The importance of Emergency Power to Fire Smoke Dampers?

Fire dampers are a necessary component of any building fire safety program. When there is a fire-resistant wall in the property, these are often ducting fittings. Ducting vents can serve as a means of allowing fire and smoke to escape between rooms. To prevent this, fire dampers have been installed on ducting vents.

The metal used in fire dampers is galvanized steel and comes in vertical or horizontal varieties, depending on how it shuts the ducting closed. Each style is suited for a particular purpose. It will form a hermetic barrier that prevents fire and smoke from spreading throughout the compartment.

A working fire damper is necessary for a fire barrier to be effective. Heat, melting a fusible link, will usually set off mechanical fire dampers. Smoke sensors in motorized fire and smoke dampers activate the damper to close when smoke is detected. If linked, they will most likely also include the ability to control them via an external control panel or a fire alarm system.

What happens when a fire Damper Fails

Dampers are used to keep a fire barrier in place, which prevents flames and smoke from crossing. If the damper does not completely close during an emergency, the barrier will be ineffective. Flames and smoke would then flow between fire compartments. If the damper performs as planned, it will ensure that everyone has enough time to evacuate safely. If it fails, lives as well as property, are at risk.

Is Emergency Power Required?

If the power supply to the fire and smoke dampers fails following a power lines failure, other alternatives will need to be in place to ensure that fire and smoke ducts operate as intended. There are several various solutions for fire dampers. In some areas, you can install hard-wired solutions with programmed solutions in others. Fire dampers that are hard-wired will work on their own without depending on any signals from sensors. Programmable fire dampers may be controlled from a distance and can be linked so that the procedure is completely automated.

So, what happens in the event of a fire or power outage?

A fusible link is required in fire dampers that operate without the need of sensors or circuits. This connection will melt due to the heat if a fire occurs. The temperature of this substance will generally be around 72 degrees Celsius. As a result, the fire damper will be activated and the duct will be sealed.

Whatever system you pick, you must be sure that your fire dampers will function in the case of a fire or an electrical outage. In most cases, alternative power is not required in the United Kingdom.

A fire protection system should include a detailed explanation of how your particular system will respond in the case of a fire. In most situations, motorized/actuator-driven dampers would shut if the power supply goes out. This built-in fail-safe feature ensures that they don’t require an emergency power source or battery backup. If there is a power outage, this safeguard is an important component of your fire prevention strategy.

Regular Maintenance Is Essential

Fire dampers must be tested at least once a year, according to BS 9999:2017. All fire dampers should have arrangements made for testing at regular intervals by a competent person after installation, and at least yearly afterwards. Any flaws that occur should be immediately fixed or replaced, with the repairs or replacements then verified to be effective.

We offer a comprehensive fire damper testing service at ECS Yorkshire. We’ll make sure that your fire and smoke dampers are in good working order and can continue to function in the case of a power outage. For further information, take a look at our website.

 

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