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Fire testing of ventilation ducts and dampers for buildings and construction

Ventilation ducts and dampers must maintain fire separation between fire compartments. They are tested as complete duct configurations where geometry, joints, insulation and penetrations can all influence the fire performance.


DBI performs fire resistance testing of ventilation ducts, fire dampers and smoke extraction ducts for documentation and certification purposes.


The purpose of the testing is to verify integrity and insulation performance during fire exposure.

Technician observing a full-scale fire resistance test in DBI’s fire laboratory.

Facts

Relevant standards:

  • EN 1366-1 – Ventilation ducts
  • EN 1366-2 – Fire dampers
  • EN 1366-8 and EN 1366-9 – Smoke extraction ducts

Typical applications:

  • Ventilation ducts
  • Fire dampers
  • Smoke extraction ducts

Documentation:

  • Accredited fire test reports
  • Classification reports
  • Extended field of application documentation (EXAP)

Testing of complete duct configurations

Ventilation ducts are tested under standardised fire exposure conditions to evaluate whether fire and hot gases are prevented from spreading between fire compartments.

DBI performs testing of ventilation ducts used in ventilation systems and smoke extraction ducts used in smoke control systems.

Depending on the intended application, ducts may be tested for:

  • Fire exposure from outside the duct
  • Fire exposure originating inside the duct

The fire performance is influenced by the complete duct configuration, including duct geometry, flange connections, insulation systems and penetrations through walls and floors.

Planning documentation for real application ranges

Ventilation duct manufacturers and insulation suppliers rarely need documentation for a single standard setup.

In many cases, the challenge is to document a range of duct dimensions, installation orientations and system variations without creating unnecessary testing programmes.

At DBI, the process therefore typically starts with the intended field of application and documentation requirements — not with an isolated test setup.

This helps customers define relevant test programmes and avoid situations where completed fire tests cannot support the required application range or installation conditions.

Fire dampers

DBI also performs fire testing of fire dampers. The size of DBI’s furnaces makes it possible to test multiple dampers during the same test setup, helping manufacturers build documentation more efficiently.

Extended field of application (EXAP)

Ventilation duct manufacturers often need documentation covering multiple duct dimensions, installation orientations and system variations without repeating full-scale testing for every configuration.

DBI has extensive experience with extended field of application (EXAP) for ventilation ducts and supports customers in documenting broader application ranges based on fire test data.

This can help manufacturers avoid repeated testing and build documentation that supports the intended field of application.

One of DBI furnaces after a fire test, where a technican is pouring water on the burning test item.

See some of our fire test furnaces in this video

Our 3,000 square meter headquarters near Copenhagen houses a modern fire laboratory with various furnaces for almost all types of fire tests.

This makes it possible for us to conduct almost all types of fire tests, from small-scale to full-scale, with items as high as 4.48 meters.

Watch the video of some of our fire testing facilities.

Let us talk about your fire testing project

Christina works closely with our fire testing engineers, and she will be happy to assist you with your enquiry and connect you with the right team.

Christina Hald
Christina Hald
International Sales Manager Nordic & Baltic
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Christina Hald

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Location

Our headquarters and test facilities are centrally located in Copenhagen, Denmark – close to the motorway and only a 15-minute drive from Copenhagen Airport.


Address: Jernholmen 12, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark

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