Smoke dampers prevent smoke from spreading in a building during a fire. They are installed in HVAC ducts and can be manual or automatic. Different types of dampers use various mechanisms to stop the flow of smoke. Smoke dampers save lives by slowing or stopping the spread of smoke and reducing exposure to it. They should be chosen carefully based on local building code requirements, temperature rating, and air leakage rate.
Smoke dampers are a type of building material used to prevent smoke from spreading throughout a structure during a fire. Contractors install these dampers in HVAC ducts to block the flow of smoke into heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems. Smoke dampers are a fundamental part of the life safety system inside a building. Many building codes require these buffers to help save lives and reduce injuries during a fire. Some building owners or homeowners may also use smoke control dampers on a voluntary basis to improve the safety of occupants and residents.
A smoke control damper fits neatly inside an HVAC duct and is designed to allow air to flow freely under normal conditions. When smoke is present, smoke detectors send a signal to an actuator in the damper, causing the airflow through the duct to stop. Some systems may also include manual dampers, which can be opened or closed using a switch on the outside of each duct. Others allow operators to press a single central button to close all shutters simultaneously during an emergency.
Different types of smoke control dampers use a variety of operating mechanisms to stop the flow of smoke and air. Gate-style smoke control dampers feature a metal gate or door that drops down to seal off the duct. Baffle units have vents, or baffles, that close off the duct as needed. Rotating units include a center plate that runs perpendicular to the flue under standard conditions, but rotates to completely close the flue during a fire.
One of the main benefits associated with smoke dampers is their ability to save lives during a fire. By slowing or stopping the spread of smoke, they give occupants more time to exit the building while reducing exposure to smoke. By limiting exposure to smoke, shock absorbers help minimize smoking-related injuries and keep people conscious and alert.
Contractors and building owners should choose smoke control dampers carefully to ensure they perform as intended. All dampers should be selected according to local building code requirements in the area. Each damper is rated to withstand a specified maximum temperature, which is based on the material and construction of the damper. Smoke dampers are also rated based on a specific air leakage rate, which measures how much smoke is likely to pass through the damper after it has been activated. For maximum protection, buyers should select a damper with the lowest air leakage rates possible.
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