Where should a fire damper be installed?

Where should a fire damper be installed?

• A. In a non-fire-rated interior wall
• B. In the exterior of the building
• C. At duct penetrations through fire-rated walls to maintain compartmentalization
• D. Only above the hood canopy

Answer: (C)

Fire dampers belong where ductwork penetrates fire-rated walls or floors. Their job is to preserve the wall’s fire resistance by automatically closing in a fire, blocking flames and smoke from traveling through the duct into another compartment. Placing a damper in a non-fire-rated interior wall won’t stop fire spread because that wall isn’t rated to contain flames. Putting it on the exterior doesn’t address interior compartmentation either, and installing only above the hood canopy misses the function of protecting the barrier itself. So, the damper should be located at duct penetrations through fire-rated walls to maintain compartmentalization.

Fire dampers belong where ductwork penetrates fire-rated walls or floors. Their job is to preserve the wall’s fire resistance by automatically closing in a fire, blocking flames and smoke from traveling through the duct into another compartment. Placing a damper in a non-fire-rated interior wall won’t stop fire spread because that wall isn’t rated to contain flames. Putting it on the exterior doesn’t address interior compartmentation either, and installing only above the hood canopy misses the function of protecting the barrier itself. So, the damper should be located at duct penetrations through fire-rated walls to maintain compartmentalization.