State of New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards Concurs with Conquest Firespray’s Position Concerning Horizontal Duct Applications

Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code has recently made a strong statement concerning the subcode that addresses fire-resistance ratings of assemblies that are not symmetrical, under Section 703.2.1.

This new development, published in the Summer 2017 Construction Code Communicator, Vol. 29 #2, cites N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.7, concerning “municipal approvals of alternative materials, equipment, or methods of construction, which applies to municipal approvals of alternative materials, equipment, or methods of construction.”

For fire-rated ductwork assemblies, the Construction Code Communicator states: “In the case of fire rated ductwork, fire test standards ISO 6944, ISO 6944-01, or ASTM E2816 where the fire rated ducts for ventilation are tested to fire exposures may be considered equivalent to the standard-time temperature curve, as set forth for ‘built-in’ assemblies in ASTM E119. Under all three of these ventilation duct fire resistance test standards, there are four conditions that are necessary for fully testing the assemblies:

  • Fire inside vertical
  • Fire inside horizontal
  • Fire outside vertical
  • Fire outside horizontal”

The State of New Jersey is now in agreement with Conquest Firespray, which recently made the provocative declaration that the industry-standard horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). That conclusion was reached, and confirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors and engineers over a twelve-month period. This work has revealed broad non-compliance. The recent statement by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code is consistent with Conquest’s findings.

“The State of New Jersey action follows a recent Florida Declaratory Statement and from the City of Houston, now a matter of law, that recognizes the need for testing of all types of ducts, vertical and horizontal,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest Principal and Head of Engineering. “All types of ducts must be tested, vertical and horizontal. This is a matter not just of liability but of life safety, and we’re pleased that the State of New Jersey has recognized this pressing issue.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced an education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance. The program qualifies for continuing education credits and offers modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to the no-cost / no obligation code education modules:

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; compliance@conquest-firespray.com. More info: www.conquest-firespray.com