Does TJC allow for “remote testing of dampers” via fire alarm and building controls system, rather than a physical test? For example: if they remotely command the smoke dampers to close via the fire alarm system relay, and then they wait to see that the building control system (which monitors them) shows them changing from “open” to “close”.
My understanding is that the intent of the code is to visually verify the proper operation of each damper no matter which type of damper it is. Please see attached 2007 NFPA 105 and Ch. 6 excerpt below.
For NFPA 72 on the annual testing, as it relates to the dampers the test is performed to ensure that the alarm and relays to the damper are operational. However, that test does not necessarily mean that the damper will operate when the signal/relay reaches the smoke damper; the actuator motor may be burned out, linkage broken, no air or power to the actuator, etc. That is why the 4 or 6 year testing requirement in NFPA 105; to ensure that the entire damper cycle is tested.
6.5 Periodic Inspection and Testing.
6.5.1 Smoke dampers for dedicated and non-dedicated smoke control systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences.
6.5.2 Each damper shall be tested and inspected one year after installation. The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in hospitals, where the frequency shall be every 6 years.
6.5.3 Care shall be exercised that all tests are completed in a safe manner wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
6.5.4 Full unobstructed access to the damper shall be verified and corrected as required.
6.5.5 The damper shall be actuated and cycled as part of the associated smoke detector testing in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Where a fusible link is installed on a combination fire/smoke damper, the fusible link shall be removed for testing the damper for full closure simulating a fire condition per the requirements and frequencies of 19.5.4 of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
The text of 6.5.2 and 6.5.5 has been revised by a tentative interim amendment (TIA). See page 1.
6.5.6 The test shall be conducted with normal HVAC airflow.
6.5.7 The operation of the damper shall verify that there is no damper interference due to rust or bent, misaligned, or damaged frame or blades, or defective hinges or other moving parts.
6.5.8 The damper frame shall not be penetrated by any foreign objects that would affect proper fire damper operations.
6.5.9 The damper shall be verified to not be blocked from closure in any way.
6.5.10 The fusible link shall be reinstalled after testing is complete. If the link is damaged or painted, it shall be replaced with a link of the same size, temperature rating, and load rating.
6.5.11 All inspections and testing shall be documented indicating the location of the damper, date of inspection, name of inspector, and deficiencies discovered. The documentation shall have a space to indicate when and how the deficiencies were corrected.
6.5.12 All documentation shall be maintained by the property owner and available for review by the authority having jurisdiction.
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