Fire damper in HVAC II Fire & Smoke damper

Fire damper in HVAC II Fire & Smoke damper

Fire damper

A fire damper is a safety device that is installed in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of fire through ductwork. Fire dampers are typically installed in the ductwork that passes through fire-rated walls and floors. They are designed to automatically close when the temperature in the duct reaches a certain level or when they receive a signal from a fire alarm system. The closed damper prevents the spread of fire and smoke through the ductwork, which helps to contain the fire and protect occupants and property.

Fire dampers are usually constructed from metal and have blades that are held open by a fusible link or a motorized or a Pneumatic actuator. When the temperature rises to a certain level, the link melts or the actuator receives a signal, causing the blades to close and seal off the duct.

Fire damper types -

There are three main types of fire dampers used in HVAC -

Thermal fire damper: This type of fire damper uses a fusible link to trigger the closure of the damper. The link melts at a certain temperature, causing the damper to close and seal the ductwork.

Motorized fire damper: This type of fire damper uses an electric motor to close the damper when activated. Motorized fire dampers are commonly used in larger HVAC systems.

Pneumatic fire damper: This type of fire damper uses an Pneumatic cyliner to close the damper when activated. Pnuematic fire dampers are commonly used in HVAC systems of Control room building.

Fire & Smoke damper

Fire and smoke dampers are specialized types of dampers used in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of both fire and smoke through ductwork.

Fire dampers, as we discussed earlier, are designed to prevent the spread of fire by closing off the ductwork. Smoke dampers, on the other hand, are designed to prevent the spread of smoke through the ductwork, even if there is no fire present. Smoke dampers are often used in areas where smoke could cause harm or damage to equipment, such as in computer rooms or data centers.

Fire and smoke dampers combine the functions of both fire dampers and smoke dampers, providing a higher level of protection in the event of a fire. They are typically used in HVAC systems that pass through fire-rated walls or floors, such as in hospitals, high-rise buildings, and other commercial or industrial applications.

FAQ -

Ques 1 - What is the purpose of a fire damper?

Ans - A fire damper is a safety device that is installed in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of fire through ductwork.

Ques 2 - Where is a fire damper required?

Ans - Fire damper are typically used in HVAC systems that pass through fire-rated walls or floors.

Ques 3 - What is the minimum distance between fire dampers?

Ans - According to the standard EN 1366-2, the distance between the fire damper bodies must be at least 200 mm.

Ques 4 - What is the minimum size of fire damper?

Ans - Minimum size of damper is 8w x 6"h (203mm x 152mm).