Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products. They are integrated into the ductwork of heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) systems to prevent the quick and dangerous spread of fire and smoke inside the ductwork through fire-resistance-rated walls and floors.
When activated, they slow the progression of fire allowing people sufficient time to evacuate a building safely during a building fire. As with any safety apparatus, these need to be regularly tested and maintained in order to ensure that if and when the time comes, they will work and do their job effectively.
The technical definition of a fire damper is:
“A mechanical device that is operated automatically or manually and is designed to prevent the passage of fire and which, together with its frame, is capable of meeting for a stated period of time the fire resistance criterion for integrity”.
Quite often, installed fire damper devices have a fusible link, which is defined by BS 9999 as a ‘device that releases a component such as a fire damper or fire shutter at a set temperature.’ Basically, when the fusible link comes into contact with high heat, the link will melt, causing the damper to close and stop the spread of fire.
With modern technology and the introduction of more complex fire systems, many companies now opt to have their fire dampers operated automatically. A building’sfrom fire alarm system can now be linked to automatic fire dampers electronically. If a fire is detected in a part of the building, an electric signal is sent to the fire damper telling it to close and prevent the fire spreading through.
Fire dampers play a crucial role in buildings’ fire safety systems, which is why it is important that they operate correctly. The difference between a well-maintained fire damper and a poorly maintained fire damper could be the difference between life and death if there is a fire in your building. With this in mind, it is important to make sure that your fire dampers are inspected, tested and maintained on a regular basis.
Regularly testing and maintaining your fire dampers can save lives and ensures your building is compliant.
At Urmson Fire Specialists we are specialists in the maintenance of fire dampers, for more information visit our dedicated section – Fire Damper Survey & Testing
