Fire Dampers

Fire dampers can be a vital part of your fire safety system, helping to suppress any fires and stop the spread of fire and smoke around ductwork, which can otherwise cause a huge hazard in commercial premises.

Fire dampers are installed in many types of ductwork, and anywhere fire-rated structures such as walls or other fire barriers are compromised or have a gap. HVAC fire dampers are the most common example, which are installed in the ducting created for HVAC systems.

This helps to section off parts of the building and prevent an easy route for a fire to spread, similar to the way in which a fire door or shutter works.

What is a Fire Damper?

A fire damper is a type of passive fire protection device that is used to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They act as a blocking system, and usually sit within the ducts of commercial premises, which could otherwise let fire spread quickly and easily.

What is the Difference Between a Fire Damper and Smoke Damper?

As you may expect, fire dampers are designed to prevent the easy passage of fire, but smoke dampers can also provide a barrier to stop smoke from spreading.

Fire dampers are usually installed in areas where a fire is likely to start, such as kitchens, and fire and smoke dampers may be found in stairwells or other places where smoke could quickly fill an area and become a hazard. In commercial buildings, the substances that may be stored within a room, such as flammable items, are also a consideration for where the fire and smoke dampers are installed.

The differences in smoke dampers vs. fire dampers are in the design, and the way they prevent the spread. Both smoke and fire dampers may operate automatically on detection of smoke, and both may be crucial for your business.

How do Fire Dampers Work?

Fire dampers are usually spring-loaded and will close automatically when a fire is detected. This happens when the fire sensor, which is usually located on the side of the fire damper, triggers an electrical signal that closes the fire damper blades.

The fire damper may also be manually operated by a switch or handle, and in rare cases, they may need to be closed manually in the event of a fire, though most modern systems have moved away from this.

Fire Damper Installation

Robinsons Facilities Services can work with you to ensure that your fire dampers are installed correctly and in the right places to manage and prevent fire hazards.

We can offer fire risk assessment services, which can outline whether dampers or other fire safety systems are advisable for your premises.

As well as a full installation service, we can also offer fire damper maintenance to make sure your system is always working as it should, and other fire protection services.

Fire Damper Testing and Maintenance

It is crucial that fire dampers are regularly tested and maintained to ensure they will work as intended in the event of a fire. If you are based in Yorkshire or the north of England, Robinsons Facilities Services can provide testing and maintenance service for fire dampers on your commercial premises.

Your fire damper should be tested at least once a year, and more frequently if it is located in an area where there is a high risk of fire. The test should include a visual fire damper inspection, as well as an operational test to ensure it will close correctly.

Fire damper testing requirements are outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and BS:9999 2017. It is a legal requirement to test fire dampers upon installation and then annually after this.

Working across Yorkshire, we cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time to all breakdowns and repairs. Contact us today for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call out. Call 01423 226578 or get in touch to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.