Apprentice answer

Can multi-section fire/smoke dampers be joined with regular drywall screws

3rd YearDampers, Fire/Smoke & Life SafetyStop / Verify

No — multi-section damper assemblies must be joined exactly per the manufacturer/listed installation. Remove wrong fasteners and use the approved splice/hardware detail.

Ask a jobsite question Back to Dampers, Fire/Smoke & Life Safety

Plain-English answer

A multi-section FSD is a listed life-safety assembly. The splice between sections is not a random sheet-metal connection; it is part of the tested installation.

If the wrong screws or missing splice parts were used, stop cover and correct it using the manufacturer’s approved splice plates, fasteners, gaskets, and orientation. Keep the installation sheet/submittal with the corrected assembly for inspection.

Field checklist

Confirm damper model, size, number of sections, sleeve, wall rating, and installation sheet.
Identify any wrong fasteners or missing factory splice components.
Check blade operation after the sections are joined.
Verify retaining angles, sleeve position, actuator access, and firestop sequence.
Photo correction for inspector/closeout.

Ask Foreman

The multi-section FSD at [location] was spliced with the wrong fasteners. I checked the installation sheet and factory parts. Do you want it pulled apart and reassembled with the approved splice hardware before inspection?

Verify before acting

Use this as training guidance. The foreman, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer installation instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.

Related questions in this category

Where should a fire damper sleeve sit in a rated wall opening?2nd Year Why is it a problem if a fire damper sleeve is squeezed by a tight wall opening?3rd Year Can you fire-caulk raw duct directly through a rated drywall wall without a sleeve?3rd Year What do I check when a branch reads zero CFM but dampers are open?3rd Year What if an FSD actuator hums but the blades do not move?3rd Year Can a fire/smoke damper actuator burn out if line voltage is wired to the wrong motor?3rd Year