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Dampers, Penetrations & Life Safety · Dampers & Life Safety

Rectangular fire damper in wall

Rated wall penetration

ConnectionListed breakaway connection
SupportIndependent duct supports

Before you start

  • Confirm wall rating, damper model, sleeve, retaining method, breakaway connection, access side, blade orientation, and exact listed installation detail.
  • Verify the rough opening and wall construction match the tested or listed assembly.
  • Inspect the damper, sleeve, label, fusible link or actuator components, frame, blades, and factory stops.
  • Do not drill, weld, trim, or alter the damper or sleeve unless the listing specifically permits it.

Tools and materials

Listed rectangular fire damper and sleeve, exact retaining-angle or retaining-method components, listed breakaway connection parts, approved fasteners, access-door components, level, square, tape, and manufacturer installation instructions.

Lay it out

  1. Center the damper and sleeve in the rated opening as the listing requires.
  2. Mark the access side and confirm the blade and link remain reachable.
  3. Coordinate wall closure, access door, and duct supports before installation.

Set and support it

  1. Support the duct independently on both sides of the wall.
  2. Hold the sleeve square without loading it from the duct.
  3. Maintain the listed annular space and wall-clearance conditions.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Verify the opening, wall type, and exact damper listing.

  2. 2

    Set the sleeve and damper in the required plane and orientation.

  3. 3

    Install the listed retaining method exactly as shown.

  4. 4

    Connect the duct using the approved breakaway detail.

  5. 5

    Install the access door on the usable side.

  6. 6

    Confirm the blades move freely and the label remains visible.

  7. 7

    Complete required inspection before wall closure.

Check the install

  • The installed assembly matches the listed detail.
  • The damper is centered, square, and free to operate.
  • The duct is independently supported.
  • The access door is usable and the label is visible.
  • No unapproved fastener or field alteration is present.

Common mistakes

  • Using a standard duct joint where a listed breakaway is required.
  • Burying the access side inside a wall or ceiling.
  • Attaching duct weight to the damper sleeve.
  • Adding screws or angles not shown by the listing.

Stop and ask

Stop if the wall rating, damper listing, retaining method, breakaway detail, access, or opening condition does not match the approved installation.