Fire damper
Encyclopedia
Fire dampers are passive fire protection
Passive fire protection
Passive fire protection is an integral component of the three components of structural fire protection and fire safety in a building. PFP attempts to contain fires or slow the spread, through use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors...

 products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...

 (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated
Fire-resistance rating
A fire-resistance rating typically means the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be quantified simply as a measure of time, or it may entail a host of other criteria, involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for...

 walls and floors. Fire/Smoke dampers Are similar to Fire Dampers in fire resistance rating, and also prevent the spread of smoke inside the ducts. When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilizing detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system.
Regulations and fire test
Fire test
A fire test is a means of determining whether or not fire protection products meet minimum performance criteria as set out in a building code or other applicable legislation. Successful tests in laboratories holding national accreditation for testing and certification result in the issuance of a...

 regimes vary from one country to another, which can result in different designs and applications.

Fire damper inspection

The National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council
International code council
The International Code Council , a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the...

, The Joint Commission, State Fire Marshals and Other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's), require Fire and Smoke Dampers to be tested at specified intervals.

In regions which enforce NFPA Standards (e.g., North America), fire dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers require inspection and testing one year after installation, and then every 4 years; except in hospitals, where the frequency shall be every 6 years.. Documentation indicating the location of the damper, date of inspection, name of inspector and deficiencies discovered is also required.

Repairs should begin without delay if a damper is found inoperable.

External links

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