does anyone know about elimination of the use of wire glass per codes?
I heard something about it from one of the fire rated glass reps at our CSI Chapter Meeting, but haven’t seen anything “official” yet. He is supposed to get me information on it.
At the Final Action Hearing of the ICC in May, it was voted to eliminate the exception that allowed the use of wired glass complying with ANSI Z97.1 in hazardous locations for fire doors, windows, and view panels. Under this change, all glass will need to comply with CPSC 16 CFR 1201. The change will be effective in the 2006 IBC, but will be published in the 2004 Supplement to the I-Codes for immediate adoption for those jurisdictions that decide to do so.
Good discussion and information at this site-
BTW, the correct term is “wired” glass.
IBC 2003 does NOT allow wired glass in Group E occupancies (schools). Refer to 2406.1.2
The wire in wired glass only holds the glass in the opening when there is a fire or a hose stream. Contrary to popular belief, the wire does NOT provide additional strength or impact resistance.
The wire can be a serious liability. Many shool children have been hurt where they put their arms through a window. Actually putting their arms through the window does not injure them as much as trying to pull their arms back out through the broken glass (pointing the wrong way like barbs on a fish hook). I had a friend in high school that was seriously injured this way. He nearly bled to death right there on the gym floor. Do a Google search for more information on wired glass injuries.
My firm avoids wired glass except for very narrow vision lites where it would be difficult to put you hand through the glass.
I recommend specifing super tempered fire glass (ceramic) materials. Check out 08815 -Fire Rated Glass and Framing on this fine website. The only disadvantage with this fire glass is that it is expense. Wired glass is cheap…and dangerous.
One other option is the new Pilkington Pyroshield Plus. It can be used in doors up to 45 minute rating with hose stream test. It also meets Category I safety requirement. It doesn’t look any better than standard wired glass but its safer and less expensive than the ceramics. Follow the link below for more info.
David raises a good point. I was working on a project where they put a wired glass ceiling over an office space in an atrium. The glazier slipped and fell through the wired glass and got badly cut from both the glass shards and the wire. I also saw a kid in high school have his head put into a wired glass window. He too got badley cut from the broken glass.
If you do not like the ceramic type fire rated glass (FireLite by TGP) because of the orange tint, you can try the Pilkington Pyrostop (which is distributed by TGP), or SuperLite products by SAFTI div. of O’Keeffe’s, Inc., or Vetrotech by Saint-Gobain North America