Smoke Control Terminology

Navigating the world of smoke control systems involves complex regulations, technical components, and industry-specific jargon. Whether you’re a Facilities Manager responsible for compliance or a specifier designing a new build, understanding these terms is critical for life safety. This glossary breaks down the essential terminology you need to know.

This glossary is a living document. For clarification on any term not listed here or for project-specific technical advice, please contact the Delta Smoke Control technical team.

A B C

D 

F M P R S 

A

• Actuator:
  The motorised mechanism that automatically opens or closes a damper upon receiving an electrical signal from the control panel. Actuators are the essential operating component of Motorised Fire Smoke Dampers (MSFDs).

• Annual Fire Damper Test:
  A mandatory inspection and drop test required by BS 9999 to verify that every fire damper closes fully and latches. This is a core component of your legal PPM schedule.

B

• BS 9999:
  The key British Standard for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings. It provides the benchmark for fire damper testing frequencies (annual) and methodologies, making compliance with BS 9999 a fundamental duty for Facilities Managers.
• BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard):
  The minimum level of UK Government security clearance. Delta Smoke Control’s team holds BPSS clearance, allowing us to work on government and other sensitive sites where personnel vetting is required.PPM (Planned Preventive Maintenance):
  See Maintenance.BS EN 12101:
  The European standard for smoke and heat control systems. It covers the requirements and testing methods for components like smoke vents, powered smoke exhausts, and natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
• BS EN 1366-2:
  The European standard specifying the fire resistance testing requirements for fire dampers, including those operated by a fusible link. This standard validates that the damper can maintain integrity and insulation during a fire when activated by heat.
• BS EN 1366-10:
  The European standard specifies the fire resistance testing requirements for smoke control dampers, including Motorised Fire Smoke Dampers (MSFDs). This standard is critical because it assesses the damper’s ability to maintain its integrity and, where required, its insulation when exposed to fire, while also ensuring it can open and close before and after the fire test. It confirms the damper remains operational.
• BS EN 12101:
  The European standard for smoke and heat control systems. It covers the requirements and testing methods for components like smoke vents, powered smoke exhausts, and natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
• Blade:
  The internal component of a damper that opens to allow airflow and closes to block it. Blades can be held open by a fusible link (in fire dampers) or operated by an actuator (in smoke dampers).

C

• Commissioning:
  The rigorous process of testing and adjusting a newly installed smoke control system to ensure all components work together correctly according to the original design intent. Proper commissioning is legally required to validate the system.
• Combination Fire Smoke Damper (CFSD):
  A damper designed to close automatically upon the detection of either heat (like a fire damper) or smoke (like a smoke damper), fulfilling both functions in a single unit.
• Competent Person:
  As defined by the RRO, an individual with the necessary training, experience, and knowledge to manage fire safety. For damper testing, this is demonstrated by qualifications like SCQF Level 5.

D

• Damper:
  A device installed within a duct or opening to regulate or stop airflow. In life safety, the key types are Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers.
  
• Drop Test:
  The physical, mechanical test is performed on a fire damper to ensure it closes and latches correctly. This is the primary test method for fusible-link-operated fire dampers.

F

• Fire Damper:
  A device installed in ducts and air transfer openings within fire-resisting walls and floors. It is designed to close automatically upon the detection of heat (via a fusible link) to prevent the passage of fire, maintaining the integrity of the fire compartment.
• Fusible Link:
  A heat-sensitive device that melts at a specific temperature (e.g., 72°C), causing a mechanical fire damper to close. It is the activation mechanism for non-electric fire dampers.
• Free Area:
  The percentage of a damper’s cross-sectional area that is open for airflow when in the open position. A critical factor in system design to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Functional Operational Test:
  The test method for smoke dampers and MSFDs. It involves sending a signal from the control panel to verify the damper’s actuator receives the command and the damper closes (and opens, if required) fully.

M

• Motorised Fire Smoke Damper (MSFD):
  An electronically operated damper that opens or closes via an actuator upon a signal from the smoke control system’s panel. MSFDs are used in complex, addressable systems for precise zone control.
• Maintenance (PPM – Planned Preventive Maintenance):
  A scheduled programme of routine inspection, testing, and servicing. For smoke control systems, a PPM schedule is a legal requirement under BS 9999 to ensure ongoing compliance and operational readiness.

P

• PPM (Planned Preventive Maintenance):
  See Maintenance.

R

• Remedial Work:
  Repairs or replacements identified as necessary during a PPM survey. This can include replacing faulty fire dampers, installing access hatches, or repairing actuators to return a system to a fully compliant state.
• RRO (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005):
  The primary piece of fire safety legislation in England and Wales. It places the legal duty on the “Responsible Person” (typically the building owner or Facilities Manager) to ensure fire safety, which includes the maintenance of smoke control systems.

S

• SC Clearance (Security Check):
  A higher level of UK Government security clearance is often required for sustained access to MOD and other highly sensitive government sites. Delta Smoke Control’s capability to deploy SC-cleared personnel is a key differentiator for secure projects.
• SCQF Level 5:
  The highest level of individual competency certification for the installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of fire and smoke dampers. 
• Smoke Damper:
  A device installed within HVAC ductwork designed to close automatically upon the detection of smoke. It is used to control the movement of smoke within a building and is typically activated by a signal from a smoke detector or the building’s fire alarm panel.
• Smoke Control System:
  A system comprising components like dampers, fans, and controls designed to manage the movement of smoke during a fire, protecting escape routes and aiding firefighter access.