Relevant UK Standards for Dampers

Executive Summary – Relevant UK Standards for Dampers 

This executive summary provides a concise overview of the key standards and regulations affecting the selection, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire dampers, fire and smoke dampers, and volume control dampers (VCDs) in the UK. It is designed for buyers, specifiers, and project managers who need a high-level reference without the technical depth of the full guidance document. 

Note: This Technical guidance document is not exhaustive and covers common answers. Detailed or specific answers should be sought from professional consultants or building control prior to commencing installation, completing designs, or purchasing equipment. 

Disclaimer: There are situations where consulting building control is necessary, particularly if a modification could compromise other building systems or affect the building’s compartmentation. We strongly advise that you consult professional advisors, as they will take a holistic view of the project and can determine whether contacting building control is required. 

Furthermore, the information provided here is derived from open-source AI models, that may have inaccuracies, or manufacturers info and addresses simplified and generalised scenarios. There may be other standards which need to be considered and whilst we have produced technical bulletins these are for guidance purposes only and may not include all the standards that must be considered. We have to the best of our abilities looked to validate these statements and maintain them up to date.  This information does not account for specific installation conditions or unique circumstances. We also cannot guarantee that this information has not beensuperseeded or that it is exhaustive for your particular use. Therefore, any prospective purchaser should always seek guidance from qualified professionals or building control authorities, especially when specific products or complex installations are involved, before placing an order. 

1. Damper Type – Which Standards Apply? 

• Fire Dampers → BS EN 1366-2 (testing), BS EN 15650 (product standard), BS 9999 (maintenance). 

• Fire & Smoke Dampers → BS EN 12101-8 (smoke control dampers), BS EN 1366-10 (testing), BS 9999 (maintenance). 

• Volume Control Dampers (VCDs) → BS EN 1751 (aerodynamic/acoustic performance), BS EN 1507 / BS EN 12237 (ductwork leakage performance). 

2. Key Considerations for All Buyers 

• Fire safety compliance → Approved Document B (ADB). 

• Ventilation performance → Approved Document F (for VCDs in HVAC systems). 

• Maintenance → BS 9999 (fire damper testing: annual or more frequently if specified). 

• Certification → UKCA/CE marking, Declaration of Performance (DoP) for fire/smoke dampers. 

3. What to Check in O&M Documentation 

• Manufacturer certification (BS EN 15650 / BS EN 12101-8 compliance). 

• Fire resistance rating (e.g., E60, E120, ES classification). 

• Test evidence – BS EN 1366 series results.  

• Commissioning records – functional testing of damper opening/closing.  

• Maintenance schedule – inspection frequency, test logs.  

4. At-a-Glance Compliance Flow 

1) Identify damper type → Fire / Fire & Smoke / Volume Control. 

2) Apply relevant BS EN product & test standards. 

3) Check building regulations (ADB / Part F). 

4) Ensure certification → UKCA/CE + DoP (fire/smoke dampers). 

5) Record evidence in O&M → commissioning, testing, maintenance. 

Relevant UK Standards & Guidance – Fire, Smoke & Volume Control Dampers 

Summary Table of Key Standards 

Fire Dampers 

• BS EN 1366-2 – Fire resistance test method for fire dampers in ducts/walls. 

• BS EN 15650 – Product standard: performance requirements, CE/UKCA marking, DoP. 

• BS 9999 – Requires regular inspection/testing (at least annually). 

• Installed where ducts penetrate fire-resisting elements; must close on fire detection or fusible link activation. 

Fire & Smoke Dampers 

• BS EN 12101-8 – Product standard for smoke control dampers, covering fire and smoke containment. 

• BS EN 1366-10 – Test method for smoke dampers under fire conditions. 

• Maintenance/testing per BS 9999 – typically annually, but more frequent if risk assessment requires. 

• Critical in smoke control and means of escape protection systems. 

Volume Control Dampers (VCDs) 

• BS EN 1751 – Defines aerodynamic and acoustic performance testing for dampers, including leakage and casing performance. 

• BS EN 1507 / BS EN 12237 – Cover rectangular and circular ductwork respectively, into which VCDs are fitted. 

• VCDs are not life safety devices, but commissioning must record pressure drop, leakage class, and settings. 

• CIBSE Code A and BSRIA BG 49 apply for balancing and recording damper positions. 

What Evidence Should Be Recorded in O&M (UK Context) 

• Product certification to relevant BS EN standards (15650, 12101-8, 1751). 

• Fire resistance classification (e.g., E60, E120, ES). 

• Installation records and conformity marking (UKCA/CE). 

• Commissioning test results (functional operation for fire/smoke dampers; leakage/airflow for VCDs). 

• Maintenance regime – BS 9999 requires regular inspection and testing of fire and smoke dampers (at least annually). 

• Calibration details of test equipment used. 

Building Regulations 

• Approved Document B – Fire safety (requires dampers where ducts penetrate fire-separating elements). 

• Approved Document F – Ventilation (relevant where VCDs are used for balancing/airflow control). 

• Equivalent regulations apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

Certification & Marking 

• All fire, smoke, and VCDs must carry UKCA (or CE) marking under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). 

• Declaration of Performance (DoP) required from manufacturers for fire and smoke dampers. 

• Buyers should ensure conformity certificates and performance declarations are included in O&M manuals. 

Practical Application for Buyers 

• Fire Dampers – Verify BS EN 15650 certification, BS EN 1366-2 test evidence, and inclusion in O&M records. Annual testing required. 

• Fire & Smoke Dampers – Check BS EN 12101-8 certification, BS EN 1366-10 test evidence, and DoP. Annual (or more frequent) testing required. 

• VCDs – Confirm BS EN 1751 performance data (leakage, pressure drop) and commissioning records in O&M. Not life safety, but essential for system balancing. 

Summary Table – Additional Standards 

Additional Relevant Standards & Regulations 

Electrical Safety (Motorised Dampers) 

• BS EN 60335-2-80 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Particular safety requirements for fans and ventilation units (relevant for integrated dampers). 

• BS EN 60204-1 – Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines (applies to damper actuators and control panels). 

• BS EN 60730-2-14 – Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Requirements for motor-operated actuators (damper actuators). 

• BS EN 61439 – Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (for control panels operating dampers). 

Environmental & Energy Standards 

• Ecodesign / ErP (EU 1253/2014) – Energy-related requirements for ventilation units, which may apply where dampers are integrated into packaged systems. 

• BS EN ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems (not damper-specific, but often specified by clients for manufacturers and suppliers). 

• Approved Document L – Conservation of fuel and power (dampers must not compromise system efficiency). 

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) & Control Systems 

• BS EN 61000 series – Electromagnetic compatibility standards (for damper actuators and control panels). 

• BS EN 12094-3 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Electrical actuators for fire/smoke control dampers. 

• BS EN 54-20 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems – If dampers are directly interfaced with smoke detection/controls. 

Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance 

• CIBSE Guide M – Maintenance engineering & management, includes guidance on O&M for fire and smoke control systems. 

• BS 9991 – Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings (includes residential fire/smoke damper requirements). 

• BS 9999 – Code of practice for fire safety (already referenced; confirms annual or more frequent testing of dampers). 

Master Summary Table – All Relevant Standards for Dampers 

Other Damper Types & Relevant Standards 

Smoke Control Dampers 

• BS EN 12101-8 – Smoke and heat control systems – Smoke control dampers (product standard). 

• BS EN 1366-10 – Fire resistance tests for service installations – Smoke control dampers. 

• Typically used in dedicated smoke extract or pressurisation systems, distinct from general HVAC fire/smoke dampers. 

Shut-off / Isolation Dampers 

• BS EN 1751 – Ventilation for buildings – Air terminal devices – Aerodynamic testing (applies to leakage and performance). 

• BS EN 1507 / BS EN 12237 – Ductwork standards (rectangular and circular) covering integration of isolation dampers. 

• Commonly used for zoning, plant isolation, or system shutdown. 

Pressure Relief / Non-return Dampers 

• BS EN 13141-5 – Ventilation for buildings – Performance testing of cowls and non-return devices (residential applications). 

• BS EN 1751 – Performance classification for leakage and airflow in larger commercial/industrial dampers. 

• Used to prevent reverse airflow or maintain duct pressures. 

Blast / Explosion Relief Dampers 

• EN 13123-1 / EN 13123-2 – Explosion venting dampers for gas and dust atmospheres. 

• EN 1366-12 – Fire resistance tests for dampers under explosion conditions. 

• Specialist use in petrochemical, defence, or high-risk industrial facilities. 

Outdoor Air / Intake Louvres 

• BS EN 13030 – Ventilation for buildings – Terminals – Performance testing of louvres subjected to simulated rain. 

• Often paired with dampers for external intake/exhaust protection. 

Extended Master Summary Table – All Damper Types