Key Aspects Of Fire Dampers In A Building
What is a fire damper?
A fire damper forms an innate part of a passive fire protection system. These are fitted in the ducts of a building and are installed in fire-resistant walls. They are fitted in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ducts to prevent the passage of fire to other places. The fittings are usually made of galvanized steel that act as a fire-resistant material. However, fire damper maintenance needs to be done regularly to ensure its smooth functioning during an emergency.
How does it work?
Different fire dampers have their own mechanisms. Manual fire dampers do not need any input as they rely on a fusible link that melts at 72 degrees and closes the passage with the help of the thermal mechanism. These dampers need to be set and locked at the open position manually.
Fire dampers can also be activated automatically with the help of electromagnets. These are preferred where there is a central fire-fighting system. That’s why fire damper maintenance needs to be done on regular interval.
How many types of fire dampers are there?
There are 3 types of fire dampers- Curtain fire dampers, Intumescent fire dampers and Single/multi-blade fire dampers.
Curtain fire dampers- They have interlocking blades and stop the spread of fire through ductwork, walls in ventilation systems.
Intumescent fire dampers- These look like ventilation grills and when activated form a solid mass that blocks the passage.
Single/ multi-blade fire dampers- These types of dampers have one or more blades to seal the gap. These are activated by a thermal mechanism that gets activated on reaching 72 degrees.
Where are fire dampers located?
Fire dampers are usually located in or near the wall or floor, where the duct penetrates. This is because they provide fire resistance to the walls or floors of the building.
How are fire dampers maintained?
Fire dampers need to be installed correctly and the instructions provided by the manufacturer should be followed. Depending on the type of damper, you need to hire professional installation services to install such systems in your building.
There are certain regulations that need to be followed for a fire damper maintenance. The International Building Code and The National Fire Protection Association formulate rules that ought to be followed for safety. A fire damper must be regularly tested by trained individuals at least once a year. The test should be carried out by personnel wearing protective equipment and all the parts damaged should be repaired or replaced without delay.
Fire dampers form an important part of a passive fire protection system. Its certification and rating depend on its testing and maintenance. Fire dampers with circuits should be more frequently checked. A fire damper maintenance is done to avoid any unwanted occurrences and to provide safety.
About the author
Mr Thomas Nixon is a passionate blogger and the owner of one of the leading fire protection services in the UK. His main aim is to teach his viewers about fire safety and the different services provided by his company.
