Compliance Guide
Fire & Smoke Damper Testing Requirements
Fire and smoke dampers protect rated barriers where ductwork penetrates them. NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 require operational testing on defined cycles — and AHJs expect clean documentation tied back to each damper.
01
Testing intervals
NFPA 80 and 105 require operational testing one year after installation, then every four years for most facilities and every six years for hospitals. Smoke dampers tied to engineered smoke control systems may require additional functional testing.
02
What an operational test includes
Each damper is located, accessed, and cycled to confirm full closure and reset. Linkages, fusible links, actuators, and sleeves are inspected. Deficiencies are documented with location, ID, and condition.
03
Why dampers fail surveys
Most damper citations aren't about failed devices — they're about missing access, missing IDs, or missing records. We map every damper by location, create a permanent ID, and deliver records you can produce on demand.
04
Coordinated correction
Failed dampers, sleeve issues, and access deficiencies are scoped into a prioritized correction plan. Closeout documentation is tied back to the original finding for clean records.
What's included
Scope highlights
- NFPA 80 & NFPA 105 operational testing
- 4-year and 6-year cycles supported
- Damper-level mapping and IDs
- Linkage, link, actuator inspection
- Photo and condition documentation
- Access deficiency identification
- Coordinated corrective repair
- AHJ-ready closeout records
Faster scoping
Have a Door Count, Prior Report, Photos, or Floor Plan?
Upload what you have and we can review the scope faster. Even if the information is incomplete, it helps us understand your facility and respond with better next steps.
For your internal team
Need Internal Approval?
We can provide a clear written scope, deliverables summary, and next-step explanation your team can review internally before any commitment.
Get started
Talk to a compliance specialist about your facility.
Tell us about your buildings and goals. We'll respond with scope, pricing, and a realistic timeline.