This self-paced online course covers the basic principles of smoke movement within buildings and pressurization smoke control systems. People encounter smoke frequently in day-to-day activities, but few people are aware of how deadly and undesirable smoke can be if released inside the built environment.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Identify the basic principles of smoke movement within buildings
• Recognize common methods of active and passive smoke control
• Recognize code requirements for pressurization smoke control systems and components
• Be aware of design configurations for pressurization smoke control systems
• Be aware of factors such as stack effect, wind, sprinklers, etc and their effect on smoke behavior
• Identifying design tools available for pressurization smoke control systems

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects

Course Summary

• Smoke, generated by the burning of materials, consists of products of combustion and entrained air. The movement of smoke is primarily driven directly by pressure differentials or movement with building airflows created by mechanical ventilation, wind pressures, etc.
• Smoke control systems may either be classified as active or passive. Passive systems incorporate the use of smoke barriers while active systems manipulate the movement of smoke by creating pressure differentials.
• Stairwell pressurization systems, elevator pressurization systems, and zoned smoke control are all common examples of pressurization smoke control.
• It is important to understand the impact that stack effect, wind, elevator piston effect, and open doors have on a pressurization smoke control system. Care should be taken to incorporate these factors into system design as appropriate.
• Multiple design tools exist for pressurization smoke control systems that address different levels of complexity in a design.