What denotes a space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides?

A space within a building that is enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides is referred to as a smoke compartment. This designation is important for fire safety and building design, as smoke compartments are specifically designed to limit the spread of smoke during a fire event, thereby providing a safer environment for occupants and allowing for better access for emergency services.

The concept of smoke compartments is integral in building codes and standards, which outline how many smoke compartments a building must have based on its size and occupancy type. Smoke barriers used to create these compartments are defined structures that span the entire height and length of the space. They can be constructed from various materials that meet specific fire-resistance ratings.

Understanding smoke compartments is crucial for inspectors, as they play a key role in fire protection measures that enhance the safety of commercial buildings. Additionally, it is important to recognize that while other terms, like smoke dampers and smokeproof enclosures, are related to smoke control, they pertain to different aspects of fire safety systems and are not defined the same way as smoke compartments.