By Erik Anderson, P.E., and Kristen Steranka

1. During what phase does the first step in ensuring the smoke control system is properly inspected, tested, and maintained occur? 

• The design phase. Simplicity should be the goal of the smoke control system design. When possible, a single system should control the various smoke control functions.  The more complex the system is, the less likely it is to operate properly; however, it is also less likely to be properly tested and maintained over the life of the building, which lowers reliability.

2. When should the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) be brought into the project?

• The design phase. An understanding must be reached with the AHJ regarding the expected performance of the system and the acceptance test procedures.

3. Following the design phase, the smoke control system falls into what two main categories?

• Acceptance Testing. Acceptance testing is the process of verifying and documenting that the performance of the smoke control system conforms to the design intent.
• Periodic Testing. Periodic testing is performed over the life of the system and should be performed not less than twice per year for a dedicated smoke control system and once per year if the system is integrated with the building HVAC system.

4. Does NFPA 92 require documentation of the operations and maintenance (O&M) plan as part of the commissioning process?

• Yes, however, this documentation is a key part of the ongoing periodic ITM process as well. Documentation is the first step to maintaining the “proper operation of the system over the life of the building” (NFPA 92, 7.3).

5. Is real smoke required by code for the initial acceptance testing or for the periodic testing of the smoke control system?

• When documenting the testing and commissioning procedures, the designer should discourage the use of smoke bombs or similar “real” smoke tests. A smoke control system designed in accordance with NFPA 92 and/or the IBC criteria should performed well during an actual fire event.

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