Any Mandated IT&M for Smoke Control Systems?

12/19/2025

Is there a code or standard that requires inspection or testing, or preventative annual, quarterly or monthly maintenance of smoke management systems?

Is this spelled out somewhere and I'm just missing it?

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

6 Comments

Chad

12/19/2025 07:30:00 am

All fire alarm interfaces follow 72

There is a separate standard for smoke control, NFPA 92. The ITM section, 8.6 is pretty short so I will post it:

8.6 Periodic Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance.

8.6.1*
Periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of smoke control equipment shall be performed in accordance with this section.

8.6.1.1
Dedicated systems shall be tested at least semiannually.

8.6.1.2
Non-dedicated systems shall be tested at least annually.

8.6.2
The equipment shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.6.3
The periodic tests shall determine the airflow quantities and pressure differences at the following locations:
(1)Across smoke barrier openings

(2)At the air makeup supplies

(3)At smoke exhaust equipment

8.6.4
All data points shall coincide with the acceptance test location to facilitate comparison measurements.

8.6.5
The system shall be tested by persons who are thoroughly knowledgeable in the operation, testing, and maintenance of the systems.

8.6.5.1
The results of the tests shall be documented in the operations and maintenance log and made available for inspection.

8.6.5.2
The smoke control system shall be operated for each sequence in the current design criteria.

8.6.5.3
The operation of the correct outputs for each given input shall be observed.

8.6.5.4
Tests shall also be conducted under standby power if applicable.

8.6.6
Special arrangements shall be considered for the introduction of large quantities of outside air into occupied areas or sensitive equipment spaces when outside temperature and humidity conditions are extreme and when such unconditioned air could damage contents.

Glenn Berger

12/19/2025 08:08:31 am

NFPA 92 (2024) Section 8.6

Todd E Wyatt

12/19/2025 08:34:26 am

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2024) Section 909 Smoke Control Systems “establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and ACCEPTANCE TESTING of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants.”

909.18 ACCEPTANCE TESTING references SECTION 1705.19 … see REFERENCES below.

Todd E Wyatt

12/19/2025 08:35:10 am

REFERENCE
IBC-2024
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 909 Smoke Control Systems

909.18 ACCEPTANCE TESTING
Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with SECTION 1705.19.
909.18.8.1 Scope of Testing
909.18.8.2 Qualifications
909.18.8.3 Reports
909.18.8.3.1 Report Filing
909.18.9 Identification and Documentation

Chapter 17 Special Inspections and Tests
Section 1705 Required Special Inspections and Tests
1705.19 TESTING FOR SMOKE CONTROL
Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector.
1705.19.1 Testing Scope
The test scope shall be as follows:
1. During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
2. Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure difference testing, flow measurements and detection and control verification.
1705.19.2 Qualifications
Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.

Jack G

12/19/2025 09:11:48 am

My colleagues really nailed this!! Excellent responses !

Chuck stormer link

12/19/2025 09:48:50 am

2024 IFC 909.12.1 requires a pre-programmed weekly test to operate all devices, equipment, and components used for smoke control. An exception does apply where such testing will interfere with normal building operation, but this must be approved by the building official.

2024 IFC 909.22 requires maintenance for smoke control systems, including a written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing.

2024 IFC 909.22.6 requires semiannual testing of any components bypassed during weekly pre-programmed test. Additionally, that test must be tested under standby power conditions.

These requirements provide a significant amount of leeway to the system designer, but in consideration of the NFPA 72 annual requirements, I submit that a standard of care for annual testing is effectively established for most situations, unless the preprogrammed testing is bypassed, which would then require testing twice a year.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Any Mandated IT&M for Smoke Control Systems?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES