The terms “fire damper” and “smoke damper” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of dampers. A fire damper is a device that is designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the air ducts of a building. It is usually made of metal and is designed to close automatically when a certain temperature is reached. Fire dampers are typically installed in walls and ceilings, and they are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one area of the building to another.

On the other hand, a smoke damper is designed to prevent the spread of smoke, but not necessarily fire. Smoke dampers are typically installed in walls and ceilings, and they are designed to open and close automatically when smoke is detected. They are usually made of metal and are designed to allow smoke to escape while preventing the spread of fire.

In summary, a fire damper is designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, while a smoke damper is designed to prevent the spread of smoke, but not necessarily fire. Both types of dampers are typically installed in walls and ceilings, and they are designed to open and close automatically when certain conditions are met.