Table of Contents
- 1 What is the purpose of a fire smoke damper?
- 2 Should fire dampers be open or closed?
- 3 How does a fire and smoke damper work?
- 4 Do fire dampers need emergency power?
- 5 Do smoke dampers need to be on emergency power?
- 6 How are smoke dampers activated?
- 7 How does a smoke damper work in a fire duct?
- 8 Why do you need a damper in a fireplace?
What is the purpose of a fire smoke damper?
Smoke Dampers Smoke dampers (Figure 3) are defined as “a device installed in ducts and air transfer opening of an air distribution or smoke control system designed resist the passage of air and smoke. The device operates automatically and is controlled by a smoke detection system.
Should fire dampers be open or closed?
The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Where do you need fire smoke dampers?
Smoke dampers are required in air-transfer openings (an opening designed to allow the movement of environmental air between two contiguous spaces) in smoke partitions and in air transfer openings and duct penetrations in smoke barriers.
What is a fire and smoke damper?
How does a fire and smoke damper work?
Fire dampers respond to heat, when the temperature reaches a set point the damper slams shut. 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.
Do fire dampers need emergency power?
Either emergency power should be provided or smoke dampers should be arranged for fail-safe closure upon failure of power to the actuator. Both the IBC and NFPA require that adequate access be provided to allow inspection and that maintenance of the smoke damper be provided.
How are smoke dampers rated?
Fire/smoke dampers are typically rated for 1-1⁄2 or 3 hours fire resistance. A 1-1⁄2 hour rated damper is sufficient for walls or floors having a rating of less than 3 hours. If the wall or floor has a rating of 3 hours or more, a 3 hour rated damper is required for sufficient protection.
Do smoke dampers require power?
Motorized actuators are normally used for the operation of smoke dampers. The designer must consider the case where there is loss of normal power to the damper actuator. Either emergency power should be provided or smoke dampers should be arranged for fail-safe closure upon failure of power to the actuator.
Do smoke dampers need to be on emergency power?
How are smoke dampers activated?
Smoke dampers can be activated by the fire alarm system, usually initiated by smoke detectors, or interlocked with a fire suppression system.
When would a fire damper be used?
Fire Dampers are used in air transfer openings, ducts and other places where fire rated structures (e.g. walls, floors or other fire barriers) are penetrated.
How are smoke dampers powered?
Smoke dampers are operated by either a factory-installed elec- tric or a pneumatic actuator. They are controlled by smoke detectors and/or fire alarms.
How does a smoke damper work in a fire duct?
A fire damper is installed within the duct where the duct intersects the barrier. They operate using a heat sensitive device that, when activated, melts and causes the damper components to close. A smoke damper can also be installed within the duct, and is activated by a signal from a smoke detector within the damper.
Why do you need a damper in a fireplace?
A damper in a fireplace is located at the top of the firebox. The primary purpose of a damper is to seal off the firebox from the chimney. Why is this so important? We know that cold air is heavier than warm air. With the damper left open and no fire in the fireplace, cold air can quickly spill down the chimney and into the room.
What are the different types of fire dampers?
There are three types of these dampers: fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire/smoke dampers (FSDs). Fire dampers are designed for the purpose of preventing the spread of flames across a rated barrier. A fire damper is installed within the duct where the duct intersects the barrier.
Why are smoke dampers important in passive fire protection system?
As part of the passive fire protection system, fire/smoke rated partitions and barriers compartmentalize the building and prevent the spread of fire and smoke to the entire building. While penetrating these barriers with ductwork should be avoided if possible, sometimes it is necessary.