How to replace dampers?
- Remove the bellows. The bellows, otherwise known as a “rubber boot” or “gater”, looks like a puffy black rubber seal on the coupling. ...
- Remove the bolts. ...
- Replace the old damper with the new one. ...
- Put the coupling back together. ...
- Readjust your brake shoes and brake rod. ...
- Make sure it works. ...
How do you adjust a fireplace damper?
How to Set Your Fireplace Damper when Lighting a Fire
- Close Only When Fireplace is Not in Use. The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. ...
- Open Damper When Preparing Fire. During the preparation to start a fire, the damper should be completely opened. ...
- Damper Location. The location of the damper affects how the fire should be started. ...
How to repair a broken fireplace damper?
Top-Sealing Damper
- Grasp the chain of the damper and give it several hard pulls if the damper does not close properly. ...
- Place a ladder next to the home and make sure the legs are level. Do not exceed the weight requirement of the ladder.
- Climb onto the roof and make your way up to the top sealing damper. ...
- Oil the hinge mechanism of the damper with a spray lubricant. ...
What is fire retardant and how does it work?
Fire retardants operate by reducing the flammability of fuels consumed by a fire, or by deferring combustion. In some cases, fire retardants also attempt to cool any fuel used by fire through a process of an endothermic chemical reaction. Fire retardants come in several forms, including powders which can be mixed with water, foams, gels, and ...
What activates a fire damper?
In general a fire damper works when heat from a fire causes the normal temperature of a room to rise to approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit i.e. it is designed to close automatically on the detection of heat. The fusible link which is attached to the damper melts causing the dampers' door to close.
How do fire dampers close?
Operation of fire dampers Halton fire dampers have fusible link, which is selected according to desired temperature. Once this temperature is reached, damper closes. The damper itself can be electrically actuated, pneumatic or manually set.
What are the three types of fire dampers?
Fire dampers are designed to keep the fire from spreading through the ducting, as well as other types of openings in a building. Fire dampers usually come in few different styles; a dynamic fire damper, a static fire damper, and a smoke damper.
What is the point of a damper?
Dampers keep cold air out. When your chimney is not in use, the outside air can easily work its way in by coming down through the chimney. This makes your home cold and uncomfortable, and it causes your heating bills to increase fast.
How do you tell if dampers are open or closed?
If you are looking at a duct that is coming off the furnace and going straight up like it is going to the upstairs, and the wing is in the same direction as the duct, it is open. If the wing is in the opposite or vertical position to the ductwork, then the damper is closed.
How do you know if your dampers are open or closed?
A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper.
Should fire dampers be open or closed?
A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are completely out; since smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is entirely out, close the damper.
How are fire dampers controlled?
They are controlled by smoke detectors and/or fire alarms. Smoke dampers are qualified under UL Standard 555S, UL Standard for Safety for Smoke Dampers, and have two general applications: 1.
Are fire dampers normally open or closed?
Fire dampers provide a method of protecting such penetrations and openings. A fire damper is designed to, and required to, close automatically upon detection of heat (such as a fusible link or heat detector) and to interrupt airflow and to restrict the passage of flame.
Does closing the damper make the fire hotter?
Close the damper about two-thirds of the way as the fire begins to catch and coals start to form. As the chimney warms and the airflow increases, it pulls more heat upward and out of the chimney. This flow heats the coals and pushes air through the wood, increasing the heat.
Do all fireplaces have a damper?
Not all chimneys or flues have a damper. Open fireplaces can usually be found with damper located within the upper part of the firebox. It's common to find a damper as part of an open fireplace, but in some cases there may be no damper at all.
Where is a fire damper required?
Generally, fire dampers are required where air ducts penetrate walls that are rated for 2-hours or more. They are needed in all air transfer openings (non-ducted) in rated walls, regardless of the rating. And they are required at some, but not all penetrations of rated floor assemblies and shaft enclosures.
Do fire dampers close automatically?
Fire dampers provide a method of protecting such penetrations and openings. A fire damper is designed to, and required to, close automatically upon detection of heat (such as a fusible link or heat detector) and to interrupt airflow and to restrict the passage of flame.
How do you manually close a damper?
If you want to close the damper, you will need to turn the damper lever in the opposite direction of the duct. If you want to open the damper, you will need to make sure it is running in line with the flex duct. You can also adjust the damper of the furnace or air conditioner so it is partially open.
Can you close a damper?
A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are completely out; since smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is entirely out, close the damper.
How are fire dampers controlled?
They are controlled by smoke detectors and/or fire alarms. Smoke dampers are qualified under UL Standard 555S, UL Standard for Safety for Smoke Dampers, and have two general applications: 1.
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 a fusible link fire damper?
The fire dampers that operate without the need of circuits and sensor are relying on a fusible link. This link will meltdown from the heat (at around 72°C), generated by the fire and will engage the fire damper, closing its doors for good. There is one more option. As you may know, most metals expand when heated. Well, thanks to that fact, designs of fire damper made out of slotted metal plates are present on the market. The slots close while the metal expands from the heat, sealing the ducting while the heat doesn’t drop.
What is static fire damper?
This pressure will help keep the fire dampers’ doors closed. Static – installed in horizontal barriers, these fire dampers have a curtain-like design. In case of fire, the curtain drops, preventing passage for heat, flames and smoke. These dampers are installed where ducting fans will no longer work if a fire is detected.
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.
Can you wire a fire damper to a smoke detector?
For instance, you can wire your fire dampers to your smoke detectors. Whenever a smoke detector turns on, it will send a signal to the fire/smo ke damper to close. As we have mentioned before, this needs to be implemented in systems where there is a backup power supply. Or in a system with its own power bank.
Can a fire damper be hardwired?
You may want hard-wired solutions for some rooms or programmable solutions for others. Hardwired fire dampers would engage without a command being sent from a sensor, it will just work on its own. Programmable solutions, on the other hand, could be operated from a distance and could be wired in such a way that the process will be fully automated. In case of fire, sometimes power lines are being shut and fire dampers with mechanical engage are needed.
Do fire dampers expand when heated?
As you may know, most metals expand when heated. Well, thanks to that fact, designs of fire damper made out of slotted metal plates are present on the market. The slots close while the metal expands from the heat, sealing the ducting while the heat doesn’t drop.
How Do Fire Dampers Work?
Fire dampers are heat-sensitive devices. When the temperature of the system reaches the established trip set point, the built-in heat response device is tripped/activated/melted, prompting the closure of the damper blades. This stops the fire, heat and smoke from escaping into adjoining areas of the industrial building or workspace.
Do Codes Apply To Industrial Dampers?
For industrial applications, like tunnel and transit, codes like the NFPA 130 cover fire protection requirements for fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems.
What is the purpose of a fire damper?
The main purpose of a fire damper is to prevent flame from crossing a fire barrier. They’re installed near the wall or floor, as appropriate, and are effectively a part of the barrier they protect the integrity of. Fire dampers respond to heat, when the temperature reaches a set point the damper slams shut.
What is a combination fire damper?
A combination fire/smoke damper is widely considered to offer the best of both worlds, when it comes to protection. They are utilised when a duct is required to have both a fire damper and a smoke damper, and either high temperature or smoke detection is the trigger for closure.
Why is a damper important?
Damper installation and maintenance. When it comes to preventing the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases through buildings, dampers play a critical role. Proper installation and maintenance is crucial – if a damper fails to work or only partially works it can ...
What is fire protection?
Fire protection systems comprise a whole range of components, from a simple ‘exit’ sign to the most sophisticated sprinkler system. Fire protection systems comprise a whole range of components, from a simple ‘exit’ sign to the most sophisticated sprinkler system. Should a fire break out, both smoke and flame present danger.
How many types of dampers are there?
There are three types of damper available: fire dampers; smoke dampers; and smoke/fire dampers. They work in different ways, and also have their own requirements when it comes to installation and maintenance [. Fire dampers.
Where are dampers located in HVAC?
When that happens, the integrity of the barrier is maintained by the use of dampers. Dampers are located in ductwork and ceiling cavities.
Can fire dampers be activated remotely?
They can also be activated remotely. They resist the passage of smoke, toxic gases and air through a fire barrier. In the event of fire, the largest cause of death is inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, and so containing those things, for at least as long as it takes for the building to be evacuated, is essential. Fire/smoke dampers.
What is a fire damper?
The fire damper acts as a barrier between fire and non-fire zones thus containing the fire in the compartment from which it originated. This gives sufficient time for occupants to escape and move into safety. Multiple blade type: This model operates mainly using an electric actuator.
Where are fire dampers installed?
Fire dampers are installed in fire rated walls / barriers / partitions where the HVAC ductwork penetrates ensuring that their integrity is maintained. The location and installation procedure of fire dampers should be in accordance with the widely accepted and recommended standard, NFPA 90A — Standard for the installation of Air-Conditioning.
How does a TRD damper work?
Once the circuit is open, the damper closes automatically by the force of the springs inside the actuator . Such actuators are otherwise known as spring return actuators. TRD’s are supplied with a reset button to re-establish power supply thereby keeping the damper in open position.
How to store fire dampers?
All fire dampers must be stored in a safe place and must be handled carefully. Dampers especially with actuators and electrical accessories must be stored in a dry enclosed area to avoid condensation. Actuators or damper blades should not be used for lifting during installation
What is the name of the laboratory that tests fire dampers?
The most prominent testing laboratories for evaluating fire resistive materials and assemblies is the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), U.S.A. All Airmaster Fire dampers are tested and certified by UL. Airmaster fire dampers are developed with the intention of maximizing the occupant’s safety.
Why is it important to shut off air supply during a fire?
The air from the operating HVAC system and Natural ventilation increased the growth of the fire. It is therefore important to cutoff air supply by shutting down HVAC system during fire. Various fire safety equipment are prescribed by national authorities in their building codes to overcome fire hazards in order to save life and property.
Can you use a damper blade for lifting?
Actuators or damper blades should not be used for lifting during installation. Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of fire damper is essential. NFPA 80 — standard for fire doors and other opening protective states that fire dampers shall require inspection and testing one year after installation.
Why do you need a damper on a fireplace?
When the fireplace is in use, an open damper prevents smoke from filling up your home by giving it a way out through the flue. When there's no fire, keeping the damper shut tight prevents cold outside air from entering the house. This helps create energy efficiency.
Why does my fireplace damper smoke?
Unfortunately, a house full of smoke is a common signal that the damper has not been properly adjusted for fireplace use.
How to control heat from a fireplace?
By knowing how to operate the fireplace damper, you can control the heat of the fire, the amount of smoke that gets into the house, and make your house more energy efficient by closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
Where is the damper located on a chimney?
Dampers located at the top of the flue will allow the flue to stay closer to room temperature, so it will begin conducting the smoke out of the house sooner. Regardless of the position of the damper, it can be adjusted after the fire is lit to control the supply of oxygen to the fire.
Where is the firebox in a fireplace?
Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply. The firebox, where the fire is actually burned, is located inside a room of the house, is surrounded by brick, marble, or is sometimes freestanding, as is the case with a wood stove. The chimney houses the flue, which is just the airway in which the smoke rises from the fireplace and exits through the roof. Conversely, outside air can enter through the flue into the firebox.
Where is the damper located in a rabbit hole?
Diving even deeper down the rabbit hole, the all important damper is located inside the flue.
Can you control the intensity of a fire with a damper?
Lastly, if you use your damper properly, you can control the intensity of your fire just as well as you would from adding more gas or firewood.
Why do you need a damper for a fireplace?
The main reason you would want a fireplace damper is to help prevent the warmth from leaving your home during the winter months, especially when the central heating is on. A damper can also be useful in the summer months. A closed damper will prevent air conditioned rooms from venting the cooler air out of your home.
What Is A Fireplace Damper?
A fireplace damper is a device that can be manually opened or closed with the purpose of allowing gases and other byproducts from a fireplace to be safely vented from a building when open, but to also prevent air from escaping the building when a fireplace isn’t being used.
What does closing a damper do?
By closing the damper, you are preventing the majority of air passing through that point inside the flue, in either direction. With the damper open, air can flow freely up the flue when having a fire, and even down the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use.
What is a flue in a fireplace?
A flue is a pipe that extends out of a fireplace to the outside of a house, to vent any waste gases, smoke and small particles from a fire that would have otherwise been released into the home.
What is the purpose of a chimney damper?
Preventing warm air or air conditioned air from being lost out of the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use and the damper is closed. Preventing rain, animals and debris from entering the fireplace via the chimney when the damper is closed.
How do you know if your chimney damper is open?
Position yourself just outside of your fireplace and lean in under your chimney. You may be able to see an unflattering metal thing just within the opening of the chimney or flue. If you can see up through the damper to your chimney then you know that the damper is open. If you can only see a metal plate then your damper is closed.
What is a dampening effect on a fireplace?
In this case, the dampening effect of a fireplace damper is to control: The flow of hot air, smoke and gases from a fire in a fireplace or stove into a chimney or flue. The flow of air down into a fireplace or stove from a chimney or flue. By controlling how open or closed a fireplace damper is you can inhibit the flow of any air, ...
How Do Smoke Dampers Work?
Smoke dampers work to slow the spread of smoke throughout a space in the event of a fire.
What are Fire and Smoke Dampers?
Fire dampers and smoke dampers are two instrumental parts of a passive fire protection system. They work to protect your home or office building from smoke and fire damage. They work within your HVAC system to stop the spread of flames, smoke, and heat from spreading throughout your space. These HVAC dampers are essential for protecting your home or office and the people within them.
What Are HVAC Dampers?
A damper is a necessary piece of equipment attached to your HVAC unit, duct, chimney, or similar control apparatus to regulate airflow. HVAC dampers can restrict the heating or cooling of a room and regulate temperatures of specific rooms within a home or building.
Why are HVAC dampers important?
HVAC dampers are essential in ensuring employees’ health working with hazardous materials, such as dangerous fumes and gases.
How do dampers help HVAC?
HVAC dampers help maintain your spaces’ comfort and safety by supporting the work of your HVAC system. HVAC dampers keep your system from working harder and longer.
What is an air control damper?
Air control dampers, or volume balancing dampers, assist in airflow control needs for various reasons. Their actuated blades help regulate or even stop the airflow inside a duct or air-controlling piece within the unit. With HVAC dampers, these actuated blades allow you to control the amount of airflow you desire and where you wish to direct the flow.
What is the importance of proper airflow?
Proper ventilation and airflow determine your home or office space’s comfort level and safety and affect aspects including comfortable temperature, odors, fumes, smoke, and fire safety. Educating yourself on the essentials of proper ventilation and HVAC dampers will ensure your comfort, safety, and efficient energy use. Let’s take a look at HVAC dampers and what you should know. We’ll also touch upon maintenance requirements and Lloyd Industries’ best tips for selecting a reputable HVAC manufacturer.
How does a smoke damper work?
Smoke dampers operate automatically on detection of smoke and must function so that smoke movement through the duct is halted. Their activation can be by area detectors that are installed in the related smoke compartment or by detectors that are installed in the air duct systems. Smoke dampers are provided with leakage and temperature ratings.
What is a fire damper?
A fire damper is designed to, and required to, close automatically upon detection of heat (such as a fusible link or heat detector) and to interrupt airflow and to restrict the passage of flame. Fire dampers are required to close against the maximum calculated airflow of that portion of the system in which they are installed. Those that are intended to close under airflow are labeled for use in Dynamic Systems (A dynamic systems is an HVAC system designed to maintain the movement of air within the system at the indication of a fire); those that are intended to close after airflow has stopped by automatically shutting down the fan or airflow in the event of a fire are labeled for use in Static Systems (a static system is an HVAC system designed to stop the movement of air within the system at the indication of a fire). Fire dampers are provided with an hourly fire rating.
What happens to air distribution systems during fire?
During a fire, the air distribution system may transport deadly smoke and products of combustion instead of breathable air. If proper design and installation precautions are not taken, smoke, fire gases, heat, and even flame can spread throughout the area served by the duct system. Improper plenum locations, lack of detection equipment in the system, and lack of required fire and smoke dampers in appropriate walls, ceilings, or partitions can lead to tragic situations.
What is a combination fire damper?
A combination fire/smoke damper is used when a barrier is both rated for fire resistance as well as designed to restrict the transfer of smoke and will meet both the fire damper and smoke damper requirements.
Where are smoke dampers required?
Smoke dampers are required in air-transfer openings (an opening designed to allow the movement of environmental air between two contiguous spaces) in smoke partitions and in air transfer openings and duct penetrations in smoke barriers. Where a smoke barrier is also constructed as a fire barrier, a combination fire/smoke damper must be used. There are multiple exemptions where smoke dampers may not be required in smoke barriers such as where ducts or air-transfer openings are part of an engineered smoke control system and that smoke damper will interfere with the operation of a smoke control system or where ducts penetrate floors that serve as smoke barriers.
Where are fire dampers installed?
Fire dampers are installed in ducts passing through or in air outlet openings terminating at shaft walls, fire barriers (such as an occupancy separation wall, horizontal exit walls, corridor walls, corridor ceilings, floor-ceiling assemblies) and other fire resistance–rated assemblies as required by a building or life safety code and other applicable standards. Under severe fire exposure, a duct may eventually collapse or significantly deform, creating an opening in the fire barrier. Fire dampers provide a method of protecting such penetrations and openings.
What is the fire resistance rating for air transfer openings?
Air-transfer openings that occur in walls or partitions that are required to have a fire resistance rating of 30 minutes or more.