FSD Building Codes & Safety Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of fire dampers and smoke dampers?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 90A (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 90A
NFPA 90A (Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems) governs the installation of fire and smoke dampers.
Question 2: Under IBC, what minimum fire-resistance rating is required for a fire barrier where a fire damper must be installed?
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour (Correct answer)
- 2 hours
- 3 hours
Correct answer: 1 hour
The IBC generally requires fire dampers at penetrations of fire barriers with a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
Question 3: What does UL 555 classify?
- Smoke dampers
- Fire dampers (Correct answer)
- Combination fire/smoke dampers
- Ceiling radiation dampers
Correct answer: Fire dampers
UL 555 is the standard for fire dampers, covering their construction, performance, and ratings.
Question 4: According to NFPA 90A, how often must ceiling radiation dampers be inspected after installation?
- Every 6 months
- Annually
- Every 4 years
- Every 6 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Every 6 years
NFPA 90A requires ceiling radiation dampers to be inspected and tested every 6 years after the initial acceptance test.
Question 5: Which IBC occupancy classification is most likely to require smoke dampers in all HVAC duct penetrations of smoke barriers?
- Group A (Assembly)
- Group B (Business)
- Group I-2 (Hospitals) (Correct answer)
- Group S (Storage)
Correct answer: Group I-2 (Hospitals)
Group I-2 occupancies such as hospitals have stringent smoke compartmentalization requirements that mandate smoke dampers at smoke barrier penetrations.
Question 6: What action does the IBC require when a duct penetrates a fire wall?
- Install a smoke damper only
- Install a fire damper with rating equal to the wall (Correct answer)
- Install a combination fire/smoke damper
- Seal the duct with fire-rated sealant only
Correct answer: Install a fire damper with rating equal to the wall
The IBC requires a fire damper rated equal to the fire wall's rating at duct penetrations of fire walls.
Question 7: Which section of the IBC primarily addresses smoke control systems in high-rise buildings?
- Section 710
- Section 909 (Correct answer)
- Section 1006
- Section 1203
Correct answer: Section 909
IBC Section 909 covers smoke control systems, including requirements for high-rise buildings and special occupancies.
FSD Building Codes & Safety Standards 2
Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of fire dampers and smoke dampers?