Pop Quiz!
1. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD
2. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD
3. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD
*Answers are posted at the bottom of the page.
Want to learn more about fire dampers or simply need a refresher? Aire Technologies has you covered.
What is a Fire Damper?
A fire damper is “a listed device installed in ducts and air transfer openings designed to close automatically upon detection of heat and resist the passage of flame.” In other words, these devices use curtain-style blades intended to resist passage through a UL-rated assembly.
Fire dampers are installed in HVAC ductwork to reestablish the fire rating of the barrier (walls, floors or other rated partitions/barriers) through which the penetration was created. Fire dampers are specifically intended for through penetrations, not membrane penetrations.
When preventing the spread of fire through buildings, fire dampers play a critical role and can mean the difference between life and death for a building’s occupants in the event of a fire.
It is important to note that fire dampers and ceiling radiation dampers are NOT the same thing and CANNOT be used interchangeably.
What is a Fire Rated Partition or Barrier?
A fire-rated partition has an assembly of materials that will afford a given fire resistance rating (expressed in hours) to impede the spread of fire from one area to another.
A fire-rated barrier is a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.
What Types of Fire Dampers Does Aire Technologies Offer?
Aire Technologies’ fire dampers have been extensively engineered and tested to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance-rated walls.
Our fire dampers are available for both static and dynamic systems and are offered in multiple configurations to suit almost any specification. Additionally, our standard 4¼” and thin line 2” frame profiles are constructed with interlocking curtain-style blades offered in three types (A, B, and C) to accommodate different air stream efficiencies.
Aire Technologies’ fire dampers are UL 555 Classified and rated for 1½ hours or 3 hours and have been approved by the New York City Department of Buildings MEA Division and the California State Fire Marshal.
What Do the Different Types of Fire Dampers Mean?
A static fire damper has no airflow closure rating, meaning that these can only be applied in HVAC systems designed to shut down automatically in the event of a fire. Because the HVAC system/fan will turn off, these dampers are designed like a curtain, allowing the damper to fall and shut due to gravity.
A dynamic fire damper closes while the HVAC system is running and should be selected to operate against the airflow conditions seen in the application. Because the fan will stay on, the spring-loaded design helps the damper to spring shut against the air pressure.
Where Can I Buy Aire Technologies’ Fire Dampers?
Ready to buy some fire dampers? As always, we are happy to work with you to deliver your desired HVAC products. Aire Technologies’ products can be purchased through our representative locations across the US as part of our selective regional distribution network. Use the Aire Tech representative map to find a rep in your region and place your order today!
Need help to choose the right fire damper? Check out our simple guide for selecting the correct Aire Technologies fire damper:
Answers:
- B: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.
- A: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.
- C: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.