AMCA In Motion - Fall 2016 - 20

The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) In some cases, physically going to the damper to visually International has proposed that NFPA 80 and 105 be modified confirm its operation is the only option. For example, non- to allow actuated dampers to be tested remotely. The proposal actuated fire dampers simply operate by way of gravity or a requires the following: spring to close the damper's blades when a fusible link reaches n That dampers are designed with the ability to remotely its activation temperature. There is no way to remotely operate indicate when the damper is fully open and fully closed. n That, prior to dampers being eligible for remote testing, an the damper. The most common issues that prevent life-safety dampers initial visual inspection take place. For new construction or from operating as designed occur during installations, this would most comthe building construction process. An monly be done during the Suggested Reading improper installation is often the culprit. commissioning process. n "Fire/Smoke Dampers for Hospitals." AMCA It is critical that dampers be installed If AMCA's proposal is accepted, inmotion (2014): 2-6. square and plumb so their blades can any problems that occur after a n "Smoke Damper Testing and Maintenance freely operate without binding on the damper's initial inspection would be for Service Life and Performance Assurdamper's frame. Another installation identified during the remote testing. ance." AMCA inmotion (Summer 2012): 26-30. mistake is running screws into the linkThis is because the position indication n "Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers: The age, connecting the damper's blades to device would detect that the damper Difference is Important." AMCA inmotion each other. is unable to reach its full open or full (Fall 2011): 20-23. It is also not uncommon for dampers closed position-an indication to the n "Dampers: An Essential Component of to be tampered with during the construcbuilding's maintenance staff that the Fire Protection Design." AMCA inmotion tion of a building. For example, after a damper needs to be physically (Spring 2010): 11-14. building's HVAC system becomes active inspected. n "Integrating Smoke Control Dampers and but before power is supplied to a Fans." AMCA inmotion (Spring 2009): damper's actuator, construction workers CONCLUSION 14-17. may loosen an actuator's clamping Due to a lack of enforcement, lack n "Fire Smoke Dampers Prevent Occupants of manpower, messy clean up after mechanism so the space they are workfrom Getting the Shaft." AMCA inmotion access through ceiling compartments ing in can be conditioned. If they do (Spring 2008): 18-20. and the difficulty in performing visual not remember to retighten the mechan "Effective Smoke Control Using Dampers inspections on many dampers, the nism, the damper will stay open. Even with Electric Fire/Smoke Actuators." AMCA required periodic testing of life-safety after power is supplied to the actuators, inmotion (Fall 2007): 15-18. dampers is often not performed. dampers are sometimes propped open n "Fire and Smoke Damper Trade-Offs-At Allowing remote inspections would with a board or something similar to What Cost?" AMCA inmotion (Fall 2007): dramatically reduce the difficulty, keep the space conditioned, guaranteeing 10-11. time and subsequent cost associated failure in a fire event. Because of these issues, it is critical that dampers be visually with performing these tests. This in turn would result in a tested for proper operation during the building commissioning higher percentage of dampers being periodically tested and process. This process is also known as acceptance testing and thus safer buildings. is a precondition for turning the building over to the owner. WHEN VISUAL TESTING SHOULD BE USED REFERENCES WHEN REMOTE TESTING SHOULD BE ALLOWED Once an initial inspection or commissioning of a life-safety damper has been performed, the use of damper position indication devices can safely and effectively be used to confirm that the damper is continuing to function properly. This information can be obtained from a single remote control panel or easily visible light indicator. As previously mentioned, remote testing of life-safety dampers is not permitted to meet the periodic testing requirements of NFPA 80 and 105. But that restriction is out of touch with today's damper designs and the capabilities of modern building automation and fire alarm systems. The language in NFPA 80 and 105 should be changed to allow periodic testing to be conducted remotely on actuated dampers that have passed an initial visual inspection confirming proper operation. 20 Summer 2016 AMCA 1. International Fire Code. Washington, DC: International Code Council, 2012. 2. NFPA 101. Life Safety Code. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2015. 3. NFPA 80. Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2016. 4. NFPA 105. Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2016. 5. NFPA 92. Standard for Smoke Control Systems. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2015. inmotion W W W. A M C A . O R G http://WWW.AMCA.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AMCA In Motion - Fall 2016