Fire & Smoke
Replacement
Actuators
1. Technical Issues
2. Standards and Codes
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
1
Fire & Smoke Actuator Replacement
Starts with the Damper
Five methods were used in past
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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1.
Single spring for actuator and fusible link.
A thermal disc sensor must be retrofitted.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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SPRING NEEDS TO BE
DISCONNECTED
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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The knee-lock is loosened to disconnect the fusible link
and spring. Thermal disc is installed with a Belimo.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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If a fusible link is on the damper,
insert a carriage bolt into the spring arm.
Do not remove the other bolt.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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An HS10 high
limit sensor must
be installed.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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2. Dual springs – one for fusible link fire
function and one for actuator smoke function.
This was very common.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Remove the linkage, motor, springs, and mount Belimo.
Depending on damper, mounting may require a plate.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Remove the linkage, motor, springs, and mount Belimo.
Depending on damper, mounting may require a plate.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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3. Single spring with a, thermal disc sensor.
No fusible link. The actuator springs closed for
smoke and for fire. Ruskin MA220, MA230
motors. Phillips 150.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Remove spring
mechanism.
DANGER. Not
typically under
extreme load, but
could release.
Damper now
ready to mount
new actuator.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Select orientation
to avoid running
screws into
damper frame and
allow available flex
to reach.
New flex to
½” connector
Anti-rotation strap
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
Standard
clamp has
insert for ½”,
5/8” or remove
for 1”
April 2008
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T150 Phillips – No Spring in Motor
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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4. Modern dampers have spring in actuator.
Some older motors also had the spring in the
motor – e.g., MA418.
Some older motors had an obvious external
spring.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Prefco
McCabe Link®
If a shaft exists,
Belimo can be
used.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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McCabe®
Link Bimetal
Motor Arm
Engaged in
Link
The motor arm is engaged in the McCabe® Link above.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Chase
nipple &
Wiring
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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OEM bracket
hung out in air
on small
damper.
Anti-rotation
strap can be
attached to
bracket, 4 x 4
plate, or sheet
metal bracket.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Best to mount the Belimo anti-rotation strap
perpendicular to the actuator to allow for movement
on non-concentric shaft. This may be why the HW’s
fail.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Variety of ways to use
the anti-rotation straps.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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5. Oldest original dampers used a number of
methods.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Prefco’s that cannot use Belimo for
replacement due to mounting and
applications.
Rebuild damper or replace.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Motors, Crank-arm, and
negator spring no
longer made.
Actuator is no longer made.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Air Balance has
instruction sheet on how
to change to modern
thermodisc.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Negator spring version of Air Balance
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Fusible rod
instead of
fusible link.
Note negator
springs.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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MP2781
The spring was on the damper blades on fire/smoke dampers. A
second door spring added to the actuator when it was used on smoke
dampers. The springs must be removed before Belimo installed.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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The linkage is technically inferior the correct practice is:
Replace the damper.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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We could go on and on.
Bottom line:
Take a picture if you can. Get
not only make and model of
the old motor, but also the
make and model of the
damper.
Replacement starts with the
damper, not the motor.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Fire Department
needs to be
consulted. The
actuator is
connected to the
alarm system.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Considerations
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Rules:
1. Replacement actuator should be UL555S listed with the
damper manufacturer.
2. Obey the TTT-VAT rules:
a. Temperature rating of replacement must be equal or
better.
b. Torque should be equal or better
c. Time should be same or better.
d. Voltage must be the same
e. Amperage draw should be equal or less than
original.
f. TEST the damper, controls, and actuator when
finished.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Torque
OB = 6-10 in- # / sq. ft.
PB = 8-14 in- # / sq. ft.
If in doubt use the highest for estimating.
Manufacturers vary significantly.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Breaker loading (20A Emergency circuit)
(15A – other loads) / 1 actuator amp draw
= Number of Actuators
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Auxiliary Switches
New construction
and retrofit issue.
Damper blade switches are subject to
broken coat hanger connection.
Actuator aux switches are subject to
less problems.
The jackshaft linkage is more solid.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Actuator aux switches are
technically equal or superior
depending on details.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Codes require all the components be
checked. Typically, only the alarm
functions are verified.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Now damper is ready for testing. Typically:
1. Apply power and let damper drive open. Cut power
and ensure spring closes damper completely.
Repeat three times to check assembly.
2. Use heat gun to check thermal sensor. Reset
manually.
3. Replace fusible link if required.
4. Other tests per damper manufacturer or local
codes.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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CODES
UL clearly states in their Marking Guide that they
do not regulate replacement market.
NFPA 80 & 105 state clearly that defective
dampers should be repaired ASAP.
Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) sets the
requirements. Almost all administrative and life
safety codes state all systems must be kept in
operating order.
Codes do not cover replacement in detail since
they are new construction oriented.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Local codes vary. In general:
• Fire & Smoke Dampers must be
repaired.
• Fire Marshal is informed via form
if replacement of actuator only.
• If any alarm or smoke control
wires are removed and reinstalled,
an inspection is required.
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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Call AHJ and ask if a permit is required if:
a. Replacement is an actuator that is UL555S Listed
with the damper manufacturer,
b. No alarm wiring is being touched,
c. Damper will be conformance tested using
manufacturer instructions,
d. A notice form for Fire Marshal will be left on
premises. Form has testing checklist.
Remember:
LAPF
Possibly the worst pneumonic device ever!
Replacement Actuator Issues for Fire and Smoke Dampers
April 2008
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MEA 197-07-M
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April 2008
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MEA 197-07-M
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April 2008
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MEA 197-07-M
City of New York MEA Belimo
documents available:
www.belimo.us/sh/firesmoke/imates/1_MEA_Tag_
Regulations.pdf
…2_MEA_F&S_Replacement_Data_&_Cross_
Reference.pdf
…3_MEA_Fire_Marshal_Form F&S_Actuators.pdf
Individual damper manufacturer instructions are available also.
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April 2008
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Thank you
Americas
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April 2008
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