2026 GAHFM Technical Education Conference-2 T+M Smoke Ctrl_Healthcare (Eddie Part 2 Presentation)

2 T+M Smoke Ctrl_Healthcare (Eddie Part 2 Presentation)

Pdf Summary

The presentation explains why smoke control systems require ongoing testing and maintenance: to confirm they still operate as designed, that initiating devices communicate correctly with fans and dampers, and that sequencing changes or failures are identified.<br /><br />It reviews applicable requirements, including NFPA 92’s requirement for dedicated systems to be tested at least twice yearly and the IFC’s preprogrammed weekly test sequence, which may be bypassed with AHJ approval when it interferes with normal building use. Testing should be grounded in the system’s design documents and rational analysis, and include inspection of building features such as smoke barriers, shafts, firestopping, and doors.<br /><br />A practical test plan begins with preparation: review test documents, coordinate personnel and building systems, confirm power conditions and access, and gather instruments. Tests should verify fan operation, supervision and manual controls; damper movement, position indication and fault monitoring; door and other equipment operation; and system performance on standby power. Results should be compared with design criteria such as operating sequences, airflow, pressure differentials, and door-opening forces.<br /><br />The presentation emphasizes recording each test, documenting deficiencies and corrective actions, maintaining records on-site, and coordinating responsibility for the system. Case studies show why checking only whether equipment runs is insufficient: excessive stairwell pressure can make doors impossible to open, while building-system upgrades can disconnect smoke-control wiring and disable manual controls. Testing should therefore assess life-safety performance and include checks after related fire alarm, sprinkler, or controls work.

Keywords

smoke control systems

ongoing testing

maintenance

NFPA 92

IFC requirements

initiating devices

fans and dampers

rational analysis

stairwell pressure

fire alarm integration