A smoke barrier partition is a wall or partition designed to limit the spread of smoke during a fire, as defined by the International Building Code (IBC). The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual and IBC Section 709 (Smoke Barriers) specify requirements for smoke barriers and their openings, including doors, to ensure they maintain their smoke-resistant function.

A. Panic door hardware: Panic hardware (e.g., push bars) is required on doors in certain egress paths, such as in assembly occupancies (Group A) or where the occupant load exceeds a threshold (e.g., 50 people in Group A, per IBC Section 1010.1.10). However, panic hardware is not specifically required for doors in smoke barriers unless the door serves a high-occupancy egress path, which is not indicated in the question.

B. Self or automatic closers: IBC Section 709.5 (Openings in Smoke Barriers) requires that doors in smoke barriers be self-closing or automatic-closing to ensure the barrier remains effective in preventing smoke spread. Self-closing doors use a closer mechanism (e.g., a spring hinge) to close automatically after being opened, while automatic-closing doors close via a fire alarm or smoke detector activation. This requirement ensures the door remains closed during a fire, maintaining the integrity of the smoke barrier, making this the correct answer.

C. Class C fire protection rating: The term "Class C fire protection rating" is not a standard classification in the IBC for doors. Doors are rated by their fire protection rating in hours (e.g., 20 minutes, 3/4 hour, per IBC Table 716.1(2)). Smoke barrier doors typically require a 20-minute fire protection rating (per IBC Section 709.5), but this is not referred to as "Class C," and the question focuses on smoke barrier requirements, not fire ratings.

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual confirms that doors in smoke barriers must have self or automatic closers to ensure they close during a fire, maintaining the barrier’s smoke-resistant function, as required by the IBC.

Verified Answer from Official Source:The correct answer is B, as verified by the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual and IBC Section 709.

Exact Extract:

From the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Chapter 2: Building Codes and Standards): "Doors in a smoke barrier partition must have self or automatic closers to ensure they remain closed during a fire, maintaining the barrier’s ability to limit smoke spread."

Explanation from Official Source:

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual explains that self or automatic closers are required for doors in smoke barriers to ensure they close automatically, preventing smoke from passing through the opening during a fire. This requirement, outlined in IBC Section 709.5, is critical for maintaining the smoke barrier’s function, making it the primary requirement for such doors.

Objectives:

Understand the requirements for doors in smoke barriers.

Apply building code standards to ensure smoke safety in design.