What is "fire damper"

alt. 1 a passive fire protection product used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts 2 a damper which closes off an air duct automatically in the event of fire so as to restrict the passage of fire and smoke 3 (context historical archaic mining English) a mine worker who detects and clears a mineshaft of firedamp by intentionally burning or blowing it up n. 1 a passive fire protection product used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts 2 a damper which closes off an air duct automatically in the event of fire so as to restrict the passage of fire and smoke 3 (context historical archaic mining English) a mine worker who detects and clears a mineshaft of firedamp by intentionally burning or blowing it up

Fire dampers are passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. Fire/smoke dampers are similar to fire dampers in fire resistance rating, and also prevent the spread of smoke inside the ducts. When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilising detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system.

Regulations and fire test regimes vary from one country to another, which can result in different designs and applications.