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Information is subject to change without notice or obligation.

NOTE:

 Dimensions in parentheses ( ) are millimeters.

Backdraft Dampers 

IIBD50SS 

70386 Rev

. A

 

(1/2) August 

2022

 

 model BD-50-SS 

installation instructions

The following guidelines provide basic assembly and installation 
instructions for  models BD-50-SS backdraft dampers. 
 
Carefully lift the dampers by their frames using multiple lifting points if 
necessary. 

Do not apply excessive force to a single point and 

NEVER LIFT

UNITS BY

DAMPER

BLADES

OR

BLADE

LINKAGE. 

Dampers larger than the maximum single section size are  
manufactured and shipped with 1" wide x 16 gauge (1 x 1.6) splice 
plates for field assembly.   
 
Assemble sections together using #8 TEK screws 1/2" (51) min. long 
as shown.

Fig.1 Standard  

Frame (no flange)

Fig. 2 Front and  

Rear Flange

General

Dampers

Locate all crates, boxes, cartons, etc.        
 
Remove dampers from packaging, inspect for damage and 
confirm quantities and sizes with packing list. 
 
Notify your Pottorff representative immediately of any  
shortages or shipping damage. 
 

Inspect openings to ensure they are square and free from any 
debris.       
 
Verify that the damper will properly fit into the opening or into 
the duct so that it can be installed square and will not be 
racked. 
 

1.        
 
2. 
 

3.

1.        
 
 
2. 
 

Openings

     

Preparation

POTTORFF

 

®

 

5101 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76106

www.pottorff.com

Verify that the backdraft damper is square, plumb and not 
racked.   
 
Backdraft damper is approximately 1/4" (6.4) smaller than 
specified duct/opening. 
 
Insert entire backdraft damper into duct/opening. Bottom of 
damper frame must sit flat on bottom of duct/opening to  
prevent twisting, sagging or uplifting. 
 
Install units using mounting clips or angles [3/8" (9.5) high 
(max.) x 1" (25) wide (min.) x 20 ga. (1.0) thick (min.)]. Arrange 
clips against the perimeter of the front and back of the damper 
frame, securing the clips to duct work. 
 
Minimum of two fasteners per side to be used (top, bottom, left 
and right jamb). Fasteners should be spaced 12" (305) on  
center. (For alternate fastening method securing the frame 
directly to the duct/opening, see Multiple Section Installation 
details).  

1.        
 
 
2. 
 
 

3. 
 
 

4. 
 
 
 

5. 

 

Installation for Dampers with Standard Frame (Fig. 1)

Verify that the backdraft damper is square, plumb and not 
racked.    
 
Inserted frame of backdraft damper is approximately 1/4" (6.4) 
smaller than specified duct/opening size.  
 
Make sure that the backdraft damper’s is flat and level when 
being attached. 
 
Secure backdraft damper’s flange using appropriate  
fasteners. 
 

1.        
 
 
2. 
 
 

3. 
 

4. 
 

Dampers with Front or Rear Flange (Fig.2)

Pre-drill fastener holes in the backdraft damper flange before 
placing over opening to reduce twisting and binding.   
 
It is recommended that a minimum of two fasteners per side 
be used (top, bottom, left and right jamb). Fasteners should be 
spaced 12" (305) on center. 
 
Do not over tighten fasteners. Over tightening may damage or 
twist the backdraft damper.

5.        
 
 
6. 

 
 

7.

Arrange damper sections with frames butted tight together to 
allow splice plates to be installed. Non-marring woodworking 
clamps may aid in damper alignment.   
 
Vertical splice plates will span the overall height of the 
damper. Horizontal splice plates will span the width of each 
damper section.  
 
Align the vertical splice plates with the top of the damper and 
fasten to both the left and right damper frames with the TEK 
screws specified above a minimum of 1/4" (6.4) and maximum 
1" (25.4) from the top and bottom edges, a minimum 1/4" (6.4) 
and maximum 1/2" (12.7) from side edges of the splice plate, 
a maximum of 6" (152) on center. Screws may be staggered.  
See Figure 3 and Details 1 and 2 below.   
 
Align the horizontal splice plates with the top and bottom 
frames of adjacent damper sections and  fasten to both 
damper frames with the TEK screws specified above a mini-
mum of 1/4" (6.4) and maximum 1" (25.4) from the side edges, 
a minimum 1/4" (6.4) and maximum 1/2" (12.7) from top and 
bottom edges of the splice plate a maximum of 6" (152) on 
center. Screws may be staggered.  See Figure 3 and Detail 3 
below.  

1.        
 

 
 
2. 
 
 
 
3. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. 
 

 

Installation for Multi-Sectioned Dampers (Fig. 3)

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