FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION,

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS R8218

UL/ULC File: R8218

New York BSA/MEA Listing: 79-03-M
California State Fire Marshall Listing: 3225-1721:0102

The following installation instructions are UL approved to

be used with the following NCA Models: FD, FD-SL, FD-N,
FD-USL, FD-MB-3V, FD-MB-AF, FD-3V-SB, FDD, FDD-SL,
FDD-MB-3V, and FDD-MB- AF.

Installation Supplements:
- Installing Fire and Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers
in a Shaft Wall
- Framing Requirements for Wood or Steel Stud Walls
Application & General Notes: - UL Approved Breakaway Duct Connections
- Optional Sealing of Dampers in Fire and Smoke
These installation instructions apply to Fire Dampers of the stat-
Rated Walls or Floors
ic, dynamic, curtain-style, single and multi-blade types mounted
- Fabrication and Installation of Support Mullions
in the plane of a UL* approved fire partition. For dampers needed
- Field Modification of Factory Supplied Sleeves
to be installed outside the plane of a UL approved wall or floor,
- Security Bars for Fire and Fire/Smoke Dampers
refer to the Out of Wall Fire and Fire/Smoke Damper IOM. The
- Installing Fire and Fire/Smoke Dampers in Concrete
dampers are designed for operation in the vertical or horizontal
Floor with Steel Deck
orientation with blades running horizontal.

Safety Warning: Other Installation References:

- Out-of-Wall Fire and Fire/Smoke Damper IOM
Read all installation, operating and maintenance instructions - True Round Fire and Fire/Smoke Damper IOM
thoroughly before installing or servicing this equipment. Improp-
er installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance
can cause property damage, injury or death. Electrical Guidelines:
Electrical input may be needed for products discussed within
Receiving & Handling: this IOM. All wiring shall be done in accordance with the latest
edition of the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA-70, any local
Check for damage when this product is received. If damage is codes that may apply and wiring diagrams developed in
found, record all necessary information on the bill of lading and compliance with the job or project design and specifications.
file a claim with the final carrier. Check to be sure that all parts of
the shipment are accounted for. Electrical input work should be performed by a qualified
electrician. Verify power before wiring actuator. NCA is not
responsible for damage to or failure of the unit caused by
incorrect field wiring.

Follow all instructions carefully.

*When UL is referred to in this document, it represents UL/ULC (Underwriter’s Laboratories of United States and Canada).
This IOM manual is the property of the owners, and is required for future maintenance. Please leave it with the owner when the job is complete.

1 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pre-Installation Guidelines ............................................................................................................................ 2
Max. Size Tables for NCA Fire Dampers ................................................................................................. 2
Damper Sleeves & Multiple Sections ....................................................................................................... 3
Damper Transitions ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Angle Method Installation ......................................................................................................................... 4
1 Angle Method Installation ......................................................................................................................... 5
No Angle Method Installation ...................................................................................................................... 6
Fire Damper Operation, Testing & Maintenance ................................................................................. 7
Pre-Installation Notes & Guidelines:
These notes and guidelines are formulated in order to aid in completing the damper installation in a
timely and efficient manner.
A. Inspect damper for damage before installing
B. Dampers must be installed free from twisting or racking
C. DO NOT compress or stretch the damper into the opening
D. DO NOT lift the damper by the blades or actuator (handle damper using frame or sleeve)
E. The damper must be protected from dirt, dust and foreign materials before and after installation
F. When painting, wall-texturing, insulating or any other foreign material is being sprayed within 5 feet of the damper, the
damper must be sufficiently covered and protected
G. Suitable access inside the duct and to the damper must be created for inspection and service of the damper per NFPA
90A and local authority having jurisdiction

Table 1: Maximum Size Fire Dampers

VERTICAL HORIZONTAL
MODEL SINGLE SECTION MULTI-SECTION SINGLE SECTION MULTI-SECTION
1.5 HOUR 3 HOUR 1.5 HOUR 3 HOUR 1.5 HOUR 3 HOUR 1.5 HOUR 3 HOUR
60x60 48x48 120x120 80x40 48x48 40x40 120x40 or 80x40
FD
(1524x1524) (1219x1219 (3048x3048) (2032x1016) (1219x1219) (1016x1016) 96x48 (2032x1016)
60x60 48x48 120x120 80x40 48x48 40x40 120x40 or 80x40
S FD-SL
(1524x1524) (1219x1219 (3048x3048) (2032x1016) (1219x1219) (1016x1016) 96x48 (2032x1016)
T
A 36x48 36x48 108x96 72x48 36x48 36x48 144x96 72x48
FD-MB-3V
T (914x1219) (914x1219) (2743x2438 (1828x1219) (914x1219) (914x1219) (3658x2438) (1828x1219)
I
C 36x48 36x48 108x96 72x48 36x48 36x48 144x96
FD-MB-AF N/A
(914x1219) (914x1219) (2743x2438 (1828x1219) (914x1219) (914x1219) (3658x2438)
48x48 48x48 80x40 80x40
FD-USL¹ N/A N/A N/A N/A
(1219x1219) (1219x1219 (2032x1016) (2032x1016)
36x36 36x36 72x36 or 36x72 72x36 or 36x72 24x24 24x24 36x36 36x36
FDD-A
(914x914) (914x914) (1219x1828) (1219x1828) (610x610) (610x610) (914x914) (914x914)
D
Y 24x24 24x24 36x36 36x36 24x24 24x24 36x36 36x36
N FDD-A-SL
(610x610) (610x610) (914x914) (914x914) (610x610) (610x610) (914x914) (914x914)
A
M 36x48 36x48 108x96² 72x48 36x48 36x48 144x962 72x48
FDD-MB-3V
I (914x1219) (914x1219) (2743x2438) (1828x1219) (914x1219) (914x1219) (3658x2438) (1828x1219)
C
36x48 36x48 108x96² 72x48 36x48 36x48 144x962
FDD-MB-AF N/A
(914x1219) (914x1219) (2743x2438) (1828x1219) (914x1219) (914x1219) (3658x2438)
1
The FD-USL is an Ultra Slim Line Model and only available in the vertical orientation.
2
These sizes may require the use of an actuator (see applicable wiring diagrams).
(All dimensions in parentheses () are in millimeters).

2 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

FIRE DAMPER SLEEVES & MULTIPLE SECTIONS

Figure 1
Damper Sleeves: 6” (152 mm)
Maximum
6” (152 mm)
Maximum
(See Guidelines (See Guidelines
All fire dampers must be installed in a sleeve. Sleeves may be integral to the Note C) UL Approved Note C)
Wall Design
damper, fabricated in the field or included with the damper from the factory. Sleeve Fasteners 2”
Max. from Corners
Integral sleeve dampers must use UL approved breakaway connections (see
seperate UL Approved Breakaway Duct Connections IIS).

Guidelines:
A. Sleeves must be of the SAME GAUGE or heavier than the duct to which it is
attached if one of the UL approved breakaway connections is used (see
seperate UL Approved Breakaway Duct Connections IIS).
B. Gauges shall conform to SMACNA or ASHRAE duct standards.
C. Sleeves shall not extend beyond the fire barrier more than 6” (152mm) Fire
Damper Fasteners 6”
unless an actuator or factory installed access door is supplied, then the from
Center to Center
sleeve may extend up to 16” (406mm) (see Figure 1).
D. The sleeve shall terminate at both sides of the wall or floor while remaining
within the above parameters (see Figure 1).
E. If a rigid connection is used then the sleeve shall be a minimum of 16
gauge (1.6mm) for dampers up to 36” (914mm) wide by 24” (610mm)
high and 14 gauge (2mm) for dampers exceeding either of those dimensions.
Fasteners
2” Max. from
Corners
Multiple Section & Damper-to-Sleeve Connections:
The damper shall be secured to a sleeve and/or to each other (when joined UL Approved
Wall Design
to make multiple section damper assemblies) in the following manner:
A. Using any of the following approved fasteners:
1. #10 sheet metal screws
2. ¼” (6mm) nut and bolts Figure 2 UL Approved
Wall Design
3. ¼” (6mm) tack welds Sleeve
4. 3/16” (5mm) steel rivets
5. Clinching (toggle) locks
B. All above approved fasteners shall be spaced on 6” (152mm) centers and a
maximum of 2” (51mm) from corners (see Figure 1).
C. The above approved fasteners shall be on both sides (faces) of the
damper (see Figure 1).

Damper Transitions: Fire

Damper
NCA offers several transitions to accommodate the need for ducttype
Type A

Type C

specific joining as well as for better free area and lower pressure drop through the
Type B

damper. The transitions are square/rectanglular-to-square/rectangular, square/

rectangular-to-round and square/rectangular-to-oval. The different types of
curtain-style fire dampers are as follows: Type A (blades and frame in airstream),
Type B (frame in airstream) and Type C (no blades or frame in airstream - 100%
free area) (see Figure 2).

UL Approved
Wall Design

3 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

2 ANGLE (2 SIDED) INSTALLATION METHOD Figure 3: 2 Angle Installation

Fig. 3-A UL Approved Opening/
Opening/Clearances: Wall Design Clearances

The fire barrier opening shall be larger than the damper in order to allow for
thermal expansion and ease of installation (see Figure 3:A-E). The damper does
not have to be centered in the wall or floor, only the blade closure line must be
within the wall or floor (see Figure 3:A-B). The opening in the fire-rated partition
using the 2 angle method shall be 1/8” (3mm) per linear foot (305mm) of height
and width of the sleeved assembly larger, up to a maximum of 1 ½” (38mm) and a
minimum of ¼” (6mm). Recommended clearances:
A. 48” (1219mm) or less: ½” (13mm) clearance
B. More than 48” (1219mm) and 96” (2438mm) and less: 1” (25mm) clearance
C. More than 96” (2438mm): 1 ½” (38mm) clearance
Important Note: The clearances mentioned above are for the total clearance for
the damper and does not necessarily need to be met on every side of the damper.
Sleeve
No materials (i.e. Fire Stop, Mineral Wool, etc.) are to be placed in this clearance UL Approved
Wall Design

between the damper sleeve and the wall/floor opening.

Fig. 3-B Sleeve
Guidelines: Opening/
Clearances
The Two Angle Method (Figure 3:A-E) is approved for the following:

UL Approved

UL Approved
Floor Design

Floor Design
A. Masonry/concrete walls or floors and stud/gypsum walls Horizontal
B. 1 ½ and 3 Hour rated dampers Fire Damper
C. Vertical (see Figure 3-A) or horizontal (see Figure 3-B) orientation
D. Maximum and minimum UL approved damper sizes that are listed in
Opening/
Table 1 on page 2 of this IOM Clearances
Fig. 3-C
Installation: Sleeve
UL Approved
Wall Design

A. Angles shall be NCA’s Framed Retaining Angles (model FRA) OR a minimum

of 1 ½” x 1 ½” (38mm x 38mm) and minimum of 16 gauge (see Figure 3:D-E).
B. Use any of the following approved fasteners:
1. #10 sheet metal screws 4. 3/16” (5mm) steel rivets
2. ¼” (6mm) nut and bolts 5. Clinching (toggle) locks
6" Center-
3. ¼” (6mm) tack welds to-Center
C. Angles are to be fastened to the sleeve only, on 6” centers using the above
approved fasteners with no more than 2” (51mm) from each end and two
connections minimum per side/leg (see Figure 3-C). Approved Fasteners:
D. Angles are to overlap the partition a minimum of 1” (25mm) (see Figure 3:D-E). see Installation Note B

E. When the duct work terminates at the damper or installation prohibits the
angles from turning out/away from the partition, angles may be reversed and 2" Max.
turned inward as in Figure 3-E (leg turned into the opening) while maintaining from End

proper expansion clearances (refer to the above section “Opening/Clearances”).

UL Approved
Wall Design

Fig. 3-D Fig. 3-E

Min. 1.5"x1.5" UL Approved Angle Min. 1" Min. 1.5"x1.5" UL Approved Angle Min. 1"
Wall Design Overlap Partition Wall Design Overlap Partition
16ga. Angles 16ga. Angles

Sleeve Sleeve

Opening/ Opening/
Clearances Clearances
Fire Fire
Damper Damper

4 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

1 ANGLE (1 SIDED) INSTALLATION METHOD Figure 4: 1 Angle Installation

Opening/Clearances: Fig. 4-A UL Approved
Wall Design Opening/
Clearances

The fire barrier opening shall be larger than the damper in order to allow for
thermal expansion and ease of installation (see Figure 4:A-F). The damper does
not have to be centered in wall or floor, only the blade closure line must be within
the partition (see Figure 4:A-B). The opening in the fire rated partition using the 1
angle method shall be 1/8” (3mm) per linear foot (305mm) of height and width of
the sleeved assembly larger, up to a maximum of 1½” (38mm) and a minimum of ¼”
(6mm). Recommended clearances:
A. 48” (1219mm) or less: ½” (13mm) clearance
B. More than 48” (1219mm) and 96” (2438mm) and less: 1” (25mm) clearance
C. More than 96” (2438mm): 1½” (38mm) clearance Sleeve

Important Note: The clearances mentioned above are for the total clearance for UL Approved

the damper and does not necessarily need to be met on every side of the damper. Wall Design

Fig. 4-B Angle on Top

No materials (i.e. Fire Stop, Mineral Wool, etc.) are to be placed in this clearance Opening/
Side Only
between the damper sleeve and the wall/floor opening. Clearances

Guidelines:

UL Approved

UL Approved
Horizontal

Floor Design

Floor Design
Fire Damper
The One Angle Method (Figure 4:A-F) is approved for the following:
A. Masonry/concrete walls or floors and stud/gypsum walls
Opening/
B. 1 ½ Hour rated dampers Sleeve
Clearances
C. Vertical (see Figure 4-A) or horizontal (see Figure 4-B) (angles on Fig. 4-C
top side only) orientation Angle Over Gypsum
D. The maximum sizes allowed for this method is 108” (2743mm) Gypsum Gypsum
Fig. 4-E
wide or 108” (2743mm) high up to 36 square feet Min. 1.5"x1.5"
16ga Angles
UL Approved
Sleeve
UL Approved
Wall Design

Wall Design
Installation: Angle Min. 1"
Overlap Partition Sleeve

A. Angles shall be NCA’s Framed Retaining Angles (model FRA) OR Opening/

Clearances
a minimum of 1 ½” x 1½” (38mm x 38mm) and minimum of 16 Fire
gauge (see Figure 4:C-D). Damper 6" Center-
B. Use any of the following approved fasteners: to-Center

1. #10 sheet metal screws 4. 3/16” (5mm) steel rivets

2. ¼” (6mm) nut and bolts 5. Clinching (toggle) locks
Approved Fasteners:
3. ¼” (6mm) tack welds Fig. 4-D see Installation Note B
C. Angles are to be fastened to the sleeve on 6” (152mm) centers Angle Under Gypsum

using the above approved fasteners with no more than 2” (51mm) Gypsum Gypsum 2" Max.
Min. 1.5"x1.5" UL Approved from End
from each end and two connections minimum per side/leg (see 16ga Angles Wall Design
Figure 4-E). Angle Min. 1"
Overlap Partition
Sleeve
D. Angles are to overlap the partition a minimum of 1” (25mm) (see UL Approved
Wall Design
Opening/
Figure 4-C) and also be fastened to the partition using #10 (M5) Clearances
self-tapping concrete anchors or concrete screws engaging the Fire
Damper
fire partition a minimum of 1 1/2” (38mm) for masonry/concrete
partitions or #10 (M5) screws long enough to penetrate the J- Proper Clearances
Runners and E-Stud by a minimum of 3/8” (10mm) for stud/gypsum Must be Maintained
Including Angle and
partitions. UL Approved Approved Fastener
Fig. 4-F Wall Design
E. In a steel stud application, the angle may be placed in front of or
behind the drywall attaching directly to the metal studs (see Figure 4:C-D).
F. When the duct work terminates at the damper or installation prohibits the
angles from turning out/away from the partition, angles may be reversed Fire
and turned inward as in Figure 4-F (leg turned into the opening) while Damper
maintaining proper expansion clearances (refer to above section
“Opening/Clearances”).
5 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

NO ANGLE (GRILLE MOUNT) INSTALLATION METHOD

Opening/Clearances: Figure 5: No Angle Installation
Flange Side
The fire barrier opening shall be larger than the damper in order to allow for ther- (Min 3/4") UL Approved
Wall Design Opening/
mal expansion and ease of installation (see Figure 5:A-E). The damper does Clearances
not have to be centered in wall or floor, only the blade closure line must be Fig. 5-A
Sleeve
within the partition (see Figure 5:A-B). The opening in the fire rated partition
using the no angle method shall be a minimum of ¼” (6mm) and maximum
of ½” (13mm) larger than the sleeved damper assembly (see Figure 5:D-E).
Important Note: The clearances mentioned above are for the total clearance for Grille
(by others)
Vertical
Fire
the damper and does not necessarily need to be met on every side of the damper. Damper

No materials (i.e. Fire Stop, Mineral Wool, etc.) are to be placed in this clearance
between the damper sleeve and the wall/floor opening.

Guidelines:
Approved Fasteners
The No Angle Method (Figure 5:A-E) is approved for the following: 6" on Centers, Max 2"
A. Masonry/concrete walls or floors and stud/gypsum walls from Ends

B. 1 ½ Hour rated dampers

Opening/
C. Vertical (see Figure 5-A) or horizontal (see Figure 5-B) orientation Clearances
UL Approved
Wall Design

(flange on top side only)

D. The maximum size allowed for this method is 42” (1067mm) wide Fig. 5-B Grille Flange Top
(by others)
Opening/ Side Only
by 48” (1219mm) high up to the maximum multiple section UL Clearances
approved damper size (see Underwriter’s Laboratories Listings for
maximum assembly sizes) Approved Fasteners
6" on Centers, Max 2"
Installation: from Ends Sleeve
Floor Design

Floor Design
UL Approved

UL Approved
1. Minimum of ¾” (19mm) flange on one end of the sleeve (see Figure 5-C).
2. The damper assembly shall be placed in the opening so that the flange rests
flush up against the partition (see Figure 5:A-B). Horizontal Fire Damper

3. The sleeve is to be fastened to the partition (see Figure 5:A-C) on 6” (152mm)

centers with no more than 2” (51mm) on each end and a minimum of 2 Opening/
fasteners per side/leg using #10 (M5) self-tapping concrete anchors or concrete Clearances

screws engaging the fire partition a minimum of 1 1/2” (38mm) for masonry/con-
crete partitions or #10 (M5) screws long enough to penetrate the J-Runners and
E-Stud by a minimum of 3/8” (10mm) for stud/gypsum partitions. UL Approved
Wall Design
Flange Side
4. In a steel stud application, the sleeve flange may be placed in front of or (3/4" min)
behind the drywall attaching directly to the metal studs (see Figure 5:D-E). Sleeve

Approved Fasteners:
Spaced on 6" center, 2"
max from ends
Gypsum
Gypsum

UL Approved Metal
Fire Damper
Gypsum
Gypsum

Stud Wall Design UL Approved Metal

Flange Side
Stud Wall Design Fig. 5-C
Flange Side
Sleeve
Sleeve
Opening/
Clearances Approved Opening/
Clearances Approved
Fastener
Fastener

Fig. 5-D
Fire Damper Fig. 5-E
Fire Damper

6 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com
 FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

ACTUATOR CONNECTIONS (if applicable):

Electrical or pneumatic connections to damper actuators should be made in accordance with wiring and piping diagrams developed in
compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Be sure to check actuator for proper voltage and current draw.
Tampering with the actuator’s installation or connecting the actuator to an improper voltage and current may void the warranty.

DAMPER OPERATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

The procedures discussed here are intended to insure that nothing interferes with a damper’s proper operation and to
identify and eliminate a number of potential situations that could occur and interfere with said operation.

Fire Damper Operation:

All NCA fire dampers are operated at the factory, however pre-installation testing of its operation can be completed by bending the
straps that hold the fusible link and temporarily removing the fusible link. Place the damper in its intended installation orientation
(vertical or horizontal) and allow the curtain-style blade to close.

WARNING: During any operating, inspection or testing of fusible link and spring operated dampers, NCA recommends the following:

1. Caution is advised when a fusible link is suddenly released. Gravity or spring operated dampers may slam closed causing an abrupt
interruption of airflow. As this could cause damage to ductwork, consideration should be given to conducting these tests without
system airflow.
2. When removing the fusible link to check damper operation, be sure to keep fingers, hands and any other body parts out of the blade
travel path to prevent injury.
3. Check closure springs. If defective, contact damper manufacturer for replacement procedures.

Fire Damper Testing:

All fire dampers and their fusible links or actuators shall be visually inspected and cycled at specific time intervals in accordance
with the local building codes or the latest editions of NFPA 90A, 92A, local codes and UL 864. Also refer to the actuator manufacturer’s
recommendations if applicable.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the fire damper has actautors and a thermostat installed on the damper, do not apply a heat gun, flame or any
heat producing device directly to the thermostat. Simply disconnecting the power to the actuator(s) shall be sufficient for testing
procedures.

Fire Damper Maintenance:

Fire Life-Safety related dampers that are properly applied, equipped with the appropriate UL labels, appropriately installed, and demon-
strated to function as intended through a building commisioning process should require no specific preventive maintenance. However,
NCA recommends that obstructions, dirt build up, and any rust or corrosion be removed using mild solvents or detergents. No lubrica-
tion is required, however if it is desired, damper tracks and blade hinges may be lubricated using a dry lubricant.

Never use a petroleum based lubricant as it will attract dust and eventually impede a damper’s operation.

Message from NCA:

This installation, operation and maintenance instruction document has been reviewed and approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratories.

As a part of NCA’s continuous improvement program, NCA reserves the right to make further improvements or changes without notice.

7 IOM - FIRE DAMPERS - 0718

NCA MANUFACTURING INC. • 1985 CARROLL ST. • CLEARWATER, FL 33765 • 727.441.2651 • www.ncamfg.com