Installation: Greenheck SSFD Series Curtain Fire Dampers Instruction Manual

Overview

SSFD Series Curtain Fire Dampers are static fire dampers designed to help maintain the fire-resistance performance of walls, partitions, and concrete floors where HVAC ductwork or transfer openings pass through a rated barrier. The series includes 1 1/2-hour and 3-hour configurations intended for qualified HVAC, mechanical, and life-safety installation professionals.

These dampers use a curtain-style blade assembly held open during normal operation and released by a replaceable fusible link when exposed to excessive heat. SSFD Series Curtain Fire Dampers must be installed according to the product label, the approved installation method, applicable building codes, and the requirements of UL 555.

Specifications

• Series: SSFD
• Models covered: SSFD-150 and SSFD-350
• Construction: 304 stainless steel
• Fire ratings: 1 1/2 hours and 3 hours
• Frame depth: 3 11/16 inches (94 mm)
• Damper type: Static curtain fire damper
• Certification: UL 555 classified
• SSFD-150 maximum single-section size: 48 x 48 inches (1219 x 1219 mm) for vertical installation and 36 x 36 inches (914 x 914 mm) for horizontal installation
• SSFD-150 maximum multi-section size: 96 x 48 inches (2438 x 1219 mm) or 120 x 40 inches (3048 x 1016 mm) for vertical installation
• SSFD-350 maximum single-section size: 48 x 48 inches (1219 x 1219 mm) for vertical installation and 40 x 40 inches (1016 x 1016 mm) for horizontal installation
• SSFD-350 maximum multi-section size: 80 x 40 inches (2032 x 1016 mm) for horizontal installation
• Installation locations: Masonry, block, or stud walls and concrete floors

Detailed Description

The damper consists of a stainless-steel frame, a sleeve or integral sleeve assembly, a stack of interlocking curtain blades, a closure spring, and a replaceable fusible link. The blade stack remains positioned to permit normal airflow until the release mechanism activates. When the fusible link separates because of heat, the closure spring drives the blades closed to limit the passage of fire through the rated opening.

Each damper has a product label that identifies its approved mounting orientation and installation position. For horizontal mounting, the marked “K” side must face upward. The blades must be horizontal when the damper is installed in masonry, block, or stud walls under the applicable installation configuration. Always follow the orientation shown on the actual damper label rather than relying only on the appearance of the assembly.

The blade stack, frame, sleeve, retaining angles, and fusible link must remain accessible for inspection and service. Provide suitable access for removing the fusible link and resetting the blades. When normal access cannot be provided, use a removable duct section.

Safety

Incorrect installation, adjustment, alteration, servicing, or maintenance can result in property damage, serious injury, or death. Read all installation and maintenance instructions before handling or servicing the damper.

• Use only the correct UL-approved fusible link, and verify that it is present, undamaged, and not already activated before installation.
• Handle the damper by its sleeve or frame. Do not lift or carry it by the blades.
• Keep the assembly square and free from twist, distortion, or misalignment.
• Do not force, squeeze, stretch, or rack the damper into the opening.
• Keep mortar dust, drywall dust, firestopping materials, wall texture, paint, and other debris away from the blade channels and operating parts.
• Cover the damper if wall texturing or spray painting will take place within 5 feet of the assembly.
• Do not place fasteners in the marked no-screw area or between blade channels, because they can obstruct blade movement.
• Have the authority having jurisdiction review and approve any installation variation required by site conditions.

Receiving, Storage, and Pre-Installation

Inspect every SSFD Series Curtain Fire Dampers shipment as soon as it arrives. Look for visible and concealed damage, record damage on the shipping documentation, and report the claim to the carrier. Confirm that all dampers, sleeves, accessories, and other shipment components are present.

Store dampers indoors whenever possible. Keep them dry, clean, and protected from weather, dust, dirt, and impact. Do not store them where temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C).

Before installation, verify the scheduled damper location, the required fire rating, the mounting orientation, the opening dimensions, and the condition of the fusible link. Confirm that the wall or floor construction matches the approved rated assembly.

Opening Preparation

Prepare the wall or floor opening to match the required rated construction and the damper dimensions. All framing, gypsum board, fasteners, and supporting materials must comply with the applicable wall design and local code requirements.

• For gypsum wallboard construction, fasten the board to surrounding stud and runner flanges at a maximum spacing of 12 inches (305 mm) on center.
• Use studs or runners with a minimum 2 1/2-inch (64 mm) dimension where required by the approved opening detail.
• For wood-stud construction, cover exposed wood framing surfaces with gypsum wallboard as required by the rated wall design.
• Exposed steel surfaces in metal-stud construction do not require gypsum board coverage unless the approved wall design requires it.
• Keep the opening aligned with the damper sleeve and provide the thermal expansion clearance required for the selected retaining-angle method.

Clearances and Sleeve Requirements

Install the damper in a steel sleeve of the required gauge and length. The sleeve interior must match the outside dimensions of the damper. The sleeve must not exceed 10 gauge (3.5 mm) thickness.

For a two-sided retaining-angle installation, provide expansion clearance between the sleeve and the wall or floor opening. For galvanized-steel dampers and sleeves, provide at least 1/8 inch per foot (3 mm per 0.3 m) of damper width and height, with a minimum total clearance of 1/4 inch (6 mm). For stainless-steel dampers with stainless-steel or galvanized sleeves, provide 3/16 inch per foot (5 mm per 0.3 m), with a minimum total clearance of 1/4 inch (6 mm) and a maximum total clearance of 2 inches (51 mm).

The total opening gap for galvanized assemblies may be as much as 6 inches (152 mm) larger than the damper, provided the gap does not exceed 3 inches (76 mm) on either side and the retaining angles overlap the wall or floor by at least 1 inch (25 mm).

For single-side vertical mounting, no minimum sleeve-to-opening clearance is required, although the opening may be up to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) larger than the damper in width and height. For single-side horizontal mounting, provide at least 1/8 inch per foot (3 mm per 0.3 m) of damper width and height, with a minimum total clearance of 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Unless an access door is factory incorporated, the sleeve may extend no more than 6 inches (152 mm) beyond the wall or floor opening on either side. A factory access door may allow the sleeve to extend up to 16 inches (406 mm) on the access-door side.

Multiple-Section Assemblies

Multiple SSFD sections must be ordered and approved as a complete assembly. Dampers ordered for separate individual installation must not be combined in the field.

When sections are shipped unassembled, connect them using one of the approved attachment methods: No. 10 sheet-metal screws, 1/4-inch (6 mm) nuts and bolts, tack or spot welds, or 3/16-inch (4.7 mm) steel pop rivets. Place attachments on both the entering-air and leaving-air faces, no more than 6 inches (152 mm) apart and no more than 2 inches (51 mm) from corners.

Do not place section attachments between blade channels. Dampers that are two or more sections high must be factory assembled.

Installing the Damper

1. Insert the sleeved damper into the prepared wall or floor opening.
2. Use the sleeve label to position the assembly at the required depth and orientation.
3. Keep the damper frame centerline within the plane of the wall or floor.
4. Confirm that the “K” side is upward for horizontal mounting.
5. Check that the sleeve projection remains within the permitted limits.
6. Verify that the frame is square, plumb, and free of twist before securing it.

Attach the damper frame to the sleeve on all four sides. Use one row of approved fasteners on each side of the blade channel. Fasteners must be no more than 6 inches (152 mm) apart and no more than 2 inches (51 mm) from the corners, with at least four attachments per side.

Retaining Angles and Wall Connections

Use retaining angles on all four sides of the sleeve. The angle leg attached to the sleeve must be at least 1 1/4 inches (32 mm). The wall- or floor-side leg must cover the annular space and overlap the rated barrier by at least 1 inch (25 mm).

• For 1 1/2-hour dampers no larger than 48 x 48 inches, use retaining angles at least 20 gauge (1 mm).
• For 3-hour dampers and dampers with a width or height greater than 48 inches, use retaining angles at least 16 gauge (1.5 mm).
• Attach retaining angles to the sleeve with approved screws, bolts and nuts, pop rivets, or tack or spot welds.
• For openings up to 48 inches wide by 36 inches high, use at least two connections per side with a maximum spacing of 12 inches (305 mm).
• For larger openings, use a maximum connection spacing of 6 inches (152 mm).
• For two-sided installations, do not fasten the retaining angles to the wall or floor.
• For single-sided installations, fasten the retaining angles to the wall, floor, or supporting framing.

In steel framing, fasteners must engage the steel stud or track by at least 1/2 inch (13 mm). In wood framing, fasteners must engage the wood stud by at least 1 3/4 inches (44 mm). For masonry or block, anchors or masonry screws must penetrate at least 1 1/4 inches (31 mm).

For horizontal installations, position the retaining angles on the top side of the floor or ceiling barrier. For grille installations up to 36 x 36 inches (914 x 914 mm), use steel retaining angles at least 5/8 x 1 inch (15 x 25 mm) and 16 gauge (1.5 mm), with fasteners no more than 6 inches (152 mm) apart and no more than 2 inches (51 mm) from corners.

Duct-to-Sleeve Connection

All ducts must terminate at the fire damper sleeve. The permitted sleeve gauge and connection type depend on duct size and construction. A rigid connection requires the sleeve to be no thinner than the connecting duct. Approved breakaway connections include specified slip joints, approved transverse joints, round or oval collar connections, and recognized proprietary flanged systems installed according to their approved details.

For round or flat-oval ducts connected to approved collars, use three No. 10 sheet-metal screws for ducts up to 22 inches (558 mm) in diameter or width. Use five screws for ducts over 22 inches and up to 36 inches (914 mm).

For transverse joints, no more than two No. 10 screws may be used on each side and the bottom. Ducts up to 20 inches (508 mm) high may use transverse joints at the top and bottom with drive-slip joints on the sides.

Approved flanged breakaway systems require the specified cleats, gaskets, fastener spacing, and corner details. Follow the approved connection configuration for the selected system and ensure that the connection does not restrict damper closure.

Commissioning and Periodic Testing

Commission and periodically test the damper according to the applicable fire and life-safety requirements. Testing must confirm that the blades close completely and can be reset to the open position without binding.

For mechanically or gravity operated dampers with fusible links, remove the fusible link to allow the damper to close fully, manually reopen the blades, and reinstall the correct link. Do not apply uncontrolled heat from a heat gun, torch, or similar source to activate the link during testing, because excessive heat can permanently damage the thermostat or other components.

Where an actuator is installed, temporarily remove electrical or pneumatic power to verify full closure, then restore power and confirm that the damper fully reopens.

Cleaning and Maintenance

SSFD Series Curtain Fire Dampers generally require little maintenance when kept dry and clean. Inspect the frame, sleeve, blade channels, fusible link, closure spring, and accessible linkage for dirt, damage, corrosion, or interference.

• Remove dust and debris with a mild detergent or suitable non-oil-based solvent.
• Do not use oil-based lubricants or products that attract dust and other contaminants.
• If lubrication is required, use a suitable non-contaminating product on applicable bearings or seals.
• Keep the blade stack free of mortar, drywall compound, paint, firestopping material, and other construction residue.
• Replace a damaged or activated fusible link before returning the damper to service.

Troubleshooting

Blades do not fully open or close

A twisted or out-of-square frame can cause the blades to bind against the jamb seals. Recheck the installation and adjust the frame so it is square and plumb.

Linkage is obstructed

Fasteners may have been installed in the linkage path, blade channel, or no-screw area. Remove the obstruction only if this can be done without damaging the damper, then correct the attachment arrangement.

Damper is positioned too far into the wall

Compare the installed position with the location shown on the damper label. Reposition the assembly to the marked line when the installation depth is incorrect.

Contamination prevents operation

Construction dust, paint, or other foreign material can restrict blade movement. Clean the affected areas with a mild detergent or non-oil-based solvent and verify complete closure.

Fusible link has separated

Heat activation or damage may have released the link. Replace it with the correct approved fusible link, inspect the damper for heat or mechanical damage, and retest operation.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Stainless-steel construction, 1 1/2-hour and 3-hour fire-rating options, curtain-blade closure, UL 555 classification, and installation flexibility in approved wall and concrete-floor assemblies.
• Pros: Replaceable fusible link and accessible components support inspection, resetting, and periodic testing.
• Cons: Correct orientation, sleeve clearances, retaining angles, fastener placement, and approved duct connections are essential for a compliant installation.
• Cons: The static design is intended for HVAC systems that shut down during a fire and is not a substitute for a dynamic damper application.