SMACNA Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC
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Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC

October 05, 2018

SMACNA Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVACSince SMACNA published the first edition of the “Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation for HVAC Systems” many changes have occurred in concepts of fire protection. Emphasis on use of duct systems in engineered smoke control modes as outlined in ASHRAE and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publications is now a key consideration for HVAC system engineers.

Such concepts depart from the traditional practice of automatic shutdown of duct systems and create new perspectives on the role of fire and smoker dampers. In some cases, dampers are serving the dual role of fire dampers and smoke dampers.

This edition reemphasizes the segregation of the responsibilities that architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, testing agencies and local authorities have regarding fire and smoke dampers. Industry is encouraged to use more standardization in the basic elements of installation and in the preparation of installation instructions.

The details shown in this new guide represent the state-of-the-art of the dampers manufactured by those in the HVAC industry, and may be modified by individual manufacturers to meet specific requirements. These dampers must be installed as outlined and shown by the manufacturers’ installation instructions which result from UL testing. In addition to UL labels or UL listing, some local and state authorities will require approval or compliance with local codes before allowing use.

This guide contains descriptions, illustrations, recommendations on changes in industry practices, suggestions on disposition of installation details for situations not confirmed by fire tests in composite assemblies, designations of responsibility, references to the other documents, check lists, and guidance on plan making. Thus, it should not be categorically referenced in codes or project specifications.

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