Fire, Smoke, & Radiation Dampers Mark Terzigni Director of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Mark Terzigni Director of Engineering 2019

Fire, Smoke, & Radiation Dampers

Program

• Introduction
• History
• Code & Regulations
• Construction Types
• Fire‐Rated
• Smoke‐Rated
• Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings
• Responsibilities
• Testing & Rating
• Damper Installation

History

• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire – 1911
• MGM Grand Fire – 1980

History

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire – 1911

• 146 Deaths = 44 from

smoke and fire, 102 jumped or fell

• Exits were locked, Fire

escape collapsed

• ASSE was founded
• NFPA ‐ Life Safety Code

History

MGM Grand Fire – 1980

• 85 Deaths = 79 smoke & CO2,

4 burns, 1 heart attack, 1 jumped

• 650 treated at local hospital

for smoke inhalation

• Fire on 1st floor ‐ 17 victims

were located on the casino floor and 61 were

• n floors 16 - 26.
• Lead to nationwide reform

fire safety codes

Codes and Regulations

• NFPA 80

‐ Standard for Fire Doors & Other Opening Protectives

• NFPA 90A

‐ Standard for the Installation of Air‐ Conditioning and Ventilation Systems

• NFPA 105

‐ Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies & other Opening Protectives

• IBC

‐ International Building Code

• IMC

‐ International Mechanical Code

• SMACNA

‐ Fire, Smoke, & Radiation Damper Guide

Who Establishes “Acceptable”?

The Damper Manufacturer

• Anyone who requires or does any change not specifically

shown or defined by the manufacturer is not in compliance with the “AS TESTED” UL safety label of that fire or smoke damper.

Fire‐Rated Construction

• Four Types of fire‐resistance rated walls
• Fire Walls
• Fire Barrier
• Shaft Enclosures
• Fire Partitions

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Walls

• A fire‐resistance rated wall having protected openings,

which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall. [IBC‐2015:202]

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Walls

• Usually structurally independent and are rated at 3 to 4

hours

• Duct or air transfer openings through a Fire Wall

located on a property or lot line are NOT allowed *not even with a fire damper.

• Most restrictive of the 4 types of fire‐rated walls

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Walls

• Exceptions (2015 IBC sect. 706.11):
• Not on lot line (i.e.. Fire Wall is located within a building)
• Penetration complies with 717.5.1

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Barriers

• A fire‐resistance‐rated wall assembly of materials

designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained. [IBC‐2015:202]

• Typically used to subdivide floors
• Can be used to sub‐divide portions of the building contained

by a firewall

• Medium‐rating level of the four types of fire‐rated walls.

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Barriers

• Exceptions
• ASTM E119 tested fire‐resistance rated assembly
• Ducts used as part of an approved smoke control system
• Walls penetrated with less than 1 hour rating & fully

sprinkled.

• constructed of minimum 26 gage and is continuous from

equipment to the air outlet and inlet terminals.

Fire‐Rated Construction Shaft Enclosures

• The walls or construction forming the boundaries of a
• shaft. [IBC‐2015:202]
• Shaft ‐ An enclosed space extending through one or more

stories of a building, connecting vertical openings in successive floors, or floors and roof.

• All permitted duct and air transfer openings must have

a listed fire and smoke damper.

Fire‐Rated Construction Shaft Enclosures

• Exceptions
• Steel exhaust subducts at least 22 inch with continuous

airflow upward to the outside

• ASTM E119 rated assembly
• Ducts used as part of an approved smoke control system
• The shaft (exhaust or supply)location is in a parking garage

that is separated from other building shafts by 2‐hour fire‐ resistance‐rated construction.

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Partition

• A vertical assembly of materials designed to restrict the

spread of fire in which openings are protected. [IBC‐ 2015:202]

• Can be used to sub‐divide portions of the building contained

by a firewall

• Similar to Fire Barrier except generally less fire resistive

materials than fire barriers

• Minimum‐rating level of the four types of fire‐rated walls.

Fire‐Rated Construction Fire Partition

• Exceptions
• Tenant separation or corridor walls within fully sprinkled

building

• Duct less than 100 sq. inches
• Duct not having openings that communicate the corridor

with adjacent spaces

• Walls penetrated with less than 1 hour rating & fully

sprinkled.

• constructed of minimum 26 gage and is continuous from

equipment to the air outlet and inlet terminals.

Smoke‐Rated Construction

• Three Types of fire‐resistance rated walls
• Corridors
• Smoke Barrier
• Smoke Partitions

Smoke‐Rated Construction Corridor

• An enclosed exit access component that defines and

provides a path of egress travel. [IBC‐2015:202]

Smoke‐Rated Construction Corridor

• Corridors shall be protected with dampers as follows:
• A corridor damper constructed as required for the corridor

walls

• A ceiling radiation damper shall be provided where the

ceiling membrane of a fire‐resistance‐rated floor‐ceiling or roof‐ceiling assembly

• A listed smoke damper designed to resist the passage of

smoke shall be provided at each point a duct or air transfer

• pening penetrates a corridor

Smoke‐Rated Construction Corridor

• Exceptions:
• The building is equipped throughout with an approved

smoke control system.

• The duct is constructed of steel not less than 26 ga and there

are no openings serving the corridor.

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Barrier

• A continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal,

such as a wall, floor or ceiling assembly, that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of

• smoke. [IBC‐2015:202]
• Smoke barriers are also automatically one‐hour fire

partitions.

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Barrier

• Smoke Barriers shall be protected with dampers as

follows:

• A listed smoke damper designed to resist the passage of

smoke shall be provided at each point a duct or air transfer

• pening penetrates the smoke barrier
• Leakage Rating either Class I or Class II with a minimum

elevated temperature rating of 250°F

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Barrier

• Exceptions:
• Opening in duct are limited to a single smoke compartment

and the ducts are constructed of steel.

• Constructed per IMC and Building is equipped throughout

with an automatic sprinkler system

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Partition

• A continuous membrane that is designed to form a

barrier to limit the transfer of smoke [NFPA 101‐ 2015:3.3.256 (SAF‐MEA)]

• Typically used in Corridor walls in Group I‐2(IBC only) and

Sprinkler protected hazardous areas – NFPA

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Partition

• Smoke Partitions shall be protected with dampers as

follows:

• A listed smoke damper designed to resist the passage of

smoke shall be provided at each point that an air transfer

• pening penetrates a smoke partition.
• Leakage Rating either Class I or Class II with an minimum

elevated temperature rating of 250°F

Smoke‐Rated Construction Smoke Partition

• Exceptions:
• If the smoke damper will interfere with a smoke control

system.

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Horizontal Assemblies

• A fire resistance rated floor or roof assembly of

materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Horizontal Assemblies

• Penetrations of a floor, floor/ceiling assembly or the

ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling assembly shall be protected by a shaft enclosure.

• Penetrations that are considered Horizontal Assemblies
• Through Penetrations
• Membrane Penetrations

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Horizontal Assemblies ‐ Through

• A duct that penetrates a fire‐resistance‐rated

floor/ceiling assembly that connects not more than two stories is permitted without shaft enclosure protection, provided a listed fire damper is installed at the floor line or the duct is protected

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Horizontal Assemblies ‐ Through

• Exceptions:
• Duct is permitted to penetrate three floors or less without a

fire damper if it meets all of the following:

• 26ga minimum and located within the cavity of the wall
• Opens into one unit and is continuous from unit to exterior of

building

• Duct cross area shall not exceed 100 sq. inches
• Annular space must be protected per ASTM E119
• Grille openings in fire rated locations must be listed ceiling radiation

dampers

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Horizontal Assemblies ‐ Membrane

• A breach in one side of a floor‐ceiling, roof‐ceiling or

wall assembly to accommodate an item installed into or passing through the breach.

• Must be protected with one of the following:
• A shaft enclosure
• A listed ceiling radiation damper
• Duct or transfer air opening

Other Duct and Air Transfer Openings Grease Duct

• Grease Duct Enclosures
• Fire Dampers/Smoke Dampers are prohibited
• 2015 IMC
• Type I Hood Grease Duct

Plans/Specifications/Responsibilities

Architect/Designer – Clearly identify all fire‐resistant assemblies and their hourly ratings on the drawings

Plans/Specifications/Responsibilities

Engineer – Clearly identify on the project's drawings all duct penetrations of fire‐resistive assemblies and the details and methods required to maintain the fire‐ resistive integrity of those assemblies

Plans/Specifications/Responsibilities

Code Official – Mandatory that the plans and specifications completely identify all fire‐resistant assemblies, and the details of how those penetrations are to be protected

Plans/Specifications/Responsibilities

• NFPA 90A‐2015 Section 5.4.6
• 2015 IBC Section 107.2.1
• 2015 IMC Section 106.3.1
• 2015 UMC Section 104.3.1

UL555 Fire Dampers

• UL test included but are not limited to:
• Fire Endurance and Hose Stream Test
• Operational Reliability Cycle Test
• Salt Spray Test
• Dynamic Closure Test

Combination Fire /Smoke Dampers Tested to UL555 and UL555S

UL555S Smoke Dampers

• UL test included but are not limited to:
• Cycling
• Temperature Degradation
• Operation
• Leakage
• Long Term Holding Test

Combination Fire /Smoke Dampers Tested to UL555 and UL555S

Fire Damper Ratings

• 1½‐hour and 3‐hour ratings:
• 1½‐Hour Fire Damper – 1‐hour or 2‐hour walls
• 3‐Hour Fire Damper – 3‐hour or 4‐hour walls
• Static or Dynamic
• Static – Usually gravity only. Fan shuts off
• Dynamic –Spring driven. Fan can be on or off

Smoke Damper Ratings

• Minimum operational rating is 2000 fpm @ 4" w.g. (1.0 kPa)

and 250ºF.

• Leakage Classifications per UL555S
• Combination fire/smoke dampers or stand‐alone smoke dampers

are leakage –rated devices

Leakage Classification Leakage, cfm/ft2 at Standard Conditions 4.5 in.wg. 8.5 in.wg. 12.5 in.wg. I 8 11 14 II 20 28 35 III 80 112 140

Table 5‐1 Required Fire Damper Installation Instructions

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

• A. Retaining Angles
• 1. Minimum 1½ ×1 ½ ×16 ga (40×40×1.6mm)

a. Retaining angles must overlap structure opening 1 inch minimum and cover corners of openings. b. 16 gage is the most commonly used thickness for the retaining angles. However manufacturers may allow lighter gage angles on some smaller dampers and may require heavier gage angles on larger dampers. Consult the manufacturer’s installation instructions for specifics.

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

• B. Expansion Space
• 1. Fire Damper Sleeve Clearance within Wall/ Floor Opening
• a. Minimum ⅛ inch per linear foot (10mm per linear meter) of

damper — both dimensions. (¼” (6 mm) minimum)

• b. Clearance requirements for damper sleeves within a wall
• pening are based on ⅛ inch per foot (10 mm per meter) of width

(or height) unless otherwise stated in the listing of the assembly. The sleeve may rest on the bottom of the opening, and need not be centered. (Fractional dimensions shall be taken as the next largest whole foot.)

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

1.

Steel Sleeve, see Table 5‐2 for details.

• C. Damper Sleeve

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

• E. Retaining Angles Fastened to Sleeve
• 1. Secure Retaining Angels to Sleeve ONLY on 8” centers (203mm) with:
• a. ½" (12 mm) long welds
• b. ¼" (6 mm) bolts and nuts
• c. No. 10 Sheet Metal Screws
• d. Minimum

⁄ " (5 mm) steel rivets

• e. Note: The size and spacing requirements may differ by damper
• manufacturer. Consult manufacturer’s installation instructions for

specifics.

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

• F. Damper Attachment to Sleeve
• 1. Secure Damper to Sleeve on 8” centers (203mm)

with:

• a. ½" (12 mm) long welds
• b. ¼" (6 mm) bolts and nuts
• c. No. 10 Sheet Metal Screws
• d. Minimum
• " (5 mm) steel rivets

See note in Item E above Note: The size and spacing requirements may differ by damper manufacturer. Consult manufacturer’s installation instructions for specifics.

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

• G. Connection to Duct
• Connect Duct to Sleeve as shown in Table 5‐2

and as indicated in Figure 5‐2.

• Table 5‐2 Recommended Minimum Sleeve

Thickness for Fire Dampers*

• Figure 5‐2 UL Duct‐Sleeve Connections

(BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS)

Table 5‐2 Recommended Minimum Sleeve Thickness for Fire Dampers

Figure 5‐1 Basic Fire Damper Installations

Figure 5‐2 UL Duct‐Sleeve Connections (BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS)

Page 5.5

Figure 5‐2 UL Duct‐Sleeve Connections (BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS)

Formed on Flange Style Connections

Figure 5‐2 UL Duct‐Sleeve Connections (BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS)

BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS

• Mfg. Installation requirements

BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS Mfg.. Installation requirements

BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS

• Mfg. Installation requirements

BREAKAWAY CONNECTIONS

• Mfg. Installation requirements

Figure 5‐3 Improper Fire Damper Installations

Item 1 ‐ Sealing of the fire damper.

• In no case should the retaining

angles be sealed with any product not approved by the damper manufacturers

Item 2 ‐ Introduction of any materials

• Such as mineral wool, ceramic fiber
• r sealants of any kind has not been

tested, approved, or permitted by damper manufacturers.

Figure 5‐5 Fire Damper Out Of Wall

The use of this method requires the approval of the local authority.

Figure 5‐6 Combination Fire/Smoke Damper Out Of Wall Installation

Note: Several damper manufacturers have available UL tested and listed fire/combination fire‐ smoke dampers for mounting out of the fire

• barrier. Contact damper

manufacturers for information.

Insulation Requirements

• Coverings, linings, adhesives must meet flame spread

requirements

• Duct covering shall not penetrate fire‐resistive rated

assemblies or those that require fire blocking

• Nosings are required on the downstream side of liner

interruption

Figure 5‐8 Duct Liner Interruption

Metal Nosing

HVAC Duct Construction Standards

Metal nosing shall be used on leading edges of each piece of lined duct when the velocity exceeds 4000 fpm otherwise, it shall be used on the leading edge of any lined duct section that is preceded by unlined duct. Like the downstream side of a fire damper preceded by lined duct!

Figure 7‐11 Phenolic Duct Interruption

Phenolic Duct Construction Standards

Figure 5‐9 Fibrous Glass Duct Installation

Figure 12‐1 Subducts

Page 12.1

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

• Fire & Smoke Dampers
• Smoke Control Systems

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Fire & Smoke Dampers

• Fire Dampers (NFPA 80 Chapter 19)
• Smoke Dampers (NFPA 105 Chapter 7)
• Fire dampers fusible link shall be removed for testing

(fan off for safety)

• Fire/Smoke dampers or Smoke Dampers without fusible

links ‐ position indicator or visually verify

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Fire & Smoke Dampers

• Dampers to be tested and inspected 1 year after

installation

• Test & inspection frequency shall be every 4 years,

except in hospitals where frequency is every 6 years

• Operational test after installation for dynamic fire

dampers and combination fire smoke dampers

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Smoke Control Systems

• NFPA 92 covers engineered smoke control systems
• Periodic Testing
• Dedicated Smoke Control Systems shall be tested

semi‐annually

• Non‐dedicated Smoke Control Systems shall be

tested annually

• (This includes cycling all Smoke and Combination Fire

Smoke Dampers)

• Conducted under normal airflow conditions!

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Smoke Control Systems

• High‐Rise, Hotels, Atriums, Underground Bldgs., etc.
• Analysis & Design Factors

‐Stack Effect ‐Temperature Effect of Fire ‐Wind Effect/Climate ‐HVAC Systems ‐Duration of Operation

Who Establishes “Acceptable”?

THE DAMPER MANUFACTURER

• Anyone who requires or does any change not specifically

shown or defined by the manufacturer is not in compliance with the “AS TESTED” UL safety label of that fire or smoke damper.

PERIOD.

Who Approves?

• Code Official
• What does the code official need for inspection and

approval?

• Clearly drawn, detailed plans
• Damper manufacturer installation instructions
• Codes are supposed to be about safety and

protecting life. This inspection can save the lives of

• ccupants and fire fighters.

Questions?

www.smacna.org