Smoke Control UL 864 Compliance: What Project Managers and Installers Must Know

Smoke Control UL 864 Compliance: More Than Detection 

When smoke fills a building, alarms tell you something is wrong. But alarms alone don’t protect stairwells, keep exit routes clear, or help firefighters do their job safely. That’s the role of smoke control systems—to actively manage where smoke goes and to give occupants time to evacuate. For installers and project managers, this is where the challenge begins. A system may look complete, but if it doesn’t meet smoke control UL 864 compliance, an AHJ will reject it. That means rework, delays, and frustrated clients. 

How Smoke Control Codes Have Evolved 

Smoke control requirements are relatively new compared to fire alarm standards. NFPA first issued NFPA 92A in 1988. It was later merged into NFPA 92, which today sets the foundation for design and installation. The International Building Code (IBC) codified smoke control in Section 909, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. 

The 2024 edition of NFPA 92 introduced important updates: 

• Removed references to the legacy “UUKL” category. 

• Clarified that UL 864-listed equipment must be used for smoke control compliance. 

• Emphasized performance-based design verification for complex projects. 

For now, many AHJs and contractors still use the term “UUKL,” but the industry is moving toward simply requiring UL 864 smoke control compliance. 

NFPA and IBC Requirements for Smoke Control UL 864 Compliance

Let’s break down what the standards actually say: 

NFPA 92: Design Baseline 

📖 “Smoke control systems shall be designed in accordance with the prescriptive-based or performance-based design methods of this standard.” (NFPA 92-2021, Section 4.1.1) 

That means you either: 

• Follow step-by-step prescriptive rules, or 

• Prove through modeling and testing that the system works. 

IBC 909: Enforceable in the Field 

📖 “Smoke control systems shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 909 and the International Fire Code.” (IBC 2021, Section 909.1) 

In practice, IBC 909 requires every smoke control system to use UL 864-listed equipment for control and supervision. 

What Smoke Control UL 864 Compliance Is

UL 864 is the standard for fire alarm control units. Within that, equipment specifically tested for smoke control earns a listing recognized by AHJs for compliance. 

📖 “Products covered are evaluated for their performance in smoke control systems as required by NFPA and the International Building Code.” (UL 864, Guide Info) 

Key point: 

• A UL 864 fire alarm panel is not automatically a smoke control panel. 

• Installers must confirm the listing specifically covers smoke control UL 864 compliance. 

Failure to verify this is one of the top reasons systems fail inspection. 

UL 555: Dampers That Make or Break Compliance 

Fans and panels draw the spotlight, but dampers are just as critical. UL 555 governs these components: 

📖 “Fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire/smoke dampers shall be tested and listed in accordance with UL 555 and UL 555S.” (IBC 2021, Section 717.3.2.1) 

If your dampers don’t carry UL 555 or 555S listings, the entire system fails. It’s that simple. 

Common Challenges with Smoke Control UL 864 Compliance 

Even seasoned installers encounter pitfalls: 

• Installing a fire alarm panel that isn’t UL 864-listed for smoke control. 

• Using dampers without UL 555 certification. 

• Showing up to AHJ inspections without UL cut sheets. 

• Failing to coordinate with HVAC and BAS contractors. 

One project manager put it bluntly: “The first time I failed a smoke control inspection, it cost us weeks. Now, I never start a job without double-checking the UL listings.” 

New Trends Shaping Smoke Control 

Smoke control compliance isn’t standing still. Several trends are shaping the future of design, installation, and inspection: 

• Remote Testing and IoT: With NFPA 915 enabling remote testing, some systems now allow smoke control functions to be tested offsite—cutting costs and reducing inspector bottlenecks. 

• Self-Testing Devices: Emerging detectors with built-in particulate checks improve reliability and make inspections more efficient. 

• AI and Predictive Automation: While still early, AI and building automation systems may one day integrate smoke control with HVAC, elevators, and life safety systems for predictive response. 

For project managers and installers, this means preparing not just for today’s AHJ requirements, but also for the next wave of innovation. 

Space Age Electronics and Smoke Control 

At Space Age Electronics, our priority is to equip installers with compliant, AHJ-ready solutions. We take the unique requirements of your project into consideration with every graphic control panel we build. Whether it’s for Atrium Smoke Exhaust, Stairwell Pressurization, Post-Fire Smoke Purge or any other application, we guarantee a UL/UUKL compliant assembly that integrates seamlessly with your Fire Alarm or Building Automation System. 

Our experts will work directly with you and your team to bring your panel to life, no matter the size, graphics, or color requirements. But more importantly, we share knowledge and resources to help project managers navigate evolving codes and prepare for the future. Compliance matters today. Innovation matters tomorrow. We help with both. 

Key Takeaways 

• Smoke control UL 864 compliance is mandatory—no shortcuts. 

• NFPA 92 and IBC 909 define requirements every installer must follow. 

• UL 864 listings for smoke control differ from general fire alarm listings. 

• UL 555 dampers are non-negotiable for passing inspection. 

• Future trends like remote testing and AI will shape how smoke control systems evolve. 

Smoke control protects lives, ensures compliance, and protects your reputation as an installer or project manager. Get it right the first time—and stay ahead of what’s next.