Inspect and Test Smoke/Fire Dampers How Often? 1

[DRWeig]

Hi all, I got myself lost here...

Is there a code or standard that dictates inspect/test for smoke and fire dampers?
How often would that be?

I'm unable to get to the NFPA codes online today or I'd have given it a shot already.

Thanks!

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[cdafd]

Any specific occupancy or general question


Any specific code/ standard you have to inspect by

 

[DRWeig]

Thanks cdafd,

The occupancies are retail and school (college). It's NFPA 72, but the frequencies in Table 10.4.3 do not include dampers. Line 10.4.3.3 confuses me.

I have tested them annually as a matter of routine when we're doing normal fire alarm testing. Now I just need to figure out what standard might support this frequency or else tell me what it should be.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[cdafd]

Nfpa 72 deals with fire alarm system installation

Will have to look which nfpa standard applies and also you will need to find out if the ahj has adopted the standard

 

[DRWeig]

Thanks cdafd,

It turns out it's NFPA 80 (and yes it's been adopted). Required frequency is one year after installation, then every four years thereafter.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[chicopee]

Since these fire/smoke dampers are spring actuated and are held open with fusible links rated to melt at some temperatures you will not be able to test them in the same sense as testing fire alarms or sprinkler systems. The best thing, as far as I know, is to visually inspect them to insure that the fusible elements are not painted over or the whole closure system is not badly corroded and features fusible elments; I imagined that disconnecting their attachments to test their closures would be a way to manually test them, however, I have not familiar with any written test procedure or listed frequency of test published by the NFPA.

 

[DRWeig]

You're right, Chicopee, but the dampers I see have to also close by spring on fire alarm, in addition to fusible link. You're also right that there's no NFPA procedure to my knowledge.

We let them close, then open the access doors on each side. Inspect for any defects in blades or seals, clean, reassemble, and reset. On the outside we inspect the link and motor, and clean them. I guess we could also check for leakage when shut but that's an iffy measurement in the field.

Oh, and if the access doors are not there, we start the job with foul language and shears.

Thanks much for your info!

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[chicopee]

Then your inspection procedure is fine and I am sure that you document the results, signed and dated.

 

[CKCECB]

NFPA 105 covers smoke dampers, and it also references NFPA 92 for smoke control systems.

 

[DRWeig]

Thank you CKCECB!

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[fireguy519345]

If there are fusible links involved, go to Globe Technologies for some more information. Fusible links are not all the same. There are differences in temperature activation and pulling force.

 

[DRWeig]

Thanks fireguy

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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