FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we're most often asked by engineers, contractors and consultants. If your question isn't covered here, our technical team is happy to help with product selection, installation or compliance queries.
Non-spring return actuators, such as our F30A series, hold their position when power is removed and are used for general HVAC airflow control. Spring return actuators, such as the F30S series, use a charged spring to drive the damper back to a predetermined safe position on loss of power or control signal. Spring return units are specified wherever a defined fail-safe position is required — most commonly in fire and smoke control applications, but also in fresh air intakes and frost protection.
Torque requirement depends on damper size, blade type, seal design and the air pressure the damper works against. As a general rule, the damper manufacturer will state a required torque per square metre, which you multiply by the damper face area. We recommend allowing a margin above the calculated figure rather than sizing to the minimum. If you can share the damper specification, our technical team will confirm a suitable model.
Yes. Our modulating actuators accept standard 0–10 V and 4–20 mA control signals and provide a corresponding position feedback signal, allowing direct integration with most BMS platforms. On/off models operate from a switched supply. Wiring details and signal configuration for each series are given in the relevant operational manual.
Our fire and smoke damper actuators are designed for fire compartmentation and smoke extraction duties and carry internationally recognised certification. Because approval scope varies by product and by market, we recommend checking the certificate covering your specific model, or contacting us with your project requirements so we can confirm suitability and provide the supporting documentation.
All Firbeson products are supplied with a global five-year warranty. Our technical team supports engineers and contractors through selection, installation and commissioning, and we can supply replacement documentation, wiring guidance or advice on periodic testing at any point during the product's service life.
Still Have a Question?
If your question isn't answered above, send us the details and our technical team will come back to you. We help engineers, contractors and consultants with product selection, torque sizing, wiring and compliance queries.
Contact Information
Address
Unit 15C,
Cosgrove Way,
Luton, UK
LU1 1XL