Smoke Control Dampers 'Grey' Area Resolved

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E (integrity) and ES (integrity and leakage) classified fire dampers are used throughout the United Kingdom and other countries as a primary method of preventing fire and smoke from passing through heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and thereby, from one compartment to another, thus maintaining fire separation for means of escape.

The primary reference document for guidance on such systems is the ‘Grey Book’ entitled, ‘Fire Dampers (European Standards) Volume 1’, published by the UK Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

Whilst the Grey Book is concerned with fire dampers tested to EN 1366-2 and classified according to EN 13501-3, it does not make reference to smoke control dampers, which are tested to European Standard EN 1366-10 and classified according to EN 13501.4.

In order to resolve the matter the ASFP, in conjunction with the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) and various fire damper manufacturers, has just published Volume 2 of the ‘Grey Book’ which specifically deals with EN fire testing, classification, application and the installation of smoke control dampers.

In simple terms, Volume 1 is intended to provide guidance for fire and smoke protection for means of escape routes and for maintaining the fire compartment, whereas Volume 2 focuses on the use of smoke control damper systems in combination with ductwork.

The new ASFP documents attempt to provide practical advice so that damper manufacturers, system designers and installers are able to consider the appropriate issues and at the design stage, to make the necessary decisions to ensure that dampers will function as intended by current regulations.

Both documents are intended to make the design, specification and installation of fire and smoke dampers, where tested and classified to harmonised European procedures, easier. They also provide an excellent guide for inspectors. Each emphasises the importance of installing dampers as recommended by the manufacturer and to ensure the use of fire dampers that have been fire tested for the appropriate application.

It is imperative says the ASFP, that all fire dampers are adequately fire tested and installed, in accordance with the damper manufacturer’s instructions, which must be practical and be supported by relevant test data. Both new documents can be downloaded free of charge at: www.asfp.org.uk

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