A fire damper is a device designed to impede the spread of fire through structural elements, such as walls, floors and partitions. Fire dampers may be installed in air ducts, closing when heat is detected, cutting off the flow of air and the passage of flames into the duct work.
Orientation
Fire dampers can be mounted vertically or horizontally and airflow can be from either direction. If mounted horizontally, dampers should only be mounted in a fire barrier constructed from concrete or masonry, whereas if mounted vertically, metal-framed gypsum wallboard is also an option.
Two-Sided
The most common method of installing fire dampers is the two angle, or two-sided, method. This method involves two sets of angle irons, or brackets securing the damper, one on each side of the wall; it is approved for concrete, masonry and gypsum walls approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Single-Sided
The one angle or single-sided method involves securing the fire damper with a single set of angle irons. This method can be used for vertical or horizontal installations, but is approved only for fire dampers designed to impede fire for 90 minutes.
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