Which type of damper is designed to close upon detection of smoke?

Which type of damper is designed to close upon detection of smoke?

• A. Fire damper
• B. Smoke damper
• C. Gravity damper
• D. Balancing damper

Answer: (B)

A smoke damper is specifically designed to respond to the presence of smoke in an air handling system. Its primary function is to close automatically when smoke is detected, thus preventing the spread of smoke and harmful gases from one area to another within a building during a fire event. This functionality is crucial for maintaining safe air quality and controlling smoke movement, which is essential in safeguarding occupants and facilitating effective evacuation and firefighting efforts. Fire dampers, in contrast, close in response to high temperatures, not smoke. Their role is to prevent the passage of flames through ducts or openings between fire-rated walls or barriers. Gravity dampers and balancing dampers serve different purposes; gravity dampers rely on gravity to open and close based on airflow, while balancing dampers are used to regulate airflow within the system rather than responding to fire or smoke conditions. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique and critical role of smoke dampers in maintaining safety during fire incidents.

A smoke damper is specifically designed to respond to the presence of smoke in an air handling system. Its primary function is to close automatically when smoke is detected, thus preventing the spread of smoke and harmful gases from one area to another within a building during a fire event. This functionality is crucial for maintaining safe air quality and controlling smoke movement, which is essential in safeguarding occupants and facilitating effective evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Fire dampers, in contrast, close in response to high temperatures, not smoke. Their role is to prevent the passage of flames through ducts or openings between fire-rated walls or barriers. Gravity dampers and balancing dampers serve different purposes; gravity dampers rely on gravity to open and close based on airflow, while balancing dampers are used to regulate airflow within the system rather than responding to fire or smoke conditions. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique and critical role of smoke dampers in maintaining safety during fire incidents.