FSD Inspection & Testing Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a smoke damper tied to a stairwell pressurization system, what additional functional test should be performed beyond a standard open/close cycle?
- Verify the damper can sustain closure against the pressurization differential (Correct answer)
- Check that the damper blade is painted with intumescent coating
- Confirm the damper can modulate to 50% open
- Test the damper at twice the rated airflow
Correct answer: Verify the damper can sustain closure against the pressurization differential
Stairwell pressurization creates significant differential pressure; the damper must hold its closed position against that pressure to be effective.
Question 2: Which scenario correctly describes a 'dynamic closure' test for a smoke damper?
- The damper is closed while the HVAC system is off and duct is unpressurized
- The damper is closed while the fan is running and air is flowing through the duct (Correct answer)
- The damper is closed and then reopened three times consecutively
- The damper is closed at low temperature to simulate winter conditions
Correct answer: The damper is closed while the fan is running and air is flowing through the duct
A dynamic closure test verifies that the damper can close against live airflow, simulating real emergency conditions.
Question 3: After completing repairs on a deficient fire damper, what step must occur before the inspection record is closed out?
- A new fusible link must be installed regardless of repair type
- The damper must be retested and pass all applicable functional tests (Correct answer)
- The building owner must sign a waiver
- The AHJ must be notified within 24 hours
Correct answer: The damper must be retested and pass all applicable functional tests
Any repaired damper must be retested to confirm the repair resolved the deficiency and the unit now meets all requirements.
Question 4: During inspection of a multi-blade fire damper, one blade fails to reach the fully closed position due to a bent frame. Which rating consideration applies?
- The damper passes if 80% of blades close fully
- The damper fails because the assembly cannot meet its listed fire rating with gaps (Correct answer)
- The damper passes if the gap is less than 1/8 inch
- The damper is reclassified to a lower fire rating
Correct answer: The damper fails because the assembly cannot meet its listed fire rating with gaps
Any gap caused by frame damage prevents the damper from achieving the airtight closure required by its fire rating, resulting in failure.
Question 5: What is the significance of a UL 555 listing mark on a fire damper during inspection?
- It certifies the damper is approved for smoke control systems
- It confirms the damper has been tested and listed as a fire damper meeting recognized performance standards (Correct answer)
- It indicates the damper is rated for outdoor installation
- It means the damper is approved for use in explosion-hazard areas
Correct answer: It confirms the damper has been tested and listed as a fire damper meeting recognized performance standards
UL 555 is the standard for fire dampers; the listing mark confirms the damper has passed testing for fire-resistance performance.
Question 6: An inspector notes that the sleeve (frame) of a fire damper extends less than the minimum required distance into the wall opening. What is the risk?
- Increased airflow resistance during normal operation
- The damper may not maintain the integrity of the fire-rated assembly during a fire (Correct answer)
- The fusible link may activate prematurely
- The damper may rattle during normal HVAC operation
Correct answer: The damper may not maintain the integrity of the fire-rated assembly during a fire
Insufficient sleeve embedment can allow fire and hot gases to bypass the damper through gaps between the sleeve and the wall assembly, compromising the rating.
Question 7: When an inspector cannot physically cycle a fire damper due to lack of an access door, what is the correct classification of that damper?
- Pass — assume the damper is functional if installed correctly
- Fail — inaccessible dampers cannot be inspected and must be corrected (Correct answer)
- Defer — schedule a future inspection when access is available
- Incomplete — note it and move on
Correct answer: Fail — inaccessible dampers cannot be inspected and must be corrected
NFPA 80 requires that all fire dampers be accessible for inspection; a damper that cannot be accessed is a code violation and must be cited as a failure.
FSD Inspection & Testing Procedures 5
When inspecting a smoke damper tied to a stairwell pressurization system, what additional functional test should be performed beyond a standard open/close cycle?