The Ontario Building Code | Installation of Fire Dampers
3.1.8.9. installation of Fire Dampers
(1) A fire damper shall be arranged to close automatically upon the operation of a fusible link conforming to ulc-S505, "Fusible Links for Fire Protection service", or other heat-actuated or smoke-actuated device.
(2) A heat-actuated device referred to in Sentence (1) shall,
(a) be located where it is readily affected by an abnormal rise of temperature in the duct, and
(b) have a temperature rating approximately 30°C above the maximum temperature that would exist in the system either with the system in operation or shut down.
(3) A fire damper shall be installed in the plane of the fire separation so as to stay in place should the duct be dislodged during a fire.
(4) A fire damper tested in the vertical or horizontal position shall be installed in the manner in which it was tested.
(5) A tightly fitted access door shall be installed for each fire damper to provide access for the inspection of the damper and the resetting of the release device.
In Plain Language
Fire dampers must close automatically via a fusible link or other heat/smoke-actuated device, positioned to detect abnormal duct temperature and rated about 30°C above the system's normal operating maximum, and must be installed within the plane of the fire separation so it stays functional if the duct itself is dislodged.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.