Q: What type of damper do I use if plans note a 2-hour fire rating or partition?
A: It is acceptable to install 1½-hour dampers in penetrations rated less than 3 hours.
Q: What type of damper do I use if plans note a 4 hour rating of partition?
A: It is acceptable to install 3-hour dampers in penetrations rated 3-4 hours.
Q: What is a fuse link?
A: A fuse link is a heat activated metal device used to hold fire damper blades in the open position. They are designed to activate at particular temperatures, most commonly 165°F or 212°F. We offer different types of links for different products. Please see full link line here (Include PDF of LINK spec sheet here) Dampers should not be stored in conditions that are exposed to excessive heat. Such exposure could lead to fuse links popping pre-maturely.
Q: What do I do if the contractor has covered the fuse link with overspray and inspector is not accepting the unit in its current condition?
A: Local authority has final consent on all jobs. It is suggested to clean the links or replace them.
Q: What is a fire rated partition?
A: A wall or partition having an assembly of materials that will afford a given fire resistance hour rating to hinder the spread of fire from one area to another.
Q: What does “EA” stand for on your Ceiling Radiation Damper model numbers?
A: The “EA” stand for “Easy Access” meaning the fuse link will be located in a different location on the damper making it easier to access if the link needs to be replaced. Easy Access is available in round and square/ rectangular sizes with heights larger than 4”.
Q: Are sleeves and angles standard?
A: Sleeves are both standard as well as required on motorized Fire/Smoke Dampers and Smoke Dampers ONLY. Sleeves are optional on other products, such as fire dampers, air control dampers and ceiling radiation dampers. A sleeve and/or angles will not be included on these products unless specified on the purchase order.
Q: What is the lead time on your products?
A: All products are made to order and therefore carry various lead times. Quantities 10 and under of fire dampers can be rushed out within 1-2 business days. Ceiling Radiation Dampers in Boots require a lead time of approximately 2 weeks on average. If we are ever able to rush a job, we will do everything in our power to do so.
Q: Do you offer a “Hot Rush” Program where I can pay more to get my order quicker?
A: We do not offer a hot rush program that we charge for. If you are in a rush for your order, please feel free to write “HOT RUSH” on your PO. That will encourage our fabricators to try their best to get your order completed 1-2 days quicker than the standard lead time. We do not charge for this option, therefore there is no guarantee with a “Hot Rush”. If you need a guaranteed shipping date for a PO, you must place your order as “Next Day Air” or “Second Day Air”. The order will ship either that day or the next with guaranteed delivery dates via Fedex.
Q: When would I use a 2” deep thin line fire damper, as opposed to a standard 4.25” deep damper?
A: The damper must be completely contained within the boundaries of the wall or partition. If the thickness of the wall or partition is less than the dimensions of the damper, you must install a damper that will fit within the barrier.
Q: Do Fire/Smoke Dampers and Smoke Dampers have a fuse link?
A: Only Fire/Smoke Dampers have links. Smoke dampers do NOT have fuse links mounted on them.
Q: Do you have an O & M Manual?
A: We have O & M Manuals for certain products, available upon request.
Q: Do you keep anything in stock?
A: We do not keep ANY units in stock. Everything is made to order. The only item we keep in stock is fusible links, which can usually ship the same day they are ordered. Everything else is made to order and has various lead times for fabrication. This doesn’t mean we can’t rush some items quickly when we can but in general, all items are made to order with production lead times.
Q: What is the largest size DYNAMIC fire damper you can fabricate?
A: The largest single-section dynamic fire damper we can fabricate is 24”. If you require a larger size, we offer a multi-blade dynamic damper or we can fabricate 2 smaller curtain-style dynamic dampers that would equal your desired size.
Q: Are your products undercut?
A: Most of our products are made with a .25” undercut, unless otherwise specified. The only products that are NOT undercut are Access Doors, Curbs and Rails.
Q: How do I order my curbs?
A: We input curb orders with Outer Dimensions. If you only have the inner dimensions, add 3.25” to the dimensions to get your Outer Dimensions.
Q: What type of caulking should I use on my fire damper application?
A: If fire stop caulking is used, it must be a non-intumescent type. As always, local authority has the final word on installation.
Q: What is the difference between Vertical and Horizontal Mount?
A: In regards to Fire Dampers, Vertical dampers are operated by gravity only. When the link in the damper melts and breaks, the blades depend on gravity to drop closed. They can only be mounted vertically in the wall. Horizontal dampers have a spring that will push the blades closed when the link melts and breaks. Horizontal dampers can be installed both vertically and horizontally. In regards to Backdraft Dampers, we consider Vertical as a damper that will operate with horizontal (or left to right) airflow. A Horizontal Backdraft damper is required when you have vertical (upwards only) airflow. We do not offer a Backdraft Damper made for downwards airflow.
Q: What is the difference between a Fire Damper and a Ceiling Radiation Damper?
A: A Fire Damper is a curtain-style damper made for wall and floor application only. A Ceiling Radiation Damper is made for ceiling application only and is most commonly made as a butterfly-style damper.
Q: Do you fabricate fans and/or hoods?
A: We do not fabricate fans or hoods.
Q: What do you offer in regards to Round Backdraft Dampers?
A: We offer a Barometric Relief Damper that can sometimes be used in the same application as a round Backdraft Damper. We always suggest the customer view the specification sheet before ordering. (Include PDF of AC40-BRD here)
Q: Do I have to request a quote before I place an order?
A: A Quote is not required before placing an order. If you are unsure about what product(s) you require or don’t know the prices, it is a good idea to get a formal quote first. Quote numbers are always encouraged to be listed on your purchase order to ensure you will receive what you have been quoted.
Q: Do I always need an access door with my fire damper?
A: This is to be determined by the local inspector. Doors are used for maintenance and inspection of dampers. A door will not come standard with a fire damper.
Q: Do we sell to the public?
A: We do not sell direct to the public. We sell mainly to Wholesalers and Distributors. If your company does not have an account with us, we will refer you to a wholesaler in your general area that you can contact and purchase through.
Q: Do your Fire/Smoke and Smoke Dampers have leakage ratings?
A: Yes. We offer 2 classes for both models; Class 1 and Class 2. The Class 1 is our most common and it carries an Ultra-Low Leakage rating. The Class 2 is considered Low Leakage.
Q: Do your Air Control Dampers have leakage ratings?
A: No they do not. Our Air Control Dampers have not been tested and therefore, do not carry class ratings for leakage. We do offer Jamb & Blade seals for our air control dampers as an option, which will limit leakage.
