LPS 1162: Issue 4.1 Requirements and tests for the LPCB approval and listing of fire dampers
This standard specifies the test and performance requirements for fire dampers used as fire compartmentation and installed in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) installations in buildings that are exposed to a fully developed fire (as represented by the time temperature curve of EN 1363-1: Fire Resistance tests, general requirements). The scope of certification will be limited to the standard supporting construction and installation details used in the specific damper tests or as detailed in appropriate extended application (EXAP) and/or assessment reports.
This standard does not cover dampers intended for smoke extraction systems only, as detailed in the EN 12101 series of standards. (It should be noted that a damper activated solely by heat cannot satisfy the ambient leakage requirement for the “S” classification defined in BS EN 13501-3, Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 3: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on products and elements used in building service installations: fire resisting ducts and fire dampers, during a developing fire until activation has occurred. Therefore, it will not control the spread of ambient smoke).
Fire Resistance
The damper shall be tested in its vertical and horizontal plane unless the unit is only designed to work in one plane.
A test shall be undertaken for each type of wall and floor supporting construction and installation method for which the damper design is intended (see EN 1366-2). The damper shall be tested in accordance with the procedures and criteria as defined in BS EN 1366-2 or BS ISO 10294-5 (intumescent dampers only).
The leakage rates shall be measured and recorded. The leakage shall be within the limits given in BS EN 13501-3.
Cyclic Testing (mandatory for all mechanical dampers)
All mechanical dampers shall be tested. The specimen shall be tested for 50 cycles prior to fire testing as defined in BS EN 1366-2. The operation of the damper shall be controlled by the manufacturer’s control unit or by its operating mechanism.
One cycle shall comprise of the damper starting from the closed position fully opening and then completely closing. Each cycle shall be completed in less than 2 minutes unless otherwise agreed with the LPCB.
Enhanced classification
For enhanced classification, automatic mechanical and leakage rated combined fire and smoke dampers shall undergo prolonged cyclic testing as defined in Appendix A to assess operability in service; this test shall be conducted on a sample representing the largest size damper in the range, and in each orientation to be approved.
Following the cyclic test an operational and visual check shall be conducted to ensure that the damper is still fully operational and that no wear or damage has occurred that could affect the correct function of the damper. It is not intended that the sample undergoing prolonged cyclic test is subject to the fire resistance test.
This test is not applicable to intumescent fire dampers where no moving parts are used.
Corrosion Test
The specimen shall not exceed 500mm in height and 500mm in width.
Salt Solution Concentration.
The salt solution concentration shall be 19-21% by weight.
Initial Measurements.
The damper shall be fully operational before the test.
Pre-Conditioning.
No pre-conditioning of the specimen shall be undertaken by either the test laboratory or themanufacturer. The specimen shall be representative of that installed in practice.
Position of the specimens during test.
The specimen shall be positioned in the orientation that it would be installed in practice.
Test Duration.
The test duration shall be 120 hours.
Recovery
The specimen shall be washed in running tap water for 5 minutes and allowed to dry. The temperature of the water used for washing shall not be less than 5°C or exceed 35°C.
Final Measurement.
The damper shall be fully operational after test.
Thermal release mechanism
The thermal release mechanism shall be tested and be compliant to the requirements of BS ISO 10294-
Installation
The manufacturer shall provide details of all installation methods, supporting constructions, maintenance requirements and any other information that is necessary, with all dampers supplied, to ensure that they will operate correctly in end use.
LPCB certificated fire resisting dampers shall only be installed using the installation method and supporting construction as described in the appropriate fire test report and LPCB certification listing.
Comprehensive installation instructions shall be provided by the manufacturer at the time of tender or on delivery.
If the product is not installed in accordance with the approved field of application and installation method as described in the LPCB certification listing, the LPCB approval mark and reference number shall be omitted and the system shall not be considered as LPCB certificated.
Classification shall be in accordance with BS EN 13501-3. A classification report shall be prepared by the test laboratory or by BRE Global.
Where test results are provided to ISO 10294-5, LPCB shall review this data in respect to ISO 10294-2 (Fire resistance tests – fire dampers for air distribution systems- Part 2: Classification, criteria and field of application)
Additionally, the damper shall be classified as either standard or enhanced relating to the requirements specified in Table 1 of this standard.
The manufacturer shall provide appropriate marking, labelling and packaging for the safe transport and subsequent installation and performance of the damper system. This shall clearly show the manufacturers name, contact address, the damper system identification reference as well as any other relevant safety requirements.
The requirements for the LPCB marking or labelling of a damper system are described in scheme document SD 198 and in the “Use of the Certification Mark” publication PN103.