What is the purpose of a fire damper?
The operation of fire dampers is simple: they close when the temperature in the room or space rises over the threshold limit to prevent the fire from spreading.Apr 27, 2021
What activates a fire damper?
When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades.
Should fire dampers be open or closed?
The damper should be open when you have a fire going to allow the smoke and carbon monoxide to flow up the chimney and out of your living space. If you start a fire with the damper closed, you will fill your home with smoke!
How does the damper work?
A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler, or other air-handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning (heating or cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control.
How do you manually open fire damper?
You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper. If the chain is tightly attached to a hook, the damper is closed.
What's the difference between fire smoke damper and fire damper?
Whilst fire dampers function to help stop the passage of fire, smoke dampers work in a similar way to preserve the integrity of physical smoke barriers e.g. floors and walls. They can also be found within air conditioning and ventilation ductwork.Mar 2, 2019
Can you leave damper open overnight?
Leave the damper open overnight. Yes, you will lose some heat up the flue, but you will save the occupants of the home from poisoning by colorless, odorless carbon monoxide. In the morning, stir the embers and check them for any hot spots.Jul 13, 2016
Should the damper be open all the way?
The damper should be kept open until all embers are finished burning to prevent smoke from escaping into the home. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed. An open damper is like an open window, allowing large amounts of heat from the home to escape.
How do you know if the flue is open or closed?
Lean in under your chimney just outside of your wood burning stove. You should find a metal device just within the chimney or flue opening. The damper is open if you can see through the damper up to your chimney. If you only see a metal plate, the damper is in a closed position.Aug 5, 2020
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.Feb 22, 2017
How do you use a flue damper?
How to use the fireplace damper to control the fireOpen the fireplace damper all the way when starting a fire.Let the fire burn for a few minutes then adjust the damper so that it is partially closed (about half way) to see how it affects the fire.More items...
How do you adjust a fireplace damper?
0:302:10Basic Home Improvements : How to Work a Fireplace Damper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe want to make sure that this damper is either in the closed position and then before we light ourMoreWe want to make sure that this damper is either in the closed position and then before we light our fire. We always want to make sure it's in the open position.
Why are smoke dampers important?
Smoke also poses one of the biggest risks in terms of safety and damage. Smoke dampers help slow the travel of smoke through a building in the event of a fire. Smoke dampers are triggered by the smoke detection system within the building.
What is passive fire protection?
Unlike sprinklers or fire alarms, passive fire protection isn’t something that everyone is familiar with. Fire dampers and smoke dampers are part of a passive fire protection system that protects your building from smoke and fire damage.
Where are fire dampers installed?
Fire dampers are installed within the air ducts of your HVAC system where two fire-rated barriers meet. Fire-rated barriers are there to slow the spread of fires. By installing fire dampers at the intersection of these barriers, they’re able to stop the spread of flames and heat from circulating through the air vents.
What happens when a fire damper is closed?
When the fusible link melts, the damper closes. This cuts off air distribution into the room and stops the oxygen supply from feeding the fire. Once the fire dampers are shut, they help contain the fire to its origins.
What are the different types of fire dampers?
There are three main types of fire dampers: static fire dampers, dynamic fire dampers, and combination dampers. Static Fire Dampers. A static fire damper works like a curtain.
What is a dynamic fire damper?
Unlike with static fire dampers, dynamic fire dampers are installed in HVAC systems that do not automatically shut off in the event of a fire. That means the air will continue to circulate within the HVAC system. Once the fire damper detects heat, its built-in fan activates, forcing the spring-loaded system to shut. Combination Dampers.
What is a combination damper?
Combination dampers combine smoke and fire dampers into one unit. Once extreme heat is detected, the combination damper will automatically close. Combination dampers have their own smoke detection systems that trigger the damper to close.
What is a fire damper made of?
Fire dampers are what stops the flames and smoke from passing through. Those fittings are often made out of galvanized steel.
What is dynamic damper?
Dynamic – installed in vertical barriers, these particular fire dampers have a spring-loaded mechanism. In case of fire, the mechanism is released and the doors of the damper shut close. The fan in the system will continue to run and build up pressure. This pressure will help keep the fire dampers’ doors closed.
Do fire dampers need to be tested?
Fire dampers with circuits should be tested more often. Physical examination of the dampers should be regular, even if the tests are positive. If you are in a process of building a ducting or HVAC system, make sure to include fire dampers in your plans.
