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Chapter 4: Smoke control acceptance and testing
Testing
Absence of a consensus agreement for a testing
procedure and acceptance criteria for smoke control has
historically created numerous problems at time of
system acceptance, including delays in obtaining a
certificate of occupancy.
The building owner, smoke control system designer, and
VM-1 SCS designer/installer must agree upon the
objective and design criteria for smoke control with the
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)at the planning stage
of the project to help ensure testing requirements are
consistent with the systems original design. VM-1 SCS
design submittals for AHJ approval should include a
procedure for acceptance testing in order that any
programming or operational requirements set by the AHJ
may be incorporated.
VM-1 SCS contract documents should include
operational and acceptance testing procedures so that
system and smoke control systems designers, installers,
and the owner have an understanding of the system
objectives and the testing procedure. The system
designer, responsible for defining air flow rates, zones,
and tenability will rely heavily upon the VM-SLC to
provide detection of fire and control of components
which compartmentalize or vent smoke.
Testing documentation
Upon completion of acceptance testing, a copy of all
operational testing documentation should be provided to
the owner and the AHJ. This documentation should be
available for reference in periodic testing and
maintenance. For integrated systems, installed in
compliance with NFPA 72, records of all testing and
maintenance shall be kept on the protected premises for
a period of at least 5 years.
Smoke control panel
acceptance test procedure
Once the system has been wired, programmed, and the
circuit faults corrected, all installed components should
be tested as a system, to ensure proper operation. Since
most VM-1 SCSs will be integrated into an VM-1 fire
alarm network, testing and acceptance may also need to
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comply with the requirements of NFPA 72. The FSCS,
where installed, may also be integrated into the VM-1
fire alarm network and tested under NFPA 72.
The initial system check is designed to verify that all
components of the system are installed and operating as
designed. Verifying that the system was designed and
installed according to specifications requires all aspects
of the system to be exercised and the results verified.
Where test results differ from those expected, corrective
action must be taken.
Before commencing testing, notify all areas where the
alarm sounds and off premise locations that receive
alarm and trouble transmissions, if any, that testing is in
progress.
Testing of the smoke control system will logically be
performed as a part of the smoke control air flow and
compartmentation testing. While flow rates of fans may
be the responsibility of others, their operation is
contingent upon proper installation and programming of
the VM-1 SCS and FSCS. The test procedures reflect
smoke control building component testing and smoke
control system and FSCS testing divided into three
categories based upon NFPA 92A and NFPA 92B test
procedures:
•
Component testing
•
Acceptance testing
•
Periodic testing and maintenance
Building component testing:
component testing is to establish that the final smoke
control installation complies with the specified design, is
functioning properly, and is ready for acceptance testing.
Prior to testing, the party responsible for this testing,
normally the system designer, should verify
completeness of building construction or
compartmenting components including the following
architectural features:
•
Shaft integrity
•
Firestopping or glazing which may enclose a large
space
•
Doors and closers related to smoke control
•
Partitions and ceilings
VM-1 Smoke Management Application Guide
The intent of building
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