Fire dampers (or fire shutters) are passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent and isolate the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. Fire/smoke dampers are similar to fire dampers in fire resistance rating, and also prevent the spread of smoke inside the ducts. When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilising detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system. Regulations and fire test regimes vary from one country to another, which can result in different designs and applications.

Fire dampers for ducts

Mechanical dampers

Mechanical dampers obstruct the cross-sectional area of a HVAC duct in the event of a fire either by means of a pivoting a fire-resistant board in Europe, or steel shutters in North America. Maintenance includes the function of the damper and removal of obstructions that may impair proper function.

Intumescent dampers

Intumescent dampers swell shut due to intumescence in the event of a fire. Unlike mechanical dampers, it is a physical/chemical reaction that causes closure. Cleaning and an age assessment are periodically performed. The annulus of an intumescent damper is closed eliminating smoke migration. Also, intumescent fire dampers can be qualified to ASTM E2912. or ISO 10294-5:2005 Fire dampers for air distribution systems—Part 5: Intumescent fire dampers. The purpose of some intumescent fire dampers is to prevent entry of airborne burning embers into buildings as a result of Wildlife Urban Interface Fires (WUI).

Air transfer dampers

Air transfer fire dampers (ATFD) are not protected by ductwork and must therefore be installed and manufactured to standards and tests that take into account room fire exposures. Air transfer fire dampers are passive such as intumescent types or mechanical types. They are designed for fire resistance, direct flame resistance in the open state or for smoke resistance or for combinations. Some designs are for exterior use, some are for hygienic zone use and some are for Ex-zone applications. Depending on regional regulation, they are either tested to the same exposure as wall and floor building elements or tested slightly different such as for cable or pipe penetrations. In Europe, Sm or Sa classifications can be obtained for cold smoke resistance or cold and hot smoke resistance respectively. In the US, listing can be issued for use in wildfire exposure. Contrary to dampers in ducts the closing time of ATFDs are crucial to avoid fire passing during the open state. For applications where direct flame penetration is not allowed through openings that are normally in open state, ATFDs must pass adequate standards. In the US, ASTM E2912 verify direct flame resistance in the open state and ASTM E119 for closed state. Air transfer fire dampers for walls or floors are usually designed for flush installation and comes in multiple sizes. Dampers are listed for vertical or horizontal installation or both and for one- or two-way fire exposure. Performance may be fire rated resistance as the compartment they serve, with or without smoke resistance. In Europe, the harmonized ETAG 026 Part 4 apply to classification of ATFDs. Dampers for ducts applied as air transfer dampers: Allowances exist for use of duct dampers as air transfer fire dampers. Since these typically will be too hot, and even allow penetration of flames to the unexposed side during fire, they must be modified and classified for such application. To achieve this they are tested with a grid on either side to prevent combustibles to be stored too close to hot parts or flaming. Some jurisdictions prescribe a general grid for use in front of listed duct dampers, which are not listed for use without ductwork.

Fire damper inspections and maintenance

In the US, the Joint Commission, State Fire Marshals and Other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's), require some Fire and Smoke Dampers to be tested at specified intervals. Similarly, European authorities mandate maintenance and repairs of fire dampers also, as part of approvals or listings issued following successful testing of fire damper assemblies.