What component of HVAC systems helps maintain building pressurization during a fire?

What component of HVAC systems helps maintain building pressurization during a fire?

• A. Exhaust fans
• B. Fire dampers
• C. Air conditioning units
• D. Heat exchangers

Answer: (B)

The component that helps maintain building pressurization during a fire is fire dampers. Fire dampers are specifically designed to automatically close in the event of a fire, which helps to contain fire and smoke within specific areas of a building. By closing off certain ductwork, fire dampers work to prevent the spread of smoke and hot gases, thereby assisting in the overall pressurization strategy of the building. This is crucial during a fire because maintaining appropriate pressurization can help direct smoke and heat away from escape routes and provide a safer environment for occupants and firefighters. In contrast, exhaust fans primarily serve to remove air from a building but do not actively contribute to maintaining pressurization during a fire. Air conditioning units focus on temperature control and may not be designed to manage smoke or pressure changes during emergency scenarios. Likewise, heat exchangers are concerned with transferring heat between fluids and do not play a role in managing smoke or pressurization in the context of fire safety.

The component that helps maintain building pressurization during a fire is fire dampers. Fire dampers are specifically designed to automatically close in the event of a fire, which helps to contain fire and smoke within specific areas of a building. By closing off certain ductwork, fire dampers work to prevent the spread of smoke and hot gases, thereby assisting in the overall pressurization strategy of the building. This is crucial during a fire because maintaining appropriate pressurization can help direct smoke and heat away from escape routes and provide a safer environment for occupants and firefighters.

In contrast, exhaust fans primarily serve to remove air from a building but do not actively contribute to maintaining pressurization during a fire. Air conditioning units focus on temperature control and may not be designed to manage smoke or pressure changes during emergency scenarios. Likewise, heat exchangers are concerned with transferring heat between fluids and do not play a role in managing smoke or pressurization in the context of fire safety.