Stairwell Pressurization Test Checklist
Stairwell Pressurization Test Checklist
Field checklist for the periodic test required by the IFC maintenance section (§909.22 in 2024, §909.20 in 2018) and NFPA 92 §8.6 (dedicated systems semiannually, nondedicated annually, on standby power). Covers every requirement from the deep-dive article + the IBC §1010.1.3 force triplet (15 lb latch / 30 lb set-in-motion / 15 lb full-swing) + the three test scenarios. Toggle Healthcare mode to surface CMS LSC + TJC PE + NFPA 99 additions.
Per-floor measurement table
Record EVERY floor of the stair, not a sample. Pick the design range below; cells flag ΔP under the minimum (amber) or over the maximum (red), and forces over the IBC §1010.1.3 limits (red). Use the Test 2 "open door" field to record which door was opened, only if the design calls for a door-open scenario.
| TEST 1 — System ON, all closed | TEST 2 — One open | TEST 3 — System OFF | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | ΔP 0.1–0.35 in WC | Set-motion ≤30 lb | Latch ≤15 lb | Full-swing ≤15 lb | Self-close P / F | ΔP 0.1–0.35 in WC | Full-swing ≤15 lb | Self-close P / F | |
Pre-test setup
0/7Done before the system is activated.
- NFPA 72 §14.2.4Building on test mode with central monitoring station
- IBC §909.20.4 (2024) / §909.20.5 (2018)All stair doors closed for the baseline readings (the IBC pressure range is a closed-door criterion)
- IFC §909.22.4 / .5 (2024); §909.20.4 / .5 (2018); NFPA 92 §8.6Test frequency confirmed for the system type: dedicated = every control sequence semiannually; nondedicated = annually
- IBC §909.18.8.3 + §909.18.9Design values on hand: approved pressure range, door-open scenarios (if any), fan and grille airflows, sequence of operations
- NFPA 72 §14.2.4Fire alarm placed in test with the alarm contractor; monitoring company and occupants notified
- TAB practice (AABC / NEBB / TABB)Calibrated micromanometer, door force gauge, airflow instruments, tachometer and clamp meter on hand; calibration certificates attached
- IBC §909.18.8.2 (acceptance)Testing team identified with credentials (certified TAB firm working with fire alarm + controls contractors; AHJ may require more)
Test execution confirmation
0/8Per-floor measurements live in the table above. These items confirm the test ITSELF was run correctly.
- IBC §909.20.2.1 + §909.20.6; NFPA 101 §7.2.3.10–11System started by its real initiating device (stair-entrance smoke detector or the input named in the sequence), not just a fan switch; all enclosure doors released and closed
- IBC §909.20 + §1010.1.3TEST 1 run — system ON, all doors closed; every floor measured (ΔP + 3 door forces + self-close)
- Approved rational analysis / acceptance procedureTEST 2 run only if the design requires door-open scenarios (NFPA 92-2021+: doors opened automatically by the strategy; older designs may name others) — doors opened as named in the approved procedure; source document recorded
- NFPA 80 + IBC §716TEST 3 run — system OFF, every door self-closes + latches under its closer alone
- Sequence of operationsFan reached speed; time to start recorded and compared with the sequence of operations
- TAB practiceStair allowed to settle before readings; readings averaged on the manometer
- IFC §909.22.4 / .5 (2024)Sequence repeated on standby (generator) power
- IBC §909.20 "maximum anticipated stack and wind"Weather and temperatures recorded (outdoor, inside stair, wind) for stack-effect context
System integration verification
0/7The smoke-control system is integrated correctly with the rest of the building’s life-safety infrastructure.
- IBC §909.16 + UL 864 (UUKL)Firefighter smoke-control panel: every Auto / Run / Stop position controls the equipment; status lights come from proof devices and match the actual condition
- IBC §909.12.1Weekly automatic self-test running; its trouble reports reviewed
- Approved designRelief damper / bypass / VFD responds as doors open and close; controller pressure reading agrees with the manometer
- IFC §909.22.3 (2024)Motorized supply dampers and fire / smoke dampers move to their fire-mode positions
- IBC §909.18.8.3Fan airflow, speed, amps, volts and rotation recorded against design values
- Sequence of operationsBuilding HVAC in fire mode; return / exhaust not pulling air out of the stair
- GA Rule 120-3-3 amendment to IFC §909Smoke detector at each pressurization intake shuts its fan down (Georgia amendment; check local)
Restoration + documentation
0/4After the test sequence, restore building operation and document everything the AHJ will ask for.
- NFPA 72 §14.2.4FACP + smoke-control panel reset; HVAC restored; alarm system out of test; monitoring company notified
- IFC §909.22.2 (2024) / §909.20.2 (2018)Record shows date, personnel, any unsatisfactory condition and the corrective action, including parts replaced
- IBC §909.18.8.3Every reading reported next to its design value; failures, corrective actions and retests listed
- IBC §909.18.8.3.1 + §909.18.9Record kept at the building with the acceptance report and component documentation
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