Topic outline

  • Fire and Smole Control Considerations in HVAC Ductwork Design

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a comprehensive examination of fire and smoke control strategies in HVAC ductwork design for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential buildings. It explores the principles and performance requirements of passive and active control measures, including fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination systems. 

    The course addresses duct material selection, compartmentalization, code compliance (NFPA, IBC, IMC), testing protocols, and best practices in system layout and maintenance. Emphasis is placed on protecting life safety, ensuring containment, and supporting building pressurization objectives during fire events.

    Topics:

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

    • Identify the role of HVAC systems in the propagation or containment of fire and smoke within a building.
    • Understand the operation, design requirements, and placement of fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire-smoke dampers.
    • Evaluate HVAC ductwork design strategies that mitigate smoke migration and fire spread.
    • Interpret relevant codes and standards, including those from the NFPA, IBC, and IMC, pertaining to fire and smoke control in ductwork.
    • Apply compartmentalization and zoning strategies in duct routing and isolation.
    • Recognize inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for life-safety components within duct systems.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

    For a quick overview of our site's policies, please click here: (FAQs)

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for mechanical engineers, HVAC design professionals, fire protection engineers, building code officials, and engineers involved in MEP system coordination for all types of building infrastructure projects. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1