Acceptance Testing
An acceptance test is a test of the damper that is completed by a qualified person after the damper is installed, an operational test is completed, and the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is complete. The acceptance test is performed prior to placing the entire system in service.
- The damper is not damaged or missing any parts.
- If actuated, dampers close fully upon disconnection of electrical power or air pressure.
- If actuated, dampers fully reopen when electrical power or air pressure is reapplied.
- If non-actuated, the damper closes upon removal of the fusible link and is manually reset to the full-open position.
Testing must be done under maximum airflow after HVAC system balancing, unless acceptance testing is being performed for dampers with fusible links. In that case, it is permitted to turn the fan in the system off.
Periodic Testing
Fire dampers need to be inspected and tested 1 year after the initial acceptance test and then every 4 years, unless the dampers are installed in a hospital, in which case they can be inspected and tested every 6 years.
During the periodic inspection of an actuated fire damper, the following needs to be completed:
- Confirm that the damper is in the full-open or full-closed position as required by the system design.
- Visually confirm the damper moved to the full-closed or full-open position when commanded.
- Visually confirm that the damper returns to the original operating position as required by the system design.
During the periodic inspection of a non-actuated fire damper, the following needs to be completed:
- Confirm the fusible link is not painted.
- Confirm the damper fully closes when the fusible link is removed or activated with the damper in the full-open position.
- Where equipped, confirm that the damper latches in the full-closed position.
- Confirm that the damper is returned to the full-open and operational position with fusible link installed.