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Public Input No. 1-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Chapter 2 ]
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General.
The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be
considered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications.
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 70® , National Electrical Code®,2014 edition 2017 .
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2015 edition .
NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to
Room Fire Growth, 2011 edition .
NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, 2010 edition .
2.3 Other Publications.
2.3.1 ANSI/ ASHRAE Publications.
American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor, New York, NY
10036.ANSI/ASHRAE 15, Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration , 2004. Society of Heating,
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers , 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E. , Atlanta , GA 30329 .
ASHRAE 15 & 34 , Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems , 2013, Errata, 2015 . (This is now a
combined standard)
2.3.2 ASTM Publications.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM C 411 C411 , Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal
Insulation, 2011.
ASTM D 93 D93 , Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester, 2013.
ASTM E 84 E84 , Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2013a
2015 .
ASTM E 2231 E2231 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct
Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2009 2014 .
ASTM E 2688 E2688 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Tapes to Assess
Surface Burning Characteristics, 2012 2010 .
ASTM E 2690 E2690 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants
to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2010e2.
2.3.3 SMACNA Publications.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Inc., 4201 Lafayette Center Drive,
Chantilly, VA 20151-1209.
Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 7th edition, 2003.
HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible, 3rd edition, 2005.
Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual, 7th edition, 1998.
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2.3.4 UL Publications.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/ UL 94, Standard for Safety Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and
Appliances, 1996, revised 2012.
ANSI/ UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013.
ANSI/ UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts, 2013.
ANSI/ UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors,
2013.
ANSI/ UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2008,
revised 2013.
ANSI/ UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2004, revised 2012.
UL 2518 Outline , Outline of Investigation for Air Dispersion System Materials, 2005.
2.3.5 Other Publications.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2015 edition.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
Referenced updated SDO names, addresses, standard names, and editions.
Related Public Inputs for This Document
Related Input
Relationship
Public Input No. 2-NFPA 90B-2015 [Chapter B]
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sat Mar 21 16:29:14 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#3
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Public Input No. 5-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. 2.3.2 ]
2.3.2 ASTM Publications.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM C 411 C411 , Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal
Insulation, 2011.
ASTM D 93 D93 , Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup
Tester,2013 2015 .
ASTM E 84 E84 , Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,
2013a 2015a .
ASTM E 2231 E2231 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct
Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2009 2015 .
ASTM E 2688 E2688 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Tapes to Assess
Surface Burning Characteristics, 2012.
ASTM E 2690 E2690 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants
to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2010e2.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
date updates
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: MARCELO HIRSCHLER
Organization:
GBH INTERNATIONAL
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 02 17:10:54 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#3
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Public Input No. 3-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. 2.3.4 ]
2.3.4 UL Publications.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/UL 94, Standard for Safety Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and
Appliances, 1996, revised 2012 2015 .
ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors,2013.
ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts,2013.
ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air
Connectors,2013.
ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2008,
revised 2013.
ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2004, revised 2012 2015 .
UL 2518, Outline of Investigation for Air Dispersion System Materials, 2005.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
The proposed changes reflect updated editions of the UL Standards.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: RONALD FARR
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Jul 01 09:41:34 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#3
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Public Input No. 8-NFPA 90B-2015 [ New Section after 4.1.1.1.4 ]
4.1.1.1.4.1
The requirement of 4.1.1.1.4 that vertical ducts serve not more than two stories in height shall not apply to
phenolic duct constructed to ANSI/SMACNA 2015 Phenolic Duct Construction Standards.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
Creates a new section to accommodate phenolic ducts, a new air distribution material and the corresponding new
industry consensus standard, ANSI/SMACNA 2015 Phenolic Duct Construction Standards. Phenolic ducts, when
constructed vertically and when constructed to ANSI/SMACNA 2015 Phenolic Duct Construction Standards do not
have limitations of not more than two adjacent stories in height.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: ELI HOWARD
Organization:
SHEET METAL AIR CONDITIONING
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 06 12:23:53 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: No data was submitted to support allowing these ducts or any UL 181 Class 0 or Class 1 ducts to
exceed two stories in height. The committee suggests that such data be submitted at the comment
stage.
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Public Input No. 7-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. 4.1.1.1.4 ]
4.1.1.1.4
A Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air duct shall not be used as a vertical air duct that is more than two
stories in height unless otherwise specified in 4 .1.1.1.4.1.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
Added language creates a new section to accommodate recognition of phenolic ducts, a new air distribution
material.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: ELI HOWARD
Organization:
SHEET METAL AIR CONDITIONING
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 06 12:20:45 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: No data was submitted to support allowing these ducts or any UL 181 Class 0 or Class 1 ducts to
exceed two stories in height. The committee suggests that such data be submitted at the comment
stage.
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Public Input No. 4-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. 4.1.2 ]
4.1.2 Air Connectors.
Air connectors are limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be required to conform to the requirements for
air ducts provided they meet the following requirements:
(1)
Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or Class 1 connectors when tested in
accordance with ANSI/UL 181.
(2)
Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors shall not be used in ducts containing air at temperatures in excess
of 121°C (250°F).
(3)
An air connector run shall not exceed 4.3 m (14 ft) in length.
(4)
Air connectors shall not pass through any wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is
required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour or more.
(5)
Air connectors shall not pass through floors.
(6) An air connector shall not be interrupted by a short collar or any other fitting on one side and then
connected to another air connector on the other side when penetrating (a) a floor or (b) a wall,
partition or enclosure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
The requirement that “Air Connectors shall not pass through any wall, partition, or enclosure of a vertical shaft that
is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour or more” and “Air Connectors shall not pass through floors” is
not sufficiently clear.
The confusion comes in understanding exactly what is considered “passing through”? ASHRAE’s TC 5.2’s Codes
& Standards Interaction Sub-Committee extensively discussed this in meetings recently and they plan to request
an interpretation from NFPA 90A & 90B about this.
It is known that Air Connectors are being used to transport air up to the plane of a floor or wall, then interrupted by
a short collar or other metal fitting, and then continued on the opposite side. Many inspectors consider this as “not
passing through” and thus are allowing it to be done. This should not be acceptable to NFPA 90A or 90B.
It is also known that Air Connectors are being used in basement applications where the ceiling is then finished out
in gypsum board. Is this considered acceptable? In what plane is the “passing through” limitation considered? Can
an Air Connector pass through floors in the horizontal plane?
It is important that the correct information is provided to users of NFPA 90A & 90B. It seems that some clarification
is needed for this important aspect of Air Connector use limitation to be properly understood and conveyed.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: MARCELO HIRSCHLER
Organization:
GBH INTERNATIONAL
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 02 17:08:29 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
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Resolution: FR-5-NFPA 90B-2015
Statement: The new language is intended to clarify that no part of these types of ducts are allowed where they
pass vertically through floors.
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Public Input No. 9-NFPA 90B-2015 [ New Section after A.4.3.2 ]
TITLE OF NEW CONTENT
Type your content here ...
A.4.3.2.5 Aerosol duct sealants for use with sheet metal ducts are not addressed within the scope of
ANSI/UL181A or ANSI/UL181B, Aerosol duct sealants intended for use with sheet metal ducts are
addressed by UL1381, Outline of Investigation for Aerosol Duct Sealant .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
Aerosol duct sealants are intended to seal minor holes and gaps within sheet-metal air ducts fabricated and
installed in accordance with ANSI/SMACNA "HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible.". UL 1381,
Outline of Investigation for Aerosol Duct Sealant, provides requirements to evaluate these sealants for this
application, including surface burning characteristics, mold growth and humidity, erosion, interior duct burning,
leakage reduction, and durability. These tests are based on requirements in ANSI/UL 181, ANSI/UL 181A,
ANSI/UL 181B and ASTM E2342.
UL 1381 requirements are limited to application in ducts with individual openings no greater than 5/8 in. diameter,
and seam/joint openings no greater than 5/8 in. across. These sealants are not intended for use as a substitute or
to supplement mechanical attachment in the sheet-metal duct systems. These sealants are not intended for use
with rigid fiberglass ducts, flexible-wire helix ducts, or spirally wound metal ducts not complying with SMACNA
Standards.
Aerosol duct sealants are intended to be applied by trained professionals and specifically in accordance with
accompanying installation instructions.
Related Public Inputs for This Document
Related Input
Relationship
Public Input No. 10-NFPA 90B-2015 [Section No. B.1.2.3]
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: John Taecker
Organization:
UL LLC
Affilliation:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 06 16:35:14 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: Not needed. See FR#6
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Public Input No. 2-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Chapter B ]
Annex B Informational References
B.1 Referenced Publications.
The documents or portions thereof listed in this annex are referenced within the informational sections of
this standard and are not part of the requirements of this document unless also listed in Chapter 2 for other
reasons.
B.1.1
NFPA Publications.
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2011 edition.
NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2015 edition.
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2015 edition.
NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible
Particulate Solids, 2010 edition.
NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2014
edition.
B.1.2 Other Publications.
B.1.2.1
ASTM Publications.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM E 84 E84 , Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,2013a
2015 .
ASTM E 2231 E2231 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct
Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics,2009 2014 .
B.1.2.2
NAIMA Publications.
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 44
Alexandria, VA 22314.
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310 103 ,
NAIMA AH116, Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard, 5th edition, 2002.
NAIMA AH124, Fibrous Glass Duct Liner Standard, 3rd edition, 2002.
B.1.2.3
UL Publications.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/ UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2013.
Building Materials Directory, 2012.
B.2
Informational References. (Reserved)
B.3
References for Extracts in Informational Sections.
NFPA 101 ®,Life Safety Code ®, 2015 edition.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
Updated edition years.
Related Public Inputs for This Document
Related Input
Relationship
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Updated edition years.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Apr 23 20:16:32 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#4
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Public Input No. 6-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. B.1.2.1 ]
B.1.2.1 ASTM Publications.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM E 84 E84 , Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials,2013a 2015a .
ASTM E 2231 E2231 , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct
Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics,2009 2015 .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
date updates
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: MARCELO HIRSCHLER
Organization:
GBH INTERNATIONAL
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 02 17:12:42 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#4
12/3/2015 7:30 AM
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Public Input No. 10-NFPA 90B-2015 [ Section No. B.1.2.3 ]
B.1.2.3 UL Publications.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors,2013.
UL1381, Outline of Investigation for Aerosol Duct Sealant,
2013
Building Materials Directory, 2012 2015 .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input
UL 1381 is proposed in Public Input 9 to be referenced in Section A.4.3.2.5.
Related Public Inputs for This Document
Related Input
Public Input No. 9-NFPA 90B-2015 [New Section after A.4.3.2]
Relationship
Add reference to UL 1381.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: John Taecker
Organization:
UL LLC
Affilliation:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 06 16:36:53 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Resolution: See FR#4
12/3/2015 7:30 AM