FUNCTIONING DAMPERS
EVERYONE ENTERING A BUILDING HAS THE REASONABLE EXPECTATION FOR FIRE LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS WITHIN THAT BUILDING TO FUNCTION PROPERLY SHOULD A FIRE OR SMOKE EVENT OCCUR.
Key to protecting occupants from the spread of fire or smoke are properly functioning dampers. For dampers to function, all components of the damper must activate as designed. These elements differ slightly between damper types. A few of the elements are described here, as a small sample of the many aspects an ICB-certified HVAC FLS professional considers in the course of their inspections.A functioning fire damper will have the proper fusible link installed.
A functioning fire damper will have a clean track and is lubricated on a maintenance
schedule so the damper slides smoothly and quickly when activated.A functioning fire damper has adequate access for inspection personnel to test and reset the damper with less risk of injury.
Fire and smoke dampers must pass a rigorous series of tests prior to installation in a fire life
safety building system, with further requirements for how they are installed. However, even with
excellent installation, regular maintenance and inspection of the dampers is necessary to ensure
optimal performance.
Functioning Fire and Smoke Dampers
FIre, Smoke and Combination Fire-Smoke Dampers will include an actuator, which drives
the rotation of the damper open or closed.A functioning fire and smoke damper will have the actuation correctly initiated by the test
apparatus or signal device.A functioning fire and smoke damper will have tight linkages so the damper opens and
closes when actuated.A functioning fire and smoke damper will have a clean and correctly set path of movement
so the damper opens fully and closes fully.A functioning fire and smoke damper will have adequate access to test, maintain, and
service all components of the damper, including the actuator.