Duct Detector Annual Testing

We are reviewing our practice of fire system testing and have a question. Can you clarify whether we are or are not required to set off individual air handler duct detectors and confirm air handler shut down for each annually or could we put the fire alarm system in bypass, smoke each detector, and confirm that it has been acknowledged at the fire panel?  (We currently do this once each year.)  If we had to have each air handler shut down, we would be shutting down 67 units 67 times, creating a nightmare and a life safety issue in its own right. Actually every air handler has two, a supply and a return, making the issue even more paramount. Can you shed some light on this vital issue?

The short answer to your question is: Yes, a facility is expected to test each air handling shut-down device (relay).

EC.02.03.05.EP19 - Every 12 months, the hospital tests automatic smoke-detection shut-down devices for air-handling equipment.  The completion date of the tests is documented.  Note: For additional guidance on performing tests, see NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air condition and Ventilation Systems 1999 edition (Section 4-4.1)  This is a Direct Impact EP and requires documentation as evidence of testing.

This EP requires specific testing of AHU shut-down devices.  TJC Surveyors typically ask for an inventory of AHU shut-down devices and then want to see when they were tested, for the current year and for last year.  Testing may be done in conjunction with duct smoke detector testing under EC.02.03.05.EP3.  Be able to show where the shut-down devices was specifically tested.

The method used to test the shut-down device is not specified in NFPA.  I would expect the manufacturer's recommendations to be followed or an appropriate method to ensure proper operation (do the right thing).  Create a process that ensures operation and that is best for the hospital's operations.  May require an additional observer at the AHU shut-down device to verify operation.  Sample inventory included.

The NFPA text is below to help answer EC.02.03.05.EP25 for EP19.

This is the EC that requires duct smoke detector testing:
EC.02.03.05.EP3 - Every 12 months, the hospital tests duct detectors, electromechanical releasing devices, heat detectors, manual fire alarm boxes, and smoke detectors.  The completion date of the tests is documented.  Note: For additional guidance on performing tests, see NFPA 72, 1999 Edition (table7-3.2)

These are the applicable NFPA requirements:

NFPA 90A(1999) 4-4* Smoke Detection for Automatic Control.
4-4.1 Testing.
All automatic shutdown devices shall be tested at least annually.

4-4.2* Location.
Smoke detectors listed for use in air distribution systems shall be located as follows:
(1) Downstream of the air filters and ahead of any branch connections in air supply systems having a capacity greater than 2000 ft3/min (944 L/sec)
(2) At each story prior to the connection to a common return and prior to any recirculation or fresh air inlet connection in air return systems having a capacity greater than 15,000 ft3/min (7080 L/sec) and serving more than one story
Exception No. 1: Return system smoke detectors shall not be required where the entire space served by the air distribution system is protected by a system of area smoke detectors.
Exception No. 2: Fan units whose sole function is to remove air from the inside of the building to the outside of the building.

4-4.3* Function.
Smoke detectors provided as required by 4-4.2 shall automatically stop their respective fan(s) on detecting the presence of smoke.
Exception: Where the return air fan is functioning as part of an engineered smoke-control system and a different mode is required.

4-4.4 Installation.
4-4.4.1
Smoke detectors shall be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code(r).

4-4.4.2
In addition to the requirements of 4-4.3, where an approved fire alarm system is installed in a building, the smoke detectors required by the provisions of Section 4-4 shall be connected to the fire alarm system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Smoke detectors used solely for closing dampers or for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system shutdown shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm.

4-4.4.3
Where smoke detectors required by Section 4-4 are installed in a building not equipped with an approved fire alarm system as specified by 4-4.4.2, the following shall occur:
(1) Smoke detector activation required by Section 4-4 shall cause a visual and audible signal in a normally occupied area.
(2) Smoke detector trouble conditions shall be indicated visually or audibly in a normally occupied area and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble.

4-4.4.4
Smoke detectors powered separately from the fire alarm system for the sole function of stopping fans shall not require standby power.

A-4-4
The use of smoke detectors in relationship to HVAC systems and high air movement areas and the details regarding their optimum installation are covered in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 5-3.6.6.
Protection provided by the installation of smoke detectors and related requirements is intended to prevent the distribution of smoke through the supply air duct system and, preferably, to exhaust a significant quantity of smoke to the outside. Neither function, however, guarantees either the early detection of fire or the detection of smoke concentrations prior to dangerous smoke conditions where smoke movement is other than through the supply air system.
Where smoke-control protection for a facility is determined to be needed, see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems.

A-4-4.2
The summation of the capacities of individual supply-air fans should be made where such fans are connected to a common supply air duct system (i.e., all fans connected to a common air duct supply system should be considered as constituting a single system with respect to the applicability of the Chapter 4 provisions that are dependent on system capacity).

A-4-4.3
Where automatic water sprinklers are provided and zoned to coordinate with the HVAC zones, their water flow switches should initiate devices for the functions described in Chapter 4.
Sprinklers are often tested weekly. Where it is desirable to prevent the accompanying automatic shutdown of the fan system(s) referred to in 4-4.2, a means can be permitted to be used to avoid such shutdown temporarily, provided one of the following occurs:
(1) A trouble signal is sustained in the sprinkler supervisory system until the automatic shutdown provision is restored.
(2) The automatic shutdown provision is restored at the end of the time period necessary to test the sprinkler system, its alarms, and related elements.