Life Safety Dampers: Code-Required Testing

Authored by Larry Felker; Reprinted from the NEBB Professional with permission from NEBB.

Building codes require the installation of life safety dampers for several purposes. Most are used as part of compartmentalization to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in a life-threatening event. Smoke Control systems employ dampers to prevent the spread of smoke or to remove it, while some dampers can be used for other types of fire and smoke control. Periodic testing of all life safety dampers is required.

This two-part article published from NEBB Professional covers the codes, standards, and owner’s responsibility.