A fire damper is a safety device installed where ductwork or air transport systems pass through a fire-resistant wall, floor or partition. Its main purpose is to restore the fire resistance of the barrier by closing automatically in a fire, so flames, hot gases and smoke cannot spread through the opening created by the duct or pipe.
In normal operation, air or process gas can flow freely through the damper. When a fire occurs and the damper is triggered, a blade or closure element moves into the opening and blocks the passage. This helps maintain the integrity of the fire compartment and limit the spread of fire from one section of the building to another.
How a fire damper fits into passive fire protection
Fire dampers are part of the building’s passive fire protection. Fire-resistant walls and floors are designed to contain a fire for a specified period of time. Whenever ducts, pipes or transport systems penetrate these barriers, the opening must be protected so that the overall fire resistance is not weakened.
By closing automatically under fire conditions, the fire damper helps to:
- maintain the fire resistance of the wall or floor
- limit the spread of flames and hot gases through ductwork
- support the overall compartmentation strategy of the building
Fire dampers work alongside other fire safety measures such as fire-resisting doors, fire stopping, smoke control systems and active fire protection (sprinklers, detection and alarm).
Key European standards for fire dampers
In Europe, fire dampers are normally covered by a set of harmonised standards and test methods. The most important for typical fire dampers are:
- EN 15650 – product standard for fire dampers, used as the basis for CE marking
- EN 1366-2 – test method for fire resistance of fire dampers
- EN 13501-3 – classification of fire resistance for fire dampers
The test standard EN 1366-2 describes how the damper is installed in a test wall or floor, how the fire exposure is applied and how integrity and insulation are evaluated. The results are then used to classify the damper according to EN 13501-3, for example EI 90 for a wall application. EN 15650 uses this information as part of the CE-marking process and the Declaration of Performance.
Typical applications for fire dampers
Fire dampers are used wherever air or gas is transported through fire-resistant barriers, for example:
- ventilation and air-conditioning ducts
- process air and exhaust systems in industrial plants
- pneumatic conveying lines for dust, powder or granules
- central vacuum or extraction systems that pass through fire compartments
In each case, the designer must ensure that the selected damper is suitable for the specific type of system, pressure range, temperature and medium, and that the installation follows the conditions from the test and classification reports.
How FireSep fire dampers address this
FireSep fire dampers are CE marked in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011/EU) and manufactured in compliance with EN 15650. The fire damper has been fire tested in accordance with EN 1366-2 and classified in accordance with EN 13501-3. Documentation and classification are based on tests carried out by the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI).
The product documentation in accordance with harmonised European standards can be used in the design and documentation of fire safety solutions in buildings, including buildings designed in compliance with the Danish Building Regulations (BR18), provided the intended application is within the scope of the documented testing and installation conditions. Designers, installers and building owners can use the supplied documentation to verify that the chosen damper type matches the specific installation situation and the required fire resistance.