Identify a potential issue that can cause a smoke damper to fail.

Identify a potential issue that can cause a smoke damper to fail.

• A. Improper installation
• B. Mechanical obstruction
• C. Inadequate power supply
• D. Insufficient air pressure

Answer: (B)

A potential issue that can cause a smoke damper to fail is mechanical obstruction. Smoke dampers are designed to operate in response to smoke detection and must move freely to fully open or close as needed. If there is any obstruction—such as debris, misaligned components, or damage to the damper itself—it can prevent the damper from functioning properly. This compromise in operation may hinder the damper's ability to contain smoke, thus increasing the risk during a fire event and violating fire safety protocols. While other issues such as improper installation, inadequate power supply, and insufficient air pressure are certainly important factors that can affect the performance of smoke dampers, a mechanical obstruction directly impacts the physical movement and operational efficacy of the damper components. In this context, the presence of an obstruction highlights an immediate concern that can lead to failure in emergency situations, making it a critical point of inspection and maintenance for fire safety compliance.

A potential issue that can cause a smoke damper to fail is mechanical obstruction. Smoke dampers are designed to operate in response to smoke detection and must move freely to fully open or close as needed. If there is any obstruction—such as debris, misaligned components, or damage to the damper itself—it can prevent the damper from functioning properly. This compromise in operation may hinder the damper's ability to contain smoke, thus increasing the risk during a fire event and violating fire safety protocols.

While other issues such as improper installation, inadequate power supply, and insufficient air pressure are certainly important factors that can affect the performance of smoke dampers, a mechanical obstruction directly impacts the physical movement and operational efficacy of the damper components. In this context, the presence of an obstruction highlights an immediate concern that can lead to failure in emergency situations, making it a critical point of inspection and maintenance for fire safety compliance.