AMCA International inmotion Magazine - Fall 2011 - (Page 21)

Fire Dampers A fire damper can be defined as “a device installed in ducts and air transfer opening of an air distribution or smoke control system designed to close automatically upon detection of heat. It also serves to interrupt migratory airflow, resist the passage of flame, and maintain the integrity of the fire rated separation.”1 Its primary function is to prevent the passage of flame from one side of a fire-rated separation to the other. Fire dampers (Figure 1) are operated by a fusible device, typically a melting link. They are designed and tested under UL Standard 555: Standard for Safety for Fire Dampers, to maintain the integrity of the fire-rated separation. Fire dampers are equipped with a fusible link (rated for 165°F up to 286°F), which holds the blades open until it the link melts. Upon reaching the melting point, the blades then close and stop the flame from moving into an adjoining compartment. Location: Fire dampers are installed in or near the wall or floor, at the point of duct penetration, to retain the integrity and fire rating of a wall or floor whether it is a ducted or open-plenum return application. Should the ductwork fall away, the damper needs to stay in the wall or floor to maintain the integrity of the wall or floor. One should actually think of the fire damper as part of the wall system itself. Sleeves and Attachment: Fire dampers are required to be installed in sleeves. Lighter gauge sleeves (18–20 ga.) require a breakaway connection from the sleeve to the ductwork. Heavier, smaller dampers (16 ga.) can be installed with a hard duct connection. The manufacturer’s installation instructions will include the approved method for attachment and spacing of the attachment (Figure 2). Sealing: The spaces between the damper frame and the duct typically are not sealed due to thermal expansion. Breakaway connections as well as other seams can be sealed if the manufacturer’s listing includes a UL-approved sealant. There are two types of applications for fire dampers: static and dynamic. Static fire dampers can only be applied in HVAC systems that are designed to shut down in the event of a fire. Dynamic fire dampers have been tested for closure under airflow and carry both an airflow velocity (fpm) and pressure differential rating. The minimum rating for all dynamic fire dampers is 2,000 fpm and 4.0 in. wg. The minimum ratings are based upon closure at a minimum airflow of 2,400 fpm and 4.5 in. wg. W W W. A M C A . O R G Figure 1: Example of a curtain-blade fire damper with fusible link and factory integral sleeve. Photo courtesy of Ruskin. Figure 2: Typical fire damper installation, based on AMCA 503, Fire, Ceiling (Radiation), Smoke and Fire/Smoke Dampers Application Manual. Image courtesy of Ruskin. Figure 3: Example of a typical smoke damper. Photo courtesy of Ruskin. A M C A I N T E R N AT I O N A L inmotion FA L L 2 0 1 1 21 http://WWW.AMCA.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AMCA International inmotion Magazine - Fall 2011

AMCA International inmotion Magazine - Fall 2011
President’s Message
News
Code Watch
Fan Efficiency Grades: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Fans and Atrium Smoke Control
Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers: The Difference is Important
Fan and Damper Guide Specs Update
Calendar

AMCA International inmotion Magazine - Fall 2011

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