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Volume, Fire & Smoke Dampers
Fire Dampers
What is a fire damper and why might they be needed?The FD Series Steel Curtain Fire Damper is designed to stop the spread of fire through ducts, walls, floors and ceilings.
The product range has many features and options to meet the requirements of specifiers, contractors, local and national authorities. Dampers are available to suit both low/medium and high velocity applications.
What is the ‘E’ classification?
To achieve the classifications to EN13501-3, fire dampers and fire and smoke dampers shall be tested to EN1366-2 and a 300Pa pressure difference is applied across the damper. During the fire test period, the integrity of the seal between the damper and the structure shall not have any gaps larger than 150mm x 6mm. There shall not be any sustained flaming. The largest size of damper to be manufactured for sale as a single section shall be fire tested.
E = Integrity
The maximum leakage permissible at 300Pa corrected to 20°C is 360m3/hr/m2 (100 l/s/m2) throughout the fire test period.
Fire dampers should be installed as tested.
Test reports showing testing to EN 1366-2 should be acceptable to meet the requirements of BS 476-20/22, but the reverse is definitely not the case and no classifications are available.
Some applications (fan off) allow the use of tests undertaken to BS 476-20/22 and this is allowed worldwide in areas outside of the EU.
However, as a word of caution, in whichever case, the correct model must be selected, to match fire resistance time with installation method and with the supporting construction (wall or floor).
To ensure that all testing and assessments are traceable back to initial fire test reports, the BSB FD series is product certificated by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). This means that in addition to normal BS EN ISO 9001 compliance, the product is also checked to ensure that same product is being manufactured that has been tested or assessed.
Mech-Elec have a policy of continued testing and product certification to try and provide as broad a number of installation methods as possible.
Mech-Elec also follow regulation and standards development very carefully to provide input on changes and to be able to pass on relevant information to designers, specifiers, building control authorities (BCA's) and installers.
Testing and Conformities
See installations section for full details.
E Classification (BS EN 1366-2/BS EN 13501-3)
• BSB FD fitted with HEVAC frame
E240 - Blockwork/masonry wall
E240 - Concrete floor
• BSB FD fitted with sleeve & angle frame
E120 - Dry partition wall
E120 - Blockwork/masonry wall
• BSB FD fitted with batt frame
E120 - Firetherm intubatt barrier
• BSB FD fitted with cleats
E120 - Dry partition wall
• BSB FD fitted with angle frame
E120 - Dry partition wall
E Classification (BS ISO 10294-1/2)
• As BS EN 1366-2/BS EN 13501-3 above
Integrity only (BS 476-20/22 - ADB - fan off)
• BSB FD fitted with HEVAC frame
240 mins - Blockwork/masonry wall
240 mins - Concrete floor
• BSB FD fitted with sleeve & angle frame
120 mins - Dry partition wall
120 mins - Blockwork/masonry wall
• BSB FD fitted with cleats
120 mins - For surface mounting
120 mins - Dry partition wall
120 mins - Blockwork/masonry wall
120 mins - Away from wall associated with fire resisting ductwork
240 mins - Blockwork/masonry wall
Corrosion testing (ASTM B117)
• Tested and satisfies LPS 1162
FD Blade leakage (BS EN 1751)
• Class 2
FD Features and Benefits
• The majority of the FD product variants are covered by third party Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) product certification. This represents both full BS EN ISO 9001 quality compliance and a guarantee that the products are fully representative of those actually tested.
• Tested and certified installation variants of the FD are available to cover masonry walls, dry walls, batt walls and floors. These cover the majority of applications/supporting constructions that are required to maintain compartmentation.
• All Mech-Elec tested installation methods give at least a E120 classification, usually only limited by the wall construction used. This is extended to E240 when installed using a HEVAC frame in a masonry/blockwork floor or wall.
• Sleeve and angle methods, HEVAC frame methods, cleat and drop rod methods and batt infill methods are available.
• Some rarer installation applications are covered by assessment/test information to BS 476-20/22.
• Minimum size 100mm x 100mm.
• Maximum single section size 1200mm x 1000mm, available from the smallest size up to this in millimetre increments.
• Multi-section configurations are available to specific customer requirements, but will be subject to BCA approval.
• Standard construction is a fully welded galvanised steel case, which gives a casing leakage that complies with Class C ductwork leakage specifications.
• Other combinations of galvanised mild steel, type 1.4016 (430) and 1.4401 (316) stainless steels for the blades and case are available to specific customer requirements.
• The Mech-Elec FD has a strong and robust design to both meet the exacting fire testing requirements and be resilient to site handling. This is supported by sound production techniques which result in a quality product.
• All the above, supported with Mech-Elec’s enviable delivery performance, provide an unbeatable combination.
Blade Detail
Formed to provide a continuous interlocking hinge extending the full length with dual swages providing maximum strength and rigidity. Nominally 0.7mm (22swg) thick cold reduced hot dipped galvanised mild steel to BS EN 10346 Grade DX51D + Z275.
Blade Control Options
• Mechanical Visual Indicator
• Single Pole Microswitch
• Double Pole Microswitch
• Burgess Microswitch
Fusible Link Detail
Straight Bar (top illustration) or
Gate Latch (bottom illustration)
