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Damper Types PDF
Damper Types PDF
Breakthrough Designs
Richard Cravy
Posted: July 29, 2004
Fire, smoke, and combination fire-smoke dampers are a vital part of any new or
existing construction design. In a fire emergency, these UL-classified dampers help
contain fire and the resulting smoke to the compartment of origin, thus
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maximizing life safety and minimizing property loss while helping the firefighters
extinguish the blaze. The more stringent UL test methods approved in 2002
required manufacturers to retest all dampers used in duct systems where airflow is
present. Here, we’ll look at what makes effective selection and installation when
using any of these three damper types.
Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are installed in a wall or floor at the point of duct penetration, to
stop fire from migrating through HVAC openings and are designed and tested to
maintain the integrity of the fire-rated separation. Fire dampers are equipped with
a heat-sensitive device called a fusible link. A fusible link holds the damper blades
open until it reaches its melting temperature of typically 165°F or 212°. When the
fusible link melts, the blades release to close and stop the flame from moving into
an adjoining compartment.
Here are several important factors to consider when applying fire dampers.
Hourly fire resistance rating. The hourly rating comes from the UL555 Fire
Endurance Test and indicates how long a damper will block a fire. There are two
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ratings for fire dampers in the United States: 11/2-hr and 3-hr. Any fire-resistant
partition with less than a 3-hr rating requires a 11/2-hr rated fire damper and any
fire-resistant partition with a 3-hr or more rating requires a 3-hr rated fire
damper. These requirements are based on recommendations made by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Dynamic rating for airflow and pressure. Fire dampers have two distinct rating
classifications: dynamic and static. Static fire dampers have not been tested for
closure under airflow, and therefore, they can only be applied in HVAC systems
that are designed to shut down in the event of a fire. Dynamic fire dampers, on
the other hand, have been tested for closure under airflow and differential
pressure. Based on the new 2002 UL test methods, the minimum rating for all
dynamic fire dampers is 2,000 fpm velocity and a pressure rating of 4 in. w.g.
Higher ratings are established in increments of 1,000 fpm and in 2 in. w.g. for
elevated HVAC duct requirements.
Damper construction. Fire dampers are made with two designs, the curtain-
blade type and the multiple-blade type. Curtain-type dampers (Figure 1) are the
most common and consist of a row of blades stacked together and held up by a
fusible link. Multiple-blade dampers (Figure 2) are also held open by a fusible link,
but differ from curtain type in that blades are connected by linkage and are
located fully in the airstream. While multiple-blade fire dampers generally offer
greater restriction to airflow than a curtain-type fire damper for the same size
duct, they can be applied in ducts where the system air velocities exceed the
curtain-type fire damper closure ratings. Dynamic-rated, multiple-blade fire
dampers have been UL tested for closure at 4,000 fpm and 8 in. w.g. An added
benefit to the multiple blade design is that these fire dampers can be significantly
easier to “reopen” or “reset” when job requirements call for the installer to cycle
test (open to close to open again) all the fire dampers before the installation is
accepted by the authorities.
Building codes. Building codes establish the minimum requirements for fire
dampers and fire resistive construction. Generally speaking, fire dampers are
required where ducts penetrate walls and floors constructed to resist fire.
Requirements are based upon occupancy classification, application, and hourly
rating of the wall or floor.
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extend more than 6 in. beyond the wall or floor, but in some instances the sleeve
can extend up to 16 in. beyond the fire-rated barrier. Most sleeves have a
breakaway connection where they connect to the ductwork, allowing the duct to
separate from the sleeve if a fire causes some parts of the building to fall. This
separation means the damper will remain in the penetration and continue to block
the passage of flame. If a breakaway connection is not one listed in the
manufacturer’s installation instructions, then the sleeve gauge must be minimum
16-gauge on ducts up to 36 in. wide by 24 in. high, and 14-gauge on larger ducts.
Maximum damper size. Maximum size limitations are based solely on what a
manufacturer wants to test to meet UL555 requirements. UL requires
manufacturers to list the damper maximum sizes on the installation instructions.
Occasionally, the opening in the wall or floor is larger than the largest UL-listed
size of damper. In those cases, the opening should be subdivided to permit the
installation of multiple dampers, or the AHJ should be consulted for a solution. In
some cases, damper manufacturers can provide steel mullions that can be used to
subdivide larger openings in concrete block or poured walls. These mullions,
however, can only be used with static dampers.
Smoke Dampers
Smoke dampers differ from fire dampers in that they include factory installed
electric or pneumatic actuators and are activated by smoke detectors, heat
detectors, or fire alarms. Smoke dampers are qualified under UL Standard 555S,
Smoke Dampers, and they are designed to resist the passage of air and smoke.
Smoke dampers have two general applications:
Part of a passive smoke control system in which they close upon detection of
smoke and prevent the circulation of air and smoke through a duct or
ventilation opening; or
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UL classified leakage ratings. HVAC system designers are advised to select the
lowest leakage class damper to minimize smoke migration. Low-leak dampers may
also be desirable for energy conservation or where the entrance of freezing
outdoor air must be reduced. Smoke dampers are sometimes used in gas
suppression systems to limit the migration of fire suppressant gas through the air
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system from the point of discharge. The International Building Code requires
smoke damper leakage ratings to be no less than Class II.
Operational rating. Similar to fire dampers, smoke dampers are also rated for
maximum velocity and pressure where minimum ratings are 2,000 fpm and 4 in.
w.g. with the same incremental values as fire dampers.
Maximum damper size. Prior to July 1, 2002, when the UL standards changed,
smoke dampers were available in unlimited sizes. They now are available only as
large as their maximum classified size as specified on the manufacturer’s
installation sheets.
Location. Smoke dampers are for use in or adjacent to smoke barriers. They
must be installed no more than 24 in. from the smoke barrier they are intended to
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protect (Figure 3). Openings or branch ducts are not allowed in the duct between
the smoke barrier and the smoke damper.
Sealing. The joints between the damper frame and the duct must be sealed to
prevent unwanted air leakage. Smoke damper leakage ratings are based on
leakage through the inside of the damper and not on additional leakage between
the damper frame and duct or sleeve.
Combination fire smoke dampers (FSDs) meet the requirements of both the UL555
and UL555S smoke damper standards. They are used in HVAC penetrations where
a wall or floor is required to have both a fire damper and smoke damper. They
close upon the detection of heat or smoke (via a smoke detector) and seal the
opening. Unlike regular fire dampers, however, FSDs are more commonly available
with electric heat release devices instead of fusible links. The exception to this is
pneumatically actuated FSDs, since they typically will have a fusible link
mechanism of some design. With electric actuators, the electric heat release
device is not directly connected to the blade, and this allows the damper to close
in a controlled manner rather than instantaneously slamming closed and causing
pressure problems with the HVAC system. System designers should insist upon
these “electric fuse links” when selecting a combination fire smoke damper.
FSD Selection
All the important considerations for fire dampers and smoke dampers mentioned
earlier in this article also pertain to FSDs. Additionally, FSDs have several unique
characteristics.
Space envelope. Space envelope is the area directly surrounding the fire
separation opening. FSDs are installed in the wall or floor like fire dampers, but
because of the actuator and heat release devices, they need more “space” on the
outside of the opening (Figure 4). In an effort to maximize the FSD installation
options, some manufacturers have tested FSDs made with the blades running
vertically. This allows the actuators and heat release devices to be located on the
bottom or top of the sleeve rather than on the side.
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warranty up to five years. FSDs are a vital part of a buildings fire protection
system and should be constructed in the best possible manner utilizing the most
up to date methods. System designers should insist upon the use of only FSDs
that carry a significant warranty.
Green buildings. More system designers are becoming interested and involved in
building practices that promote conservation. FSDs designed with airfoil blades
have less pressure drop than other non-airfoil blade types. Less pressure drop in a
system could mean significant energy savings. In addition, the Air Movement and
Control Association (AMCA) now certifies some manufacturers’ FSDs for pressure
drop performance. System designers should select only those FSDs with certified
performance ratings through a third party like AMCA.
FSDs are installed in the same way as a fire damper and are sealed in to the
sleeve like smoke dampers. A bigger issue involving FSDs is maintenance.
In Conclusion
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The new UL test standards for fire-life safety dampers have resulted in better
damper designs. The application and installation of fire, smoke and combination
fire smoke dampers does not have to be a cause for trepidation. On the contrary,
by using these guidelines, the system designer can make confident decisions that
ultimately provide the building owner with better choices for life safety. ES
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