connecting four stories or less.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Mahtomedi, Minnesota
    Posts
    94

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    What Scott said - A dumbwaiter is an elevator. Check out International Building Code (IBC). Elevator codes are scattered throughout IBC and may not be easy reading. Regulations are not listed in IRC. In addition, many cities will have special regulations.

    Fred Comb, ACI
    Mahtomedi, MN
    www.homeinspectionsofmn.com

  8. #8
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    The NC version of the IBC makes an exception for shafts in dwellings....your state may not.


  9. #9
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Dumbwaiter firecode?

    Some things go to far. Someone wants a dumbwaiter in their home there should be their own restriction on it not the worlds restrictions.

    Vents into an attic from a mechanical room. Basically a hole in the ceiling and not a flue pipe running thru the roof. That is more wide open to the roof and attic burning than a dumb waiter.

    A dumb waiter does not go into an attic and the restrictions for such are foolish. Maybe at the kitchen level there should or might be a fire damper in the opening so if fire starts the shaft gets blocked off. An elevator carries people, not food. and the openings are made for humans to walk thru, not to pull a tray of food thru.


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