Fire Damper Testing: What You Don’t Know Will Cost You
Your Facility’s Fire Damper Program Might Be Missing the Mark — Here's How to Get It Right and Stay Compliant with NFPA 80
When’s the last time your fire dampers were tested?
If you had to stop and think about it, it may be time to check. Fire dampers are a critical part of your building’s fire protection system. They’re designed to automatically close when heat is detected, stopping fire and smoke from spreading through your ductwork.
But just like any system, they only work if they’re maintained—and tested—on schedule.
Here’s what NFPA 80 (2010 edition) says about fire damper inspection and testing:
Testing Schedule
Initial Test: All fire dampers must be tested and inspected one year after installation.
Routine Testing:
Every 4 years for most facilities.
Every 6 years for hospitals.
Safety Precautions
Testing must be performed safely by personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Inspection Requirements
Before testing, ensure there is full, unobstructed access to each damper. Any access issues must be corrected before proceeding.
This is especially critical during new construction or renovation projects. Being involved early in the construction process allows you to identify and correct any inaccessible or restricted damper locations before the project is finalized. If this is overlooked and only discovered during your required inspection, you may find yourself footing the bill for corrective work—especially if the construction is past the one-year warranty period.
If the damper is equipped with a fusible link:
The link must be removed during testing.
Test for full closure and lock-in-place function, if applicable.
After testing, reinstall the fusible link.
If the link is damaged or painted (such as from overspray), it must be replaced with one of the same size, temperature, and load rating.
Important clarification:
Fusible links for fire dampers usually do not have a shelf life. As long as the link is free from damage, corrosion, or paint, and matches the damper’s original specifications, it does not need to be replaced during each scheduled inspection.
I’ve been to facilities with hundreds of fusible link fire dampers where vendors incorrectly told them that all fusible links must be replaced every 4 years. That’s simply not what NFPA 80 requires.
Understanding the actual requirements puts you in control—and lets your vendor know they need to be on their A-game when working in your facility.
What the Test Should Look For
Your operational test must verify that: