Fires in commercial properties and private homes are not something common. However, nobody is 100% protected against them. One forgotten iron is all it takes, given enough time, to turn into a blazing fire. If you are running a HVAC system or ducting vents, you may have one more way for the fire to spread. Unless you have properly installed and working fire dampers.
A couple of questions may arise in this instance. What is a fire damper? How does a fire damper work? Where to get them and how to install them? Here we will give you answers to those and more questions related to fire dampers.
What Are Fire Dampers?
Fire dampers are devices installed in ductwork where it passes through fire-resistant barriers such as walls, floors, or ceilings. Their primary function is to block the passage of fire and smoke, maintaining the integrity of the fire-rated barrier and limiting the spread of fire within a building.
Typically constructed from galvanised steel, fire dampers are designed to close automatically when exposed to high temperatures or activated by a fire detection system. They are an integral part of HVAC and ducting systems in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
Types of Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are classified based on their operation and application:
- Dynamic Fire Dampers: These are installed in systems where airflow continues during a fire. A spring-loaded mechanism is triggered by high temperatures, closing the damper doors to block fire and smoke while the system’s fan creates pressure to keep the damper securely shut.
- Static Fire Dampers: Used in systems that shut down upon fire detection, these dampers have a curtain-like design that drops to seal the duct when triggered by heat, preventing the passage of smoke and flames.
- Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers: These devices are designed to manage both fire and smoke. In some cases, they can allow smoke to escape for early fire detection while preventing fire from spreading. They are commonly used in systems requiring more precise control.
How Do Fire Dampers Work?
Fire dampers operate using various mechanisms that detect fire or high heat levels:
- Fusible Links: These components melt at a specific temperature, typically around 72°C, causing the damper to close automatically.
- Thermal Expansion: Some fire dampers use slotted metal plates that expand when heated, sealing the ductwork as the material reacts to rising temperatures.
- Electronic Actuators: These are linked to fire alarm systems or smoke detectors, allowing dampers to close in response to a signal. This method is often used in systems with backup power supplies to assist with the operation during outages.
Placement and Legal Requirements for Fire Dampers
Fire dampers must be installed wherever ductwork penetrates fire-rated barriers to meet compliance with safety regulations. These barriers are designed to compartmentalise a building, slowing the spread of fire and smoke. Standards such as NFPA 80, NFPA 105, and EN 15650 outline the proper placement and requirements for fire dampers, making them a legal necessity in most regions.
Installation and Maintenance of Fire Dampers
Proper installation of fire dampers is important for their performance. It involves securing the damper within the duct, ensuring alignment, and using fire-resistant sealing materials. We suggest that qualified professionals should always carry out installation to avoid compromising the system’s effectiveness.
Regular maintenance and testing are equally important. Maintenance includes:
- Fire damper maintenance for models with fusible links is a matter of checking if the link is still there and not covered in grime and dust.
- Conducting operational tests for electronically controlled dampers. Fire dampers with circuits should be tested more often.
- Performing physical inspections to verify that the damper can close unobstructed. Physical examination of the dampers should be regular, even if the tests are positive.
Testing frequency depends on local regulations, but inspections are typically required every 1-4 years to meet compliance and functionality.
Consequences of Fire Damper Failure
If a fire damper fails to operate, fire and smoke can spread rapidly through the ductwork, endangering lives and property. Common causes of failure include improper installation, lack of maintenance, and mechanical malfunctions. Regular inspections and adherence to industry standards can mitigate these risks.
Fire Dampers FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we get asked about Fire Dampers:
- Are fire dampers a legal requirement? Yes, fire dampers are a legal requirement in many regions to comply with building safety codes and fire safety regulations. Standards such as NFPA 80, NFPA 105, and EN 15650 outline their proper use and installation. These regulations aim to protect occupants by limiting the spread of fire and smoke through HVAC systems.
- Where are fire dampers required? Fire dampers are required in ductwork passing through fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings. These barriers are designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke, protecting occupants and property. Fire dampers play a core role in maintaining the integrity of these barriers, helping meet compliance with building safety regulations.
- What triggers a fire damper? Fire dampers are triggered by heat or signals from fire detection systems. Fusible links, which melt at a specific temperature (typically around 72°C), cause the damper to close. In electronically controlled systems, actuators respond to fire alarms or smoke detectors, ensuring a swift reaction to fire conditions.
- How do you know if a fire damper is open or closed? Fire dampers can be checked through visual inspection or by using position indicators. These indicators display whether the damper is in an open or closed state. Regular maintenance inspections can also verify that the damper is functioning correctly and free of obstructions.
- Do fire dampers need power? Fusible link fire dampers do not require power to operate, as they rely on heat to trigger closure. However, electronic dampers depend on a power source and often include backup systems to ensure functionality during power outages. These systems offer greater control and integration with fire alarm systems.
- How often should fire dampers be serviced? Fire dampers should be inspected and tested regularly to ensure they function as intended. Most regulations recommend servicing every 1-4 years, depending on the building’s use and local standards. Routine checks include verifying fusible links, testing electronic actuators, and making sure there’s no obstructions in the ductwork.
- Who can install fire dampers? Fire dampers should be installed by trained and qualified professionals who are familiar with fire safety standards and HVAC systems. Improper installation can compromise the damper’s effectiveness, putting the building and its occupants at risk.
- What is the difference between a fire damper and a fire shutter? A fire damper is installed within ductwork to block the spread of fire and smoke through HVAC systems, while a fire shutter is typically used to close off large openings, such as doors or windows, to contain fire within a specific area.
Where to find fire dampers?
Fire dampers are a key component of any building’s fire safety system. Their proper installation, regular maintenance, and adherence to legal standards can significantly enhance building safety. For expert advice and solutions custom to your needs, contact us at 01455 616 444 or send an email to [email protected].