How does a fire damper interact with firestop systems?

Fire dampers play a crucial role in the overall fire protection strategy of a building by being integrated with firestop systems to control airflow. When a fire occurs, fire dampers automatically close to prevent the spread of smoke and flames through air ducts and openings. This interaction with firestop systems, which are designed to seal joints and penetrations in fire-resistive walls and floors, ensures that both fire and smoke are contained within defined areas of the building.

By working together, fire dampers and firestop systems enhance the fire protection measures by maintaining the integrity of fire-rated assemblies and limiting the unrestricted movement of fire and smoke. This integration is essential for achieving compliance with safety standards and ensuring occupant safety during a fire emergency.

The other options suggest that fire dampers have no connection to firestop systems, which overlooks their complementary functions, or that dampers can replace the need for firestop systems, which is not accurate as both are necessary for comprehensive fire protection. Additionally, the idea that fire dampers operate independently dismisses their intended purpose of working in tandem with other fire protection measures to effectively manage fire dynamics within a structure.