The Distance Between a Smoke Detector & a Damper

General Information

• Smoke dampers are installed in ducts and other air transfer openings to stop air and smoke from entering another area of the building. Dampers by themselves serve little practical purpose. However, when a damper is installed with a smoke detector, it can be useful in keeping your family safe. The smoke detector and damper are wired together. Once the detector senses smoke, it springs the damper closed, which prevents smoke from moving through the duct system.

Types of Dampers

• Several types of dampers are available. Fire dampers prevent fire from penetrating the fire barrier -- a fire-resistant-rated assembly of materials designed to restrict fire from spreading. The fire damper closes when the temperature reaches a certain point. Smoke dampers, on the other hand, prevent smoke from entering the ventilation system. Combination fire and smoke dampers serve both these purposes. Corridor dampers are combination units that are used when ducts start or end at horizontal openings in interior corridor ceilings. Ceiling dampers prevent heat from penetrating through ceilings and floors by using fire-resistant membranes.

Distance Requirements

• The International Code Council develops building codes that are adopted by all 50 states. The council states that a smoke damper installed inside a duct should be within 5 feet of a smoke detector, and there should be no air inlets or outlets between them. If the damper is installed above a door that is part of the noncumbustible smoke barrier, the detector should be installed on either side of the smoke barrier door opening. If the damper is installed in a wall's air transfer opening, the detector should be installed within 5 feet of the damper in a horizontal direction.

Considerations

• Building and safety codes vary for different regions and types of buildings. Check your local building codes for specific requirements on how many dampers you need and how far away from the smoke detectors they need to be. Because different products have different requirements, check the manufacturer's instructions for specific distance information.