Keeping occupants safe with effective fire damper placement is a critical component in selecting the design and architecture of a building. In addition to visible safety systems, such as cameras, stairwell handrails, and adequate lighting, fire safety goes beyond the surface. Let’s look at how to choose a fire damper, its sizes, and the questions you should ask when exploring passive fire protection products during planning and construction.
What Does a Fire Damper Do?
They are designed to protect people and property from damage by preventing fires from spreading through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork or other air transfer openings. Dampers are required to help maintain the fire rating of floors, walls, and other barriers that are penetrated by air transfer devices or ductwork.
When Is a Fire Damper Required?
If it is required, it will be specified in the building codes, requirements, and regulations. In addition, these requirements may be reflected in the architectural drawings and any other building plans or project designs. Still, they should always be noted in the statutory requirements given to contractors and installers.
There are five codes that detail the use and installation of fire dampers:
- Chapter 7 of the International Building Code
- NFPA 80
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
- NFPA 5000
- NFPA 90A
How to Pick the Right One
There are multiple different types of fire dampers, and choosing the right one is a decision best left to the experts. However, it’s a fairly straightforward process if you can answer the following questions:
- What is the required fire rating of the space?
- Is the system static or dynamic?
- What is the fire damper size?
- Does the space require a vertical fire damper or a horizontal fire damper?
- How will the fire damper close?
You can find more detailed information about required fire ratings and the difference between static and dynamic dampers by visiting our blog. Let’s dive deeper into the differences in sizes and the other aspects you should consider.
Fire Damper Sizes
There are multiple sizes and styles to consider, as well as different shapes depending on the type of ductwork. You can also select a size based on your building’s architecture. Dizes typically come in ¼-inch increments and are made with different steel thicknesses.
In terms of mounting positions, there are two different options:
- Vertical fire dampers
- Horizontal fire dampers
Vertical dampers rely on the force of gravity to close in the event of a fire and are typically installed in a vertical plane, such as a wall. When the fusible link is heated to its melting point, the blades depend on gravitational force to drop shut, which is why vertical fire dampers can only be mounted vertically in the wall.
On the other hand, horizontal dampers can be mounted horizontally or vertically and are installed in horizontal planes such as ceilings and floors. They still use a fusible link to close based on exposure to high heat levels, but rather than relying on gravity, they use a spring to push the blades closed.
As a backdraft damper, vertical dampers will operate with horizontal airflow – air that is moving either left or right – while a horizontal damper for backdrafts is required if you are dealing with vertical airflow or air that is moving upwards only.
Fire Damper Testing
Both horizontal and vertical dampers are subjected to the same testing regardless of position. Since a vertical damper relies on gravity to close, ensuring that nothing obstructs the blades is a critical part of testing. A test will also evaluate whether or not the vertical damper has a working fusible link and whether it has been installed correctly. For horizontal dampers, testing will evaluate the damper’s ability to close utilizing the spring and any obstructions or issues that may prevent the damper from working correctly.
Building Code
As we mentioned earlier, there are two governing bodies and codes that oversee the selection and installation of fire dampers:
- International Building Code
- National Fire Protection Association
What Is the International Building Code?
The International Building Code (IBC) applies to all buildings with the exception of townhouses up to three stories and detached one- and two-family homes. Chapter Seven deals with fire and smoke protection features, specifically the requirements for fire-resistance-related construction. These requirements cover how walls, horizontal assemblies, structural members, and partitions are constructed and how the openings in these structures are constructed to protect against fire damage. Chapter Seven covers the details of fire damper size as well as vertical fire dampers and horizontal fire dampers.
What Are the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes That Cover Dampers?
- NFPA 80
- NFPA 101
- NFPA 5000
- NFPA 90A
NFPA 80 is considered to be the standard for fire doors and other opening protectives. Complying with NFPA 80 can be the difference between life and death when it comes to protecting occupant lives. Following the requirements outlined in the standard will help ensure the proper selection, installation, maintenance, inspection, and testing of your fire dampers.
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code details the “minimum building design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements necessary to protect building occupants from danger caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes.” The code is considered the most comprehensive for safety in new and existing buildings. It can be used in addition to local building codes or for areas that haven’t adopted codes covering vertical and horizontal fire dampers.
NFPA 5000 was created in 2002 to provide information on controlling the permits, design, material quality, and construction of buildings, as well as how the buildings are used and where equipment, structures, and buildings are located. The code is meant to complement NFPA’s existing guidelines.
NFPA 90A is the most specific for air handling units and is the standard for installing, operating, and maintaining HVAC systems. The code includes regulations on ducts, filters, and similar equipment and how they protect against smoke, fire, and gasses caused by fire.
Where to Buy
For over 35 years, Lloyd Industries has been one of the most trusted manufacturers of horizontal fire dampers, smoke dampers, vertical fire dampers, access doors, and other HVAC products. The company makes each fire damper to order, allowing you to customize aspects, including fire damper size, jamb and blade seals, and more. For the highest quality, UL-rated fire dampers, contact the industry expects at Lloyd Industries.
