A fire/smoke damper is installed backwards or upside down

Treat a reversed or upside-down fire/smoke damper as a stop-and-correct condition. Verify the label, airflow arrow, top/bottom orientation, actuator/access side, sleeve detail, and manufacturer instructions before cover.

Fire/Smoke Dampers & Rated Assemblies 4th Year RED

Watch out

Do not assume a damper is fine because it fits in the sleeve. Orientation, access, listing, and installation detail matter.

Check

Find and read the damper label before the wall or ceiling closes.
Check airflow arrow, top/bottom marking, actuator side, access side, blade/spring orientation, and sleeve/wall detail.
Confirm the opening/wall type matches the approved detail and submittal.
Make sure access remains reachable after finish work.
Call for direction before modifying, flipping, drilling, or forcing any life-safety device.

Steps

Find and read the damper label before the wall or ceiling closes.
Check airflow arrow, top/bottom marking, actuator side, access side, blade/spring orientation, and sleeve/wall detail.
Confirm the opening/wall type matches the approved detail and submittal.
Make sure access remains reachable after finish work.
Call for direction before modifying, flipping, drilling, or forcing any life-safety device.

Say this to your foreman

The FSD at [location] appears [backwards/upside down/wrong airflow direction]. I checked the label, access side, and sleeve. Do you want it pulled and reinstalled per the approved damper detail before cover?

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