Which type of damper is generally used in non-fire-rated walls?

Which type of damper is generally used in non-fire-rated walls?

• A. Automatic dampers
• B. Smoke dampers
• C. Fire dampers
• D. Pressure relief dampers

Answer: (B)

Smoke dampers are typically used in non-fire-rated walls, serving a crucial function in managing smoke during a fire event. These dampers are designed to restrict the movement of smoke through HVAC systems to maintain a clear path for evacuation and to protect areas of refuge. Unlike fire dampers, which are installed in fire-rated walls and are designed to prevent the passage of flames, smoke dampers are primarily focused on controlling smoke spread without necessarily providing fire resistance. In scenarios where walls are not fire-rated, the need arises for a damper that can effectively manage smoke while still adhering to safety standards. Smoke dampers can operate as part of a smoke control system, helping to redirect smoke to designated areas, where it can be safely extracted, thus supporting the overall fire and life safety strategy of the building. Automatic dampers can adjust airflow based on system requirements but do not specifically address smoke control in non-fire-rated walls. Fire dampers are strictly geared towards preventing fire spread in fire-rated assemblies, making them not applicable in non-fire-rated settings. Pressure relief dampers serve a different purpose by balancing pressure in ductwork systems and do not play a role in fire or smoke management. Hence, smoke dampers are the correct choice for installation in non-fire-rated walls

Smoke dampers are typically used in non-fire-rated walls, serving a crucial function in managing smoke during a fire event. These dampers are designed to restrict the movement of smoke through HVAC systems to maintain a clear path for evacuation and to protect areas of refuge. Unlike fire dampers, which are installed in fire-rated walls and are designed to prevent the passage of flames, smoke dampers are primarily focused on controlling smoke spread without necessarily providing fire resistance.

In scenarios where walls are not fire-rated, the need arises for a damper that can effectively manage smoke while still adhering to safety standards. Smoke dampers can operate as part of a smoke control system, helping to redirect smoke to designated areas, where it can be safely extracted, thus supporting the overall fire and life safety strategy of the building.

Automatic dampers can adjust airflow based on system requirements but do not specifically address smoke control in non-fire-rated walls. Fire dampers are strictly geared towards preventing fire spread in fire-rated assemblies, making them not applicable in non-fire-rated settings. Pressure relief dampers serve a different purpose by balancing pressure in ductwork systems and do not play a role in fire or smoke management.

Hence, smoke dampers are the correct choice for installation in non-fire-rated walls