Ceiling radiation dampers provide a level of protection every day in commercial buildings all over the world. Essential to the safety of your building, ceiling dampers take part in protecting your building and the people in it during a fire. Many believe that fire dampers are enough, but ceiling dampers are essential as well!
What is a Ceiling Radiation Damper?
Ceiling radiation dampers protect openings in the ceiling membrane and are used to protect HVAC openings in fire-rated horizontal ceiling assemblies. Unlike smoke and fire dampers, ceiling dampers help limit heat transfer into attic spaces and openings within ceilings and floors. Ceiling dampers help reduce potential damage to your building by preventing the transfer of flames and heat into your attic and crawlspace in the event of a fire.
Buildings like hospitals, hotels, multi-unit apartment buildings, and other large structures all have one shared attic space for the whole building. If a fire were to break out, it could cause massive damage very rapidly. Ceiling dampers were designed to prevent that rapid spread from occurring.
How Does a Ceiling Radiation Damper Work?
A ceiling radiation damper closes automatically to restrict the passage of heat. They are designed to detect the activation of a fire detection system or intense heat. Spring-loaded fire dampers and ceiling dampers will close automatically regardless of air pressure. Many HVAC systems remain on during a fire, so these dampers are critical to protecting your structure in the event of a fire.
Hospitals and other large buildings require continuous airflow to circulate fresh air throughout areas that aren’t at risk. By ensuring your commercial structure has fire dampers and ceiling dampers, you are taking steps to protect your structure and avoid rapid spread and destruction.
Why You Need Ceiling Radiation Dampers
Recently purchased some land to build your dream home or new business on? The ceilings being installed are a fire-resistant material, but an opening needs to be created to allow your HVAC to properly distribute air throughout your building or home. In the event of a fire, the opening can allow flames to access the above area, increasing the likelihood of damage to your building. Adding ceiling radiation dampers along with your fire dampers prevents that upward spread and gives you peace of mind.
Are Ceiling Radiation Dampers Required?
Ceiling dampers are required by Section 716.3.1 of the International Building Code. They also need a label from an approved testing agency. They must also comply with the requirements of UL 555C, which is the standard for safety ceiling dampers. They can also be tested as part of the fire-resistance-rated floor or roof ceiling assembly. Make sure your building is up to code! If you are unsure when they were last tested, reach out to Lloyd Industries and one of our skilled technicians can check them out and make sure your building is up to code.
Where to Buy Ceiling Radiation Dampers
Lloyd Industries has continued to be a top manufacturer of dampers and HVAC products for over 35 years. With top-of-the-line customer satisfaction, the company’s commitment to quality, delivery, and price of its products makes it the ideal choice for your damper needs.
Different Types of Ceiling Radiation Dampers
- Rectangular
- Round
- Blanket
- Single Blade
If you are unsure which type of ceiling damper you need for your building, you can reach out to us and request a quote. We also have local reps that can visit your establishment and provide you with guidance and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Different Styles of Ceiling Radiation Dampers
- Butterfly
- Curtain
Butterfly-Style Ceiling Dampers
Butterfly ceiling dampers are useful in applications such as incinerators, balancing systems, control air systems, stack isolation, and scrubber systems. Butterfly dampers function best in round ducts since their central pivot point allows them to maintain a tight, continuous seal.
Curtain-Style Ceiling Dampers
Curtain dampers are mainly used in “fans off” systems where the HVAC system is set to shut down in the event of a fire. The curtain is held at the top of the damper to free the air stream of any obstructions. Once it reaches a certain temperature, a fusible link breaks apart, and the curtain blade is released to close the damper.
Ordering Products from Lloyd Industries
We are so excited you have chosen Lloyd Industries as your supplier for all things HVAC and dampers. Products are made to order, so lead times vary, but you can be assured that we’ll ship our products as soon as possible.
Lloyd Industries Warranty
Lloyd Industries offers warranties on its products and on products that the company does not manufacture. The warranty includes replacement material or repairs when applicable. When defects are found, Lloyd Industries requires the defective items to be returned.
“Products manufactured by Lloyd Industries are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 12 months after being installed or placed in service, but in no instance shall the period of warranty be longer than 18 months from the date of original shipment by Lloyd Industries.”
Why Lloyd Industries Products
Lloyd Industries offers top-of-the-line products. Focusing on commercial real estate, it has continued to keep up with the demand while adhering to updated regulations making sure its products are always up to code. Lloyd Industries has continued to stay relevant in the field by creating new products every day in all sizes to suit everyone’s needs.
If you are installing yourself, Lloyd Industries offers downloadable installation guides to walk you through each step. If you aren’t comfortable doing the installation yourself, check out our listing of local reps that can service your needs.
Maintenance and Testing of Ceiling Radiation Dampers
Ceiling radiation dampers should be tested and inspected one year after initial install and then every four years after the first year. Hospitals only need to be tested every six years. Maintenance inspections should be completed at least every two years to confirm there is no rust to the damper and it is not blocked by any obstructions.
During this maintenance inspection, a technician will also clean off any dirt build-up on the blades or frame of the damper. This ensures your dampers stay functional and in good condition in case there’s a fire.
As you can see, there are many products that work together to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in your structure. Lloyd Industries will continue to cover all your damper needs and keep its commitment to providing high-quality items and stellar customer service.
