Fire & Smoke Dampers
We supply, install and remediate fire, smoke and combination dampers where ductwork passes through fire-rated and smoke-rated construction - correctly fitted, accessible for testing, and documented for compliance.
What are fire & smoke dampers?
Fire and smoke dampers are mechanical devices fitted inside ductwork where it passes through fire-rated or smoke-rated construction. In normal use they sit open and let air flow freely.
When fire or smoke is detected, the damper closes automatically - sealing the duct so fire and smoke can't travel through it from one compartment to the next. This keeps the fire or smoke barrier intact at the exact point the ductwork passes through it.
Fire, smoke & combination dampers
The right damper depends on what the barrier is protecting against - fire, smoke, or both.
Fire dampers
Close automatically when a fusible link reaches its rated temperature (around 74°C), sealing the duct where it penetrates a fire-rated wall or floor.
Smoke dampers
Close on smoke detection via the building's fire alarm or smoke-control system. Fitted in smoke barriers, partitions and smoke-control ductwork.
Combination fire/smoke dampers
Respond to both heat and smoke. Used in shafts, risers and partitions where both fire and smoke control are required from a single damper.
Where dampers are required
Wherever ductwork breaches a fire or smoke barrier, the opening has to be protected.
Fire-rated walls & floors
Where supply, return or extract ducts pass through fire-rated construction.
Smoke barriers & partitions
Where ducts cross smoke-control separations and smoke spread must be contained.
Shafts & risers
At duct connections into vertical shafts and risers serving multiple floors.
Plant & mechanical rooms
Where ductwork enters or leaves fire-rated plant and services rooms.
Ceiling & transfer ducts
Transfer openings and ceiling ducts between fire-separated spaces.
Where wrapping isn't suitable
As an alternative to a fire-rated duct wrap or shaft, depending on the design.
Our fire & smoke damper service
We make sure the right damper is fitted in the right place, correctly, with the access and documentation compliance requires.
Supply & install
We supply and install fire, smoke and combination dampers to suit the duct size, barrier rating and system design.
Remedial & retrofit
Repairing or replacing faulty, failed or non-compliant dampers in existing ductwork - and fitting dampers that are missing where they're required.
Correct access for testing
We install dampers with proper access panels so they can be reached and drop-tested by your IQP for the annual BWOF.
Compliance documentation
PS3 producer statements, product data and tagged records - ready for your IQP, council and BWOF file.
How we install your dampers
Review drawings & site
We review the mechanical drawings or walk the site to identify every duct penetration that needs a damper.
Specify the right damper
We select fire, smoke or combination dampers to match the barrier rating, duct size and system design.
Install with access
Installed to the tested detail with access panels so each damper can be inspected and tested.
Tag & document
Each damper tagged and recorded, handed over with your PS3 and compliance pack.
Dampers are a specified system - they must be tested annually
Fire and smoke dampers appear on the building's compliance schedule. To keep the Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) current, they must be inspected and drop-tested every year by a qualified IQP. We install and remediate them so they're correct, accessible and ready for that testing.
- Installed correctly to the tested detail and NZ Building Code
- Fitted with access panels so they can be reached and tested
- PS3 producer statements for the installed dampers
- Tagged and recorded for your IQP and BWOF file
Fire & smoke dampers, common questions
What's the difference between a fire damper and a smoke damper?
When do I need a fire or smoke damper?
What is a combination fire/smoke damper?
Do fire and smoke dampers need to be tested?
Fire damper or fire-rated duct wrap - which do I need?
Do you provide PS3 documentation?
Related passive fire services
Fire-Rated Duct Wrap
Protecting ductwork from the outside so it keeps operating in a fire - an alternative to dampers.
Learn more →Service Penetrations
Fire stopping around pipes, cables and conduits through fire-rated barriers.
Learn more →Openings & Voids
Sealing gaps, holes and builder's openings in fire-rated walls and floors.
Learn more →Need fire or smoke dampers?
Send us your mechanical drawings or a description of the building and we'll specify the right dampers, install or remediate them with access for testing, and hand over the documentation your compliance needs.