What is the fire dampers?

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Smoke Dampers

• What is the purpose of a fire damper?
• Fire Dampers are used to maintain the required ratings of fire rated barriers (walls, partitions, floors) when they are penetrated by ductwork.
• How does a fire damper work?
• When a rise in temperature occurs a fire damper will close and prevent the spread of flame through the barrier. Dampers are typically curtain style that will close (shut) when a fusible link melts. The fusible link typically melts when the temperature rises to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. In some circumstances higher degree fusible links (e.g. 212°F) are installed in ductwork with consistently higher normal temperatures, such as hot decks in dual duct systems. Fire dampers are certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to carry hourly fire resistance ratings, typically 1.5 to 3 hours.
• What is the purpose of a smoke damper?
• Smoke dampers are used is ductwork and air transfer openings that are designed to resist the passage of air and smoke. Smoke dampers may be required in smoke barriers and other smoke controlled systems.
• How does a smoke damper work?
• Typically smoke dampers are operated by smoke detectors in the ductwork that will close the smoke damper when smoke is detected. Smoke detectors often are hard wired to a central alarm panel in which the alarm will relay a signal to the smoke damper to cause smoke damper closure. The closure of smoke dampers are done by an actuator - the actuator is either electric or pneumatic. The actuator utilizes the jackshaft and linkage to open and close the blades of the smoke damper. Smoke dampers are UL certified with an air leakage class rating.
• What is a Combination Fire and Smoke Damper?
• These dampers are used in areas where both smoke and fire barriers are located to prevent the passage of both smoke and flames.
• What is a Corridor Damper?
• Corridors are means of egress travel to an exit. Corridor dampers are fire and smoke dampers that have been designed for use in corridors.
• What is a Ceiling Damper?
• Ceiling dampers lessen the passage of heat in fire resistance ceilings where ducts are made only through ceilings.
• What is a fire barrier?
• Fire barriers are fire-resistant rated horizontal or vertical assemblies designed to stop the spread of fire.
• What is a smoke barrier?
• Either vertical or horizontal, the smoke barrier is a continuous surface such as a wall, floor, or ceiling constructed to restrict the movement of smoke.