Effective fire protection saves lives, minimizes property damage, and secures the continued operation of buildings. Actuated fire and smoke dampers in walls and ceilings penetrations provide the best protection along with sprinkler systems against the spread of fire and smoke. Actuator dampers also protect against low-temperature toxic smoke produced when a fire breaks out, helping for safe evacuation.

Fire and Smoke dampers are required by building codes to prevent spread of flames and toxic smoke in case of an event. Periodic testing of life safety systems and dampers is required by the codes, as described in Chart 1. The entire smoke control system must be tested according to the schedule labeled “Smoke Control Systems & Dampers.” The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), usually the Fire Marshal or Building Official, interpret the codes. NFPA 80 regulates fire dampers. NFPA 105 regulates smoke dampers. Both codes require repairs be initiated and completed as soon as possible and a record of the corrections to be available on the premises. UL does not regulate replacements; the AHJ is the final authority.

Building codes require the installation of life safety dampers for several purposes. Most are used to prevent the spread of heat, fire, and/or smoke in a life-threatening event. There are four essential types of life safety dampers:
1) Ceiling radiation
2) Fire
3) Smoke
4) Combination fire and smoke

Three general applications:
1) Compartmentation to prevent heat, fire or smoke transfer across barriers
2) Smoke control systems to prevent smoke movement within spaces or exhaust to the outside
3) Fire extinguishing or evacuation systems

Belimo Americas launches the new FSAF*A high torque fire and smoke damper actuators.  The FSAF*A electronic actuators are integrated into a life safety control system on smoke and combination fire and smoke dampers. This protects against dangerous low temperature smoke that is produced before fire breaks out and the large quantities of smoke generated in fully developed fires.  The primary result is fast smoke containment so that occupants are able to egress a building fire safely. Additional benefits are less smoke damage to furnishings and property and increased visibility for fire fighters.

Ensuring the safety of human life and property in buildings is one of the toughest demands that planners, builders, owners and operators are called upon to face. Smoke related injuries and deaths outnumber fire related injuries and deaths four to one. This is a rising concern for the safety of people and fire fighters who need to travel through building emergency exit routes as quickly as possible.