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IS 13913 : 1993Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers for Air Distribution Systems - Specification

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UL 555 · UL 555S · BS EN 15650
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMMEP · HVAC and Air Conditioning
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 13913:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire dampers and smoke dampers for air distribution systems - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, construction, performance, and testing of fire dampers and smoke dampers used in HVAC air distribution systems. It aims to ensure these devices reliably prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork penetrating fire-rated barriers. The code covers fire resistance ratings, leakage limits, and operational integrity.

Specifies requirements for the construction, performance, and testing of fire and smoke dampers used in air distribution systems.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
MEP — HVAC and Air Conditioning
Type
Specification
International equivalents
UL 555:2020 · Underwriters Laboratories (UL), USAUL 555S:2019 · Underwriters Laboratories (UL), USABS EN 15650:2010 · British Standards Institution (BSI) / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), UK/EuropeAS 1682.1-2015 · Standards Australia, Australia
Typically used with
IS 277IS 2062
Also on InfraLens for IS 13913
6Key values1Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Crucially, this 1993 standard has been superseded by IS 13913 (Part 1):2018 for fire dampers and IS 13913 (Part 2):2018 for motorized fire/smoke dampers. Always refer to the latest versions for new projects.
! The fire rating of the damper must be selected to match the fire rating of the wall or slab it penetrates, as mandated by the National Building Code.
! Correct installation is critical for performance. Ensure installation is done as per manufacturer's guidelines and the approved 'breakaway' connections for ducts are used to prevent structural damage during a fire.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3TerminologyCl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Constructional RequirementsCl. 6Performance RequirementsCl. 9Testing
Pulled from IS 13913:1993. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
galvanized steelstainless steelsheet metalactuatorsfusible link

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
UL 555:2020Underwriters Laboratories (UL), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Fire Dampers
Covers requirements for the construction, performance, and testing of fire dampers.
UL 555S:2019Underwriters Laboratories (UL), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Smoke Dampers
Covers requirements for the construction, performance, and testing of smoke dampers.
BS EN 15650:2010British Standards Institution (BSI) / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Ventilation for buildings - Fire dampers
Specifies product requirements and references test methods for fire dampers used in HVAC systems.
AS 1682.1-2015Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Fire, smoke and air dampers - Part 1: Specification
Specifies requirements for design, construction, and performance of fire and smoke dampers.
Key Differences
≠IS 13913:1993 is a significantly older standard. International equivalents like UL 555/555S and EN 15650 have been revised multiple times, incorporating modern testing, materials, and smoke control strategies.
≠UL 555 distinguishes between 'static' dampers (for systems that shut down in a fire) and 'dynamic' dampers (tested to close against system airflow). IS 13913 does not make this explicit distinction or require dynamic closure testing.
≠Modern standards like UL 555S and EN 12101-6 mandate extensive operational cycling tests (e.g., 20,000+ cycles for UL) for smoke dampers to verify actuator and linkage durability, a requirement not specified in IS 13913.
≠International fire test methods (e.g., EN 1366-2) require dampers to be tested under a significant positive pressure differential (e.g., 300 Pa) to simulate building pressures in a fire. The test referenced in IS 13913 is less stringent regarding pressure control.
≠Standards like UL 555S offer a multi-level leakage classification system (e.g., Class I, II, III), allowing designers to specify damper performance. IS 13913 provides a single, pass/fail maximum leakage limit.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the same fundamental purpose: to specify dampers that automatically block ductwork to prevent the spread of fire and/or smoke within a building's ventilation system.
≈All standards classify dampers based on a fire-resistance rating, expressed in hours (e.g., 1.5-hr, 2-hr, 4-hr), which is determined through a standardized furnace fire test.
≈The use of a fusible link, designed to melt at a predetermined temperature and release the damper blades to close, is a common and fundamental actuation method for fire dampers across all standards.
≈All standards mandate the construction of dampers from non-combustible materials, primarily galvanized or stainless steel for the frame, blades, and critical components, to ensure structural integrity during a fire.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Fire Rating Periods1, 2, or 4 hours1.5, 2, 3, or 4 hoursUL 555
Fusible Link Actuation Temperature74°C (must melt in 60s at 100°C)Standard rating of 74°C (165°F); other temperature ratings are available.UL 555
Smoke Damper Operational Cycling TestNot specifiedMinimum 20,000 open/close cycles for standard dampers; 100,000 for high-velocity.UL 555S
Fire Test Pressure DifferentialSlight positive pressure as per IS 3614 (Part 2)Maintained at 300 Pa across the damper assembly.BS EN 1366-2
Frame Material Thickness (Steel)Not less than 1.25 mmMinimum 1.6 mm (16 gauge) for dampers up to 914 mm width.UL 555
Blade Material Thickness (Steel)Not less than 1.6 mmMinimum 1.6 mm (16 gauge) for multi-blade dampers.UL 555
Maximum Smoke Damper Leakage200 m³/h per m² at 250 Pa200 m³/(h·m²) at 300 Pa for 'S' classification (smoke tightness).BS EN 15650
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Fusible Link Operating Temperature74°C
Minimum Fire Resistance Rating90 minutes (1.5 hours)
Maximum Smoke Leakage Rate0.1 m³/s/m² at 250 Pa static pressure
Minimum Casing Sheet Thickness (GI)1.25 mm
Maximum Velocity Rating10 m/s
Maximum Operating Pressure1000 Pa

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Thickness of Galvanized Steel Sheets for Damper Components
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Terminology
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Constructional Requirements
Clause 6 - Performance Requirements
Clause 9 - Testing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 277:2018Galvanized Steel Sheets (Plain and Corrugated...
→
IS 2062:2011Hot Rolled Medium and High Tensile Structural...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the primary function of a fire damper?+
To close automatically upon detection of heat via a fusible link, stopping the spread of fire through ductwork penetrating a fire-rated barrier. (Clause 3.1)
What is the difference between a fire damper and a smoke damper?+
A fire damper is heat-activated (fusible link) to stop fire. A smoke damper is typically motorized and connected to a smoke detection system to control the spread of smoke. (Clause 3.1 & 3.2)
What is a combination fire and smoke damper?+
A damper that serves both functions: it closes via a fusible link in case of high heat and can also be controlled by a smoke detection system to manage smoke. (Clause 3.3)
What is the standard operating temperature for a fusible link?+
The standard temperature is 74°C, which is low enough to react to a fire but high enough to avoid nuisance tripping from ambient heat. (Clause 6.2.1)

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