Usually this device is used in the building to regulate the air flow inside the duct, chimney or VAV box. It is used to regulate the temperature of the building. It can also be called climate control device.
Usage of these devices is declared a must to use by the authorities in all the emirates in UAE. For instance if any fire erupts or smoke is caused in the building, these devices act as a two way air flows in the ducts that throw the smoke out of the building and let the conditioned air in to regulate the temperature and stop the fire and smoke from spreading.
Installation of these HVAC devices should be done in accordance to the requirements to the International Building Code section 717.2 so that there is isn’t any performance problem caused afterwards. The effectiveness of the life safety dampers can also be improved by following the procedure in the section of IBC.
Installation of fire smoke combination device:-
Following are the requirements that need to be fulfilled for installing fire smoke combination device.
Measurement of clearances:-
Floor or wall openings and device sleeves require clearances between them. For galvanized steel devices, clearances of 1/8 inch (3 mm) per foot of device height or width are required with a maximum clearance of 1.5 inch (38 mm) and a minimum clearance of 0.25 inch (6 mm)! The floor or wall opening should be minimum 22 mm or 7/8 inch bigger than the device diameter outside.
Sleeve requirements: - length and width
Size of the device to be installed and the type of duct to sleeve connections decide the thickness of sleeve. Thickness of the wall or floor penetrated, other space restrictions caused by device accessories and actuator decide the length of the sleeve required. These sleeves should not go beyond the length of 6 inches (152 mm) away from the floor or wall (non actuator side). But on the side of actuator opening, the sleeve can be extended 16 inches.
Installation of device in floor or wall:-
Installation options of the device depend on following factors like size of model, mounting orientation and floor or wall construction for securing fire smoke combination device to floor or wall. Two options are available for keeping the angles right which include single side option and two side option.
Sealing of device to the Duct Work:-
Fire smoke combination device should be installed in a way that there should be a joint between the device frame and sealed duct to prevent any unwanted leakage of air.
If installed according to the requirements of IBC a life safety dampers can be beneficial in a number of ways and any building will be risk free of any mishap like fire, smoke or any other mishap.
