ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

In what scenario are smoke dampers not required in corridor penetrations?

1. when the building has an approved fire sprinkler control system

2. when the building has an approved smoke control system

3. when the building has an approved air control system

4. when the building has an approved emergency fire control system

The correct answer is: when the building has an approved smoke control system

Smoke dampers are crucial components in building design for controlling smoke movement through duct systems and maintaining safety in the event of a fire. However, there are specific scenarios where their installation may not be necessary. One such scenario is when a building is equipped with an approved smoke control system. A smoke control system is designed to manage and direct smoke from a fire event, providing a safe means of egress for occupants. This system effectively mitigates the potential for smoke migration through corridor penetrations, which is the primary function of smoke dampers. If a smoke control system is implemented, it may satisfactorily manage smoke without the need for additional barriers such as dampers in those corridor penetrations. In this context, while other systems mentioned, such as fire sprinkler controls or air control systems, contribute to overall fire safety and smoke management, they do not specifically replace the need for smoke dampers in the same direct manner that a smoke control system does. Therefore, the presence of an approved smoke control system is the determining factor that allows the omission of smoke dampers in corridor penetrations.