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Velvet Digest

When would a fire damper be used?

Author

Ava Hall

Updated on April 27, 2026

Fire dampers are passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors.

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Also, how are fire dampers activated?

In general, a fire damper works when the heat from the fire causes the normal temperature of a room to rise to about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The fusible link attached to the damper would then melt, causing the damper's door to close. These particular fusible links would melt at a temperature about 212 Fahrenheit.

Similarly, what is the difference between fire damper and smoke damper? A fire damper closes once the duct temperature reaches a high enough level to melt a fusible link. A smoke damper closes upon the detection of smoke. It is UL leakage-rated to stop smoke in its tracks, which is a main difference from fire dampers.

Just so, where are fire dampers required?

Dear Experts, As per NFPA 90A (2015) 5.3. 1.1* Approved fire dampers shall be provided where air ducts penetrate or terminate at openings in walls or partitions required to have a fire resistance rating of 2 hours or more.

Do you need a fire damper in a one hour rated wall?

Fire damper requirements in rated walls. A: According to NFPA 90A (1999 edition), one-hour fire-rated barriers do not require fire dampers in fully ducted HVAC systems, unless the one-hour fire-rated barrier is a vertical shaft.

Related Question Answers

How do you reset a fire damper?

The damper automatically resets if nuisance alarms occur and the system is reset. , the damper can be reopened by pressing the reset button located on the damper assembly. When temperatures in excess of 165°F/74°C (212°F/100°C or 285°F/ 141°C optional) are detected, the damper will close and lock.

How much does a fire damper cost?

The average cost of fire damper testing and inspections is between $40-$150 per fire damper. The service contract may include vacuuming dampers, removing and replacing links, lubricating the assembly, inspecting surrounding fire blocking, and even service money to make repairs.

What is Msfd HVAC?

Motorized Fire and Smoke Dampers Our Smoke & Fire Dampers (MSFD) are designed to stop the spread of fire through ducts or walls in central air conditioning systems. OPTIMA Fire/Smoke Damper provides an automatic means of localizing area of fire in ventilation system with building management systems as option.

Why are fire dampers required?

Why They're Necessary The dampers prevent the spread of fire through heating, ventilation, and AC ducts, which helps to stop a fire from spreading throughout the rest of the home. They also help to prevent smoke from traveling through the building's ductwork in the event of a fire.

What is volume control damper?

A zone damper (also known as a Volume Control Damper or VCD) is a specific type of damper used to control the flow of air in an HVAC heating or cooling system. In order to improve efficiency and occupant comfort, HVAC systems are commonly divided up into multiple zones.

How do intumescent fire dampers work?

LVH Intumescent Fire Dampers. Our intumescent grilles combine air movement with fire protection. In everyday use, air can pass freely through the grilles to allow good ventilation. In a fire, the intumescent expands, fusing the grille into a solid block that stops fire spreading.

What is a fire damper actuator?

Motorised fire dampers are shut-off devices that prevent fire and smoke from spreading through ventilation systems. In the event of a fire, they protect people and tangible assets. Fire dampers are equipped with a thermoelectric tripping device. They are powered by Belimo fire safety actuators.

What is a Type B fire damper?

Type-B Fire Damper: Used when airflow or velocity in the duct is a concern. The stack of blades in the fire damper frame is kept out of the air stream. Compared to an Type-A damper, the total square inches of free area in a Type-B damper is increased and the pressure drop is reduced.

How often should fire dampers be tested?

It does however go on to require that spring-operated fire dampers – which are the most common – should be tested every 12 months. Environment factors play a part in how often you should test too.

What is an air transfer opening?

Air Transfer Opening - An opening designed to allow the movement of environmental air between two. ? contiguous spaces.

What is a duct detector?

Duct Smoke Detection Equipment A duct smoke detector is a device or group of devices used to detect the presence of smoke in the airstream of ductwork sections of the HVAC air handling systems typically used in commercial buildings.

Are fire dampers required in 30 minute walls?

Ductwork passing through compartment and sub-compartment walls should be provided with fire dampers. As an alternative to this, a fire rated ceiling having a minimum fire resistance of 30 minutes (including light fittings) may be used (Figure 15 ii). When ducts serve a hazard room, then fire dampers are required.

What is a Motorised damper?

Motorised damper employ a sliding blade inserted into the duct from an external frame to block flow in. rectangular and round ducting. Motorised damper provide a mechanized means of inserting a duct.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic fire damper?

The main difference between the two designs is dynamic dampers (in most cases) utilize springs to pull the curtain blades closed against the air pressure and velocity while static dampers rely solely upon gravity to pull the curtain blades closed (static dampers designed for floor installation utilize closure springs

What does a damper do on a smoker?

On most grills and pits you control temperature mainly by controlling the intake damper. The exhaust damper (a.k.a. flue, vent, or chimney) has two jobs: (1) Allow the combustion gases, heat, and smoke to escape, and (2) pull oxygen in through the intake damper.