What documentation should be supplied with a fire damper?

A fire damper should always be supplied with documentation that shows how it has been tested, classified and intended to be installed and maintained. For European projects, this normally includes a Declaration of Performance and CE-marking information, references to fire test and classification reports, and clear installation and maintenance instructions. This documentation is essential for design verification, handover and later inspections.

Declaration of Performance and CE marking

For products covered by harmonised European standards, such as fire dampers under EN 15650, the manufacturer must issue a Declaration of Performance (DoP) in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011/EU). The DoP states the essential characteristics of the product and the declared performance, including fire resistance based on testing and classification.

The CE marking refers to this DoP and indicates that the product has been assessed and documented in line with the relevant harmonised standard. Designers, authorities and building owners should always check that:

  • a valid DoP is available for the specific product type
  • the CE marking corresponds to the DoP and the intended use
  • the declared performance meets the requirements of the project

Fire test and classification information

Alongside the DoP, the supplier should provide references to the fire tests and classification reports used as the basis for the declared performance. For fire dampers, this typically means:

  • fire tests in accordance with EN 1366-2
  • classification in accordance with EN 13501-3

These documents define the tested configurations, such as wall or floor types, orientations, duct sizes and installation details. While the full reports are not always supplied as standard, the key information and references should be available on request and summarised in the product documentation.

Installation instructions

Correct installation is critical for the fire damper to perform as documented in the tests. The installation instructions should explain:

  • which wall and floor constructions the damper can be installed in
  • permitted orientations and duct configurations
  • required sleeve dimensions, fixings and sealants
  • clearances around the damper and any insulation details
  • how to connect and test the actuator and any detection or control system

Installers should follow these instructions carefully. Any deviations may mean that the installation is no longer within the scope of the documented testing and classification.

Maintenance and inspection instructions

Fire dampers are safety-critical components and must be accessible for inspection and maintenance. The documentation should therefore include:

  • recommended inspection intervals
  • functional test procedures (for example, how to trigger and reset the damper)
  • cleaning and adjustment instructions
  • criteria for identifying damage, wear or malfunction
  • guidance on replacement of components or the complete damper, if necessary

Building owners and facility managers should keep records of inspections and maintenance as part of their overall fire safety management.

What documentation FireSep provides for its fire dampers

FireSep fire dampers are CE marked in accordance with CPR 305/2011/EU and manufactured in compliance with EN 15650. Fire resistance is documented through testing in accordance with EN 1366-2 and classification in accordance with EN 13501-3, based on tests carried out by DBI.

For each FireSep fire damper, the documentation package includes:

  • a Declaration of Performance (DoP) in accordance with the harmonised product standard
  • CE-marking information linked to the DoP
  • references to the underlying fire tests and classification in accordance with EN 1366-2 and EN 13501-3
  • installation and maintenance instructions describing the tested constructions and permitted installation conditions

This documentation can be used in the design and documentation of fire safety solutions, including solutions designed in compliance with BR18, provided that the intended application remains within the scope of the documented testing and installation conditions. FireSep recommends that designers, installers and building owners keep the documentation together with project and handover records for later audits and inspections.