NFPA 80 NFPA 105 NFPA 101

NFPA 80, NFPA 101 requires Fire Dampers, Rated Doors and Barriers  to be inspected and maintained to save lives. These passive systems are in place to extend the chances of people exiting safely from a facility that is under a fire condition. Without  the proper program in place to maintain these systems. A facility would be at risk of failing their staff members, as well as anyone who is present in the building during fire situations. 

 There are three types of dampers associated with the passive and active containment system. 

 First, there are fire dampers. Fire dampers come in more then a few different types, but all have one common theme. They are equipped with a fusible link rated to burn at 165 degrees. This dampers primary function is to stop the spread of fire. 

 Second, there are combination fire/smoke dampers. These dampers operate as a passive damper and active damper. The active component is controlled by the fire control panel and is operated with an electric or pneumatic actuator. These dampers can also be equipped with a fusible link or a thermal link to be activated when the temperature reaches 165 degrees. They function to stop the spread of fire and smoke. 

 The third type of damper is a smoke damper. Smoke Dampers are single or multi-blade dampers that  would generally have two safety positions, open to  allow smoke extraction, or closed to maintain  compart integrity. Smoke Dampers are controlled by an actuator that is connected to the fire control panel. Smoke is the biggest killer when it comes to fires.

 Codes for inspections are governed by many different authorities. Each authority will have their own codes to follow, but all stick to the same basic guidelines outlined in International Building Code and NFPA 80.

  An operational test must be completed after the installation of the fire damper is complete.  Then, each fire damper must be tested and inspected one year after the installation.  After that one year mark, fire dampers must then be tested and inspected every four years except for hospitals which have a six year frequency.

 Most would expect provisions related to hospitals to be more restrictive than for other types of buildings. The healthcare industry presented the technical committee with significant evidence that a four-year inspection frequency for fire dampers in hospitals, in these buildings, is a hindrance. Hospitals are unique in that they have many building systems critical to the life safety and health of their occupants (patients). Personnel accessing fire dampers every four years would entail the risk of interfering with or potentially damaging the many systems (HVAC, medical gas systems, sprinkler piping, electrical systems) that are located near the fire dampers and above ceilings. The six-year frequency allows for a reasonable but safe length of time between inspections and also ensures the integrity of the hospital operations. 

2019 NFPA 80 Dampers

Chapter 19 Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Dampers

19.1 General. 

19.1.1* This chapter covers the requirements of the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire dampers, radiation dampers, and combination fire and smoke dampers. 

19.1.2 Damper ratings shall be established in accordance with NFPA 90A. 

19.1.3 Combination fire/smoke dampers shall also meet the requirements contained in NFPA 105. 

19.1.4 Definitions. 

19.1.4.1 Breakaway Connection. A joint connecting a fire damper sleeve and attached ductwork that will allow collapse of the ductwork during a fire without disturbing the integrity of the fire damper. (See 3.3.16.)

19.1.4.2 Ceiling Radiation Damper. A listed device installed in a ceiling membrane of a fire resistance–rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly to automatically limit the radiative heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet opening. (See 3.3.19.) [5000, 2015] 

19.1.4.3 Combination Fire/Smoke Damper. A device that meets both the fire damper and smoke damper requirements. (See 3.3.27.) 

19.1.4.4 Dynamic System. An HVAC system designed to maintain the movement of air within the system at the indication of a fire. (See 3.3.43.) 

19.1.4.5 Fire Damper. A device installed in an air distribution system, designed to close automatically upon detection of heat, to interrupt migratory airflow and to restrict the passage of flame. Fire dampers are classified for use in either static systems or for dynamic systems, where the dampers are rated for closure under airflow. (See 3.3.48.)

19.1.4.6 Fire-Rated Damper Mullion. A mullion used to separate multiple listed dampers in large openings. (See 3.3.65.) 

19.1.4.7 Retaining Angle. The metal angle used to retain the fire damper in the opening. (See 3.3.99.) 

19.1.4.8 Smoke Damper. A device within an operating (dynamic) air distribution system to control the movement of smoke. (See 3.3.118.) 

19.1.4.9 Static System. An HVAC system designed to stop the movement of air within the system at the indication of a fire. (See 3.3.122.) 

19.1.4.10 Volume Control Damper. A fire damper, smoke damper, or combination fire/smoke damper that is also used to control the volume of air in an HVAC system. (See 3.3.142.)

19.2 Installation. 

N 19.2.1 Dampers shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and listing. 

N 19.2.2* For new damper installations, the damper manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions shall be maintained on site. • 

19.3 Operational Test. 

19.3.1 Fire Dampers. After the installation of a damper is completed, an operational test shall be conducted. 

19.3.1.1 The damper shall fully close from the open position. 

19.3.1.2 When equipped with smoke detection activation, testing shall be performed in accordance with NFPA 4. 

19.3.1.3 For dynamic dampers, it shall be verified that the system airflow where the damper is installed is within the velocity rating of the damper listing. 

19.3.1.4 The operational test shall verify that there are no obstructions to the operation of the damper. 

19.3.1.5 The operational test shall verify that there is full and unobstructed access to the fire damper and all listed components.

19.3.1.6 All indicating devices shall be verified to work and report to the intended location. 

19.3.1.7* The fusible link operating temperature shall be in accordance with NFPA 90A and ANSI/UL 33, Standard for Heat Responsive Links for Fire-Protection Services, temperature classifications and ratings. 

19.3.2 Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers. After the installation of a dynamic combination fire/smoke damper is complete, an operational test shall be conducted. 

19.3.2.1 The test shall determine that the system has been installed and functions as intended. 

19.3.2.2 The operational test shall be conducted under non fire HVAC airflow conditions as well as static flow conditions. 

19.3.2.3 The operational test shall verify that there are no obstructions to the operation of the dynamic combination fire/ smoke damper.

19.3.2.4 The operational test shall verify that there is full and unobstructed access to the dynamic combination fire/smoke damper and all listed components. 

19.3.2.5 All indicating devices shall be verified to work and report to the intended location. 

19.3.2.6 The dynamic combination fire/smoke damper shall also meet the testing requirements contained in Chapter 6 of NFPA 105. 

19.3.3 Inspection. Following completion of the test, a visual inspection shall be made of the assembly to ensure no obstructions have been introduced. 

19.3.4 Documentation. All inspections and testing shall be documented, indicating the location of the fire damper, date(s) of inspection, name of inspector, and deficiencies discovered. The documentation shall have a space to indicate when and how the deficiencies were corrected. 

19.4 Acceptance Testing. 

19.4.1 Acceptance testing of fire dampers shall be performed by a qualified person with knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of assembly being subject to testing and the system in which it is installed. 

19.4.2 Before testing, a visual inspection shall be performed to identify any damaged or missing parts that can create a hazard during testing or affect operation or resetting. 

19.4.3 Actuated Damper. 

N 19.4.3.1 Acceptance testing of dampers designed to close via an electric or pneumatic actuator shall be conducted by removing electrical power or air pressure from the actuator and ensuring that the damper closes properly. 

N 19.4.3.2 Electrical power or air pressure shall then be reapplied to the damper to confirm that it returns to its full-open position. 

19.4.4* Non actuated Damper.

N 19.4.4.1 Acceptance testing of dampers designed to close via a spring(s) or by gravity shall be conducted by removing the fusible link and confirming that the damper closes properly.

N 19.4.4.2 The damper shall then be manually reset to its full-open position and the fusible link shall be reinstalled. 

• N 19.4.5 If the damper is equipped with a variable air volume system, acceptance testing shall be conducted after the building mechanical ventilation system has been balanced and in operation under maximum air flow.

19.4.6 A record of these inspections and testing shall be made in accordance with 19.5.3. 

19.5* Periodic Testing. 

19.5.1 Testing Frequency. 

19.5.1.1 Each damper shall be tested and inspected 1 year after acceptance testing. 

19.5.1.2 The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in buildings containing a hospital, where the frequency shall be every 6 years.

N 19.5.1.3* In existing, fully ducted HVAC systems, periodic testing shall not be required for a single damper that is not accessible within a rated barrier or shaft. 

N 19.5.1.4 Position indication functionality shall be permitted to be added to an existing damper not originally designed with position indication provided that the accuracy of the open and closed indication method is confirmed as required by 19.5.2.3.3.1(C). Any field modifications made to the damper shall be installed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions for retrofitted equipment.

2019 NFPA 105 Dampers

Chapter 7 Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of Smoke Dampers

7.1* General. This chapter covers the requirements of the installation, testing, and maintenance of smoke dampers and combination fire and smoke dampers. 

7.2 Definitions. (Reserved) 

7.3 Installation. 

7.3.1 Dampers. 

7.3.1.1 Smoke dampers shall be installed within 24 in. (610 mm) of the partition and before any branch line or opening other than access panel and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the listing. 

N 7.3.1.2* For new damper installations, the damper manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions shall be maintained on-site. 

7.3.1.3 Damper actuator and linkage to operate the smoke damper shall be supplied and installed at the factory. 

7.3.2 Dampers equipped with fusible links and/or internal operators shall be provided with an access door that is not less than 12 in.2 (7742 mm2) or provided with a removable duct section. 

7.3.2.1 Dampers that are installed behind registers, diffusers, or grilles shall be serviceable by removal of these covers. 7.3.2.2 A smoke damper access panel shall be labeled with the words “Smoke Damper” in letters not less than 1∕2 in. (13 mm) in height. External insulation shall not conceal any access panel unless there is a label attached to the insulation clearly indicating the exact location of the access panel and the insulation is installed for ease of removal or ease of removal with the access panel. 

7.3.2.3 Unobstructed access shall be provided through a ceiling or wall for inspection and service of the damper’s working parts.

7.3.2.4 Installation of combination fire/smoke dampers shall be in accordance with the installation of fire dampers in NFPA 80, Section 19.2. 

7.3.2.5 Smoke detectors used to control smoke dampers or fire/smoke dampers shall be spaced and installed per the requirements of NFPA 72. 

7.4 Operational Test. 

7.4.1 Smoke and Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers. An operational test shall be conducted after the building’s HVAC system has been balanced. 

7.4.1.1 The test shall be adequate to determine that the damper has been installed and functions as intended. 

Δ7.4.1.2 The operational test shall be conducted under normal HVAC airflow and non-airflow conditions. The damper shall fully close under both test conditions. 

7.4.1.3 The operational test shall verify that there are no obstructions to the operation of the dynamic combination damper. 

7.4.1.4 The operational test shall verify that there is full and unobstructed access to the dynamic combination damper and all appurtenances. 

7.4.1.5 All indicating devices shall be verified to work properly and report to the intended location.

7.4.1.6 Combination fire/smoke dampers shall also meet the testing requirements contained in NFPA 80, Section 19.3. 

7.5 Acceptance Testing. 

7.5.1 Acceptance testing of smoke dampers shall be performed by a qualified person with knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of assembly to be tested.

7.5.2 Before testing, a visual inspection shall be performed to identify any damaged or missing parts that could create a hazard during testing or affect operation or resetting. 

7.5.3* Acceptance testing shall be conducted after the building mechanical ventilation system has been balanced, and in operation under maximum airflow, if equipped with a variable air volume system.

N 7.5.4 Acceptance testing shall be conducted by removing electrical power or air pressure from the actuator and ensuring that the damper fully closes. 

7.5.5 Electrical power or air pressure shall then be reapplied to the damper to confirm that it returns to its full-open position. 

7.5.6 A record of these inspections and testing shall be made in accordance with 7.6.4. 

7.6 Periodic Testing. 

7.6.1 General. 

7.6.1.1 Smoke dampers for dedicated and nondedicated smoke control systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 92.

7.6.1.2 Combination fire/smoke dampers shall be inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 80.

7.6.2* Testing Frequency. 

7.6.2.1 Each damper shall be inspected and tested 1 year after the completion of acceptance testing. 

7.6.2.2* After the inspection and test required by 

7.6.2.1, the test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in buildings containing a hospital, where the frequency shall be every 6 years. 

N 7.6.2.3* In existing, fully ducted HVAC systems, periodic testing shall not be required for a single damper that is not accessible within a rated barrier or shaft. 

7.6.3 Test Method. 

7.6.3.1 General. 

N 7.6.3.1.1 All tests shall be completed in a safe manner by personnel wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). 

7.6.3.1.2 Fans shall not be permitted to be shut down during the test. 

7.6.3.2 Visual Inspection Method. Visual inspection shall include all of the following: 

(1) Visually confirm that the damper is in the full-open or full-closed position as required by the system design.

(2) Command and visually confirm the damper to the full closed or full-open position.

(3) Restore and visually confirm the damper to the original operating position as required by the system design.

N 7.6.3.3 Remote Inspection Method. 

N 7.6.3.3.1 General.

N 7.6.3.3.1.1 A damper with remote inspection capability shall positively indicate when the damper is fully open and fully closed. 

N 7.6.3.3.1.2 The initial remote inspection shall include a visual inspection of the damper in accordance with 7.6.3.2.

N 7.6.3.3.1.3 The visual inspection shall confirm that the position indication method accurately reflects the full-open and full-closed position of the damper. 

N 7.6.3.3.2 Test Procedure. 

N 7.6.3.3.2.1 The full-open or full-closed position, as required by the system design, shall be confirmed via the damper’s position indication device. 

N 7.6.3.3.2.2 The damper shall be commanded and confirmed to the full-closed or full-open position. 

N 7.6.3.3.2.3 The damper shall be confirmed to be in the original operating position as required by the system design.

N 7.6.3.3.2.4 If the remote inspection fails to comply with the requirements of 7.6.3.3.2.1 through 7.6.3.3.2.3, a visual inspection shall be performed in accordance with 7.6.3.2. 

7.6.4 Documentation. 

7.6.4.1 All inspections and testing shall be documented indicating the location of the damper, date of inspection, name of inspector, and deficiencies discovered. 

7.6.4.2 The documentation shall have space to indicate when and how the deficiencies were corrected.

7.6.4.3 All documentation shall be maintained for at least three test cycles and made available for review by the AHJ. 

Your annual fire door inspection requires: As a minimum, the following items shall be verified:

1. No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame.
2. Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped.
3. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage.
4. No parts are missing or broken.
5. Door clearances do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 and 6.3.1.7.
6. The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position.
7. If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.
8. Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position.
9. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame.
10. No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label.
11. Gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity.

Annual fire door inspections can be complex and should be completed by a qualified inspector. It is imperative that there is proper documentation of each point. NFPA 80 and 105

2019 NFPA 105 Doors 

5.2.4* Acceptance Testing. Acceptance testing of smoke door assemblies shall be performed by a qualified person with knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of assembly subject to testing. 

5.2.4.1* Before testing, a visual inspection shall be performed to identify any damaged or missing parts that can create a hazard during testing or affect operation or resetting.

5.2.4.4.2 As a minimum, the following items shall be verified: 

(1) Labels on fire-rated smoke door assemblies are clearly visible and legible and bear the "S" label marking. 

(2) Door leaves without fire protection ratings comply with 6.3.1. 

(3) Door frames comply with 6.3.2. 

(4) Gasketing along the vertical edges of the door and across the top of the door and, where required, at meeting edges of pairs of doors forms a continuous seal that is not cut, notched, or otherwise modified to accommodate other hardware items.

(5) Gasketing materials, where required, are intact and close the gaps between the door and frame to seal the door opening against the passage of smoke.

(6) Doors installed in pressurized applications have a bottom seal, where required. 

(7) Doors equipped with bottom seals that automatically project to fully seal the gap under the door in the closed position do not interfere with the swinging of the door when retracted or the closing of the door when projected. 

(8) No open holes or breaks exist in the surfaces of either the door or the frame. 

(9) Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped.

(10) Glazing materials and vision light kits comply with Sections 6.5 and 6.6. 

(11) Glazing materials, vision light kits, and glazing beads are continuously sealed. 

(12) The door, frame, hinges, and other hardware are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage.

(13) No parts are missing or broken. 

(14) Door clearances do not exceed dimensions listed in 6.3.3 when measured on the pull side of the door(s).

(15) The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position.

(16) If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.

(17) Where positive latching is required, latching hardware operates and secures the door when the door is in the closed position.

(18) Where door leaves, other than doors arranged for automatic closing, are permitted to be held open with friction door holder devices, the door holder devices comply with 6.3.6.6.

International Building Code (IBC)

NFPA 101 2018

Firestop Systems and Devices Required.

8.3.4.2.1 

Penetrations for cables, cable trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, combustion vents and exhaust vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and communications systems that pass through a wall, floor, or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a fire barrier shall be protected by a firestop system or device.