Streamlining Life Safety Damper Testing: A Guide to Belimo's FSKN BACnet Remote Testing for Seamless Code Compliance

Ensuring the proper operation of life safety dampers is imperative for fire safety, mandated by stringent codes such as NFPA 80 and NFPA 105. However, the inherent challenges of testing dampers, often concealed in inaccessible locations, can be both time-consuming and financially burdensome. Addressing this concern, Belimo FSKN BACnet remote testing module is an innovative solution aligning seamlessly with international building and fire codes.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Remote life safety damper testing is approved by NFPA 80 and NFPA 105.
• BACnet Testing Laboratory approved.
• UL 60730 certified.

The FSKN module initiates damper cycling and verifies positions, ensuring proper operation. It seamlessly connects to Fire Alarm panels or Building Automation Systems using BACnet or Modbus communication protocols, making the inspection of inaccessible dampers hassle-free. By reducing deferred testing and maintenance through automatic testing, the FSKN module generates inspection reports for easy compliance tracking.

Frequent testing is achievable, reducing the testing interval from 4 or 6 years to a more cost-effective and manageable schedule.

Upon the command to test, the FSKN opens its normally closed relay contact, causing damper springs to close. Position indication switches then verify correct open and closed positions. Afterwards, the FSKN recloses its contact, providing a Pass or Fail message for the BACnet controller to read. Notably, smoke detectors and/or high-temperature limits are always in the circuit and never bypassed.

Building and Fire Code Compliance: Building owners are obligated to periodically test fire and smoke dampers as per code requirements. Commercial buildings conduct containment damper testing every 4 years, while hospitals require testing every 6 years. Additionally, smoke control system dampers undergo non-dedicated testing annually and dedicated testing every six months.

The typical installation of the FSKN involves mounting it on the damper sleeve. However, if space constraints necessitate more accessible placement, remote mounting is also an option. It's important to note that the damper sleeve and duct should not be bridged, as they must remain free to fall away in the event of a ceiling collapse.

Further Reference Belimo Blog post for more information

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