Why Are Fire Damper Drop Tests Important?

If you’re responsible for a building, whether it’s an office, hospital, school, or residential block, then fire safety isn’t optional. It’s your legal responsibility.

And when it comes to stopping the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork, fire dampers play a critical role. But here’s the thing: they only work if they’ve been properly tested.

That’s where fire damper drop testing comes in.

What is a Fire Damper Drop Test?

A fire damper is a safety device installed in ventilation systems, designed to close automatically when temperatures rise during a fire.

Most are held open by a fusible link that melts at a specific temperature, triggering the damper to shut and stop fire spreading through the ducts.

A drop test is the process of manually releasing that damper, simulating how it would close in the event of a fire.

It’s a practical, hands-on check to make sure the mechanism works. If it doesn’t close fully or quickly, that’s a failure, and one that could be deadly in a real emergency.

Is Fire Damper Testing a Legal Requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers and building owners are legally required to maintain fire safety systems, and that includes fire dampers.

According to BS 9999:2017, all fire dampers must be tested and drop-tested at least annually by a competent person. If you manage a high-risk or dust-heavy environment (like hospitals or industrial spaces), more frequent testing is strongly advised.

Why Are Drop Tests So Important?

Let’s be blunt: fire dampers are often out of sight and out of mind. Once installed, they can go untouched for years. But just because something looks fine doesn’t mean it’ll work when it matters.

We’ve seen cases where dampers were jammed by dust or debris, rusted shut, or simply didn’t close properly, issues that only come to light during a drop test.

If a damper fails to shut in a fire, it can allow flames and smoke to spread rapidly throughout the building via the ductwork.

In short, drop tests are the only way to prove your dampers will do their job in a real emergency.

What Happens During a Fire Damper Test?

At ACB, we carry out thorough fire damper testing to ensure full compliance and safety.

Here’s what that looks like:

Each damper is located, accessed, and visually inspected.
We manually release the damper (drop test) to make sure it closes properly.
After the test, we clean the damper if needed and reset it to its correct position.
We photograph each stage: before the test, during closure, and after reset.
We also document the condition of associated ductwork and note any obstructions, debris, or damage.

Everything is compiled into a full report, complete with photographic evidence and a certificate of completion, so you’ve got proper documentation for your records and inspections.

What If I Don’t Have Access to My Dampers?

It’s not uncommon to find fire dampers without a proper access hatch or panel. If that’s the case, we can help by installing new access points to make testing possible, because skipping it isn’t an option if you want to stay compliant.

How Can I Stay Compliant?

It’s simple: annual fire damper drop testing is your baseline requirement. Keep accurate records, respond to any faults, and make sure your systems are accessible and clean.

We help clients across the UK stay ahead of their legal obligations, offering tailored fire damper testing services, full documentation, and expert advice on any remedial works needed. Our goal is to make compliance easy, efficient, and stress-free.

Fire Damper Testing Services Include:

Annual drop tests in line with BS 9999:2017
Photographic reports and certification
Cleaning and resetting of dampers
Access hatch installation if required
Ongoing compliance advice

Don’t wait for an inspection, or worse, a fire, to find out your systems aren’t up to scratch. Get in touch with ACB today to book your fire damper drop test and make sure your building is protected and compliant.