Chapter 4: Smoke control acceptance and testing
VM-1 Smoke Management Application Guide 53
The operational testing of each individual building
system component is performed to determine if smoke
zones or areas are complete exclusive of VM-1 SCS
programmed commands. These operational tests
normally will be performed by various trades before
interconnection to the VM-1 SCS is made.
It should be certified in writing by the responsible trades
that each system component’s installation is complete
and the component is functional including relays
installed by others for interconnection to the VM-1 SCS.
Each component test should be individually
documented, including such items as speed, voltage,
and amperage.
Because smoke control systems are usually an integral
part of building operating systems, testing of the building
system should include the following subsystems to the
extent that they affect the operation of the smoke control
system:
• Energy management system
• Building management and security system
• HVAC equipment
• Electrical equipment
• Temperature control system
• Power sources and standby power for fans and
damper
• Automatic suppression systems
• Automatic operating doors and closures
• Emergency elevator operation
In most applications building control components to the
smoke control system are required to operate from the
building’s emergency power system as a backup to
primary power. The electrical load required for motors in
fan control circuits and status indicators from the
emergency power must be provided for in emergency
power design.
VM-1 SCS/FSCS component testing: Components
activated by the smoke control system to be tested
include:
• Dedicated smoke control systems
• Nondedicated smoke control systems
• Fire alarm systems installed under NFPA 72
The FSCS series graphic annunciator must receive
power from other sources. The cabinet does not contain
batteries for emergency power.
Acceptance testing
The intent of acceptance testing is to demonstrate that
the final integrated system installation complies with the
specified design and is functioning properly. One or
more of the following should be present to grant
acceptance:
• Building system designer
• VM-1 SCS designer/installer
• AHJ
All documentation from component testing should be
available for inspection.
Building test equipment
The following equipment may be needed to determine
air flows and compartmentation as a part of smoke
control acceptance testing:
• Differential pressure gauges, inclined water or
electronic manometer
• Scale suitable for measuring door-opening force
• Anemometer, including traversing equipment
• Ammeter
• Flow-measuring hood (optional)
• Door wedges
• Tissue paper roll (for indicating direction of airflow)
• Signs indicating a test of the smoke control system
is in progress
• Walkie-talkie radios for coordinating equipment
VM-1 SCS test equipment
Required Tools:
• Slotted screwdriver, insulated
• Digital multimeter
• 12 in. (30.5 cm) jumper lead with alligator clips
• Panel door key