Zone dampers]

Advantages:

• Cost.
• Power consumption.
Disadvantages:

• New US residential building codes require permanent access to dampers through ceiling
access panels.
• Zone dampers are not 100% reliable. Most styles of motor-to-open/motor-to-closed
electrically operated zone dampers aren't "fail safe" (that is, they do not fail to the open
condition). However, zone dampers that are of the "Normally Open" type are fail-safe, in that
they will fail to the open condition.
• No inherent redundancy for the furnace. A system with zone dampers is dependent upon a
single furnace. If it fails, the system becomes completely inoperable.
• Low total flow when only some dampers are open can cause inefficient operation.
• Supply and return ducts need dampers to avoid pressurization of portions of the building.
• The system can be harder to a design, requiring both "SPDT" thermostats (or relays) and the
ability of the system to withstand the fault condition whereby all zone dampers are closed
simultaneously.
Pneumatic actuation is preferred for these dampers. It is easier to provide zone-classified
solenoid valves for pneumatic actuation, as compared to electrical actuation. The physical size of
such solenoid valves have come down very considerably over the years.

Fire dampers
Fire dampers are fitted where ductwork passes through fire compartment walls / fire curtains as
part of a fire control strategy. In normal circumstances, these dampers are held open by means
of fusible links. When subjected to heat, these links fracture and allow the damper to close under
the influence of the integral closing spring. The links are attached to the damper such that the
dampers can be released manually for testing purposes. The damper is provided with an access
door in the adjacent ductworks for the purpose of inspection and resetting in the event of closure.