Everything About Fire Dampers

Fire dampers are part of the passive fire protection system used in heating and ventilation ducts to prevent the spread of fire through the ducts. When there is smoke, the fire damper closes due to heat. There is the presence of a thermal element that indicates a fire in a building. A passive fire protection system is installed to strengthen the effectiveness of an active fire protection system, to protect property from damage, enhance the resistance power of the building and allow smooth evacuation of occupants.

Fire dampers in Ireland are classified according to many factors-

• How they are forced to close
• Fire rating of the ceiling
• The physical constraints of the installation.

Location of Fire Dampers- Fire dampers are installed in or near the wall or floor of a building or near the ducts to retain the resistance of walls or floors. The damper needs to stay on the floor or wall to maintain its resistance. The spaces between the damper frame and the duct are not sealed due to expansion of thermal heating.

Working- Fire dampers are designed for the prevention of smoke or fire in a building. They are installed in a duct where the duct combines with the barrier. They operate using a heat-sensitive device that, when activated, melts causing the fire damper components to close. A smoke damper can also be installed combined with a fire damper that operates upon identification of fire or smoke. It contains an electric heat release device that gets closed in a more controlled way upon heating.

Types of fire dampers-

There are primarily two types of fire dampers in Ireland. They are-

• Dynamic fire dampers
• Static fire dampers

Dynamic fire dampers- These are constructed as vertical barriers and have a spring-loaded design with continuous fan usage. The pressure-activated by the fan helps to activate the door’s spring loading system thereby, letting it close quickly and allowing the fan to be in use.

Static fire dampers- These types of dampers only work in HVAC and immediately close down in the event of a fire. Unlike dynamic fire dampers, static ones are installed as horizontal barriers and have a curtain-like design. These dampers have HVAC fans that get turned off when the system is activated.

Fire dampers in Ireland must be installed as per the rules and regulations of the property. Access to both fire and smoke dampers required testing, certification, and maintenance. After its installation, testing should be done that ensures that the damper has been installed correctly as per the air distribution system. This test may be required to be conducted under normal HVAC airflow. Both fire and smoke dampers are an integral part of the safety of a building and its occupants. Without these barriers, fire or smoke can easily enter the building causing danger.

About the author

Mr. Samuel Miller is a passionate blogger and the owner of one of the leading fire protection services in the UK. His main aim is to educate his viewers about the fire safety of a building and its components.