How Do Fire Dampers Work?

Fire dampers are in mechanical rooms, ductwork, above-drop ceilings, and wall chases. They work when average room temperatures rise to about 74°Celsius. Most facilities do not inspect them as recommended. If not well maintained, they won't be as effective in case of a fire. So, how do these elements work when there's smoke or fire?

How Do Fire Dampers Work?

Any manager knows it's vital to have fire dampers tested and repaired. But they may need to learn how these elements work. These elements work when the temperature of a room rises 165 degrees Fahrenheit because of the heat caused by fire. 

When this happens, the fusible link connected to the damper melts, causing the door to close. However, a higher degree fusible link is connected to the damper for rooms with higher average temperatures. These fusible links can only melt at temperatures above 212 Fahrenheit. There are two most common types of dampers designs. They include:

Dynamic fire dampers

They are commonly in vertical barriers where the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system fan will stay on in the event of a fire. They come in spring design because they are installed in vertical obstacles. The spring-loaded design is where the damper door has a spring-like action. The HVAC system fan remains on, so the air pressure from the fan helps the damper doors to spring shut.

Static fire dampers

They are positioned in barriers where the HVAC fan shuts off in case of a fire. These dampers are installed in horizontal obstacles and come in a curtain-like design. In this scenario, the HVAC system turns off because of a lack of air pressure, making the damper door fall because of gravity.

Learning how fire dampers work will help you know the importance of inspecting and repairing them. When a fire starts, a small flame only takes a minute to spread and becomes a significant fire. So, it's vital to cut off passageways where flames travel. This will play an important role in containing the fire in one location. So, how do you install and maintain these elements?

Damper installation and maintenance

Dampers play a significant role in preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and gasses in buildings. If a damper partially or entirely fails, the results can be fatal. Therefore, proper installation and maintenance are vital. Here are things you need to do during maintenance.

Lubricate all the moving parts Inspect straps, pins, and bearings for rust, and wear and replace them if necessary.Examine side seals and blade edges. If they have any issues, ensure you replace them.Check damper motors and actuators via a]n operating cycle to identify defects or binding.Ensure bolts are checked in a closed position to ensure they are tightly sealed.

As mentioned, you can attest that dampers are vital for fire safety. They play a crucial role in preventing fire and smoke from spreading. These elements are in hidden places, so they are forgotten. Also, they sometimes fail, which is why regular maintenance is crucial.

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