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Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Smoke Dampers and Fire
Doors

FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPER INSPECTION CODES

What is the code for testing and inspecting fire dampers?

NFPA 80 – Section 19.4 States
Each damper shall be tested and inspected one year after installation.
The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in hospitals, where the frequency shall
be 6 years.
What is the code for the testing and inspecting of smoke dampers?
NFPA 105 – Section 6.5 States
Each damper shall be tested and inspected one year after installation.
The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in hospitals, where the frequency shall
be 6 years.
What is the code for the testing and inspecting for fire dampers, smoke dampers, and fire stop flaps in Canada?
The National Fire Code (NFC) – Section 2.2.2.4 States
Fire dampers and fire stops flaps shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure that
they are operable at all times by
Keeping fusible links and other heat-actuated devices undamaged and free of paint and dirt;
Keeping guides, bearings, and stay rolls clean and lubricated;
Making necessary adjustments and repairs to door hardware and accessories to ensure proper closing and
latching, and;
Repairing or replacing inoperative parts of hold-open devices and automatic releasing devices.
What is the code for testing and inspecting fire dampers and smoke dampers in the United Kingdom?
British Standard 5888 States
All fire dampers should be tested by competent persons at regular intervals not exceeding two years
Spring operated fire dampers should be tested annually and fire dampers in dust laden atmospheres should
be tested much more frequently to suit the degree of pollution”

FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPERS

What is the purpose of a fire damper?

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Dampers are typically curtain style that will close (shut) when a fusible link melts. The fusible link typically melts
when the temperature rises to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. In some circumstances higher degree fusible links (e.g.
212°F) are installed in ductwork with consistently higher normal temperatures, such as hot decks in dual duct
systems. Fire dampers are certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to carry hourly fire resistance ratings,
typically 1.5 to 3 hours.
What types of fire dampers exists?
Dynamic Fire Dampers – Dynamic Fire Damper is a damper that is approved for use where the HVAC System
blower will remain on during an alarm (or “Fans On”). Dynamic fire dampers are rated to close against moving
air.
Static Fire Dampers – Static Fire Damper is a damper that is approved for use where the HVAC System blower
will cycle off during an alarm (or “Fans Off ”).
What is the purpose of a smoke damper?
Smoke dampers are used is ductwork and air transfer openings that are designed to resist the passage of air and
smoke. Smoke dampers may be required in smoke barriers and other smoke controlled systems.
How does a smoke damper work?
Typically smoke dampers are operated by smoke detectors in the ductwork that will close the smoke damper when
smoke is detected. Smoke detectors often are hard wired to a central alarm panel in which the alarm will relay a
signal to the smoke damper to cause smoke damper closure. The closure of smoke dampers are done by an
actuator – the actuator is either electric or pneumatic. The actuator utilizes the jackshaft and linkage to open and
close the blades of the smoke damper. Smoke dampers are UL certified with an air leakage class rating.
What is a Combination Fire and Smoke Damper?
These dampers are used in areas where both smoke and fire barriers are located to prevent the passage of both
smoke and flames.
What is a Corridor Damper?
Corridors are means of egress travel to an exit. Corridor dampers are fire and smoke dampers that have been
designed for use in corridors.
What is a Ceiling Damper?
Ceiling dampers lessen the passage of heat in fire resistance ceilings where ducts are made only through ceilings.
What is a fire barrier?
Fire barriers are fire-resistant rated horizontal or vertical assemblies designed to stop the spread of fire.
What is a smoke barrier?
Either vertical or horizontal, the smoke barrier is a continuous surface such as a wall, floor, or ceiling constructed
to restrict the movement of smoke.

Fire Doors

What is a Fire Door?

A fire door, like a fire damper, is a method of passive fire protection used to prevent the spread of fire and
smoke between fire barriers.
What are the main purposes of a fire door?
Serve as a regular door;
Provide ready egress during a fire;
Keep fire from spreading throughout a building;
Protect life and property
What determines a fire doors rating?
The fire rating of the wall that the door is installed determines the fire rating of the door.

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Wall Door
Description and Use
Rating Rating

These opening are in walls that separate building or divide a single building into designated
4 Hour 3 Hour
fie areas.

1-1/2 Openings of this type are used in enclosures of vertical communication or egress through
2 Hour
Hour buildings. Examples of these types include stairwells and elevator shafts

1 Hour 1 Hour These door assemblies divide occupancies in a building.

1 Hour 1/4 Hour For use where there are openings in corridors or room partitions.

1-1/2 This openings is in a wall where there is the potential for severe fie exposure from the
2 Hour
Hour exterior of the building.

This opening is in an exterior wall that has the potential to be exposed to moderate to light
1 Hour 1/4 Hour
fire from the exterior of the building.

These openings are in corridors where smoke and draft control is required. The minimum
1 Hour 1/3 Hour
opening is 1 Hour.
When are fire doors needed?
Where a door leads to exit stairwells and horizontal exits.
Where a door leads to a hazardous area.
Where a door has an Exit sign around it.
Generally, where a door leads to a hallway or from one fully enclosed room to another.

Fire Door Inspection Codes

NFPA 80 Section 5.2.4.2 States – As a minimum the following items shall be verified
No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame;
Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped;
The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with
no visible signs of damage;
No parts are missing or broken;
Door clearances at the door edge to the frame, or the pull side of the door, do not exceed clearance listed
(undercut ¾”, between door and frame 1/8” +/- 1/16” for steel doors, between door and frame 1/8” for wood
doors, clearance for meeting edges of pairs of doors 1/8” for steel +/- 1/16”, and 1/8” for pairs of wood doors);
The self-closing device is operational, that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open
position;
Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame;
No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label;
Gasketing and edge seals, where equipped, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity.

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