Fire protection systems comprise a whole range of components, from a simple ‘exit’ sign to the most sophisticated sprinkler system. Should a fire break out, both smoke and flame present danger. Containment is essential, to facilitate safe evacuation, reduce loss of and damage to property, and to help firefighters to beat the blaze. Dampers are a key element in this.
Fire containment
Fire walls and fire doors are extremely effective when it comes to containing fire – provided they aren’t breached. Good training should help people understand why propping open a fire door is a bad idea, but what about when the structural requirements of the building necessitate a breach?
It’s often necessary for the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system to breach a fire barrier, to carry services from one area to the next. When that happens, the integrity of the barrier is maintained by the use of dampers. Dampers are located in ductwork and ceiling cavities. Should fire break out, they’re designed to close, and so suppress the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
There are three types of damper available: fire dampers; smoke dampers; and smoke/fire dampers. They work in different ways, and also have their own requirements when it comes to installation and maintenance[.
Fire dampers
The main purpose of a fire damper is to prevent flame from crossing a fire barrier. They’re installed near the wall or floor, as appropriate, and are effectively a part of the barrier they protect the integrity of. Fire dampers respond to heat, when the temperature reaches a set point the damper slams shut.
Smoke dampers
Smoke dampers respond to the detection of smoke, and close automatically. They can also be activated remotely. They resist the passage of smoke, toxic gases and air through a fire barrier.
In the event of fire, the largest cause of death is inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, and so containing those things, for at least as long as it takes for the building to be evacuated, is essential.
Fire/smoke dampers
A combination fire/smoke damper is widely considered to offer the best of both worlds, when it comes to protection. They are utilised when a duct is required to have both a fire damper and a smoke damper, and either high temperature or smoke detection is the trigger for closure.
Unlike fire dampers, combination dampers do not have a fusible link, but rather, once triggered, operate on an electronic release. This closes the damper more slowly and prevents pressure problems in HVAC systems.
Damper installation and maintenance
When it comes to preventing the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases through buildings, dampers play a critical role. Proper installation and maintenance is crucial – if a damper fails to work or only partially works it can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Look after your dampers, and your dampers will look after you. You can learn more about our fire damper testing services here.
