What is the primary purpose of a smoke damper?

The primary purpose of a smoke damper is to control smoke movement. Smoke dampers are specifically designed to close off airflow in the event of a fire, thereby preventing the spread of smoke through the HVAC ducts into other areas of the building. This containment is critical for maintaining safe exit routes and minimizing smoke damage during a fire incident.

Controlling smoke movement is essential for building safety, ensuring that smoke does not travel to areas occupied by people who are trying to evacuate or to areas where it could ignite further fires. Smoke dampers are often integrated into a building’s fire protection system and must meet specific safety regulations to be effective.

In relation to the other choices, while a smoke damper can influence airflow, its primary function is not to prevent airflow generally, regulate temperature, or enhance ventilation. Instead, it focuses exclusively on establishing barriers to smoke, which is a vital component of fire safety engineering.