Chapter 9 of the IFC covers installation of smoke control systems. Section 909.18 of the IFC defines the testing requirements for initial acceptance testing of smoke control systems. Section 909.19 states that a written maintenance program must be submitted and approved before occupancy. The periodic testing requirements are in Section 909.20. Dedicated systems must be tested semiannually and non-dedicated systems tested annually. Section 909.20.3 of the IFC does state specifically that dampers are included in the smoke control system testing.

Thus, the requirements for smoke control system dampers are more stringent than those for containment. (Table 1 contains a summary of the periodic testing requirements.)

Table 1 Periodic testing requirements for dampers

Damper types

There are multiple types of life safety dampers. Most fire dampers have fusible links that melt at 165°F (74°C); these are curtain dampers and a small percentage of multi-blade types. Actuated fire dampers are available but rather rare.

Smoke dampers do not have a high temperature limit as they are controlled from a smoke detector or relay from the fire alarm system with area smoke detectors. They are always actuated.

Combination fire and smoke dampers have temperature limits and are actuated. They are not able to be reopened without pressing a manual reset button. Almost all use a bimetal to cut power to the actuator to close. (Figure 1 shows examples of a curtain damper and a combination fire and smoke damper.)

Smoke control system dampers

Only actuated smoke dampers or combination dampers are used in Chapter 9 applications. They are of the same construction as containment dampers but the controls are more sophisticated.

These dampers have either blade or actuator position indication switches that are connected to the firefighters’ smoke control panel, usually via the fire alarm system. In addition, there are override switches on a control panel that allow an incident commander to open or close the damper manually. (Figure 2 shows a hard-wired switch and position indication application.)

Figure 2 Smoke damper with firefighters’ switch and position indication

Owner responsibility

It is the building owner’s responsibility to maintain life safety dampers. Any deficiencies observed by a sheet metal contractor should be noted on a service ticket or report. Owners are frequently unaware of their periodic testing requirements as building officials and fire marshals do not always enforce the code.

This story originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of SNIPS magazine.