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Recent changes to the 2006 IBC have prompted questions regarding the use of wired glass in commercial construction.  Please refer to the following guidelines:

SIZE LIMITS FOR FIRE RATED GLAZING UNDER THE 2006 IBC

SuperLite I-W qualifies as safety glazing and restrictions placed on traditional wired glass do not apply.  In 20-and 45-minute doors, NFPA 80 allows sizes to the maximum size tested per NFPA 80 (2007) Section 4.4.5, Table 4.4.5.  Fire rated glazing, including safety wired glass products, are subject to NFPA 80 size limits when used in door and window assemblies per IBC 2006, Sections 715.4.6.1, 715.5.4.   In window assemblies, NFPA 80 allows the maximum size tested.

Fire protection rated glazing products used in door assemblies are subject to the size limits of NFPA 80, with the exception of glazing in 60-and 90-minute doors, which are limited to a maximum of 100 sq. inches per IBC 2006, Section 715.4.6.1. 

TRADITIONAL WIRED GLASS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN DOORS AND SIDELIGHTS

Traditional wired glass is no longer permitted for use in fire doors, sidelights and other openings in hazardous locations because it does not meet the human impact safety requirements of CPSC 16 CFR 1201, pursuant to Section 2406.1.  Therefore, the size limits in Table 715.5.3 for wired glass panels are no longer applicable to these applications.  

APPLICABLE USES OF TRADITIONAL WIRED GLASS

Traditional wired glass may be used in fire window assemblies that are not in hazardous locations, and are subject to the size limits of Table 715.5.3. Individual areas are limited to 1296 sq. inches, with no dimension exceeding 54 inches, unless otherwise tested per NFPA 80 (2007) Sections 17.2.2.1, 17.2.2.2.

A SAFE WIRED GLASS ALTERNATIVE IS AVAILABLE

SAFTI FIRST has developed, tested and listed SuperLite I-W, the first safe wired glass product that meets the highest impact safety standard (CPSC 16CFR 1201 Cat. II) and passes NFPA 252 and 257, making it safe for use in fire doors, sidelights and other openings  where in areas where accidental impact may occur. 

Safety glazing size limits also apply to limit fire rated glazing in openings requiring safety glazing, i.e., doors, sidelights, and other fire assemblies in hazardous locations.    Glazing panels 9 sq. feet and over must be tested to Category II of CPSC 16 CFR 1201.  Category I rated fire and safety glazing products are limited to individual panels sizes of less than 9 sq. ft.  per IBC 2006, Section 2406.1, Table 2406.1.