FIRE DAMPER | Pre-Commissioning Checklist

This fire damper checklist can be used and completed throughout the project and its different stages covering:

• delivery,
• storage,
• installation &
• pre-commissioning/pre-functional

Once the pre-functional checks have been completed, the fire dampers’ full functional testing/commissioning can be conducted.

This checklist should be used and completed throughout the project, and its different stages, delivery, storage, installation & pre-commissioning, before the functional testing occurs.

Delivery Inspection

Once the Fire Dampers arrive at the site, usually delivered by a transport company, and before being unloaded and accepted into storage, the following should be checked with the driver.

Any damage that is noted should be reported to the manufacturer/supplier immediately in writing supported with photographs.

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	Supplier's consolidated delivery ticket is available, showing all equipment and ancillaries for inspection and being used to check against.
2	A copy of the order that was sent to the supplier is available for reference and is being used to check against
3	The fire dampers are packaged, protected, and crated in separate boxes, for maximum protection
4	The labels on the fire dampers and technical details match the purchase order
5	Delivery protection is dry
6	Fire dampers are dry
7	The external casings of the fire dampers are undamaged
8	Fusible links are included and rated correctly.
8	All damper frames, if ordered, are included
9	All mounting angles, if ordered, are included
10	All motors, if ordered, are included and mounted on the damper frame.
11	All position indicators, if ordered are included.
12	Documentation included drawings [installation, wiring, datasheets, manuals, etc.]
13	Replace protection that has been removed

Storage Inspection

Storage Area

If the equipment is to be placed into storage on site prior to installation there will be an inspection completed checking the following.

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	The area is internal and will not be affected by the weather. [if the unit is not rated for external use]
2	The surface where the equipment is to be placed is level.
3	The equipment will be raised from the floor to allow airflow and stop the risk of water ingress.
4	The area is well covered and protected.
5	The area is well ventilated and has no risk of high humidity.
6	The area is clean & dust-free.
7	The area is secure and protected from the movement of other materials and vehicles.

If you want to understand more about Fire Damper Testing see our article: FIRE DAMPERS | Detailed Guide to Testing

Storage of Fire Damper

Prior to the fire dampers being placed into storage, the following should be checked.

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	Fire dampers will not have materials stacked on them.
2	All ancillaries will be placed in a safe and secure location, so items do not go missing or get damaged.
3	All original packaging is intact and not removed.
4	Fire Dampers covered to protect from dust and dirt

Pre-Installation Inspection

Prior to the units being installed the following should be checked.

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	The wall or floor opening is larger than the damper/sleeve assembly to allow installation. ready, and correct size. [all should be fully in line with the manufacturer’s requirements]
2	The wall or floor surrounding the opening is flat and available to be used to mount the damper.
3	The room/area is dry and watertight.
4	The room/area the fire damper will be installed into is clean and dust-free. If there is dust/construction work, then the damper and ducting should be protected.
5	All duct connections, can be independently supported and not supported by the fire damper.
6	Check to ensure that all connection kits containing angles, connections, gaskets, bolts, screws, sleeves, break-away connections and frames are available to allow bolting up and mounting of the dampers.
7	Where required, check that any cabling can be run to the unit and on appropriate containment, not impeding access to the areas needed to gain access for maintenance and operation of the unit.

Maintenance/Access

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	There is enough space allowed around and above the damper once installed to perform maintenance [test damper] and remove components. [check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for requirements]
2	All-access doors can be fully opened to gain access to the damper and components.

Pre-Commissioning Inspection

Once the fire damper has been installed and prior to the functional testing and commissioning phase taking place the following will be checked.

In Wall Mounted Fire Damper

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	Document the following information: 1. Project name 2. Date of inspection 3. Inspector name 4. Inspector company 5. Fire damper ID 6. Location of the damper 7. Ventilation system reference 8. Type of damper/ratingAny deficiencies and resolutions
2	The fire damper is free from physical damage.
3	If the installation is to join multiple damper assemblies, review to ensure the dampers are secured to the sleeve by M6 bolts, M5 screws, or 1/2" welds staggered intermittently on both sides. [check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for requirements]
4	The damper sleeve is made of steel material.
5	Damper sleeve thickness is equal to, or thicker than the duct that is connected to it. [It is not allowed to be thinner] Rigid Duct [Round or Rectangular], 24" [610mm], Diameter or 36" [914mm] max width or 24" [610mm] max height Sleeve gauge = 16 [0.060" / 1.5mm].
6	Rigid Duct [Round or Rectangular], Over 24" [610mm], Diameter or Over 36" [914mm] max width or Over 24" [610mm] max height Sleeve gauge = 14 [0.075" / 2.0mm].
7	Breakaway [or no duct] [Round or Rectangular], 12" [305mm], wide and under, Sleeve gauge = 26,[0.18"/0.46mm] 13"-30" [330" 762mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 24,[0.24"/0.06mm] 31"-54" [787" 1371mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 22,[0.030"/0.76mm] 55"-84" [1397" 2134mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 20,[0.036"/0.9mm] 85" [2159mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 18,[0.048"/1.2mm]
8	Unless a damper actuator or factory access door is installed, the sleeve extends, both sides of the wall, no more than 6” [152mm] beyond the firewall.
9	Where a damper actuator or factory access door is installed, the sleeve extends, both sides of the wall, no more than 16” [406mm] beyond the firewall.
10	The damper is installed in the correct orientation, allowing the blades to operate correctly.
11	Fasteners are installed as per the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
12	Mounting angles are installed as per the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Check: 1. Gauge 2. Type of material mounted within [wood, metal, masonry] 3. Angle installation detail 4. Spacings
13	Ductwork sleeve connections are installed as per the requirements of the manufacturer: 1. Rectangular ducting - break-away duct/sleeve connections. 2. Round and oval break-away connections. 3. Flanged break-away style duct/sleeve connections 4. Non-break-away duct/sleeve connections [The following type of joints for rectangular connections can be used. Plain 'S' Slip, Hemmed 'S' Slip, Double 'S' Slip, Inside Slip Joint, Standing S, Standing S (Angle reinforced), Standing (Alt), Standing (Bar Reinforced), Standing S (Angle Reinforced), Drive Slip Joint.]
14	An access panel or removable section of duct is installed to allow access and future maintenance of the damper.
15	Fusible link installed and rated correctly.
16	Operation and installation manual for the fire dampers available.
17	Manufacturing/dimensioned drawings available

Out of Wall Mounted Fire Damper

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	Document the following information: 1. Project name 2. Date of inspection 3. Inspector name 4. Inspector company 5. Fire damper ID 6. Location of the damper 7. Ventilation system reference 8. Type of damper/rating 9. Any deficiencies and resolutions
2	The fire damper is free from physical damage.
3	The damper sleeve is made of steel material.
4	The maximum leading edge of the damper frame that can be installed outside of the wall is: Steel Stud or Masonry = 8" [203mm]Wood Stud = 6" [152]
5	Insulation [Fibrefrax is attached to all 4 sides of the damper and sleeve assembly [this is usually factory applied].
6	Damper sleeve thickness is equal to, or thicker than the duct that is connected to it. [It is not allowed to be thinner] Rigid Duct [Round or Rectangular], 24" [610mm], Diameter or 36" [914mm] max width or 24" [610mm] max height Sleeve gauge = 16 [0.060" / 1.5mm].
7	Rigid Duct [Round or Rectangular], Over 24" [610mm], Diameter or Over 36" [914mm] max width or Over 24" [610mm] max height Sleeve gauge = 14 [0.075" / 2.0mm].
8	Breakaway [or no duct] [Round or Rectangular], 12" [305mm], wide and under, Sleeve gauge = 26,[0.18"/0.46mm] 13"-30" [330" 762mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 24,[0.24"/0.06mm] 31"-54" [787" 1371mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 22,[0.030"/0.76mm] 55"-84" [1397" 2134mm], wide, Sleeve gauge = 20,[0.036"/0.9mm]
9	Where a damper actuator or factory access door is installed, the sleeve extends, both sides of the wall, no more than 16" [406mm] beyond the firewall.
10	The damper is installed in the correct orientation, allowing the blades to operate correctly.
11	Fasteners are installed as per the manufacturer's installation requirements.
12	Mounting angles are installed as per the manufacturer's installation requirements. Check: 1. Gauge 2. Type of material mounted within [wood, metal, masonry] 3. Angle installation detail 4. Spacings
13	Ductwork sleeve connections are installed as per the requirements of the manufacturer: 1. Rectangular ducting - break-away duct/sleeve connections. 2. Round and oval break-away connections. 3. Flanged break-away style duct/sleeve connections. 4. Non-break-away duct/sleeve connections [The following type of joints for rectangular connections can be used. Plain 'S' Slip, Hemmed 'S' Slip, Double 'S' Slip, Inside Slip Joint, Standing S, Standing S (Angle reinforced), Standing (Alt), Standing (Bar Reinforced), Standing S (Angle Reinforced), Drive Slip Joint.]
14	An access panel or removable section of duct is installed to allow access and future maintenance of the damper.
15	Fusible link installed and rated correctly.
16	Operation and installation manual for the fire dampers available.
17	Manufacturing/dimensioned drawings available

Controls/Electrics

Ref	Inspection/Task
1	Damper actuator installed and powered if required.
2	Smoke head installed and connected to the system if required.
3	BMS status installed and connected if required.
4	Control wiring completed from instruments and interlocks in accordance with the manufacturer's wiring diagram.
5	Damper test switch installed and operating if required.
6	Master Control Panel installed and operating if required.
7	Wireless Remote tester installed and operating if required.
8	Power available to control panel.

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Fire Damper Pre-Commissioning Checklist [Pdf]

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Fire Damper Pre-Functional Checklist [Microsoft Word]

Fire Damper Pre-Functional Checklist [Microsoft Excel]

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