Fire Dampers

Do you suspect that the building was not built to code, or just curious?

The fact that there are fire dampers indicates that the codes are certainly involved. The argument being advanced against providing access doors in very small ducts is that the small access would not allow the two hands to go inside to manipulate the fusible link of the curtain type damper, so what's the function of providing one.

Thanks

It is not practical to have Access doors in such small ducts for the above reasons, though code requires access doors where Fire dampers are required.

This would leave one in the lurch as your response is yes and no at the same time. A definite verdict is what is required, whether access doors must be installed even though, functionally speaking, one would not have any physical maneuvarability due to their size other than being able to know visually whether it was open or shut. Another question that stems from the first question is that once the damper was installed in the open position and the fusible link was intact, is there any possibility or event that would release the link besides a fire??

You need to check the code for access requirements or contact the fire marshal.

Still waiting for an informed opinion about the requirement of the codes (not just city or local codes) in the matter of Access Doors for very small duct sizes

Per the International Mechanical Code, section 607.4 and the International Building Code, section 716.4 all fire dampers installed are required to have access panels installed, clearly labled "FIRE DAMPER" OR "SMOKE DAMPER".

If it moves, it needs to be accessible.

I am with you on this one from head to toe, but the arguments being advanced against it are that the teeny weeny access door would not allow the fusible link to be relatched, so what's the point?

My argument has been that the access door would at least allow access to our vision about the open or close status of the damper

Absolutely! Lou Bindner