CONTENTS

Page
Foreword

SPECIFICATION
Scope Definitions
Materials
Design and manufacture
Testing Marking
Installation instructions Responsibility of manufacturer APPENDIX
Fire-resistance test

TABLES

Mechanical properties of grade 301 stainless steel in the

cord-worked condition Chemical composition of phosphor bronze

Mechanical properties of 5% phosphor bronze rolled tempers

- Sheet and strip

Mechanical properties of 5% phosphor bronze plate
Tests for fire dampers

Temperature rise as a function of time

FIGURE

Standard time-temperature curve

SINGAPORE STANDARD
SPECIFICATION FOR FIRE DAMPERS

FOREWORD
This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Building Services under
the direction of the Building Materials Product Standards Committee.
It is a revision of SS 333 : 1988 - 'Specification for fire dampers'
Air-conditioning and ventilation ducts have to traverse through fire rated walls, floor and ceiling
in order to provide an economical and effective system for any building. This system, however, provides
an effective means whereby fire and smoke can infiltrate throughout the whole building. Hence, there
is a necessity to have fire dampers in order to preserve the integrity of each compartmented area in the
event of an outbreak of fire. In the current revised edition of SS 333, an operation test has been
incorporated to cover the situation where fire damper operation can occur in the presence of air flow.
Whilst the fire damper is a form of insurance against a fire outbreak, it is often taken for granted
and ignored with an anticipation that it will work when an emergency arises. Wih this in mind, noncorrosive materials have been specified for shafts and springs so as not to impede the eventual
operations of the damper.
In preparing this standard, references were made to the following standards:
AS 1530.4 : 1990

Methodsfor fire tests on building materials, components and structures

Part 4 : Fire-resistance tests of elements of building construction

AS 1682.1 : 1990

Fire dampers.
Part 1 - Specification

IS0 834 : 1975

Fire-resistance tests - Elements of building construction

UL 555 : 1989

Fire dampers

Acknowledgement is made for the use of information from the above references.

NOTE

1.

Singapore Standards are subject to periodical review to keep abreast of technical changes and
new technical developments. The revisions of Singapore Standards are announced through the
issue of either amendment slips or revised editions.

2.

Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.

1.

SCOPE

This Singapore Standard specifies requirements for the materials, design, manufacture,
performance, testing and marking of fire dampers which may be of rectangular or circular face, of single
or multiblade construction, and having hinged, pivoted or curtain type action.
NOTE.

Rules for the installation of fire dampers are included in Singapore Standard CP 13.

2.

DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply:

2.1
Regulatory Authority. The authority having statutory powers to control the installation and use
of fire dampers in buildings.
2.2
Face Area. The gross cross-sectional area normal to airflow. It includes the sum of all crosssectional thicknesses of blade(s), shaft(s), bushes, pivots, and blade stops, and guides that are normal
to the aitflow with the damper fully open.
2.3

Testing Laboratory. An organisation that specialises in conducting fire resistance tests.

2.4
Fire Damper. A movable closure in a duct or opening for the passage of air, which operates
automatically to restrict the passage of fire or products of combustion past it.
2.5

Casing. The part of a fire damper that connects it with the duct, via a suitable slip or flanged

joint.
NOTE.

In some design, this may be made up of frame and a casing.

Fire Resistance. The ability of an element of construction, component or structure to fulfil for
a stated period of time the required structural adequacy, integrity, thermal insulation and/or other
expected duty specified, during exposure to a fire test specified in Appendix A.

2.6

NOTE.

In the case of a fire damper, thermal insulation is not applicable.

Diameter. Of a circular fire damper : the nominal outside dimension of the damper casing
excluding the mounting flange angles.
2.7

Height. The nominal outside dimension of a rectangular fire damper measured across the axes
of rotation of the blades at right angels to the direction of airflow.

2.8

Width. The nominal outside dimension of a rectangular fire damper measured along the axes
of rotation of the blades.

2.9

NOTE. Height and width are related to the outside dimensions of the damper casing only and the mounting flange angles
are not included.

2.10

Shall. Indicates that a statement is mandatory.

2.1 1

Should. Indicates a recommendation.

2.12

May. lndicates the existence of an option.

3.

MATERIALS

3.1
Galvanic Corrosion. Where design requires direct contact between different metals or alloys,
their selection shall be in accordance with the relevant requirements in AS 1562 or equivalent.
NOTE. Materials should be selected to prevent the possibilityof galvanic corrosion between components of the fire damper
and between the fire damper and duct.

3.2
Materials For Flange, Casing and Blades. The mounting flange, casing and blades of the fire
damper shall be made from:

(a)

stainless steel not less than Grade 301 (e.g. AS 1449 or equivalent);

(b)

zinc-coated steel sheet of acceptable standard (such as AS 1397 with a coating class
not less than Z 275; or ASTM A525M-91 Designation Z 275; or equivalent).

NOTE. For fire dampers intended for installation in aggressive atmospheres, stainless steel should be used. If zinccoated
steel is used, the coating class should be of higher class or designation to suit that particular environment.

3.3

Materials For Moving Parts

Blade and linkage shafts. Blade and linkage shafts that are in direct contact with bearings
shall be of stainless steel complying with AS 1444 or equivalent.

3.3.1

3.3.2

Blade and linkage bearings. Blade and linkage bearings shall be of :

(a)

commercial brass or bronze complying with AS 1567 or equivalent;

(b)

stainless steel complying with AS 1444 or equivalent.

Linkages, springs and moving parts. Linkages, springs, and moving parts which form part
of the closing or opening mechanisms shall be made of:

3.3.3

4.

(a)

stainless steel, not less than grade 301 (e.g. AS 1.449 or equivalent), having the
properties of Table 1; or

(b)

phosphor bronze, not less than Grade 518 (e.g. AS 1566 or equivalent), having the
properties of Tables 2, 3 and 4.

DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE

General. The fire damper shall be designed for secure mounting in a wall, floor or ceiling. The
length of the casing extending beyond the plane of the wall shall not exceed the following distances, on
either side:
4.1

(a)

For flanged joint

80 mm

(b)

For slip joint

150 mm

Provision shall be made for the ducts to terminate at the connection with the damper.
NOTE. A slip joint between the duct and the casing is recommended to minimize the possibility of damage caused by
collapse or deformation of the ductwork in a fire. t i a flanged joint is used, it should also be able to fulfil the above.

Table 1. Mechanical properties of grade 301 stainless steel in

the cold-worked condition
I

Tensile properties
Elongation, percent rnin.
L, = 50 rnrn

Tensile
strength

Yield
strength*

Single bend test (see Note)

Specified thickness, mrn

MPa
rnin.

MPa
rnin.

Up to and
incl. 0.40

Over 0.40

965

1280

NOTES.

Specified thickness, rnrn

Up to and incl. 1.2
180

2a

* 0.2 percent proof stress (non-proportional elongation).^ = angle of bend

r = internal radius of the bent portion of the test piece after bending
a = thickness of test piece.
Table 2. Chemical composition of phosphor bronze
Chemical composition - percent

Alloy
designation

518

Alloy
name

Tin

REM

5%
phosphor
bronze

Phosphorus

Aluminium

Lead

rnin.

rnax.

min.

rnax.

rnax.

rnax.

4.0

6.0

0.10

0.35

0.01

0.02

Table 3. Mechanical properties of 5% phosphor bronze rolled

tempers sheet and strip

Hardness - HV

Tensile strength, MPa

rnin.
Flat

Coil
Alloy
Over
designation
0.15
rnrn
up to
and
incl.
3.2
rnrn
518

590

Over
0.15
rnrn
up to
and
incl.
2.0
rnrn

Over
2.0
rnrn
up to
and
incl.
3.2
rnrn

590

590

*t = thickness of material.

Elongation
on 50 rnrn
percent

Longitudinal
bend test

I
Flat
Over 0.15 1 Over 0.15 1 Over 2.0
Coil

I I

rnrn up to rnrn up to rnrn up to Angle

and incl. and incl. and incl. degrees
2.0 rnrn 3.2 rnrn
3.2 rnm
rnin

rnin rnax rnin rnax rnin rnax

180 200

180 200 180 200

~adius'

Table 4. Mechanical properties of 5% phosphor bronze plate

II

Alloy
designation

II

Specified thickness
mm
Over

Up to and incl.

MPa min.

Elongation percent
min.
on 5.65 JS,

7I

Approximate
hardness
HV*

* For information only.

So = Cross sectional area of tensile test piece, in mm2.
Construction. The construction of the fire damper shall be such that the blade(s) and pivot (if
4.2
any) can be fully contained within the penetrated element and within the casing when the damper is fully
closed. This subclause applies to both vertical and horizontal elements, except suspended ceilings.
4.3
Release Mechanism. Every fire damper shall incorporate a release mechanism in addition to
any other release devices that may be prescribed. The release mechanism shall incorporatea thermallyreleased link complying with Subclause 4.6. After actuation, no part of the release mechanism shall
inhibit the operation of the fire damper. Provision shall be made for the fire damper to close fully when
the release mechanism is removed for inspection or maintenance.
4.4
Latching Device. Fire dampers, with the exception of gravity-actuated curtain types, shall be
provided with a spring or other device to prevent rebound on closure.
NOTE.

The latching device shall be arranged for ease of resetting.

Flange And Casing. The thickness of material used for the flange and casing shall be as
4.5
follows:
(a)

For flanges, the thickness shall be a minimum of 2.5 mm;

(b)

For casings, the thickness shall be a minimum of 1.5 mm.

Where zinc-coated steel sheet is used, any damage in manufacture to the zinc coating shall be
made good. (See Note).
NOTE.

An appropriate method for remedying damage to the zinc coating is as follows:

(a)

Through cleaning by hand or power tool to remove all welding scale or other foreign matter. Application
of one coat of cold galvanizing single-pack epoxy ester zinc-rich primer.

(b)

Any film of antispatter release agent should be removed by an appropriate solvent.

Thermally-released Link. A thermally-released link complying with AS 1890 or UL 33 or

4.6
equivalent shall form part of the release mechanism, and shall be provided in addition to any other
initiating device. It shall be assembled so that it is under tension. The load applied to the thermallyreleased link shall not exceed the marked working load of the link, and shall take into account the
dynamic loading due to air flow.
For vertically mounted fire dampers, the thermally-released link shall be located within the
casing, on the vertical centreline, and in the upper half of the plane normal to the airflow.
For horizontally mounted fire dampers, the thermally-released link shall be located within the
casing, in the plane normal to the airflow.

4.7
Rating. Fire dampers shall be rated by stating their fire resistance rating, in hours, as
determined in accordance with Subclause 5.3.

Variations From The Tested Prototype. Every fire damper shall be identical in assembly and
4.8
construction with the tested prototype. The following size variations shall be allowed:

(a)

The face area may be less than that of the prototype.

(b)

For multiblade off-centre-pivoted fire damper, the blades may:

0)

be shorter than those of the prototype; and

(ii)

have a height not less than 0.75 times nor greater than 1.15 times the height
of the tested prototype.

In no case shall the thickness of components be less than that of the prototype. No increase
in dimensions beyond those of the prototype shall be permitted except where the prototype was the
largest size which could be accommodated by the furnace available for testing. In such case, a variation
may be permitted subject to agreement of a testing laboratory.

5.

TESTING

General. Prototypes of each damper design or design variation, except those with permissible
5.1
variations in Subclause 4.8, shall be subjected to the tests specified in Table 5. Table 5 indicates the
tests applicable to the specific types of fire dampers.
Table 5. Tests for fire dampers

Tests

Clause

Gravityoperated

Springoperated

5.3

(1)

Fire-resistance test

(2)

Air-leakage test

(3)

Closing reliability

(4)

Spring closing force

5.6

(5)

Operation

5.7

Test applicable.

x
x

1 -

Test not applicable.

5.2

Selection Of Specimen

5.2.1

The test specimen shall be manufactured to the manufacturer's specifications.

5.2.2 If it is desired to establish compliance for a whole range of dampers of the same design, the
sizes of specimens to be used shall include the following:

(a)

For the fire resistance and air leakage tests, the largest face area of single dampers and
multiple damper assemblies.

NOTE. Certain limitations may exist in the size of available test equipment. For fire-resistance testing, a
representative specimen shall be tested in accordance with Appendix A.

(b)

For the closing reliability and operation tests:

Square or rectangular dampers:
0)

Maximum width by maximum height and minimum width by minimum height;

(ii)

The representative size of multiple damper assembly (see Subclause 5.2.3).

Round dampers - maximum and minimum diameter.

(c)
5.2.3

5.3

For the spring closing force test, the maximum size of the damper.

For multiple assemblies, consideration shall be given to:

(a)

The maximum size of the multiple assembly;

(b)

All sizes of individual dampers intended to be used in the multiple assembly; and

(c)

The intended operation of the closure mechanism (multiple or individual damper

operation).

Fire-resistance Test

5.3.1 The fire-resistance test shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix A. The fire resistance
so determined shall be not less than the fire-resistance rating stated on the iabel required by Subclause
6.2.

5.3.2

Acceptance criteria

5.3.2.1 A damper assembly shall remain in the opening during the fire-resistance test for the fireexposure period for which it is to be rated.
5.3.2.2 All dampers in the test assembly shall completely close and latch automatically (if a latch is
provided) during the first 90 seconds of the fire-resistance test.
5.3.2.3 Latching mechanisms, blade shafts in their bearings, interlocking-type damper blades with
relationto their blades, and blade guides shall remain engaged and secure during the fire-resistancetest.
5.3.2.4 During the fire exposure, there shall be no flaming of the damper assembly materials on the
unexposed side. Exception: Flaming of gaskets and sealants used in a damper assembly may occur
on the unexposed side, provided the flames do not exceed 150 mm in length.
5.3.2.5 Visible through openings shall not increase in size as a result of the fire-resistance test. These
are openings provided for operating clearances and are visible when viewed in a plane perpendicular
to the mounting plane.
5.3.2.6 Movement or warping of any part of the damper assembly during the fire-resistance test shall
not cause the development of:
(a)

visible through openings which were not apparent in the untested samples when viewed
in a plane perpendicular to the mounting plane;

(b)

clearances between parts exceeding 3 mm.

Air-leakage Test. The air-leakage test shall be carried out with the fire damper closed and an
5.4
air pressure differential applied across it. The rate of airflow through the fire damper in litres per second
shall be determined in accordance with a method which complies with IS0 5167 and IS0 7244. The
criteria for the test shall be as follows:
(a)

For fire dampers with face areas not exceeding 0.5 m2,the rate of airflow shall be not
greater than the value given below for the indicated air pressure differential:
Air pressure differential
kPa

(b)

Rate of airflow
L/s

For fire dampers with face areas exceeding 0.5m2, the rate of airflow shall not exceed
that obtained from the following formula:

q,,

Ac

where:
q, = rate of airflow, in litres per second;
A

= face area, in square metres;

= factor directly related to the air pressure differential as follows:

Air pressure differential

kPa

5.5

Factor c
L/s. m2

Closing Reliability Test

5.5.1 A damper assembly shall close and latch automatically (i a latch is provided) from the open
position, during each of 250 operations, and shall throughout this test show no evidence of undue wear
or damage.

5.5.2

All dampers are to be cycled while orientated in the position intended for installation.

5.6

Spring Closing Force Test

5.6.1 A spring-operateddamper assembly shall employ a spring or springs capable of exerting a force
of 2%times that required to close and automatically latch (if a latch is provided) the damper.

All springs are to be disconnected and the damper assembly placed in the intended operating
position.

5.6.2

The force required to close and latch the damper is to be measured from wide open to closed
(latched). The force is to be applied through, and at the point of connection of the spring, to the
damper blade or operating arm.
5.6.3

Three samples of each spring employed for closing and latching are to be tested for force
exerted over the range of extension or compression required for the motion involved in the damper. The
force available from the action of the spring or springs is to be 2% times that required for the closing and
latching of the damper at any position of travel from fully open to latched.
5.6.4

5.7

Operation Test

5.7.1 General. Under conditions of maximum recommended air flow, representative samples (see
Subclause 5.2.2) of a damper shall function without damage to the damper or its components and shall
completely close and open, during each of three opening and closing cycles. The test pressure
difference created in the closed position is to be recorded and shall be 25 mm (0.249 kPa) of water.
The test pressure difference may be increased in increments of 25 mm of water. The dampers are to
be tested to both the induct and in-wall test procedures specified in the Air Movement and Control
Association, Inc. (AMCA) standard for Test Methods for Louvres, Dampers, and Shutters, No. 500-89 or
equivalent. The tests shall be conducted at an ambient temperature between 10C - 40C.
5.7.2 The damper under test is to be mounted as intended. The air flow direction is to be in the
direction of normal flow through the damper. If normal flow can be in either direction, and if the damper
reacts differently when flow is in one direction than it does when flow is in the opposite direction, the
damper is to be tested with the flow first in one direction, then in the other direction. Prior to the test,
the damper shall be opened and closed three times under static conditions.
5.7.3 Dampers are to be manually closed using the intended releasing device or comparable alternate
and manually re-opened during each cycle.
5.7.4

Multiple assembly. The multiple assembly shall be mounted as described in Subclause 5.7.2.

If the multiple assembly incorporates individual sections operated by their own closure
mechanism, each individual section shall be operated at the maximum recommended airflow for the
multiple assembly with all other sections closed.

5.7.5

If the multiple assembly incorporates individual sections operating from a common closure
mechanism, this assembly shall be tested in accordance with Subclauses 5.7.1 to 5.7.3.

5.7.6

6.

MARKING

General. Fire dampers shall be permanently, legibly and indelibly marked with the information
specified in Subclause 6.2, by means of a label complying with Subclause 6.3.

6.1

NOTE.

Regulatory authorities may require additional marking to show evidence of compliance to this standard.

6.2

6.3

Information. The following information shall be provided on the label:

(a)

Manufacturer's name and year of manufacture;

(b)

Serial number;

(c)

Test report number(s) of prototypes;

(d)

Fire-resistance rating;

(e)

Installation (i.e. vertical, horizontal or both);

(9

Direction of airflow;

(g)

Maximum rated air flow and pressure difference across the closed damper;

(h)

Information to advise the user of the suitability of the fire damper for use in aggressive
atmosphere, and the type of construction in which the fire damper prototype passed
the tests specified in Clause 5;

0)

Clearance between the damper and the penetration.

Label

6.3.1
General. The label shall be of a size sufficient to contain information required in Subclause 6.2.
Character height shall be not less than 2.5 mm.

6.3.2 Location. The label shall be positioned so that it can be read through an access panel when
the fire damper is installed and open.
7.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The fire damper manufacturer shall provide written instructions for installation of the fire
dampers. Details shall include at least the following:

8.

(a)

Type or types of construction in which the damper has been tested and achieved the
listed fire resistance rating.

(b)

Details of the method of installation used in the prototype test as well as any opinion
of the testing laboratory in respect of acceptable alternative methods.

(c)

Orientation of the fire damper, i.e. horizontal, vertical, or both.

(d)

Packing between the fire damper body and the side of penetration.

RESPONSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURER

When required by the Regulatory Authority, the manufacturer shall provide acceptable evidence
8.1
that each damper is identical with the approved prototype or where there are variations from such
prototype, that such variations have been accepted as being in accordance with this standard.

APPENDIX A
FIRE-RESISTANCE TEST
A. 1

TEST ASSEMBLIES

A.l.l
Dimensions. The complete assembly to be tested shall be full size. When either of the
dimensions of the full size construction is larger than it is possible to accommodate in the furnace, the
test specimen shall have a maximum size that can be accommodated; in such a case, the appropriate
width or height shall be not more than the following:
width

3m

height

3m

A.1.2

Mounting Of Test Specimen

A. 1.2.1

General

A. 1.2.1.1 The damper is to be installed in a test assembly in its intended position, and in accordance
with the manufacturer's installation instructions. If a damper is intended for use in both wall and floor
openings, both installations are to be tested.

A. 1.2.1.2 The lap of the perimeter mounting angles on all four sides of both faces of the wall or floor
is to be not less than 25 mm. The perimeter mounting angles are to be positioned against the face of
the wall and/or floor. An installation method using other than perimeter mounting angles is acceptable
provided the method:

(a)

is tested and found to be equivalent in protectingthe entire wall or floor opening during
the fire resistance test.

(b)

has the ability to retain the fire damper in position, should disruption of the duct occur.

A. 1.2.1.3 The damper is to be set in its intended open position at the start of the fire exposure.

A. 1.2.2

Horizontal damper assemblies

A. 1.2.2.1 Horizontal damper assemblies are to be installed in a reinforced concrete slab and tested on
a furnace in their intended position.
A. 1.2.2.2 For test purposes, the concrete slab is to have a minimum thickness of 150 mm, except that
the thickness of the concrete slab may be varied to conform with the manufacturer's recommended
method of installation for the damper assembly.
A. 1.2.2.3 The concrete settings are to be allowed to cure at least 28 days before the fire test.

A. 1.2.3

Vertical damper assemblies

A. 1.2.3.1 Vertical damper assemblies are to be installed in a masonry wall in the following orientations
with respect to the furnace:

(a)

One sample is to be installed with the upstream side facing the furnace.

(b)

An additional sample is to be installed with the downstream side facing the furnace.

(c)

If multiple assemblies are to be tested, the upstream sides of half the individual dampers
and the downstream sides of the other half of the individual dampers are to face the
furnace.

A. 1.2.3.2 For test purposes, the masonry wall is to have a minimum thickness of 200 mm except that

the thickness of the masonry wall may be varied to conform with the manufacturer's recommended
method of installation for the damper assembly.
A. 1.2.3.3 The masonry settings are to be allowed to cure at least 7 days before a fire test.

A. 1.2.4

Damper in non-masonry construction

Fire dampers intended for mounting in other types of fire-resisting construction, or in a specific
type of fire-resisting lightweight construction, shall be mounted in that type of construction.

A.2

STANDARD HEATING AND PRESSURE CONDITIONS

A.2.1

Standard Heating Conditions

A.2.1.1 Temperature rise. The temperature rise within the furnace shall be controlled so as to vary
with time within the limits specified in A.2.1.3 according to the following relationship:

where:
t is the time, expressed in minutes;

T is the furnace temperature at time t, expressed in degrees Celsius;

To is the initial furnace temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius.
The curve representingthis function, known as the 'standard time-temperaturecurve', is given
in Figure 1.

A.2.1.2

Measurement of furnace temperature

A.2.1.2.1 The furnace temperature is deemed to be the average of the temperatures recorded by

thermocouples symmetrically arranged within the furnace to give an approximation to its average
temperature.
A.2.1.2.2 These thermocouples shall not be fewer than one to each 1.5 m2 of the test wall or floor

assembly, subject to a minimum of five.

Bare wire thermocouples of wire diameter not less than 0.75 mm and not more than 1.5 mm
shall be arranged so that the hot junction is 100 mm from the nearest point of the test assembly.

A.2.1.2.3

Sheathed thermocouples may be used provided that they have a sensitivity not less than and
time-constant not greater than those of bare wire thermocouples.
The wires of the thermocouples shall be placed in open tubes of heat-resistant material, for
example porcelain, within approximately 25 mm from the hot junction.

30

60

90

120

150

180

210

240

270

300

330

Time, t, min

Figure 1. Standard time-temperature curve

The relationship expressed above gives the values shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Temperature rise as a function of time

Time, t

Elevation of furnace
temperature, T - To

(min)

ec,

5
10
15
30
60
90
120
180
240
360

556
659
718
821
925
986
1029
1090
1133
1193

A.2.1.3

Tolerances

A.2.1.3.1 For mean deviation of furnace temperature rise.

The mean deviation of the furnace

temperature rise is given, as a percentage, by the following expression:
where:
A is the integral value of the average furnace temperature as a function of time;
B is the integral value of T - To from the equation defined in A.2.1.1

The tolerances of the mean deviations shall satisfy the following conditions:
15% during the first 10 min of test;

(a)

(b)

* 10% during the first 30 min of test;

(c)

5% after the first 30 min of test.

A.2.1.3.2 For temperature distribution within the furnace. At any time after the first 10 min of test, the

temperature, recorded by any thermocouple, shall not differ from the corresponding temperature of the
standard time-temperature curve by more than 2 100C.

Pressure Conditions. An over pressure' of 10 i 2 Pa (1.0 i 0.2 mm H, o)** shall exist in the
A.2.2
furnace during the whole heating period of fire-resistance tests on separating elements of building
construction. For vertical separating elements, over-pressure shall exist over at least the upper twothirds of the height of the test specimen. The specified over-pressure shall be measured and monitored:
(a)
'(b)
NOTE.

For horizontal elements - 100 mm from the underside of the specimen;

For vertical elements - at a point located approximately at three-quarters of the height
of the element under test.

The pressure difference may also be achieved by lowering the pressure on the unexposed face.

This condition is not mandatory for the first 5 min of the test.

**

1 Pa = 1 ~ / m ,

Standards referred to:

AS 1397 : 1993

Steel sheet and strip - Hotdipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-coated

AS 1449 : 1994

Wrought alloy steels - Stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet and strip

AS 1566 : 1985

Copper and copper alloys - Rolled flat products

AS 1890 : 1976

Thermally-released links

ASTM A525M : 1991a

Standard specification for general requirements for steel sheet, zinc-coated

(galvanized) by the hotdip process (metric)
Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential devices
Part 1 : Orifice plates, nozzles and venturi tubes inserted in circular crosssection conduits running full
Air distribution and air diffusion - Aerodynamic testing of dampers and valves
Code of practice for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings
Heat responsive links for fire-protection service

THE SINGAPORE PRODUCTIVITY AND STANDARDS BOARD

The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB) is a statutory board established in April 1996,
with the integration of the functions of the National Productivity Board (NPB) and the Singapore Institute of
Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) and the takeover of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
development function from the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is governed by a board of directors
comprising representatives from government, employers, trade unions and academia.
While NPB's activities focused on training, productivity consultancy and promotion, SISIR's work
centered on technology, quality, standards and industrial research. With the formation of PSB, synergy is
derived by putting the "soft" and "hard" aspects of productivity with the same organisation so that PSB is
greater than the sum of NPB and SISIR.
PSB's mission is to raise the productivity and enhance Singapore's competitiveness and economic
growth. The Board's vision is to be a leading player with a global perspective in matters related to productivity
and standards.
One of the functions of PSB is the establishment of a national standardisation programme to support
industrialisation in Singapore. The Board is vested with the authority to appoint a Standards Council to advise
on the preparation, publication and promulgation of Singapore Standards, and promotion of their adoption.
Standards are in the form of specifications for materials and products, codes of practice, methods of testing,
nomenclature, etc. The standards are drawn up by the various Technical Committees appointed by the
Product Standards Committees (for product standards), the Practice Committees (for codes of practice) or the
Standards Committee (for both product standards and codes of practice), the final approval body being the
Standards Council.
To ensure adequate representation of all viewpoints in the preparation of standards, all Committees
appointed consist of representatives from various interest groups which include Government agencies,
professional bodies, tertiary institutions and consumer, trade and manufacturing organisations.
PSB operates a number of national certification schemes.
The Board is the owner of the Certification Mark shown in Figure 1. This Mark can be used only by
manufacturers licensed under the SlSlR (Singapore Quality Mark) Certification Scheme operated by PSB in
accordance with the Singapore Quality Mark Certification Regulations. The presence of this Mark on a product
with the inscription "Certified to Singapore Standard" is an assurance that the product has been produced to
comply with requirements of the relevant Singapore Standard under a system of supervision, control and
testing operated during manufacture and including regular inspection at the manufacturer's premises.
PSB also operates the PSB IS0 9000 Certification Scheme which is a third party quality system
certification of manufacturing processes and services to the relevant part of the SS IS0 9000 series of
standards on quality systems. The scheme confers recognition to companies which have properly designed
and implemented quality systems. It enables companies to gain greater international recognition thereby
facilitating access to overseas markets. It also helps companies to reduce reject costs and improve quality and
productivity. Certified companies are entitled to use the PSB IS0 9000 symbol as shown in Figure 2 in their
marketing programme including letterheads, advertisements and other promotional materials.
In addition, PSB also operates the PSB IS0 14000 (Environmental Management System)
Certification Scheme which is a third party certification of environmental management systems to the IS0
14001 environmental management system standard. The scheme provides an independent and impartial
assessment with a view for continuous improvement in environmental performance. Certified companies are
entitled to use the PSB IS0 14000 Mark as shown in Figure 3 in their promotional materials.
For laboratories which have shown capabilities in specific areas of tests, the Laboratory Accreditation
Scheme confers the laboratories the right to use the SINGLAS symbol as shown in Figure 4 in their test
reports, letterheads, advertisements and other promotional materials.

A MARK OF PSB

Figure 1.

A MARK OF PSB

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

For further information on PSB services and activities, please write to PSB, PSB Building, 2 Bukit Merah
Central, Singapore 159835.