First Revision No. 6-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Chapter NFPA ] Submitter Information Verification. Committee Statement and Meeting Notes

Transcription

1 First Revision No. 6-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Chapter NFPA ] Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall be (a) noncombustible or (b) exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or (c) comply with through , as applicable. Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 12:41:07 EST 2012 Committee This is simply a correction of an omission in the text. The default requirement for Statement: materials exposed to the airflow in ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor plenums is that they be noncombustible (which is already shown) or be limited combustible (which is the option in and in ) or that they meet a flame spread index of 25 and a smoke developed index of 50 in the ASTM E84/UL 723 test (and that portion is implied but missing from the text). This change does not affect (of course) the requirements for materials of construction of the plenum, electrical wires and cables, optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, sprinkler piping, raceways, discrete electrical products, supplementary materials air ducts or air connectors. It is simply clarification consistent with the intent. FR-6-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 3-NFPA 90A-2012 [Chapter NFPA] 1/23

2 First Revision No. 13-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Global Input ] Egress Corridors * Egress corridors in health care nursing and long term care facilities, detention and correctional, and residential occupancies shall not be used as a portion of a supply, return, or exhaust air system serving adjoining areas unless otherwise permitted by through Air movement between rooms and egress corridors in hospitals, nursing facilities, and ambulatory care facilities shall be permitted where the transfer of air is required for clinical purposes by other standards.. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 09:39:28 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee agreed with this change which duplicates the language it approvel in TIA 90A FR-13-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 39-NFPA 90A-2012 [Global Input] 2/23

3 First Revision No. 4-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] ASTM International Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA ASTM C 411, Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, ASTM D 93, Standard Test Methods for Flashpoint by Pensk y-martens Closed Cup Tester, ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2010b ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 C, 2009b ASTM E 2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 C, (2009a). Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 12:29:56 EST 2012 Committee Statement: Standards date updates FR-4-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 17-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] First Revision No. 5-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] 3/23

4 2.3.6 UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2005, Revised ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts, 2005, Revised ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2005, Revised ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006, Revised ANSI/UL 555C, Standard for Safety Ceiling Dampers, 2006, Revised ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smok e Dampers, 1999, Revised ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2008, Revised ANSI/UL 867, Standard for Safety Electrostatic Air Cleaners, 2000, Revised ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units, 2004, Revised ANSI/UL 1820, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2004, Revised ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprink ler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smok e Characteristics, 2004, Revised ANSI/UL 1995, Standard for Safety Heating and Cooling Equipment, 2003, Revised ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies, 2004, Revised ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 12:34:22 EST 2012 Committee Statement: Update referenced standard to most recent edition as indicated. FR-5-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 7-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] 4/23

5 First Revision No. 11-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] * Limited-Combustible (Material). Refers to a building construction material not complying with the definition of noncombustible material that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 8141 kj/kg (3500 Btu/lb), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials and that includes either of the following: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 3.2 mm ( 1 8 in.) that has a flame spread index not greater than 50; or (2) materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials See Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 09:18:53 EST 2012 Committee This change puts NFPA 90A in line with what was done for NFPA 101 (and many Statement: other documents) in the 2012 cycle. NFPA requirements are that definitions cannot contain requirements and the definitions of noncombustible and limited combustible contain requirements. Therefore this public input proposes to put simply a place holder in chapter 3 (definitions) and place the requirements into Chapter 4, just as was done in NFPA 101 and The proposed language is identical to the language in NFPA 101. If the technical committee wishes it can simply extract the language from NFPA 101. The corresponding sections are: would be extracted from , would be extracted from , would be extracted from and would be extracted from FR-11-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 21-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] 5/23

6 First Revision No. 3-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] * Noncombustible Material. A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 C, are considered noncombustible materials See Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 09:18:57 EST 2012 Committee This change puts NFPA 90A in line with what was done for NFPA 101 (and many Statement: other documents) in the 2012 cycle. NFPA requirements are that definitions cannot contain requirements and the definitions of noncombustible and limited combustible contain requirements. Therefore this public input proposes to put simply a place holder in chapter 3 (definitions) and place the requirements into Chapter 4, just as was done in NFPA 101 and The proposed language is identical to the language in NFPA 101. If the technical committee wishes it can simply extract the language from NFPA 101. The corresponding sections are: would be extracted from , would be extracted from , would be extracted from and would be extracted from FR-3-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 22-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] First Revision No. 1-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ] 6/23

7 Materials within a ceiling cavity plenum exposed to the airflow shall: be noncombustible or comply with through , as applicable. (1) Be noncombustible, or (2) Exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or (3) Comply with through , as applicable. Submittal Date: Thu Nov 01 16:26:50 EDT 2012 Committee This is simply a correction of an omission in the text. The default requirement for Statement: materials exposed to the airflow in ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor plenums is always considered to be, and should continue to be, that they be noncombustible (which is already shown) or be limited combustible (which is the option in and in ) or that they meet a flame spread index of 25 and a smoke developed index of 50 in the ASTM E84/UL 723 test (and that portion is implied but missing from the text). This same default applies in the International Mechanical Code. This change does not affect (of course) the requirements for materials of construction of the plenum, electrical wires and cables, optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, sprinkler piping, raceways, discrete electrical products, supplementary materials, air ducts or air connectors. It is simply clarification consistent with the intent. In the absence of this change the default would be for the materials to be noncombustible, which was never the intent. The technical committee clearly noticed that because its committee statement on comment 90A- 33 was The committee concludes that this is a material that would default to the general material requirements. However, as pointed out by both Dwayne Sloan and myself, the default, if this language is not incorporated into the standard, is that materials that are not specifically mentioned must be noncombustible. At present NFPA 90A sends the user to a section that refers to the ASTM E 84/UL 723 requirements (section 4.3.3) but it applies only to supplementary materials for air distribution systems. This was proposed at the last cycle but it came in at the comment stage and was deemed new material and held. It was then proposed as a TIA but it did not get the ¾ majority needed for emergency nature. It received 21 affirmatives, 5 negatives, 1 abstention and 2 non returns on technical merit (20 affirmatives were needed, so that it passed on technical merit) and 19 affirmatives, 8 negatives, 0 abstentions and 2 non returns on emergency nature (21 affirmatives were needed, so that it failed on emergency nature). FR-1-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 19-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No [Excluding any Sub-Sections]] 7/23

8 First Revision No. 2-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] Optical fiber communications and signaling Signaling, optical fiber, and communications raceways shall be listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway Communications Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies. Cables installed within these raceways shall be listed as plenum cable in accordance with the requirements in Submittal Date: Thu Nov 01 16:27:36 EDT 2012 Committee UL 2024, which previously covered optical fiber and communications raceways, and Statement: UL 2024A which previously covered cable routing assemblies, have been merged. UL 2024A has been dropped and the new UL 2024 covers raceways (signaling, optical fiber and communications types) and cable routing assemblies. This Public Input recommends updating the reference to UL 2024, as well as expanding the section to reflect the expanded scope of UL 2024, which now includes signaling raceways, and cable routing assemblies. UL 2024 has identical fire test requirements for raceways (signaling, optical fiber and communications types) and cable routing assemblies. The parallel Section (raised floor plenum) contains the requirement that only plenum cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum raceways. Since cable routing assemblies, unlike raceways, are not required to be enclosed, the cables in a cable routing assembly may be exposed to the airflow and therefore must be listed for use in a plenum. The recommended additional last sentence therefore requires plenum grade cables in signaling, optical fiber and communications raceways and in cable routing assemblies installed in ceiling cavity plenums. See our companion Public Input for which recommends identical requirements for raised floor plenums. FR-2-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 34-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] 8/23

9 First Revision No. 7-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] * Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment with combustible enclosures, including their assemblies and accessories, non-metallic cable ties, wraps, nonmetallic cable supports, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the ceiling cavity plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kw or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smok e Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 12:54:25 EST 2012 Committee A variety of products are used for cable support and cable organization, including Statement: hooks, wraps and cable ties. Some of the wrap products are a hook and loop design (think Velcro) that have the same function as cable ties. Nonmetallic cable hangers of various designs are also used. This Public Input seeks to clarify what some of the other discrete products are. Examples of some of these products can be found on the web at: FR-7-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 35-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] First Revision No. 8-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ] 9/23

10 Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall: be noncombustible or shall comply with through , as applicable. (1) Be noncombustible, or (2) Exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or (3) Comply with through , as applicable. Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 14:38:04 EST 2012 Committee This is simply a correction of an omission in the text. The default requirement for Statement: materials exposed to the airflow in ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor plenums is always considered to be, and should continue to be, that they be noncombustible (which is already shown) or be limited combustible (which is the option in and in ) or that they meet a flame spread index of 25 and a smoke developed index of 50 in the ASTM E84/UL 723 test (and that portion is implied but missing from the text). This same default applies in the International Mechanical Code. This change does not affect (of course) the requirements for materials of construction of the plenum, electrical wires and cables, optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, sprinkler piping, raceways, discrete electrical products, supplementary materials, air ducts or air connectors. It is simply clarification consistent with the intent. In the absence of this change the default would be for the materials to be noncombustible, which was never the intent. The technical committee clearly noticed that because its committee statement on comment 90A- 33 was The committee concludes that this is a material that would default to the general material requirements. However, as pointed out by both Dwayne Sloan and myself, the default, if this language is not incorporated into the standard, is that materials that are not specifically mentioned must be noncombustible. At present NFPA 90A sends the user to a section that refers to the ASTM E 84/UL 723 requirements (section 4.3.3) but it applies only to supplementary materials for air distribution systems. This was proposed at the last cycle but it came in at the comment stage and was deemed new material and held. It was then proposed as a TIA but it did not get the ¾ majority needed for emergency nature. It received 21 affirmatives, 5 negatives, 1 abstention and 2 non returns on technical merit (20 affirmatives were needed, so that it passed on technical merit) and 19 affirmatives, 8 negatives, 0 abstentions and 2 non returns on emergency nature (21 affirmatives were needed, so that it failed on emergency nature). FR-8-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 26-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No [Excluding any Sub-Sections]] 10/23

11 First Revision No. 9-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] Optical fiber, communications, and signaling Signaling, optical fiber, and communications raceways shall be listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway Communications Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies. Cables installed within these raceways shall be listed as plenum cable in accordance with the requirements in Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 14:56:25 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee choose not to incorporate cable routing assemblies. This would allow excessive buildup of these materials. FR-9-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 36-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] 11/23

12 First Revision No. 10-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment with combustible enclosures, including their assemblies and accessories, nonmetallic cable ties, wraps, nonmetallic cable supports, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the raised floor plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kw or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smok e Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. Submittal Date: Mon Nov 05 15:00:21 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee added language to specify exactly the type of cable supports allowed. FR-10-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 37-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] First Revision No. 14-NFPA 90A-2012 [ New Section after ] 4.4 Materials * Noncombustible Material. Global FR-14 Hide Deleted 12/23

13 A material that complies with any of the following shall be considered a noncombustible material: (1) A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. (2) A material that is reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C. (3) A material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E 136 when tested in accordance with the test method and procedure in ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Coneshaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 Degrees C. [ 101: ] Where the term limited-combustible is used in this standard, it shall also include the term noncombustible. [101: ] 4.4.2* Limited-Combustible Material. A material shall be considered a limited-combustible material where all the conditions of and , and the conditions of either or , are met. [ 101: ] The material shall not comply with the requirements for noncombustible material in accordance with [ 101: ] The material, in the form in which it is used, shall exhibit a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kj/kg) where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials. [ 101: ] The material shall have the structural base of a noncombustible material with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1 8 in. (3.2 mm) where the surfacing exhibits a flame spread index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. [ 101: ] The material shall be composed of materials that, in the form and thickness used, neither exhibit a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, and shall be of such composition that all surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would neither exhibit a flame spread index greater than 25 nor exhibit evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or ANSI/UL 723. [ 101: ] Where the term limited-combustible is used in this standard, it shall also include the term noncombustible. [ 101: ] 13/23

14 Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 09:45:15 EST 2012 Committee This change puts NFPA 90A in line with what was done for NFPA 101 (and many Statement: other documents) in the 2012 cycle. NFPA requirements are that definitions cannot contain requirements and the definitions of noncombustible and limited combustible contain requirements. Therefore this public input proposes to put simply a place holder in chapter 3 (definitions) and place the requirements into Chapter 4, just as was done in NFPA 101 and The proposed language is identical to the language in NFPA 101. If the technical committee wishes it can simply extract the language from NFPA 101. The corresponding sections are: would be extracted from , would be extracted from , would be extracted from and would be extracted from FR-14-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 23-NFPA 90A-2012 [New Section after ] First Revision No. 15-NFPA 90A-2012 [ New Section after ] Global FR-15 Hide Deleted Fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire/smoke dampers shall not be required in ducts used for kitchen or clothes dryer exhaust systems. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 09:56:09 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee agrees that this provides additional clarification. FR-15-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 30-NFPA 90A-2012 [New Section after ] 14/23

15 First Revision No. 16-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No ] Smoke dampers installed to isolate the air-handling system in accordance with shall be arranged to close automatically when the system is not in operation. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:09:12 EST 2012 Committee Statement: It appears that Section references the incorrect paragraph. FR-16-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 13-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No ] First Revision No. 17-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No. A ] A Cable Nonmetallic cable ties listed to ANSI/UL 62275, Cable Management Systems Cable Ties for Electrical Installations, and nonmetallic cable supports listed to ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, and marked for use in plenums are considered suitable for use wherever cable ties tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, are required. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:11:08 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee changed the words "wraps and" to "cable". FR-17-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 38-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No. A ] 15/23

16 First Revision No. 18-NFPA 90A-2012 [ New Section after A ] A Global FR-18 Hide Deleted The provisions of do not require inherently noncombustible materials to be tested in order to be classified as noncombustible materials. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:20:17 EST 2012 Committee This change puts NFPA 90A in line with what was done for NFPA 101 (and many Statement: other documents) in the 2012 cycle. NFPA requirements are that definitions cannot contain requirements and the definitions of noncombustible and limited combustible contain requirements. Therefore this public input proposes to put simply a place holder in chapter 3 (definitions) and place the requirements into Chapter 4, just as was done in NFPA 101 and The proposed language is identical to the language in NFPA 101. If the technical committee wishes it can simply extract the language from NFPA 101. The corresponding sections are: would be extracted from , would be extracted from , would be extracted from and would be extracted from FR-18-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 24-NFPA 90A-2012 [New Section after A ] 16/23

17 First Revision No. 19-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No. A.7.2 ] A.7.2 See NFPA 105, Standard for Smok e Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives, for testing requirements for smoke dampers and combination fire and smoke dampers. See NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, for testing requirements for fire dampers. AMCA International s Guide for Commissioning and Periodic Performance Testing of Fire, Smok e and Other Life Safety Related Dampers provides guidelines from damper manufacturers on how to test dampers for acceptance testing and for follow-up periodic testing. Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:22:34 EST 2012 Committee Statement: The committee agred with the submitter, but changed the word "recommendations" to "guidlines. FR-19-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 31-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No. A.7.2] First Revision No. 22-NFPA 90A-2012 [ New Section after C ] C AMCA Publications. Global FR-22 Hide Deleted Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA), 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL Guide for Commissioning and Periodic Performance Testing of Fire, Smok e and Other Life Safety Related Dampers, Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 11:55:27 EST /23

18 Committee There is widespread inconsistency on how to test life safety dampers. This Statement: document is intended to provide a resource document to help eliminate unnecessary steps to proper inspection and testing procedure, while ensuring that damper testing is useful and yields inspection and maintenance information that supports their proper function in the event of an emergency. The entire document is not intended to be published in the 90A annex, but has been re-printed here for information purpose, and review by the TC and other interested parties. Guide for Commissioning and Periodic Performance Testing of Fire, Smoke and Other Life Safety Related Dampers (2011) Copyrighted and published by AMCA International ( Purpose Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, Combination Fire Smoke Dampers, Ceiling Radiation Dampers, and other types of dampers that perform as part of a building s Fire Protection or Life-Safety System must function properly during a fire or lifesafety emergency. Proper installation and periodic performance testing are required to ensure these dampers function as intended in a fire emergency. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations for the proper commissioning of Fire and Life Safety Related Dampers and to describe the appropriate intervals and methods for performing periodic performance testing of these dampers. Background Life Safety Dampers are designed to perform a number of functions in a building s HVAC, Fire and/or Smoke Control System and are an integral part of the overall lifesafety system within the building. Generally, Fire Dampers are designed to close and prevent the spread of fire through an opening in a fire resistive barrier. Ceiling Radiation Dampers are designed to close and reduce the transfer of heat through an opening in the ceiling membrane of floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly. Refer to the specified ceiling design for details regarding penetrations. Smoke Dampers operate to prevent the spread of smoke by closing to stop airflow or by opening to exhaust smoke. They can also be opened or closed to create pressure differences (as in an engineered smoke control system) to reduce the spread of smoke. Combination Fire Smoke Dampers perform the dual role of both Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has developed and maintains standards for the testing, qualification, and appropriate labeling of Fire Dampers (UL 555), Smoke Dampers (UL 555S), Combination Fire Smoke Dampers (UL 555 and UL 555S) and Ceiling Radiation Dampers (UL 555C & UL 263). Manufacturers of these dampers, who have complied with these UL requirements, provide classified and labeled dampers for installation where required in HVAC and Engineered Smoke Control Systems. Building Codes and several NFPA and ASHRAE Standards identify where Fire, Smoke and Ceiling Radiation Damper s are required to be installed in a building s HVAC and/or Smoke Control System. Architects and Design Engineers incorporate Code required dampers in their building designs but also may incorporate additional requirements depending on a building s specific purpose and intended function. Commissioning or Acceptance Testing The term Commissioning is used to define an inspection process to determine if all components of a building are operating as intended by the building s design. Ensuring that a building s mechanical system, its HVAC System, and any Smoke Control or other Life-Safety related systems operate properly (including all Fire and Life-Safety Related Dampers), and documenting their proper operation is the result of the Commissioning process. This process is also known as Acceptance Testing. Below are the AMCA recommended checklists for the commissioning of Fire and Life-Safety Related Dampers. For specific installation requirements of the brand and model damper being commissioned, the damper manufacturer s installation instructions shall be referenced. Fire Dampers and Combination Fire Smoke Dampers 1. Positioning of the Damper in the Opening Unless specifically allowed by the damper manufacturer s installation instructions, the centerline of the fire damper s frame shall 18/23

19 be located in the plane of the fire rated assembly. 2. Damper Sleeve Unless the damper frame is wide enough to provide for direct attachment of retaining angles, all fire dampers shall be mounted in a sleeve fabricated per the damper manufacturer s installation instructions. The sleeve shall not extend more than 6 inches beyond the wall or floor opening unless there is an actuator or factory mounted access door on the damper. When an actuator or factory mounted access door is installed, the sleeve shall not extend more than 16 inches beyond the wall or floor opening. The sleeve is still limited to extending 6 inches beyond the wall or floor opening on the side opposite the actuator or factory mounted access door. 3. Clearance between Damper and Wall/Floor Opening Most dampers are tested with defined clearances between the damper s sleeve and the wall or floor opening. Unless otherwise indicated in the installation instructions, the annular space between the sleeve of the damper and the wall/floor opening should not be filled with firestop materials such as fill, void or cavity materials. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions for the specific clearance requirements. 4. Securing Damper and Sleeve to the Wall/Floor Openings Most approved damper installation methods require the use of retaining angles to secure the damper in the wall or floor opening. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions for the required material gauge of the retaining angles, the required overlap between the retaining angles and the wall or floor, and the spacing and type of fasteners to be used. 5. Duct to Sleeve Connections Dampers are tested and approved to use specific methods for connecting the damper sleeve to adjoining ductwork. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions for the allowable duct to sleeve connections. 6. Damper Access Access to the dampers shall be provided. Access shall be large enough to allow inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts. The access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior by a label having letters not less than ½ inch in height reading: FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER or FIRE DAMPER. 7. Damper Flow and Pressure Ratings For dynamic fire dampers and combination fire smoke dampers, it shall be verified that the system airflow and pressure are within the damper s ratings 8. Operation of the Damper After the damper is installed it shall be cycled to ensure proper operation. The operation test performed as part of the commissioning process shall follow the same procedure described in the Periodic Performance Testing section below. Smoke Dampers 1. Positioning of the Damper Relative to the Opening The centerline of the damper shall be mounted within 24 inches of the opening it is protecting. In addition, no ductwork shall branch-off between the damper and the wall or floor opening it is protecting. 2. Sealing the Damper Frame to the Ductwork Many damper installations require that the damper frame be sealed to the ductwork it is being installed in. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions to determine if this requirement applies and to determine the allowable sealants. 3. Damper Access Access to the dampers shall be provided. Access shall be large enough to allow inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts. The access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior by a label having letters not less than ½ inch in height reading: SMOKE DAMPER. 4. Damper Flow and Pressure Ratings It shall be verified that the system airflow and pressure are within the dampers ratings. 5. Operation of the Damper After the damper is installed it shall be cycled to ensure proper operation. The operation test performed as part of the commissioning process shall follow the same procedure described in the periodic performance testing section below. Ceiling Radiation Dampers 1. Hourly Rating Ceiling dampers carry a maximum hourly rating for the assembly in which they are installed. Check that the maximum hourly rating of the damper installed is approved for the same hourly rating as the ceiling assembly. 2. Positioning of the Damper in or Over the Penetration The damper can be installed on top of a steel diffuser, sitting directly on the rated ceiling grid, in a steel duct drop, or supported 19/23

20 such that the frame rest at the penetration. Refer to the manufacturer s installation instructions for the maximum allowed distance that the closed blades are allowed from the bottom of the rated ceiling. In the case of drywall installation, consult instructions for maximum allowed clearance between penetration and damper frame. 3. Thermal Blanket When a damper is not located directly in the penetration and the damper frame is more than 1 inch smaller than the penetration, then a thermal blanket is normally required to reduce heat transfer across the grille back pan. Refer to the manufacturers installation instructions for the recommended material and size of the thermal blanket. 4. Clearance between Damper, Grille, Duct, and Wall/Floor Opening Most dampers are tested with defined clearances as specified in their instructions. If not specified, a rule of thumb is to keep tolerances minimal (less than 1/8 inch) between connecting components. If possible, have the largest component extend over the smaller one below it. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions for the specific clearance requirements. 5. Securing Damper to the Sleeve, Grille, Ductwork Most of the time, dampers are to be installed so that they are supported by the structural members above them or the ceiling grid. Ceiling dampers are not normally supported by the drywall, gypsum, or ceiling tiles alone. They are normally supported via steel wires, hangers, or duct drops with direct fasteners such as screws, rivets, and bolts. Reference the damper manufacturer s installation instructions for the required material and fasteners. 6. Grille to Damper to Duct Connections Unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer s installation instructions, the damper will either lie on the ceiling grid or cover the neck of the diffuser. If connected to duct, the damper should be installed inside the duct connection. 7. Operation of the Damper After the damper is installed, the fuse link shall be removed and the damper blades allowed to close upon its own mechanics. Cycling the damper ensures proper operation. The operation test performed as part of the commissioning process shall follow the same procedure described in periodic performance testing section below. Periodic Performance Testing Fire Life-Safety related dampers that are properly applied and installed and that have proven the ability to function as intended through a building commissioning process should require no specific on-going maintenance beyond the periodic testing described below to confirm operability. Although the required frequency of this periodic operation testing varies by local jurisdiction, most local requirements reference one of two national standards, either NFPA 80 or NFPA 105. NFPA 80 covers the requirements for fire dampers and NFPA 105 covers the requirements for smoke dampers. Both documents contain the following frequency requirements for periodic operation testing: 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 every 6 years. The method used to perform the periodic operation testing depends on the type of damper. More specifically, it depends on how the damper operates. From an operability standpoint, fire life-safety related dampers fall into one of the two following categories: 1. Dampers Requiring a Fusible Link to Operate Most Fire Dampers and Ceiling Radiation Dampers, and some Combination Fire Smoke Dampers are held in an open position by a fusible link. The fusible link is designed to melt at a specified temperature allowing gravity or a spring to close the damper. After the fusible link has melted these dampers remain closed until reopened manually and a new fusible link is installed. 2. Dampers That Do Not Require a Fusible Link to Operate Smoke Dampers, some Fire Dampers and most Combination Fire Smoke Dampers do not use fusible links to operate. These dampers use an electric or pneumatic actuator to operate the damper. Fire Dampers and Combination Fire Smoke Dampers that do not use fusible links use a bi-metallic disc type thermostat to interrupt electrical power or air pressure to the actuator at a specified temperature. Once the electrical power or air pressure is interrupted the spring return feature of the actuator closes the damper. The 20/23

21 recommended procedure for performing the periodic operation testing on fusible link operated dampers is described below. As always, the damper manufacturer s installation and operation instructions should be followed: 1. For safety considerations, ensure that the fan is off. 2. With the damper in the full-open position, remove the fusible link. Care should be taken to ensure that there are no obstructions, including hands, in the path of the damper blades before the fusible link is removed. 3. Once the fusible link is removed, ensure that the damper closes completely without assistance. If the damper is designed with a latch to hold the damper in the full-closed position confirm that the damper latches properly. 4. Return the damper to the full-open position and replace the fusible link. If the link appears damaged, replace with a functionally equivalent link. Periodic Performance Testing for Dampers That Do Not Use a Fusible Link to Operate The recommended procedure for performing periodic operation testing on dampers that do not require a fusible link to operate is described below. Two procedures are described. The first describes the procedure for dampers designed with position indication switches to verify that the damper has reached the full-open and full-closed position These switches can be wired to local or remote control panels or building automation systems (BAS) to indicate if the damper is in the full-open position, the full-closed position, or neither. The second procedure describes the procedure for testing dampers without position indication switches. As always, the damper manufacturer s installation and operation instructions should be followed. Dampers with Position Indication Wired to Indication Lights, Control Panels or BAS 1. Use the signal from the damper s position indication device to confirm that the damper is in the full-open position. 2. Remove electrical power or air pressure from the actuator to allow the actuator s spring return feature to close the damper. 3. Use the signal from the damper s position indication device to confirm that the damper reaches its full-closed position. 4. Reapply electrical power or air pressure to reopen the damper. 5. Use the signal from the damper s position indication device to confirm that the damper reaches its full-open position. Dampers without Position Indication 1. Visually confirm that the damper is in the full-open position. 2. Ensure that all obstructions, including hands, are out of the path of the damper blades and then remove electrical power or air pressure from the actuator to allow the actuator s spring return feature to close the damper. 3. Visually confirm that the damper closes completely 4. Reapply electrical power or air pressure to reopen the damper. 5. Visually confirm that the damper is in the full-open position. In addition to these requirements, NFPA 72 and NFPA 92 describe the periodic testing requirements for smoke control systems. Dampers that are part of smoke control systems shall be cycled as part of this testing. List of Publications Referenced in this Document UL 555 Standard for Fire Dampers UL 555S Standard for Smoke Dampers UL 555C Standard for Ceiling Dampers UL 263 Standard for Fire Tests of Building and Construction Materials NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives NFPA 105 Standard for the installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems FR-22-NFPA 90A /23

22 First Revision No. 21-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No. C ] C ASTM International Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2010b 2012b. ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 C, 2009b ASTM E 2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-Shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 C, Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:31:29 EST 2012 Committee Statement: Standards date updates. The committee made revisions at the request of the submitter to further update the editions. FR-21-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 18-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No. C.1.2.2]

23 First Revision No. 20-NFPA 90A-2012 [ Section No. C ] C UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006, Revised ANSI/UL 555S,Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers, 1999, Revised ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, 2002, Revised ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, UL Subject 2424, Outline of Investigation for Cable Marked Limited Combustible, Building Materials Directory, Fire Resistance Directory, Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory, Submittal Date: Tue Nov 06 10:27:43 EST 2012 Committee Update referenced standard to most recent edition as indicated. The committee Statement: changed the edition year for ANSI/UL 555 at the request of the submitter to correct an error. FR-20-NFPA 90A-2012 Public Input No. 8-NFPA 90A-2012 [Section No. C.1.2.5] 23/23