What is the purpose of a fire damper in HVAC systems?

A fire damper plays a crucial role in HVAC systems by preventing the spread of smoke and flames within the ductwork during a fire. When a fire occurs, the damper automatically closes in response to heat from the flames, creating a barrier that obstructs the movement of smoke and fire gases to other areas of the building. This is essential for protecting areas of the building that are not yet affected by the fire and for enabling safe evacuation and access for firefighters.

While regulating airflow is important in HVAC systems, that function is typically managed by other devices, like control dampers or variable air volume systems, rather than fire dampers. Fire dampers are specifically designed for fire-related scenarios and do not actively regulate airflow under normal operating conditions. The suppression of fires is a crucial function, but fire dampers do not extinguish fires directly; they simply help contain them. Enhancing insulation is unrelated to the function of fire dampers, as they do not improve thermal insulation but focus solely on fire protection. Overall, the primary role of a fire damper is to prevent smoke spread and protect the safety of building occupants and property.