A.

Design Report: Comments

udayappanlakshmanan@gmail.com
237040, 39,
09350777666
ramanujulu@ijm.com

Modulating Control of Fire & Smoke Dampers in Smoke

Control

Introduction
In the US, Canada, and Latin America fire, smoke, and combination fire and smoke
dampers are used in two general categories:

Containment of fire and/or smoke to maintain building compartmentation. These are

installed based on Chapter 7 of the International Building Code (IBC) which is the primary
model code. These are sometimes referred to as passive systems although the dampers do
close and fire alarms operate when a smoke detector operates.

Engineered smoke control systems use dampers, fans, and some architectural features
in a wide variety of applications. These are based on Chapter 9 of the IBC.

In the Americas smoke dampers are always actuated; fire dampers use mechanical means of
sensing heat (fusible links that melt and gravity or spring release for closure). They and can be
actuated for ease of periodic inspection and maintenance. Smoke must be sensed using
electrical sensing smoke detectors. Spring return actuators are used to close the dampers and
then the actuator motor used to open the damper. Combination fire and smoke dampers are
actuated due to the smoke function.
Many smoke control applications require modulating control of dampers. Stairwell pressurization
and underfloor air-conditioning are examples where they can be utilized.
In this article the common control methods for fire and smoke dampers (typically Chapter 7
applications) are described in order to help distinguish among applications. Then modulating
control of the same dampers in different applications (typically Chapter 9 applications) is
discussed and explained. Containment fire and smoke damper controls
Figure 1 shows (from left to right) a duct smoke detector, high temperature switch,[1] and
actuated damper. Roughly 80% of fire and smoke dampers are installed this way although the

smoke sensing may be via area smoke detection and a relay employed to operate the damper.
The damper protects the integrity of the wall to maintain compartmentation so that neither
smoke nor fire can pass to an adjacent compartment.

Figu
re 1 Typical installation of a combination fire and smoke containment damper.
Figure 2 shows the wiring. Starting at the far left, hot power is run to the smoke detector. As long
as smoke is not present the detector passes power to the temperature switch. Power to the
actuator drives the damper open and holds it in the open position.
If smoke is detected power is removed from the actuator and the alarm contact on the detector
closes to issue an alarm. If an area smoke detection system is used, the smoke control system
has a relay connected in place of the smoke detector contact.

Figure 2 Smoke detector and combination fire and smoke damper wiring.
In case smoke is not detected but the temperature at the damper rises to 165F (74C), then the
temperature responsive switch opens. This cuts power to the actuator and the damper springs

closed. The temperature switch is manual reset so the damper remains closed during the
event.In the cases where the damper is only a smoke damper, the temperature switch is not
present. The smoke detector or a relay from the smoke control system is the only operating
control.
Engineered Smoke Control System Dampers
Roughly 80% of fire and smoke dampers are installed in containment applications as shown
above. About 20% are installed in more customized applications that are designed by the fire
protection and mechanical engineers. Typical applications are atria, stairwell pressurization
systems, underfloor air conditioning, underground floors, and large spaces like malls,
auditoriums, and stages.
Figure 3 shows the basic controls employed in a smoke control system for one damper. The
Fire fighters Smoke Control System (FSCS) panel allows override control and provides status
indication for all components of the system.

Fi
gure 3 FSCS panel and remote smoke damper wiring.
The dampers used for smoke control are typically of the same construction as containment. The
primary difference is in the control methods. The damper blade position indication switches may
be auxiliary switches on the actuator, damper blade switches, or magnetic contact switches. The
smoke control system has a relay that allows the FSCS panel switches to place it in automatic,
closed, or open position. Figure 3 also shows the connections to a networked system. The
relays or cards are isolated from the line or 24V power used to operate the actuator.
The smoke control system components are UL 864, UUKL listed. The actuator has UL 873 or
UL 60730 electrical listing and UL 2043 low smoke generation listings. The damper and actuator
as a unit is UL555S listed.

Figure 4 shows a reopenable damper. Wiring for the Auto-Off-On Override switch is shown
connected directly to the FSCS panel although typically there are network relays present to
perform the functions. This damper serves both in containment and smoke control functions. It
is connected to the FSCS panel so that the fire department incident commander can reopen the
damper to remove smoke or pressurize a space. Status indication is provided.

Figure 4 Reopenable damper.

Sequence of Operation
In Automatic mode the smoke relay responds to the programming of the control panel to cut
power and spring the damper closed when appropriate. Alternately, if a fire is present and the
temperature in the duct rises to 165F (74C) the primary temperature switch opens and the
damper springs closed.
If the panel switch is moved to Override, then the smoke relay and primary sensor are
bypassed. The actuator is again powered and the damper opens. However, if the temperature at
the damper continues to rise then the secondary sensor opens at 250F (121C). (The fire is
close enough that there is danger of flames or heat moving through the damper to the other side
of the wall.)
In addition, if the fire department moves the switch on the FSCS panel to Off, then power is
removed from the actuator and the damper closes.
Modulating Control System Dampers

Some systems require proportional control of the dampers in the fire and smoke applications
discussed above. The controls must combine typical temperature and/or pressure control
methods as well as fire and smoke functions.
Figure 5 shows the simplest of modulating control methods for a fire and smoke damper. It is
used commonly for corridor ventilation. The potentiometer sets a balance position for the
damper during normal operation. The relay can close the damper in event of fire avoid smoke
spread.
Power is placed on the actuator terminals 1 and 2. The potentiometer has a varying signal of
from 2 to 10VDC that goes to terminal 3, the signal input. The actuator positions from 0 to 100%
to open the damper to the balanced position. The common acts as a source of electrons and
carries both AC and DC currents. In an event, the Override relay can cut power to the actuator
which then springs the damper closed.

Figure 5 Potentiometer control of a smoke damper with override closed.

Figure 6 shows the same smoke damper as in Figure 4 with an added relay to override the
damper open. By shorting hot power to terminal 3 of the actuator, it will drive open. While not
always necessary, a contact opens to disconnect the signal terminal on the potentiometer. This
prevents hot 24VAC from damaging the signal output. On DDC systems this is important.
There are optional wiring configurations that work just as well as that shown. For example,
Override relay 2 could be placed in the common 24VAC wire. At times it is important to arrange
the relay contacts so that in case of failure of one relay, the failsafe condition is the safest.

Figure 6 Potentiometer control of a smoke damper with override open or closed

In Figure 7 instead of a minimum potentiometer controlling the actuator, a building automation
system, direct digital control sends the signal to terminal 3 and the actuator is continuously
adjustable. (Default is 2V, closed and 10V, full open. This is reversible when needed for some
applications.) The signal path is from Sig + on the controller to 3 through the actuator electronics
to 1 and back out to the controller Com. A complete loop is always needed for current flow out
and into any device.

Figure 7 Typical analog 2-10VDC actuator control circuit.

Figure 8 adds a high temperature switch. It is shown here in the common wire, but could be
placed in the hot wire also. If the temperature at the damper rises to 165F (74C) the switch
opens to cut power to the actuator and it springs the damper closed.

Figure 8 Control of a fire and smoke damper showing high temperature switch.
Normally, the damper modulates based on the output signal from the BAS controller. Typically, if
smoke is detected, the automatic response is to make Override relay 2 and spring the damper
closed. If the FSCS panel is set to Open, then Override relay 2 is de-energized and Override
relay 1 is energized. The damper is then open 100%. However, if the temperature in the duct
going into the damper reaches 165F (74C), then the damper again closes.
Figure 9 adds a secondary high temperature switch and a bypass relay in the common wire.

Figure 9 Reopenable combination fire and smoke damper.

The sequence of operation is as follows:

With 24VAC present and all controls in the normal state, the actuator opens damper to the
position the Signal indicates. Actuator will modulate to maintain the set point.
Cutting 24VAC power or making Override relay 2 closes the damper.
If the temperature at the damper reaches 165F (74C), the primary sensor opens and the
damper springs closed.
If the FSCS panel switch is set to Open, several actions occur.
a. The primary sensor is bypassed reconnecting the common power to the actuator.
b. Override relay 1 is made and Override relay 2 goes to normal. This causes the actuator to
drive full open. (Hot 24VAC is shorted to the actuator terminal. Hot 24VAC is not allowed to
reach Signal of DDC controller as that would destroy the outputs electronics.)
However, if the duct temperature reaches 250F (121C), then the secondary temperature
switch opens and the damper again closes. The FSCS panel cannot override this and manual
reset is necessary. It is presumed that the fire is too close to the damper and compartmentation
is at risk.
Underfloor Air Conditioning Example
Figure 10 shows an example of an underfloor air conditioning system and how a modulating
actuator could function.
The shaft wall is a fire barrier and a smoke partition and therefore requires either separate
dampers or a combination fire and smoke damper. The pressure under the floor must be
maintained at somewhere between 0.05 and 0.10 in. w.c. (12 to 25 Pa). This would require
another damper and modulating actuator. However, by using a modulating fire and smoke
damper, only one damper and actuator can do the job of three. This saves material and labor
costs and also helps alleviate space constraints.

Figure 10 Underfloor air conditioning example.

It would be up to the fire protection engineer and the local authority having jurisdiction to
determine if this damper is considered part of containment (Chapter 7) or part of the engineered
smoke control system (Chapter 9). It could be used for both. If it is part of the smoke control
also, then status indication and overrides would be required.
The sequence of operation is:

During normal operation the pressure under the floor is maintained by modulating the
damper mounted in the shaft wall.

If a fire occurs and the temperature at the damper reaches 165F (74C), then the
damper closes.
If smoke is present in duct (or space area), then damper closes.

Summary
There are a large number of methods to modulate fire and smoke dampers and apply fire and
smoke safety controls. In containment applications, the damper is closed when either high
temperatures or smoke is observed. In smoke control systems a number of ways exist to either
open or close the damper to purge or pressurize spaces to prevent smoke from spreading.
Some, not all, of the methods of control are shown and explained in this article. Consult the
referenced Codes and Standards or contact the author for additional information.
Author - Larry Felker
Larry Felker is a mechanical engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA
(National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE (American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers). He is a Product Manager for Fire & Smoke
Actuators for Belimo Americas who has specialized in fire and smoke dampers and actuators
since 2002. Previously he was a temperature control system designer and before that a
mechanical and electrical contractor. He is the co-author (with Travis Felker) of Dampers and
Airflow Control, ASHRAE Special Publications, 2010.
References
(IBC) International Building Code, 2012, International Code Council, Inc. (ICC), Country Club
Hills, IL 60478-5795
(IFC) International Fire Code 2012, ICC, ibid.
(IMC) International Mechanical Code 2012, ICC, op. cit.
UL 555 Standard for Safety for Fire Dampers, Edition 7, 2006, Updated 2010, Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. (UL), 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096
UL 555S Standard for Safety for Smoke Dampers, 4th Edition, 1999, Updated 2012, ibid.
UL 864 Standard for Safety Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, 9 th Edition,
2010
UL 873 Standard for Temperature-Indicating and -Regulating Equipment (Ed. 12), U, 2007
UL 2043 Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their
Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, Standard 2043, Edition 4, 2013
UL 60730 Standard for Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use, 2010

[1] Primary heat responsive device in UL 555 terminology.

[2] Normal is defined as the de-energized or low variable condition. For example, low smoke is
the normal condition.

B. Particular Specs: Comments

C.
D.
E.

Equipment Life Expectancy details are missing

Pressure Independent Control Valves is used to control the pressure and flow
through the chilled water network.
An energy monitoring sub metering strategy is followed to record the flow and
temperature of the chilled water.

Drawings: Comments
Sequence of operation : Comments
IO list: Comments
Clarify pump run status at breaker level/pump inlet level
Backwash pump interface missing
Sump Monitoring missing
F. Other observations:

Dear

This is bring to notice on you regarding the missing extension of the BACS
containments to the Major MEP equipment rooms & tentative cable schedule for
MEP/other equipments, for the following reasons:
-

Cable trays Sizing, since existing cable (300mm and 150mm) tray width
(currently shown on your layouts between PLCs and RIO panels) may not be
sufficient for the BACS control cables outgoing feeds from the RIO panels to
the MEP Equipment areas.
- BACS Containment required for major MEP equipments like. AHU, ERU, FCU,
CSFD, MCC, EMCC, SMDB, ESMDB, Fire Fighting equipments, PUMPs etc. in
order to achieve the space provision and clash free with other services
- Later Coordination with other trades may difficult to get space provision
- Tentative cable schedules will justify the containment sizing, voltage drop,
BOQ, equipment interface locations
- Existing BACS cable tray shall be physically separate from the Power cables
by use of separate cable route or 300mm horizontal/vertical clearance from
power cables
- Redundant communication path via different shafts for PLC/RIO to avoid two
point failure.
- Selection of RIO locations shall be in terms of equipment interface
I hope the above is taken into consideration for further submittals

Electrical Detail design comments:

1. IP rating for sockets & Isolators are not mentioned.
General comments:
Add missing abbreviations and legends in the drawing following below
A. Abbreviations:
BACS, FOH, BOH, NTP
AG, MX, CL, PL, IL, RGPL, GPL
MCC, EMCC, SMDB, ESMDB, MLCP, USMDB
ERU, AHU, VRV, ID, OD, CRAC, DX
CSFD, SEF, EF, VAC, PRF
FSP, PHE, PUH, FAMB, FWSP, SM, EWH, ACF, BP, SF, TP
CT, DT, RT

B. Symbols:

MMUP Engineer Registration (UPDA)

By thiyagdoha 4 months 1 week ago.

MMUP ENGINEER REGISTRATION APPROVAL PROCESS
Hi to all I have completed my MMUP Engineer registration last week and I will
give you some guide lines for MMUP approval process.
This is for Universities approved by MMUP. First verify whether your
university/School is in MMUP approved list.
A. To Open Hukoomi Account (Purpose of this account will come
below)
1. Open the following website (or search hukoomi-Qatar in Google)
http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal
2. Click Register it will prompt to feed some basic data to open the account.
3. Your Qatar ID is your user ID and you have to choose a login password like
opening an email account.
4. After opening the account you cant login immediately.
5. You will receive a welcome email with some Q-Post office locations. Go to
any one of the mentioned Q-post office to activate the password. (Take your
Qatar ID original and photocopy to Q-Post office)
Note: This Hukoomi account can be utilized for other government services
also.
B. To check whether your university is listed in MMUP or not
1. Go to baladiya office (Opposite city center) ground floor with your
engineering degree certificate and check with them. They will tell you
whether your university is listed or not.

2. Or Login to www.baladiya.gov.qa website using above hukoomi User ID

and password. After login click Arabic or English language.
3. You can find an option in Arabic/English to check your university is listed or
not.
C. Documents required for MMUP
1. Valid Qatar ID.
2. Notarized educational qualifications certificates by foreign ministry-Qatar
3. Work experience certificate certified by competent party.
4. Any training course certificate.
5. Good conduct certificate issued by state of Qatar (Qatar Police Clearance
certificate)
6. Passport copy
7. Curriculum vitae
D. Attestation requirements
1. Engineering Degree certificate shall be attested from relevant authorities
of home country and finally to be attested by Ministry of Foreign affairs Qatar.
2. Previous experience certificate (Outside Qatar) shall be attested from
relevant authorities of respective countries and finally to be attested by
ministry of foreign affairs-Qatar.
3. Previous experience from Qatar (if you were worked in Qatar for more than
one company) shall be attested from Chamber of commerce - Qatar and
finally attested by ministry of foreign affairs Qatar.
4. Present experience certificate- Attestation not required. This is to be
obtained from your present employer after all your other documents are OK.
(Certificate date shall be date of joining to till date)
5. Any training certificate. Verify with UPDA for attestation requirements.
6. Qatar police clearance certificate (Attestation not required)
Note: Pls ensure that in all experience certificate have company rubber
stamp impression
E. To obtain Qatar Police/CID clearance
Three documents required to obtain Qatar PCC.
1. Police clearance from home country.

First obtain police clearance from home country ( Indian nationalities can be
obtained through Indian embassy/ICC qatar (evening time) and other
nationalities check with their respective embassies for the procedure).
Home country police clearance certificate shall be attested by Ministry of
foreign affairs-Qatar.
2. Request letter to Qatar CID/Police.
Then login to www.baladiya.gov.qa website using above hukoomi account.
In baladiya website click Arabic or English language option
You can find Engineer registration option.
There you will find an option to generate a letter request to CID to obtain
Qatar police clearance (which means for what purpose you need Qatar PCC).
Print that generated letter. The generated letter will be in arabic.

3. Application form for Qatar PCC.

Then go to Qatar CID police office at salwa road.
There is an application form available for applying PCC. In that application
both English and Arabic option is there. Just check with them which language
to be used for filling the datas. Fill that application and submit along with
your generated request letter, attested Home country PCC and your photo.
They will inform you to come after seven days to issue Qatar PCC.
Note-1: If you had taken Qatar PCC earlier for other purpose but the date is
expired then you may obtain new Qatar PCC using the old one at Qatar CID
office-Salwa road. Just check with them before submission.
Note-2 : Take your Qatar ID original and photo copy, Passport copy and
Photograph.
F. Document Formats (soft copy) for uploading
Make the documents in following formats after completes the above
procedure mentioned.
1. Engineering degree (PDF-But front side and attested pages should be in
single file. Which means in PDF file first page should be your degree and
second page should be attested page)
2. Work experience certificate and training certificate (PDF- same as above)
3. Qatar PCC (PDF)
4. Qatar ID (JPEG - Front and back in single file)
5. Photo (JPEG)

6. Passport (PDF-Including stamped page (if applicable) in single file)

6. Curriculum vitae (PDF-All pages in single file)
Note: Give name to each file. Like Engineering degree, Experience 1,
Experience 2 etc. Dont put serial number at front.
G. Document Uploading Procedure
1. Again login to www.baladiya.gov.qa website using above hukoomi User
ID and password. Click English or Arabic language. Then select Engineers &
Engineering committee option.
2. Click New engineer registration option. Then an uploading page will open
which will automatically guide you for stage by stage uploading. At each
stage you have to upload the relevant documents.
3. First you have to feed your personal datas.
4. Second Educational qualifications then experience etc.
5. Finally it will ask any other documents. In that you have to upload balance
documents like curriculum vitae, passport copy etc.
6. After click the final confirmation it will generate three pages with all datas
you feed with registration number. Print these three pages and keep it with
you.
7. Affix your photo in the generated page and sign in relevant locations.
8. After two or three days you will receive a SMS (with date to submit the
documents ) from baladiya to submit all original documents.
9. Go to baladiya office ground floor (Opposite of city center) on the date
mentioned and take your queue token from Engineer registration option in
the token machine and wait for your turn.
10. Then submit your all original documents including documents generated
after uploading in a folder type file and ask what next. They will tell you any
moment you will receive a SMS for exam date if everything is OK.
11. Mostly you will receive SMS within a week but generally they will send
SMS day before exam.
H. MMUP Exam
1. The exam will be conducted in same Baladiya office at 9th floor.
2. Enter the baladiya office 30 min before exam time and be calm and cool.
3. You have to switch off your mobiles and keep it in outside table with other
things before entering exam hall.

4. The exam pattern is objective questions (25 questions) and the duration is
one hour. Minimum mark requirements for passing the exam are not clear.
5. You have to study your engineering discipline subjects and project
management etc.
6. After finish the exam come outside exam hall and wait in the rest area.
After few minutes they will call one by one for results.
7. If you pass or fail the exam immediately they will return your all original
documents submitted.
8. If you pass the exam they will tell you to wait for few minutes to issue the
certificate and UPDA ID card.
9. Bring your ATM/Credit card for payment. (Fees QR 300).
10. After making payment they will issue the UPDA certificate, UPDA ID card.
Note: This is general guide lines only. Each individual to be verified properly
for the procedure before proceeding.
THANKS. ALL THE BEST TO ALL.
REGARDS
THIYAGARAJAN
Mobile: 77626755