FSD Fire & Smoke Damper Installation & Maintenance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 105, smoke dampers must be inspected and tested within how many months of building occupancy?
- 3 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
- 24 months
Correct answer: 6 months
NFPA 105 requires smoke dampers to be inspected and operationally tested within 6 months after the building is occupied for the first time.
Question 2: What is the correct method for testing a fire damper's fusible link without actually melting it?
- Apply a heat gun directly to the link until it activates
- Manually trip the damper by removing or releasing the fusible link and then reinstalling a new one (Correct answer)
- Use an ohmmeter to verify continuity through the link
- Pressurize the duct above rated velocity to force blade closure
Correct answer: Manually trip the damper by removing or releasing the fusible link and then reinstalling a new one
To test a fire damper, the fusible link is manually removed to allow the damper to close, then a new link is installed and the damper is reset to verify proper operation.
Question 3: Which condition would cause a smoke damper to FAIL an operational test?
- The damper takes 10 seconds to fully close after receiving the signal
- The damper closes but a position feedback signal is not returned to the FACP (Correct answer)
- The actuator hums briefly before the damper begins to move
- The damper blades show surface oxidation but move freely
Correct answer: The damper closes but a position feedback signal is not returned to the FACP
If the damper closes but position confirmation is not transmitted back to the fire alarm control panel, the system cannot verify closure and the test fails.
Question 4: When a fire damper is installed in a duct system with flexible duct connections, where must the damper be located relative to the flexible connector?
- Downstream of the flex connector, at least 12 inches away
- Upstream of the flex connector, before the flex begins
- Within the flex connector itself to allow vibration absorption
- The damper must be in rigid duct, not connected to flex duct at all (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The damper must be in rigid duct, not connected to flex duct at all
Fire dampers must be installed in rigid duct sections; flexible connectors cannot be used at or through fire-rated assemblies where dampers are required.
Question 5: A contractor installs a fire damper with the airflow arrow pointing opposite to actual airflow direction. What is the primary risk?
- Increased pressure drop reducing system efficiency
- The damper blades may not close reliably under fire conditions (Correct answer)
- The fusible link will activate at a lower temperature
- The damper will vibrate excessively and create noise
Correct answer: The damper blades may not close reliably under fire conditions
Fire dampers are designed to close in a specific airflow direction; reversing airflow can prevent the blades from fully closing under fire conditions, defeating the damper's purpose.
Question 6: What is the function of the 'retaining angle' or 'breakaway clip' used when installing a fire damper in gypsum board walls?
- It anchors the damper sleeve permanently to prevent any movement
- It holds the sleeve in place while allowing it to pull free if the wall assembly collapses (Correct answer)
- It provides a grounding path for the electric actuator
- It reinforces the gypsum board to prevent cracking around the opening
Correct answer: It holds the sleeve in place while allowing it to pull free if the wall assembly collapses
Breakaway clips secure the damper sleeve during normal operation but are designed to release if the surrounding wall assembly fails, preventing the wall from pulling the damper out of position.
Question 7: For a smoke damper serving a hazardous exhaust system, which listing standard applies?
- UL 555
- UL 555S (Correct answer)
- UL 555C
- UL 1978
Correct answer: UL 555S
UL 555S is the listing standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems, which applies to smoke dampers including those in hazardous exhaust applications.
FSD Fire & Smoke Damper Installation & Maintenance 5
Under NFPA 105, smoke dampers must be inspected and tested within how many months of building occupancy?