A Comprehensive Analysis of Fire Dampers: Functions, Classifications, and Application Scenarios

 

Fire dampers are core fire protection facilities that ensure building safety and are mainly used in the ducts of ventilation and air - conditioning systems. Their core function is to automatically cut off the spread path of fire and high - temperature smoke in the event of a fire, thus buying precious time for personnel evacuation and fire rescue. This article will conduct a detailed analysis from aspects such as working principles, classification criteria, performance advantages, and installation specifications.

 

I. Working Principle

Fire dampers remain open by default to ensure the normal operation of the ventilation system. When the temperature inside the duct due to a fire reaches the preset threshold (70°C or 280°C), the fusible metal sheet inside the valve body melts due to high temperature, triggering the mechanical actuator to quickly close the valve. This process does not require external power and relies entirely on physical properties to achieve automatic response, ensuring effective fire isolation even in extreme situations such as power outages.

 

II. Main Classifications and Functional Differences

1. Smoke Exhaust Dampers

Specifically used in the smoke exhaust systems of high - rise buildings and underground spaces, they support linkage with temperature or smoke - sensing electrical signals and can also be opened manually. In the early stage of a fire, they can delay the spread of the fire by quickly exhausting smoke and improve visibility.

2. Smoke Exhaust Fire Dampers

On the basis of smoke exhaust dampers, they add double protection: when the smoke exhaust temperature exceeds 280°C, the valve closes automatically, and the smoke exhaust fan is shut down in linkage to prevent high - temperature smoke from igniting other areas.

3. Fire - regulating Dampers

Installed in ventilation and air - conditioning systems, after fusing and closing at 70°C, they can simultaneously send a signal to the fan control system to forcibly stop the air supply and avoid fueling the fire.

4. Smoke - and Fire - regulating Dampers

Integrating smoke and temperature sensing technologies, they can be triggered to close by electrical signals in the early stage of a fire and are suitable for places with strict smoke - prevention requirements, such as hospitals and laboratories.

 

III. Core Performance Advantages

- High Sealing Performance: The air leakage rate is lower than the industry standard, ensuring high smoke - isolation efficiency.

- Intelligent Linkage: They support manual, electric, and automatic control and can provide real - time feedback of the valve status to the fire control center system.

- Durable Design: The actuator is flexible and reliable, and corrosion - resistant materials are used to extend the service life.

 

IV. Installation Specifications and Precautions

According to national standards, fire dampers should be installed close to fire - resistant partitions such as firewalls or floor slabs. In the case of concealed installation, a maintenance opening must be reserved. Non - combustible materials should be used for air ducts and insulation materials, and no combustibles should be placed within 200mm around the valve. Recent industry spot checks show that some products have problems such as sub - standard fire - resistance performance and excessive air leakage. It is recommended to give priority to compliant products that have passed the CCCF fire certification.

 

V. Typical Application Scenarios

Fire dampers are widely used in high - rise residential buildings, commercial complexes, underground parking lots, industrial plants, and other places. They are especially indispensable in the following scenarios:

- When the air duct passes through fire - resistant partitions, they block the spread of fire across regions.

- At the intersection of the smoke exhaust system and the ventilation system, they enable the switching of the fire mode.

- For the protection of ventilation pipelines in important equipment rooms (such as power distribution rooms and data centers).

 

Through scientific selection and standardized installation, fire dampers can significantly improve the reliability of the building's fire protection system and build a solid barrier for the safety of lives and property.