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
- Orient the actuator and service side toward usable access.
- Reserve space for linkage travel, wiring, and actuator removal.
- Coordinate duct supports and access-door location.
Set and support it
- Support the duct independently on both sides.
- Keep the damper frame square.
- Prevent insulation, framing, or ductwork from blocking the actuator.
Make the connection
- 1
Verify the exact listed assembly and control requirements.
- 2
Set and retain the damper and sleeve as listed.
- 3
Connect duct using the listed breakaway detail.
- 4
Install and coordinate actuator, sensor, and wiring.
- 5
Install the access door.
- 6
Cycle the damper through full travel.
- 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.