Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire–resistance–rated walls and floors.

In the event of a rise in temperature, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a
thermal element. This melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilising detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building–occupied spaces or the duct system.

The maintenance of fire, smoke and combination dampers is an essential component of a properly designed fire safety system. All the dampers installed in a building must be tested before occupancy and again one year later under normal operating conditions.

During a regular inspection the below could be expected:

• Survey the site to establish where the dampers are situated and make an inventory.
• Service and report – checking that each damper is working as it should 
• Clean channels and runners
• Repair and replace dampers as necessary.
• Reset dampers.
• Review combined effectiveness by testing the site control system
• Provided a comprehensive report containing such things as location, maintenance etc – invaluable for future inspections.