FSD Inspection & Testing Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 92, what is the minimum air velocity at which a smoke damper must be tested to verify it can close against airflow?
- 500 FPM
- 1,000 FPM
- 2,000 FPM (Correct answer)
- 4,000 FPM
Correct answer: 2,000 FPM
NFPA 92 requires smoke dampers to be tested against an airflow of at least 2,000 FPM to simulate realistic duct conditions.
Question 2: Which document must an inspector complete to record all findings from a fire and smoke damper inspection?
- Certificate of Occupancy amendment
- Inspection report per NFPA 80 Annex B format (Correct answer)
- Building permit update form
- Insurance binder addendum
Correct answer: Inspection report per NFPA 80 Annex B format
NFPA 80 Annex B provides a standardized format for documenting inspection and test results for each damper.
Question 3: A combination fire/smoke damper fails its smoke control test but passes the fire test. How should it be classified?
- Pass — it met the primary fire test
- Fail — both functions must be verified (Correct answer)
- Partial pass — document the smoke failure only
- Defer — retest smoke function within 30 days
Correct answer: Fail — both functions must be verified
A combination damper must satisfy both fire damper and smoke damper requirements; failure of either function is an overall failure.
Question 4: Which authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) standard most directly governs the inspection cycle of smoke dampers in commercial HVAC systems in the US?
- NFPA 80
- NFPA 90A (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE 62.1
- IBC Section 716
Correct answer: NFPA 90A
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, sets inspection requirements for smoke dampers in HVAC applications.
Question 5: During testing, a smoke damper closes but takes 35 seconds to reach the fully closed position. Is this acceptable?
- Yes, any closure time is acceptable
- No, NFPA 92 requires closure within 75 seconds
- No, smoke dampers must close within 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the damper is greater than 24 inches wide
Correct answer: No, smoke dampers must close within 10 seconds
Smoke dampers must close within 10 seconds of receiving the control signal per NFPA 92 requirements for effective smoke control.
Question 6: What is the purpose of applying a 'rattling' or mechanical agitation test during fire damper inspection?
- To verify the actuator motor output torque
- To dislodge accumulated dust and confirm blades move freely (Correct answer)
- To check duct structural integrity
- To test the fusible link temperature rating
Correct answer: To dislodge accumulated dust and confirm blades move freely
Mechanical agitation confirms that blades are not frozen in place by corrosion or buildup and will move freely when needed.
Question 7: When replacing a fusible link during inspection, what must the replacement link's temperature rating match?
- The building's fire suppression system discharge temperature
- The original manufacturer-specified rating for that damper model (Correct answer)
- The highest ambient temperature in the duct
- NFPA 72 default rating of 212°F
Correct answer: The original manufacturer-specified rating for that damper model
The replacement fusible link must match the manufacturer-specified temperature rating to maintain the damper's UL listing.
FSD Inspection & Testing Procedures 3
Under NFPA 92, what is the minimum air velocity at which a smoke damper must be tested to verify it can close against airflow?