Photoby Emily Shuler (Stoner Bunting PR)
Photo courtesy of CornellCookson, Inc.
Architects and designers have long been limited in their specification of compliant design solutions that meet International Building Code (IBC) elevator lobby requirements. Elevator lobbies stop smoke from reaching elevator shafts which act as a chimney, drawing deadly smoke to upper floors. Considering smoke inhalation causes more deaths than burns in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, any alternative to a lobby elevator must be compact, high-cycle, reliable and easy to service – all while meeting the strictest of codes.
The need for new solutions in this product category is what led CornellCookson, Inc., a worldwide rolling door and grille manufacturer, to develop its latest innovation – SmokeShield Elevator. This new smoke control system is grounded in more than 100 years of experience and innovation in fire and smoke protection. It not only eliminates the IBC elevator lobby requirement when possible, but it allows designers to pursue more spacious building designs, or simply create more revenue-generating floor space. Most importantly it stops killer smoke in its tracks, allowing building occupants precious time to evacuate in emergency situations.
“There are very few alternatives to traditional elevator lobbies,” said David Dawdy, fire and life safety product director at CornellCookson. “Architects and designers are often compelled to specify products that comply with code mandates, rather than meet their design vision. So, when a product with a feature set like this comes along, it suddenly gets everybody’s attention and gets the creative juices flowing. It’s a major breakthrough for the A&D community.” –
Feature Packed
SmokeShield® Elevator is a compact elevator hoistway closure that deploys upon notification by the fire alarm control panel or local smoke detectors. It is easily reopened by pushing the curtain-mounted switch. For annual testing, the system can be set to auto-open. This prevents the need for the facility team to walk the building, resetting each individual unit.
Standard battery backup provides monitored operational power for up to 24 hours, addressing the threat of power loss. This, along with high visibility and intuitive graphics, provides facility managers peace of mind and ensures that occupants stay safe in an emergency.
With no visible fasteners and a snap-together design, guide surfaces can be easily concealed in wood, masonry, sheetrock or other fascia materials offering versatility and a broad range of mounting possibilities. Any exposed guides or bottom bars can be finished to match, complement, or contrast surroundings with custom powder coating or an anodized finish that matches stainless steel.
SmokeShield® Elevator’s patented GuideLock™ technology also ensures that it positively reseals after each cycle – containing the smoke to the impacted floor. This door complies with IBC 2003 – 2018 and the ICC-ES Report AC-77. In addition, it is listed for UL 1784, UL325, and ASTME 864.
— From Jack Curley, products editor