What is a purpose of a smoke damper installed in ducts?

A smoke damper installed in ducts serves the crucial purpose of resisting the passage of smoke during a fire. When a fire occurs, smoke can spread quickly through ventilation systems, compromising the safety of occupants and the integrity of the building. By effectively closing off the ductwork, a smoke damper prevents smoke from moving into other areas, thereby helping to contain the fire and providing more time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

This feature is particularly essential in buildings where various compartments may rely on shared duct systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The damper automatically activates in response to smoke detection systems to seal off airflow, improving overall fire safety management in the structure.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the primary function of a smoke damper. Providing airflow is not the role of a smoke damper, as its primary function is to limit airflow to curb smoke movement. Reducing noise is a function related to sound dampening devices and not to smoke management. Lastly, eliminating humidity pertains to moisture control, which is managed by different HVAC components such as dehumidifiers and is not an intended purpose of smoke dampers.