xt75hq3rz10m https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt75hq3rz10m/data/mets.xml Kentucky Department of Housing Building Officials and Code Administrators International Kentucky Department of Housing Building Officials and Code Administrators International 1997 books English Frankfort, Ky.: Kentucky Dept. of Housing Portions of this publication reproduce text, tables and/or figures from the copyrighted material owned by the International Code Council, Inc., Washington, D.C. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. Building laws -- Kentucky The Kentucky Building Code, Seventh Edition, 1997 text "Substantial portion of this code has been copied from the BOCA basic building code, 1978, 7th ed., c1978. Building Officials and Code Administrators International." About the International Code Council: The International Code Council (ICC), a membership association dedicated to building safety,fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The mission of ICC is to provide the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment. Most United States cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States. Headquarters: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-2070. District Offices: Birmingham, AL, Los Angeles, CA. 1-888-422-7233. www.iccsafe.org The Kentucky Building Code, Seventh Edition, 1997 1997 1997 2021 true xt75hq3rz10m section xt75hq3rz10m COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, DENNIS J. LANGFORD
Gm‘t'nmr BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
10-17 US. HIGHWAY 1375. BAY l
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(503) 564-8014
FAX (502) 56-1-6799

FORMAL IN TERPRE T A T I ONS N 0. 00-24

DOCUNIENT: .Section 315.1, 1995 CABO/ One and Two Family Dwelling Code
(CABO/OTFDC) and Section 1014.7 Exception l, 1997 Kentucky Building Code
(KBC)

SUBJECT: Handrail requirements for stairs with three- (3) or more risers.

Question: Does a stair leading to a porch of a single family dwelling require a handrail if the
stair has two steps (also two risers) and a third riser to the porch or landing.

Answer: Yes

Commentary: The requirement for handrails is based on the number of risers and not the number of
steps. The term "riser" is not deﬁned by the KBC so one must take its ordinarily
accepted meaning. Webster's New World Dictionary deﬁnes ”riser” as any of the
vertical pieces between the steps in a stairway. The KBC includes treads, risers and
landings (or porches) in the deﬁnition of a stairway. Any stair or ﬂight of steps that
requires one to take more than two vertical steps upward or downward requires a
handrail on at least one side.

May 25, 2000
Date Board Approved

11.

EDUCATION

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON

Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
1047 US. HIGHWAY 127$. BAY l
FRANKFURT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564~8044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-01

DOCUMENT: The 1995 CABO/One & Two Family Dwelling Code at}! the 1997
Kentucky Building Code

SUBJECT: Section 314.6, CABO/One & Two Family Dwelling Code
Section 310.6. 1997 Kentucky Building Code
(Circular stairs within single family dwelling units)

Question 1 . Is the minimum tread depth of a circular stair measured 12" from the narrower
end of the tread?
Answer: Yes

Question 2. Can a circular stair within a single family dwelling unit be constructed to meet
winder stair requirements?
Answer: Yes

Commentary: The proponent of the change to the 1995 CABO Code to allow circular
stairs within single family dwelling units inadvertently omitted the language to measure the
tread depth 12" from the narrower end of the tread as all three model codes currently
require Circular stairs constructed to meet winder stair requirements would not have to
meet the minimum radius requirements for a circular stair and thus could accomplish a
tighter turn.

Note: The maximum riser height and the minimum tread depth for all regular, winder and
circular stairs within single family dwelling units would be 8 1/4" and 9" respectively
because of the special Kentucky exception in the 1997 KBC. See Sections 310.6 and
1014. 6, Exception 8, of the 1997 KBC

”Wagjﬁ J/ﬂl/Qé?

Charles A Cotton, Chairman date $6ard Sixpproved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

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PAYS

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commiuiontr

1047 US. HIGHWAY lZ7S. BAY l
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 5646799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-02

DOCUMENT: 1997 Kentucky Building Code
SUBJECT: Section 1010.4, emergency escape and rescue windOws

Question: VVl" a window opening comply with the requirements for emergency escape
if its minimum net clear opening width dimension is 20 inches and its
minimum net clear opening height dimension is 24 inches?

Answer: No.

Commentary: To comply with the opening requirements, the window must also have a
minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, unless the window is a grade floor window
in which case the minimum net clear opening is 5.0 square feet. The window opening size
indicated in the question above only has a minimum net clear opening of 3.3 square feet.
If the minimum allowable width of 20 inches is used then the height of the window opening
shall be at least 41 inches.

If the minimum allowable window height of 24 inches is used, then the width of the window
opening shall be at least 34 inches.

There have been studies made that indicate that the minimum opening sizes listed in the
code text are necessary in order for a ﬁreman to maneuver through the window opening
with full dress ﬁreﬁghting gear including breathing apparatus and possibly a victim.

My /¢7

C ares A. Cotton, Chairman Da{e Board Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

:‘é

‘isnucA'rlou

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON , DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
0mm BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION

C ammininner

1047 US. HIGHWAY lZ7S. BAY l
FRANKFOKI'. KENTUCKY 4060l-4322
(502) 564—8044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-03

DOCUMENT: 1997 Kentucky Building Code
SUBJECT: Table 705.2, ﬁre resistance rating of exterior walls

Question: Do the ﬁre separation requirements of Table 705.2 apply to exterior building
walls that run perpendicular to the property line?

Answer: No.

Commentary: in considering ﬁre separation (deﬁned as the distance from the face of an
exterior wall to the closest interior lot line, to the center line of a public street, or imaginary
line between two buildings on the same property), the major concern is radiant heat from
an opening in the wall or opening, therefore, a wall that is perpendicular to a property line
would not be required to have a rating or opening protective even if a wall was located
closer than six (6) feet from the property line since heat from that wall would not tend to
move toward the property line. (See attached drawing for clariﬁcation.)

/A2/ 5?

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Daté Boareprrproved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

Rated wall not required
even if portion of the wall
is within 5' of property line
because wail is perpendicular Radiant heat moves in
to property line and radiant outward direction

heat is parallel to the property perpendicular to wall
line.

_—————-—

——---

PROPERTY LINE

lf 5' or less rated
wall and opening
protection required

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
Gm'trnar BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
1047 U.S. HIGHWAY 1275. BAY I
FRANKFURT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) S64~8044
FAX (502) 564-6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-04

DOCUMENT: - 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
SUBJECT: Sections 105.1 and 105.2, state or local jurisdiction

QUESTION: In regard to Sections 105.1 and 105.2 of the 1997 Kentucky Building
Code, what guidelines are used to determine the authority having jurisdiction over
alterations or additions to existing buildings?

ANSWER: If an existing structure is of the size and/or occupancy which, if newly
constructed, would fall under State jurisdiction, then any alterations and/or additions to that

building would fall under State jurisdiction regardless of whether or not an addition is
separated from the existing structure by a ﬁrewall.

If an addition to an existing structure increases the size of the total structure to the point
where the total structure would fall under State jurisdiction if it were new construction, then
the addition would fall under State jurisdiction regardless of whether or not a ﬁrewall
separates the addition from the existing structure.

Whenever a change of occupancy to a more restrictive use group occurs and if this

building would fall under state jurisdiction as a new building, then the project would fall
under state jurisdiction.

Fire walls are not taken into account when determining whether or not a project is under
state or local jurisdiction, Section 104.5.

W /Ku/?si

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Da/te Band Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

EDUCATION

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
Gm'trnar BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commixxinner
l047 U.S. HIGHWAY 127s. BAY l
FRANKFURT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 56443799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-05

DOCUMENT: 1997 LIFE SAFETY CODE and 1997 Kentucky Building Code
SUBJECT: Door swing

QUESTION: When a pair of doors are installed, such as in a horizontal exit or a
smoke partition. is there a requirement as to which leaf swings in what direction?

ANSWER: Yes. Though the code does not specify which leaf is to swing in the
direction of egress travel, it is understood that normal trafﬁc flow indicates the door leaf
to an individuals right ( as the door is faced) is to swing in the direction of egress travel.
Therefore, this ofﬁce will require that the right leaf (as the door is faced) shall swing in the
direction of egress travel.

EXCEPTION 1. EXisting installations may remain unchanged.

(ézmé dzégﬁ /Al/¢9

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Daé Boa(d Ap‘proved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING: CHARLES A. COTTON

Com-nor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
l047 U.s, HIGHWAY I275. BAY l
FRANKFURT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) swarm
FAX (502) 5644799

C onuninianrr

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-06

DOCUMENT: 1997 Kentucky Building Code, 1995 CABO/ One and Two Family
Dwelling Code (Section 303.3) and 1993 BOCA/ National
Mechanical Code (Section M—1603.0 & 1604.0)

SUBJECT: Bathroom exhaust termination

Question: Can a bathroom exhaust terminate in a ventilated crawl space, attic space
or to an eave sofﬁt vent?

Answer: No

Commentary: All three of the above referenced codes require mechanically
ventilated bathrooms to be exhausted directly to the outdoors. While the air
within ventilated attics and crawl spaces is not tempered air and in most
cases is the same temperature as the outdoor air, it is not considered to be
outdoors because those spaces are still within the exterior building envelope.

In order for a vent to be considered as discharging to the outdoors the vent
duct must penetrate the outermost exterior membrane of the building.

Bathroom exhaust ducts that are run horizontally in the ceiling space and
then turned down to a sofﬁt vent leave an opportunity for some moisture to

escape into the attic space.
/Z2 //?9

Charles A. Cotton Chairman - Date'Board/Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and

Construction

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
0mm BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
l047 U.S. HIGHWAY 127$. BAY l
RANKFORT. KENTUCKY 406014322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 564-6799

C ammixsioner

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-07

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
SUBJECT: Fire walls/party walls, Section 707.1

QUESTION: Do two (2) 1—hour rated partitions or two (2) 2-hour rated partitions tilted
together but left independent of each other, as shown below, comprise a ﬁre wall per
Section 707.1 of the Kentucky Building Code?

—__.___.L____
:1:
(2) 3"" be" "317 P‘“““’"‘ A nuance of (2) u L 3.. 11305

or 031‘ Partition-

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: Section 707.1 of the Kentucky Building Code requires that ﬁre walls be
constructed of masonry or concrete materials. The two designs shown are comprised of
combustible materials in that 2 X 4 wood studs are used. It is also noted that UL Design
No. U317 has a 45-minute assembly rating, not 1-hour.

This interpretation does not apply to townhouses desig ned In accordance with the CABO

One & Two Family Dwelling Code
Mwﬂf

arles A. Cotton, Chairman . DatJBoardApproved
Board of Housing, Buildings and

Construction

EDUCATION

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
comm BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION

Commissioner
I047 US. HIGHWAY IZ7S. BAY I
RANKFORT, KEVI‘UCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 564-6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-08

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE

SUBJECT: Suppression of Furnace Rooms and rooms containing non-fuel
ﬁred equipment, Table 302.1.1

FURNACE ROOMS:

It is the intent of Table 302.1.1 to require suppression in all rooms housing furnaces and
similar fuel-ﬁred equipment (boilers, water heaters, etc). The deﬁnition of a furnace room
is a room containing fuel-ﬁred equipment and, therefore, non-fuel ﬁred equipment (electric,

steam, etc.) are not considered furnace rooms and would not require suppression under
this Section.

ROOMS CONTAINING NON-FUEL FIRED MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT:

Rooms with non-fuel ﬁred equipment would be considered as storage rooms and would

require suppression and/or separation when located in a use group requiring storage
rooms to be suppressed.

xii/27

Char es A. Cotton, Chairman 06/ te Boa/rd Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

Enucn‘nou

PAYS

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING: CHARLES A. COTTON

Goi‘trnar _BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
1047 US. HIGHWAY 1275. BAY I
FRANKFOKI'. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-3044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-09

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE

SUBJECT: 1-2. Dwelling Unit Separation Walls
3. Draft stopping

QUESTION #1: Is it the intent of the K30 to require the dwelling unit separation walls

enclosing upper ﬂoor dwelling units to be continuous to the underside of the roof deck
above? '

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: Section 711.4 requires dwelling unit separation walls to extend from
the top of the ﬁre rated ﬂoor/ceiling assembly below to the ﬁre resistance rated ﬂoor/ceiling
or roof/ceiling assembly above.

In the case of a sloped roof truss system, tested design assemblies may not exist,
therefore, we will allow the separation walls to terminate at the underside of any ceiling
membrane having a ﬁnish rating of not less than sixty (60) minutes.

NOTE: A minimum of two layers of 5/8 inch Type X Gypsum Board is required for a sixty
(60) minute ﬁnish rating. Installation of the ceiling shall be in accordance with the design
assembly from UL, GA, FM, or other nationally recognized ﬁre resistance design manual.

QUESTION #2: If the answer to Question #1 is no, are there any approved alternatives
when the roof/ceiling assembly is not a ﬁre rated assembly?

ANSWER: Yes.

COMMENTARY: The dwelling unit separation walls may be continuous to the underside
of the roof deck.

QUESTION #3: When the ﬁre rated dwelling separation walls terminate at the ﬁre rated
assembly, as speciﬁed in Section 711.4, is draft stopping required in concealed spaces?

ANSWER: Yes, In accordance w 1 ion 72172.1, Exception 6.

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-09
PAGE 2

COMMENTARY: For ﬂoor/ceiling assemblies where suspended ceilings are used or the
assembly uses open web ﬂoor trusses, buildings of Use Group R-1 and R-2 shall be
provided with draft stopping in line with tenant separation walls when the walls do not
extend to the ﬂoor sheathing above. (Section 721 .7.1 .1)

For buildings of Use Group R-3, the ﬂoor/ceiling space shall be divided into approximately
equal areas not greater then 500 square feet and installed parallel to the main framing
members. (Section 72111.2)

The attic spaces for buildings of Use Group R, the draft stopping shall be above and in line
with the tenant separation walls that do not extend to the roof sheathing above. (Section
72112.1)

NOTE: When dwelling unit separation walls are constructed to the underside of a ﬁre
resistance rated roof/ceiling assembly or to a ceiling with sixty (60) minute ﬁnish rating, the
Department will accept attic draft stopping complying with Section 721.722 ( i.e.,
horizontal draft stopped areas not exceeding 3,000 square feet).

Maw/7?

Char es A. Cotton, Chairman Date/Board Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON ' DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON

Governor BUIIJDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
1047 US. HIGHWAY 127$, BAY I
FRANKFURT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-10

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
STATE PLUMBING CODE

SUBJECT: Accessible Toilet Rooms in Mercantile Occupancies

QUESTION #1: Can a store have restrooms in it’s storage area as long as the access
to that area is clearly identiﬁed with signs?

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: The Kentucky State Plumbing Code requires mercantile use buildings
or tenants having sales areas exceeding 5,000 square feet to have public toilets that are
accessible to the public directly from the sales area without going into or through a secure
area such as a stock room or other such space. This will also require that these toilets be
accessible to the physically disabled. Therefore, these toilets must be located directly
adjacent to the public areas and/or accessed through a public corridor, vestibule or the like.

Access through a stock area or other area not considered for general public access is no
longer considered accessible under the provisions of the 1997 Kentucky Building Code.

Buildings or tenants under 5,000 square feet that exceed a total occupant load of 100
persons as calculated under Section 1008 of the Kentucky Building Code are not required
to have public toilets. However, the employee toilets must still be accessible to the
physically disabled. 815 KAR 20:191, Section 13(2)(b)

W // /,77

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman D te B 94rd Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, » CHARLES A. COTTON
Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Comminianer
1047 US. HIGHWAY 1275. BAY l '
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-11

DOCUMENT: 1997‘ LIFE SAFETY CODE
SUBJECT: Sprinkler protection throughout

QUESTION: Section 12—351 of the 1997 Life Safety Code requires all health care
facilities to be protected throughout by an approved sprinkler system. Is it the intent of the
Code to sprinkle wardrobes, cabinets, lockers or similar components (no matter how they
are labeled) when found in patient sleeping rooms, staff lounge/locker rooms etc?

ANSWER: Yes.

COMMENTARY: All areas used for storage, which are enclosed or recessed in building
construction (such as wall pockets, alcoves), shall be sprinkled. However. there is an

exception for storage spaces that do not exceed 2 feet in depth and a total of 6 square feet
in area.

In applying this section, any enclosed storage Space, whether part of the building
construction or a fabricated unit installed within the building construction, is subject to
suppression if the top and sides are not exposed into the room, thereby, protected by the
suppression protection in that room.

In applying the exception, if the space is subdivided by permanent construction into areas
not more than two (2) feet deep and six (6) square feet in total area, the space need not
be sprinkled. This includes multiple units with permanent interior subdivided areas or side
by side units not exceeding the sizes listed above.

ééwéu /% Ila/29

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Dat/e Bgérd Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. COTTON
Comm, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
1047 v.5. HIGHWAY 1275. BAY r
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 4060 r 4322
(502) swam
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-12

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE

SUBJECT: Combustible elements in non-combustible construction, Section
603.4.1

QUESTION: Does wood blocking, nailers and furring strips (normally within walls)
that are installed in Types 1 and 2 construction have to be ﬁre retardant treated?

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: Wood blocking can be "wood strips or sections". normally of a small
size; and, installed horizontally between steel studs to provide anchorage for the
attachment of ﬁxtures such as grab bars, handrails, sinks, urinals, frame support for
openings and similar wall mounted items. This blocking is normally used to obtain more
stability and strength than is usually found in steel stud construction.

« ﬁx/yy

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Date/ Boarf Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

EDUCAT 0"

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A_ COTTON
Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
[047 U.S. HIGHWAY 127$. BAY I
RANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044
FAX (502) 564-6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-13

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
SUBJECT: Roof trusses in protected construction, Table 602

QUESTION: Type 5A construction requires the roof/ceiling assembly to have a‘
minimum one hour ﬁre resistance rating. When the roof structure consists of an open web
truss system, the rating is achieved by attaching two (2) layers of 5/8 inch ﬁrecode drywall
to the bottom chord of the truss. Can attic access openings be located in the ceiling
membrane when the 2 layers of drywall are used to get the required ﬁre rating?

ANSWER: Yes.

COMMENTARY: The opening may be framed in wood. Thereshall be two (2) layers
of drywall of the same rating andthickness as the ceiling placed in the opening. The two
(2) layers shall be securely attached to each other to ensure both pieces remain in place.
Any method that will ensure a good bond between the two (2) pieces will be acceptable.
This assembly shall ﬁt snugly into the access opening. This shall apply when the double
layer drywall/truss design is used for the ﬁre rating.

When the ﬁre rated assembly requires one (1) layer of drywall as part of the ﬁre rating, the
opening may be framed in wood and a single layer of drywall the same rating and
thickness as the ceiling may be inserted into the opening. The drywall panel shall be
securely attached to a piece of 1/2 inch plywood that is the same dimension as the drywall

panel for added security and weight . This assembly shall ﬁt snugly into the access
opening.

/A2/ /Z’§

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Date Boaﬁj Approved
Board of Housing. Buildings and

Construction

WAD"
PAY

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A. corron

Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION C ammisn'antr
l047 US. HIGHWAY l27S. BAY l
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564-8044 ‘
FAX (502) 564-6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-14

DOCUMENT: “ 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
SUBJECT: Lay—in ceiling panel, Table 602; Sections 704.1, 713.1.1 and 716.2

QUESTION: Can a rated ceiling membrane (i.e., UL. listed acoustical lay—in ceiling
panel) sufﬁce as a ﬁre rated assembly?

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: When using a ﬁre resistant assembly design as listed by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, the design must be followed completely. Approved ﬁre
resistant designs list every construction component including materials, nails, nailing
schedule, wire, and light ﬁxtures. If the construction details are not as speciﬁed in the
approved design assembly, then the construction can not be considered as achieving the

rating required. In some cases the building ofﬁcial may accept equivalent materials or
methods.

To our knowledge, only one ceiling membrane will provide a one hour rating regardless of
the composition of the assembly. That ceiling membrane is two (2) layers of Type X 5/8
inch gypsum board applied to the underside of structural members spaced a maximum of
2 feet on center. This ceiling has a ﬁnish rating of at least 60 minutes which is documented
by Factory Mutual test data. Therefore, it will qualify for a one-hour ﬁre resistant rating.

KWiQW z/su é?

Chﬁes A. Cotton, Chairman DateI BoardApproved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

anucA'rIon

AYS

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, CHARLES A.,COTTON
\ Comm BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Comm“,
1047 U.S. HIGHWAY [278. BAY I
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 4060I-4322
(502) 5643044
FAX (502) 564—6799

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-15

DOCUMENT: 1997 KENTUCKY BUILDING CODE
SUBJECT: Electrical outlet boxes

QUESTION: Is it the intent of Section 71416.1 of the 1997 Kentucky Building Code
to require all electrical outlet boxes, that are located in a wall. to be separated by a
horizontal distance of 24 inches minimum?

ANSWER: No.

COMMENTARY: Where solid- wood studs are used, the 24 inch requirement is
unnecessary, provided each outlet is separated by one intervening stud cavity. When
metal studs are used, then the 24 inch dimension is required because of the perforations
in the metal studs. The 24 inch horizontal distance does not apply to electrical outlets in
solid concrete or masonry wall construction.

W //;L/ /77

Charles A. Cotton, Chairman Date Boatd Approved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

_2
EDUCATION

PAYS

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING,

Governor BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
1047 v.5. HIGHWAY 127s. BAY l
RANKFOKT, KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(502) 564—8044
FAX (502) 564-6799

CHARLES A. COTTON

C omission"

FORMAL INTERPRETATION NO. 99-16

DOCUMENT: BOCA NATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, Section M—504.5.1.93

SUBJECT: Range Hood Exhaust Systems

There has been some confusion over whether or not a UL #710 listing for commercial range hoods
meet all requirements of the Kentucky Building Code. The answer is, not completely.

The UL. listing does not address the ﬁre extinguishing system, the exhaust duct from the hood to the
exterior, the capture velocity to contain cooking vapors and residue within the hood under normal
operating conditions nor the proper source of make-up air. All of these items must be reviewed for
compliance with the Kentucky building codes in order to obtain approval from this ofﬁce or the
authority having jurisdiction for a range hood.

Plans are required to be submitted to and approved by this ofﬁce or the authority having jurisdiction.
Final approval is dependent upon the range hood performance in containing cooking vapors and
residue within the hood under normal operating conditions. A test shall be conducted to show that
containment is achieved. Observation of the removal of large quantities of smoke from beneath the
hood with all appliances at operating temperatures and all air moving devices, such as the HVAC

system operating, is one acceptable test method. Our ﬁeld inspectors, or the authority having
jurisdiction, shall be present during the test.

All required make-up air shall pass between the cooking surface and the face of the hood. In this
case, make-up air is the same as or greater than the exhaust volumes stipulated by Section M-504.5.1
of the 1993 BOCA National Mechanical Code. Air introduced inside the hood and above the face
opening shall n_ot be counted as make—up air. Exhaust air volumes below those required by Section
M-504.5.1 of the 1993 BOCA National Mechanical Code may be allowed if documentation is provided
to show that containment of the contaminants will be accomplished. However, in no case shall
exhaust volumes be less than 50 CFM/ft2 of the face area (open perimeter x height of hood above
cooking surface x 50 ft./min.) for wall mounted and island type hoods.

Attached is a procedure for calculating exhaust volumes required for a speciﬁc cooking appliance

arrangement.
//02 / /77

Charl s A. Cotton, Chairman Date Board prroved
Board of Housing, Buildings and
Construction

EDUCATION
VS

A .. I:......i Pow—~a.mz.., :u-‘nl ..... RA fit/h

Upd raft
Heated Surface Velocity Contaminated

Equipment Dimensions (ln.) ' Factor Air

(A) Oven 30x36 . 50 375
(B) Fryer 18x24' 85 255
(C) Charbroiler ‘ 32x34' . 150 1133
(D) Range 42x34' ~ . ' 50 496

llrgestp-ece

Total area of cooumg ecu-n. 28.0 ' “en“, "'1’“ “‘MMW“ "' or cooking Iqmpmenl

Enhausl required by cooking game. 2259 mull-v than my surface for
the” pieces of eqmpm-nt

1‘:

(

1.-----_-_.

L--:

mom VIEW J ._ _. ._ .1

TOP VIEW
I .
COOK NG EQUIPMENT Flg. 23
Fig 22 (Al CONVENTIONALOVEN
(3) (0| (6' FﬁVER
(C) CHARBROILEH

Lr \.J L '
F—W—pIG—zr—pF—ar_+——u-__.l lDl RANGE
From the table. the required exhaust forthe cooking equipment is 2259 cubic feet per minute, To determine the

quantity of air required for the minimal capture velocity. the total cooking surface area (28 square feet) must be
subtracted from the face area of the hood. The difference then multiplied by 50.

MEL—aw

42" X ‘52" = 47.25 Ft.’
144

Face area (47.25 Ft.2)—AHS (28 Ft?) = 19.25 Ft.2 outside updrafts.

Total face area of hood =

Minimum capture airfow= 19.25 Ft.2 x 50 FtJMin. = 963 CFM.

The quantity of exhaust air (05) required for the wall canopy hood. as'shown in Figures 21 , 22 and 23. is 3222
cubic feet per minute [2259 + 963].

If physical side curtains were used, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the exhaust airflow would be adjusted as
follows. The amount of contaminated air generated remains the same (2259 CFM) since there was no change
in cooking equipment. The reduction in hood face area eliminates the airflow required to establish a minimal

capture velocity in these areas. . --

M: 40.25 Ft?
144

Hood face area (40.25 Ft.2)—AHS (28 Ft?) = 12.25 Ft.2 outside updrafts.

Hood face area =

12.25 Ft.2 x 50 Ft./Min. =613 CFM.
For this hood and side curtain combination, the required exhaust would be 2872 CFM (2259 + 613). Side
curtains reduce the effects of crossdrafts and the airflow requirements as shown in this example.

135' #1

I I
._ 30"_'_ 24"-‘__36"_..——4a-—~ Fi .25
COOKING EQUIPMENT ' . g

,. . -_.-.h.—‘~ .y n. .-~..‘- n' "’1'. hnr‘d

‘:\\\\\\\.\\L

.—-— 3o--...':.24~ '

/
/
/
/ l
/
.4

2...? . ,
2 Top View of hood and cooking Iqulpmenl u
Side curtains placed II and: of hood L'IYDUI- L..- _ a. _ - _. _ _ i... _ _ _ ‘_

____'.____—————
SM- w-w nl In! Imnle island clnonv

Determining Hood Exhaust Airflow Requirements

The amount of air which must be removed from the kitchen hood is dependent upon the following two
quantities: 1. The quantity of exhaust airflow which will remove all the contaminated air being generated by the
cooking equipment and entering the hood. 2. The quantity of air required to establish a minimal capture
velocity under the hood in areas outside the updrafts.

The generation of contaminated air from each piece of cooking equipment is mainly a, function of its size.
temperature. and design. For convenience. the following table has been established for various types of

u1..'L;.,iiie:i‘..

Equipment and Description Updraft Velocity Factor
Steam kettles. ranges,
conventional ovens—non-grease 50
producing equipment

Fryers/Griddles-Grease as
producing equipment

Charbroilers—High heat and grease
producing equipment

To calculate the amount of airwhich must be removed for a given piccc of cooking equipment. the cooking
surface area (AHS) must be determined in square feet. In the case of gas equi