What Is a Fire Damper and Why Does It Need Testing?

A fire damper is a safety device installed within HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) ductwork that automatically closes during a fire to prevent flames and smoke spreading between compartments. Testing is essential because dampers can seize, detach, or fail without visible signs. Under BS 9999:2017, all fire dampers must be inspected, drop-tested and recorded at regular intervals to maintain legal compliance and keep building occupants safe.

The fire damper must have a fire rating to suit the wall in which it is mounted.

​

How Often Should Fire Dampers Be Tested?

BS 9999:2017 states that fire dampers should be tested at least once every 12 months. Hospitals, high-risk environments and newly commissioned buildings may require more frequent testing. Documented test reports must be retained as proof of compliance.​​​​​​​​​

​

How Does A Fire Damper Work?

Fire Dampers are constructed from a galvanised steel frame with a spring loaded shutter which closes when fire or smoke reaches it.  A clever mechanical system called a Fusible Link melt at 72°C, triggering the damper to close. In a rectangular duct the closing device may be a series of vanes like a venetian blind. A round duct might require butterfly style vanes.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​​​​

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Fire Damper Testing Process (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Identify every fire damper location using drawings/onsite survey
2️⃣ Safely access ducts at height to allow full inspection and testing
3️⃣ Clean and lubricate where required
4️⃣ Mechanically test activation and drop-function
5️⃣ Repair/remedial service if a failure is identified
6️⃣ Issue a digital compliance report containing:

• Location and asset ID

• Condition & fault notes

• Pass / fail status for each

• Before & after photographs

​​

Who We Work With

We carry out testing & inspection for all building types, including:

🏥 Hospitals & healthcare
🏢 Offices & commercial premises
🏫 Schools & universities
🏋️‍♂️ Gyms & leisure centres
🏬 Retail & hospitality
🏚 Residential blocks & hotels
🏭 Warehouses & industrial sites

​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you test both mechanical and spring-loaded fire dampers?

Yes — we test and certify all types including curtain, multi-blade, mechanical, and spring-return dampers.

Can testing be carried out outside business hours?

Yes. To minimise disruption, we offer evening, night and weekend scheduling.

What happens if a fire damper fails the test?

We provide full remedial options. Where possible, repairs are carried out during the same visit to avoid downtime and additional call-outs.

Do you update the building’s asset register?

Yes — if required, we can tag and catalogue every damper with asset IDs and locations to support future compliance management.

​​​

📞 Book Fire Damper Testing

To request a quote or arrange a site survey:

📍 Nationwide coverage
📞 Phone: 0121 559 6431
📧 Email: Enquiries@dakro.co.uk

​

Additional Services from Dakro

• Fire damper installation & upgrades

• Fire stopping & passive fire protection surveys

• Ductwork cleaning & maintenance

• Air & water hygiene services

​​

​