FSD Building Codes & Safety Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What UL standard covers smoke dampers used in HVAC systems?
- UL 555
- UL 555S (Correct answer)
- UL 263
- UL 1479
Correct answer: UL 555S
UL 555S is the standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems (smoke dampers).
Question 2: According to NFPA 90A, what is the maximum time allowed for a fire damper to close upon fusible link activation?
- 10 seconds
- 30 seconds
- The damper must close within the time established by its UL listing (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: The damper must close within the time established by its UL listing
NFPA 90A requires fire dampers to close within the time established by their UL listing, which defines the performance standard.
Question 3: In which building type does the IBC exempt duct penetrations of fire partitions from requiring fire dampers when the duct is constructed of steel?
- High-rise buildings over 75 feet
- Sprinklered buildings where ducts serve only one fire area (Correct answer)
- Group I-2 occupancies
- Underground buildings
Correct answer: Sprinklered buildings where ducts serve only one fire area
The IBC allows an exception to fire dampers at fire partitions in sprinklered buildings when the duct serves only one fire area and is constructed of steel.
Question 4: What organization publishes the Mechanical Code that also contains provisions for fire and smoke dampers?
- ICC (International Code Council) (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE
- SMACNA
- NFPA
Correct answer: ICC (International Code Council)
The International Mechanical Code (IMC), published by the ICC, contains provisions for fire and smoke damper installation.
Question 5: How does NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) classify a smoke barrier compared to the IBC?
- They use identical terminology
- NFPA 101 calls them 'smoke partitions' while IBC calls them 'smoke barriers'
- NFPA 101 uses the term 'smoke barrier' but applies it only to healthcare (Correct answer)
- Both require 2-hour ratings for all smoke barriers
Correct answer: NFPA 101 uses the term 'smoke barrier' but applies it only to healthcare
NFPA 101 uses 'smoke barrier' primarily in the context of healthcare and other institutional occupancies with specific separation requirements.
Question 6: What is the required temperature rating of a fusible link used in a standard fire damper per UL 555?
- 135°F (57°C)
- 165°F (74°C) (Correct answer)
- 212°F (100°C)
- 286°F (141°C)
Correct answer: 165°F (74°C)
UL 555 requires standard fire damper fusible links to be rated at 165°F (74°C) for typical installations.
Question 7: Which code provision specifically addresses damper requirements in corridors used as return-air plenums?
- IBC Section 712
- IMC Section 601.2
- NFPA 90A Section 5.3 (Correct answer)
- IBC Section 909.2
Correct answer: NFPA 90A Section 5.3
NFPA 90A Section 5.3 addresses the use of corridors as plenums and the associated fire and smoke damper requirements.
FSD Building Codes & Safety Standards 3
What UL standard covers smoke dampers used in HVAC systems?