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 5 – Fire Resistance Classification of Single Compartment Smoke Control Dampers
Smoke control dampers for single fire compartments are used to control the movement of smoke within a defined fire compartment. Their classification combines several parameters, such as temperature classification, fire resistance time, leakage performance, pressure conditions and application details. Understanding how these parameters are defined and applied is essential for correct interpretation and use.
Applicable standards
- Testing: EN 1366-10:2022+A1:2024
- Classification: EN 13501-4:2016
- EXAP: prEN 15882-6
| Designation | Meaning | Note |
| E300 | Integrity tested at elevated temperature 300 °C | Test standard EN 1366-10 does not allow a test for assessing integrity at 300 °C |
| E600 | Integrity tested at elevated temperature 600 °C | |
| 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 | To be used only with E600 classification |
| 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 |
| single | Suitable for smoke extraction from single fire compartment |
How to read the classification
Core classification parameters (E600, time, HOT)
A key part of the classification is the integrity criterion at elevated temperature, typically expressed as E600, together with the classification time (e.g. 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes).
In addition, the designation HOT400/30 may be included, indicating 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 how and where the damper is installed. This includes its orientation (vertical or horizontal) and its position in relation to the duct and 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
Further elements of the classification include smoke leakage performance (S) and pressure conditions (p), which define how the damper performs under specified leakage limits and applied pressure during testing.
The classification may also include designations such as C300, C10000 or Cmod, indicating the suitability 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 include information on the activation method of the damper, such as automatic (AA) or manual (MA).
The designation “single” indicates that the damper is intended for smoke extraction from a single fire compartment.
Example
E600 60 (ved hod i↔o) S1500 C300 AA single
This classification describes a damper maintaining integrity at 600 °C for 60 minutes, applicable in both vertical and horizontal orientation mounted to the duct, 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 within a single fire compartment.
