FM200 and HVAC system dampers

[chaz12]

A variety of steps are always taken to seal a room where there is a clean agent suppression system like FM200 installed. One action is to put automatic shut-off dampers in HVAC ducts coming into or out of the room.

Are these requirements actually contained in any codes? I do not find them specifically addressed in NFPA 2001.

I have been told that a UL listed fire/smoke damper is required for the HVAC system shut-off dampers. It doesn't seem like they would be required for this application unless mandated by code somewhere, and interlocking them to the FM system discharge panel would be more difficult than a tight closing control damper.

Thanks for any input

Chaz

 

[NCDesign]

More than likely the code you are looking for is the mechanical code sections covering ducts that pass through fire rated walls. In the International Codes these are IMC Section 607 and IBC 907.10 & 907.11. Essentially the FM200 system doesn't trigger the dampers it's the duct penetration of the rated wall.

 

[ChrisConley]

A room using FM200 or similar system is required to pass a pressure test to ensure the room isn't too leaky for the system to work properly.

A room with open ducts could be considered 'too leaky' for the system.