Key Steps in Replacing Fire and Smoke Damper Actuators in Air Ductwork
This webinar is discussing technical details and considerations for replacing fire and smoke damper actuators. Our expert presenter Larry Felker will cover the topic in depth, after which Ron Pilkowitz will lead a Q&A session. Larry will discuss fire and smoke dampers, how they actuate, the different kinds of actuators used, and more.
Understanding fire and smoke dampers and their components is essential for proper damper actuation replacements. To begin, fire dampers are either mechanically actuated with a fusible link or bi-metal, or they can be combined with a smoke damper and electronically actuated with an actuator. Though fire dampers are relatively straightforward, smoke dampers are the more complex of the two, as there is no mechanical way to measure smoke, making an actuator an essential component of smoke damper installation.
When it comes to identifying damper actuator replacements, the most important thing to remember is to always inspect the damper first. Most actuators are of the direct-coupled type, but some require more in-depth investigation. In certain cases, extra components like pulleys and cables may be necessary to complete the installation – and if an old motor is being replaced, a spring on the damper shaft may need to be disabled first. In addition to the actuator, other elements of damper installation must also be taken into consideration, such as:
- Smoke detector placement: When smoke dampers are a part of the installation, detectors should always be installed into the duct.
- Heat responsive components: These bi-metals are what make a damper a fire damper and, consequently, a crucial element of the combination fire and smoke damper.
- Support structures: In certain applications, boards may be used to prop up the damper and keep it in place.
As we have seen in this webinar, replacing fire and smoke damper actuators can be challenging. It requires a comprehensive understanding of not only the actuator itself, but also the larger system. Now that you have been walk through this technical guide presented by Larry Felker, you should be equipped to make informed and accurate decisions relating to replacing fire and smoke damper actuators.
