What is the purpose of a fire damper?

The primary purpose of a fire damper is to prevent the spread of fire through air ducts. Fire dampers are specifically designed to close automatically when they detect a certain temperature, thereby sealing off the ductwork and inhibiting the passage of flames and hot gases from one part of a building to another. This is crucial in maintaining compartmentalization, which is a key element of fire safety in commercial buildings. By effectively restricting the movement of fire, fire dampers help protect occupants and provide additional time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Given the other options, controlling smoke movement, enhancing air quality, and regulating air temperature are not the primary functions of fire dampers. While smoke may be affected indirectly by the operation of fire dampers, their main goal is to stop flames, not smoke. Enhancing air quality and regulating air temperature pertain to HVAC systems, where techniques and components are used to ensure proper air circulation and comfort, rather than specifically addressing fire protection measures.