2.05 Fire/Smoke Damper Submittal Guidelines for Tenant Improvements

Reference: 2022 CFC Section 706, 2022 CBC Section 717; Department of Building Inspection, AB-047; 2022 CMC - Section 608

Purpose: The SFBC specifies the smoke detector requirements for combination fire/smoke and/or smoke damper (FSD/SD) actuation. Depending on building design, the sequence of operation for those dampers can vary greatly. In order to facilitate the testing of these devices, the Fire Department requires the following information to be submitted on both the mechanical and fire alarm plans. Buildings with a Smoke Control System or Smoke Management System shall comply with applicable Building and Fire Department Administrative Bulletins for Smoke Control Systems.

For “Non-Infringement Statements”, refer to DBI AB-047.

Any time a new fire/smoke damper is shown, the following information shall be provided for each individual FSD/SD or group of FSD/SD sharing the same specification in matrix format as shown in Figure 1 on Page 3 of this administrative bulletin. Each row of the FSD/SD matrix shall correspond to each individual FSD/SD designation (or group designation). Each column of the matrix shall include the following information:

1. Location of smoke detectors or duct detectors for (FSD/SD) actuation and a description of which method is being utilized per the 2022 CBC, Section 717.3.3.2;

2. Indicate whether the FSD/SD is utilized as part of a Smoke Control System or Smoke Management System;

3. Provide information on whether the damper is normally closed or normally open, and description of how protection is provided when the power fails to the damper (i.e. fails closed).

4. Duct and plenum detectors must be listed for the air velocity, temperature, and humidity anticipated at the point where it is installed. The Mechanical Engineer of Record shall identify airflow, velocity, max/min temperatures, and humidity at the location where in-duct or plenum smoke detectors are installed.

5. Operating temperature of the fire-damper or fire/smoke damper actuating device;

6. Indication when an override switch and position monitoring is provided in the Fire Command Center (FCC) on the Fire Fighter Smoke Control Panel (FFSCP);

7. Description of how protection is provided when the building fan systems are shut down (i.e. Building Management Systems) if duct detectors are used to activate smoke dampers (i.e. dampers are arranged to close when fans are shut down);

8. The manufacturer and model number of each FSD/SD;

Please note that the requirements as stipulated by this administrative bulletin are in addition to the requirements of SFDBI AB-047. Separately from the FSD/SD Matrix required by this administrative bulletin, the designer of record shall also provide a Smoke Control Sequence of Operation Matrix that details the FSD/SD position as well as Fan status and flowrate for all FSD/SD’s and Fans utilized as part of the Smoke Control System or Smoke Management System.

In addition to the above requirements, FSD/SD’s shall be accessible for inspection and servicing. Concealed detectors that are used to activate dampers must have a remote alarm indicator complying with 2022 CFC and 2022 NFPA 72. Access panels that penetrate fireresistance rated construction shall be listed fire door assemblies complying with 2022 CBC Section 716.