Fire, Smoke and Air Dampers Standard Ruling

Australian Standards committee ME-062* Ventilation and Air Conditioning recently released a new ruling regarding AS1682.1:2015 Fire, smoke, and air dampers. The ruling relates to the standard's Part 1 specification and clarifies actuator temperature rating requirements.

The Ruling on Fire, Smoke and Air Dampers

The ruling, as issued by ME-062, states that “there is no need for spring return actuators utilised for smoke dampers and air dampers in smoke exhaust systems to be rated for the higher temperatures nominated in AS 1682.1:2015.”

What This Means

This means that where spring return actuators are used in smoke dampers and air dampers in smoke exhaust to achieve a fail-safe position, they are not required to meet the elevated temperature performance ratings referenced in AS 1682.1:2015. When complying with table 4.1 of AS 1668.1:2015 requirements, particularly Items 16 and 17, which cover control and wiring requirements for smoke control systems, there is no need to be rated for 200°C for 2 hours or 300°C for 30 minutes. The mechanical action of spring return actuators does not require additional temperature-rated performance under fire conditions to sufficiently fulfil the system duty.

This confirms specifications for practitioners, ensuring that smoke control systems, particularly smoke exhaust systems designed according to common industry practice, remain compliant and practical.

More Information

For more information on this ruling and how it came about, you can visit Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) Australia’s website - https://www.amca.com.au/Public/News/News_Items/2025-04/AS1682.1-Standards-Australia-Ruling.aspx

Compliance

Beaver Williams is a long-term member of AMCA Australia. AMCA works closely with technical committee members and Standards Australia to address industry challenges. They clarify interpretation and compliance with Australian Standards and industry best practice.  

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* ME-062 members include Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association; Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council; Australian Industry Group; Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating; Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers; Construction Information Systems Limited; Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association; Engineers Australia; Facility Management Association of Australia; Fan Manufacturers Association of Australia and New Zealand; Fire Protection Association of Australia; Property Council of Australia.