Make-up air, NFPA, and common sense

[carpguy]

I am a novice to NFPA code, but I can't find much that specifically applies to make-up air systems. Common sense would tell me that make-up air systems should not be running during a fire. Let's say that a fire exists in a building such that a hole is created between the buidling and the outside. This would create a negative pressure situation and the make-up air unit is going to try and correct this situation by increasing the air flow, essentially fanning the flames. Yet, through all my Googling and searching, I can't find anything saying that make-up air systems should be interlocked to a building's fire safety system. Can anybody spread some light on this subject?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Google duct smoke detection. Air Products and Control has a nice primer on duct smoke detection.

Duct smoke detection is required by a number of codes. Depending on where you're at you can find the requirements in the International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and NFPA 90A or 90B.

 

[sprinkler1000]

Depends on the criteria that has been designed for fire protection for the building.

Either there is smoke control or not. If is not, then a good solution is that the fire alarm system order to shut down ALL fans and hvac equipment.

 

[chicopee]

where the spread of smoke and fire becomes an issue,fire dampers actuated by fusible links rated for particular temperatures are used in ducts.

 

[fireguy519345]

Fire dampers can also be actuated by smoke detectors in the duct, or the FACP.

 

[haze10]

Check you State code. Many states specify that all ventilation fans over a certain size (ie, 2000 CFM) have to be interlocked to turn off in the event of a fire alarm.