What is a common purpose for fire and smoke dampers?

Fire and smoke dampers serve a crucial function in enhancing building safety by controlling the movement of smoke and heat during a fire. Their primary purpose is to automatically close upon detection of heat or smoke, thereby restricting airflow through duct systems. This containment is vital in slowing the spread of smoke and flames from one area of a building to another, significantly aiding in fire protection strategies.

In doing so, fire and smoke dampers help maintain tenable conditions in areas where occupants might evacuate, allowing for safer evacuations and greater effectiveness of firefighting efforts. This function is particularly important in larger facilities where fire and smoke can travel quickly through the ductwork if left unimpeded. As such, the proper installation and maintenance of these dampers are key components of a building's fire protection system.