Maybe this should be in the code section but here goes. Should they be open or closed during normal operation?

My state requires hoistway smoke dampers to be closed normally, open upon alarm, open on loss of power. The though process is, hoistway is a giant chimney, fire on first floor should not smoke out and kill the people on the 12th floor, so on alarm vent opens, evacuating the smoke out of the building.

I agree with Silly on a smoke damper/louver opening on any alarm but if your talking about the setup and relays I think it depends on the equipment.
I may be wrong but as far as relays go I believe most companies are normally closed with the exception of Otis which are wired Normally open. I know at Kone ours have to be wired N.C.
Like I said, I think it really depends on the equipment/controller that is being used.

What you guys have mentioned is what I've always done. We had an inspector write up some cars during his annual walk and said they should be open during normal operation. I think he's slightly confused.

I was told they are supposed to close. Reason given was that during a fire you don't want to draw smoke into hoistway, just like fire doors.

The 2013 A17.1-2.1.4, states when required by the Bldg code, hoistways shall be provided with means to prevent the accumulation of smoke and gases. Where pressurization is provided, it shall be designed, so as no to impede elevator operation. That being said I would not take it upon myself to say weather they should be open or closed. some Dampers are designed to pressure the space, some are designed to allow for smoke to egress.Local and State codes vary the code year which the elevator was installed under also varies. Maybe the Inspector was correct, but before I changed anything I would make him cite the code number and write it as a violation, so if you change you have something in writing.

In Florida, new installations or alterations that affect the required hoistway ventilation, require hoist way vents that have motorized louvres. Notice I did not say smoke dampers. The motorized vents are required by florida building code energy conservation section to prevent loss of air conditioned air through the hoistway. Therefore, like silly said, they are nor,ally closed. Open on fir alarm or loss of power.

Getting a permit for a motorized vent is ten times easier than for the same thing if you label it a smoke damper. An many city bldg depts minds are blown when you discuss this. And as for control...it is opened by any elevator related initiating device, or it it can have its own. Has nothing to do with elevator company relays.