Each type of construction product has its own way of expressing fire performance. Through this series, we explain how to read and interpret classification codes according to the relevant European standards.
Part 6 – Fire Resistance Classification of Multi Compartment Smoke Control Dampers
These dampers are designed to operate in systems where smoke is extracted from several interconnected fire compartments. Their classification combines several parameters describing their behaviour under fire conditions in interconnected compartments. A clear understanding of these parameters is essential for their correct interpretation in practice.
Applicable standards
- Testing: EN 1366-10:2022+A1:2024
- Classification: EN 13501-4:2016
- EXAP: prEN 15882-6
| Designation | Meaning | Note |
| E | Integrity | |
| EI | Integrity and Insulation | |
| ttt | Classification period | 30, 60, 90, 120 min |
| HOT400/30 | Ability to be opened or closed during a period of 30 minutes under temperature conditions below 400 °C | |
| ved; vew; vedw | Application within vertical plane (i.e. damper mounted within a duct passing through a vertical fire separating construction i.e. wall or mounted directly in a wall) | d = duct; w = fire separating construction i.e. wall or floor (damper mounted in a duct or in a wall or both respectively) |
| hod; how; hodw | Application within horizontal plane (i.e. damper mounted within a duct passing through a horizontal fire separating construction i.e. floor or mounted directly in a floor) | d = duct; w = fire separating construction i.e. wall or floor (damper mounted in a duct or in a wall or both respectively) |
| (o→i) / (i→o) / (i↔o) | Direction in which the classification criteria are fulfilled | Damper tested in closed position / open position / both positions |
| S | Indicates a smoke leakage rate of less than 200 m³/(h·m²) as an additional leakage restriction | |
| p | Negative pressure differential applied during the test | 500, 1000, 1500 Pa. DIAP allows pressure application from (−p) Pa up to (+500) Pa |
| C300 / C10000 / Cmod | Damper suitability for use in smoke control systems only / combined systems / damper with modulating function used in combined systems, respectively | Combined systems = systems intended for both ventilation and smoke extraction in case of fire |
| AA/MA | Type of activation | AA = automatic activation; MA = manual intervention |
| multi | Suitable for smoke extraction from multiple fire compartments |
How to read the classification
Core classification parameters (E / EI, time, HOT)
The classification is based on the integrity criterion during the fire condition, expressed as E or EI, together with the corresponding classification time (e.g. 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes). It may also include the designation HOT 400/30, which indicates that the damper can be operated (opened or closed) for a defined period of time under elevated temperature conditions.
Installation and direction of fire exposure
The classification also reflects the installation conditions of the damper: e.g. orientation of supporting construction which the duct with classified damper pass (vertical or horizontal) and its position in the duct or the fire separating element (e.g. wall or floor). Another important aspect is the direction indicating in which direction the classification criteria are fulfilled, expressed as (o→i), (i→o) or (i↔o).
Performance and system-related parameters
Additional elements of the classification describe the performance of the damper under defined test conditions, including smoke leakage (S) and applied pressure (p). The classification may also contain designations such as C300, C10000 or Cmod, which indicate the intended use of the damper for smoke extraction systems only, combined ventilation and smoke control systems or combined systems using dampers with modulating function.
Activation and field of application
The classification may also specify the activation method of the damper, such as automatic (AA) or manual (MA), depending on how the device is triggered in operation. The designation “multi” indicates that the damper is intended for use in systems serving multiple fire compartments.
Example
EI120 (ved i↔o) S1500 C300 AA multi
This classification describes a damper maintaining integrity and insulation for 120 minutes, applicable in ducts passing vertical supporting construction (e.g. wall), tested in both positions (opened and closed). It also includes defined smoke leakage performance under 1500 Pa pressure, suitability for smoke extraction systems only, automatic activation, and use in systems serving multiple fire compartments.
