Stairwell pressurization testing verifies that the smoke-control system holds the design pressure differential across every stair door, on every floor, under fan and door-open conditions. We perform this work under NFPA 92 and IBC 909 as part of the life-safety closeout.
What we verify
- Differential pressure across every stair door, top floor to grade
- Performance at design door-open conditions (typically two doors open)
- Door operability and force-to-open under pressurized conditions
- Smoke control fan performance, damper sequence, and BAS interface verification
- Coordination with fire alarm system testing where required
When the test is required
CofO punch list on every new high-rise. Annual or biennial re-test required by most jurisdictions for occupied buildings. Any major damper, fan, or door retrofit triggers a re-test.
Deliverable
Stamped report with measured pressure differential at each landing, door operability data, fan and damper performance verification, calibration certificates, and AHJ-ready documentation. Most jurisdictions accept the report at first submission.
Why owners require stairwell pressurization testing
Furthermore, stairwell pressurization testing protects the egress path during a fire — the AHJ requires it because lives depend on it. Specifically, stairwell pressurization testing under NFPA 92 confirms the smoke-control system holds design pressure with the design door-opening force. Therefore, owners require stairwell pressurization testing not only at closeout but on the annual re-test cycle over the asset’s life.
Code and standards context
NFPA 92 (Standard for Smoke Control Systems) is the principal reference document. IBC Chapter 9 (Fire Protection Systems), specifically Section 909, lays out the AHJ requirements. ASHRAE Standard 5 covers smoke-control commissioning. Each AHJ may require additional documentation — Atlanta and most Georgia jurisdictions follow IBC with state amendments. Door-opening force is typically capped at 30 lbf with the system in fire-mode. Pressure differential criteria run from 0.05 to 0.10 inches water column depending on building geometry. Annual re-test requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally follow NFPA 92 standard practice.
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Send the mechanical drawings and a schedule outline and you will hear back within one business day with a fixed-price proposal.
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What stairwell pressurization testing verifies under NFPA 92
Specifically, stairwell pressurization testing measures door-opening force, pressure differential across the stair door under normal and emergency-fan operation, and the time the system takes to reach design pressure after a smoke-alarm trigger. Furthermore, our crew documents results against NFPA 92 and IBC 909 design criteria.
When the AHJ requires stairwell pressurization testing
First, every high-rise closeout with a smokeproof or pressurized-stair system needs stairwell pressurization testing for the CofO. Then, recurring annual re-tests are required by NFPA 92 over the asset’s life. Therefore, our recurring-PM contracts include stairwell pressurization testing on the annual cycle.
Our stairwell pressurization testing field procedure
Specifically, our stairwell pressurization testing crew measures static pressure across each stair door under fan-on conditions, records door-opening force with a calibrated gauge, and times the fan response from smoke-alarm trigger. Furthermore, the stairwell pressurization testing report compares every value against NFPA 92 and IBC 909 design criteria. Therefore, the AHJ receives a document ready for life-safety sign-off.
Related resources
Related services
Further reading
Industry standards & references
- NFPA 92 — Standard for Smoke Control Systems
- International Building Code (IBC) — smokeproof enclosures
- AABC — Air Balance Council
