Fire dampers stand as essential guardians in a building’s defence against fire. Just like the intricate cogs of a well-oiled machine, they must undergo regular testing to ensure they’re up to the task. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a directive laid out in BS9999:2017, emphasising the critical importance of competent and frequent testing.
But what exactly are fire dampers, and why do they deserve our attention?
In simple terms, fire dampers are the silent heroes of a building’s passive fire safety system.
Installed during construction, they act as barriers, strategically placed within fireproof walls, floors, and ceilings. Their mission? To staunch the flow of fire from one area to another, buying precious time for evacuation and containment.
So, how do these silent sentinels do their job?
At the heart of every fire damper lies a thermal element—a fusible link poised to spring into action when temperatures spike. As the link melts under the heat of a fire, it triggers the closure of the damper, sealing off the ductwork and confining the blaze.
Think of it as a tactical manoeuvre, isolating the threat and preventing its spread. And with modern advancements, many dampers are now equipped with electronic actuators, swiftly responding to alarms, and further enhancing their effectiveness.
In essence, fire dampers are the unsung heroes of fire safety, quietly standing guard until the moment they’re needed most—and with millions of them deployed across UK buildings, the call for vigilant testing has never been clearer.
Find out more about our Fire Damper Testing services today. Alternatively, contact us today with any enquiries and we’ll be happy to help.