Dampers, Penetrations & Life Safety · Dampers & Life Safety

Combination fire/smoke damper

Rated/smoke barrier

ConnectionListed breakaway
SupportIndependent duct support

Before you start

  • Confirm the combination fire/smoke damper model, rating, actuator side, sensor, control sequence, sleeve, retaining method, breakaway detail, and access clearance.
  • Coordinate electrical, controls, testing, and service access before setting the damper.
  • Inspect blades, seals, actuator, linkage, label, sensor, and factory wiring.
  • Verify the wall or barrier and opening match the listed assembly.

Tools and materials

Listed combination fire/smoke damper, sleeve, actuator and sensor components, listed retaining and breakaway hardware, access door, control wiring coordination, level, square, tape, and manufacturer instructions.

Lay it out

  1. Orient the actuator and service side toward usable access.
  2. Reserve space for linkage travel, wiring, and actuator removal.
  3. Coordinate duct supports and access-door location.

Set and support it

  1. Support the duct independently on both sides.
  2. Keep the damper frame square.
  3. Prevent insulation, framing, or ductwork from blocking the actuator.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Verify the exact listed assembly and control requirements.

  2. 2

    Set and retain the damper and sleeve as listed.

  3. 3

    Connect duct using the listed breakaway detail.

  4. 4

    Install and coordinate actuator, sensor, and wiring.

  5. 5

    Install the access door.

  6. 6

    Cycle the damper through full travel.

  7. 7

    Complete functional and life-safety inspection before concealment.

Check the install

  • The actuator and linkage are fully accessible.
  • The blades cycle without rubbing.
  • The seals, sensor, and controls remain intact.
  • The frame is square and the label is visible.
  • The duct is independently supported.

Common mistakes

  • Facing the actuator toward a wall.
  • Blocking actuator removal with duct or insulation.
  • Racking the frame while connecting duct.
  • Treating a combination damper like a plain fire damper.

Stop and ask

Stop if access or actuator clearance is inadequate, the control sequence is unresolved, or the listed assembly does not match the barrier.