Some dampers are used exclusively by the fire alarm system during a building fire to help control the spread of fires and smoke or purge smoke outside the building. True or False?

Some dampers are used exclusively by the fire alarm system during a building fire to help control the spread of fires and smoke or purge smoke outside the building. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Depends on the building

Answer: (A)

During a fire, certain dampers in the HVAC and shaft systems are wired to the fire alarm/smoke control system and act automatically to limit fire and smoke spread. Fire dampers seal openings in fire-rated barriers to stop flame paths, smoke dampers restrict smoke movement in ducts, and purge or exhaust dampers are used to vent smoke outside the building. Because these devices are actuated by the fire safety system specifically during a fire, they’re designed to operate in that condition rather than for normal HVAC control. So, some dampers are used exclusively by the fire alarm system during a fire to help control the spread of fires and smoke or purge smoke outside the building.

During a fire, certain dampers in the HVAC and shaft systems are wired to the fire alarm/smoke control system and act automatically to limit fire and smoke spread. Fire dampers seal openings in fire-rated barriers to stop flame paths, smoke dampers restrict smoke movement in ducts, and purge or exhaust dampers are used to vent smoke outside the building. Because these devices are actuated by the fire safety system specifically during a fire, they’re designed to operate in that condition rather than for normal HVAC control. So, some dampers are used exclusively by the fire alarm system during a fire to help control the spread of fires and smoke or purge smoke outside the building.