Fire and Smoke Damper Inspection

The NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 operational test schedule: acceptance, the first test at one year, then every four years

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Overview

Fire and smoke dampers are life-safety devices, so they have to be tested on a schedule to prove they still close when called on. The operational test and its frequency come from NFPA 80 for fire dampers and NFPA 105 for smoke dampers, which the International Fire Code and many authorities having jurisdiction adopt. This guide covers the schedule, what the test checks, and what happens when a damper fails.

New to dampers? Start with the fire and smoke dampers guide for the types and the requirements page for where code requires them.

The Test Schedule

NFPA 80 (fire dampers) and NFPA 105 (smoke dampers) set the same operational test frequency:

Milestone	When
Acceptance test	After installation is complete
First periodic test	One year after installation
Recurring test	Every 4 years
Recurring test (hospitals)	Every 6 years

Hospitals use the six-year recurring interval. Confirm the cycle your authority having jurisdiction, CMS or state survey agency, or accreditor enforces, since some adopt their own intervals.

What the Test Covers

The operational test confirms the damper actually works and is documented:

The damper fully closes and then reopens (the fusible link is dropped or the actuator is exercised).
Nothing blocks the blades, and the damper seats fully closed.
The heat-responsive device or actuator and its linkage are in good condition.
The sleeve, frame, and access door are intact and the damper is reachable.
The damper location, the test date, the inspector, the deficiencies found, and any corrective repairs and re-test results are recorded for the authority having jurisdiction.

When a Damper Fails

A damper that does not fully close, sticks, or has a damaged link or actuator is repaired or replaced and then re-tested. Common fixes are a new fusible link, a new actuator, or a replacement damper selected for the opening, the barrier rating, the airflow conditions, and the listed installation. Replacements should match the original listing for the barrier: a fire damper with one listed to UL 555, a smoke damper with one listed to UL 555S, and a combination fire/smoke damper with one listed to both UL 555 and UL 555S.

Get a Quote

Replacing dampers flagged in an inspection? Send the list: damper type (fire, smoke, or combination), the barrier rating, the sizes, and the quantities. We match listed US-made dampers to the schedule and quote the order.

Replacing dampers after an inspection?

Send the flagged dampers (type, barrier rating, sizes, quantities) and we'll match listed US-made replacements and quote the order. Typical turnaround: one business day.

or call 714-248-6555 · email partners@usmadesupply.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do fire and smoke dampers need to be tested?

An operational test after installation, the first periodic test one year later, then every four years, except in hospitals where it is every six years. NFPA 80 covers fire dampers and NFPA 105 covers smoke dampers.

Who requires damper inspections?

The frequency is set by NFPA 80 and NFPA 105, which the International Fire Code and many authorities having jurisdiction adopt. Hospitals are also driven by accreditation tied to the Life Safety Code.

What does the test check?

That the damper fully closes and reopens, that the heat-responsive device or actuator works, that nothing obstructs the blades, and that the result is documented. The location, date, inspector, deficiencies, and repairs are recorded for the authority having jurisdiction.

What happens if a damper fails the test?

It is repaired or replaced and then re-tested. Common fixes are a new fusible link, a new actuator, or a replacement damper that matches the original listing for the barrier: UL 555 for a fire damper, UL 555S for a smoke damper, or both for a combination damper.