Damper Showdown - Round Dampers vs. Transition Collars

Which works better for a spiral duct: a round damper or a square damper with a transition collar? Learn more about these options on the MCDLG Newsstand.

Spiral Ducts in HVAC

Spiral ducts are a versatile option for ductwork. Many HVAC systems utilize spiral ductwork to pass air through various parts of a building. Spiral ducts can bend to meet ductwork in any direction without a secondary angle. Exposed spiral ducts can even add a rustic flair to an interior space.

Whichever way you use spiral ducts, you will need control dampers that match their circular shape. You have two primary options to achieve this: use a rectangular control damper with a transitional sleeve or use a round damper. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Which option would work best for your system?

From left to right: damper with transition collar and a round damper.

Working on a new HVAC project? Arrow United can help you find the right dampers. We build round dampers and offer transition collars for our rectangular dampers. Contact Arrow United today and let's work together on your next project.

Transition Collars

Transition collars can be attached to most rectangular and square dampers to facilitate mounting in non-rectangular ducts. Collars are installed on the face and rear of the damper, so that the damper can connect to ducts of a different shape. Manufacturers will use fasteners to fix the collar to the damper’s frame, then caulk the perimeter to seal the seam between frame and collar.

Transition collars can be circles, ovals, and even squares, to fit a duct’s specific shape. You will need to specify the dimensions of the collar’s opening when ordering, including the size of the collar itself and the size of the transition opening. The transition collar should fit around the damper face and connect to the duct. The purpose of the transition collar is to make sure the damper fits the duct.

Transition collars fit over the face of the damper.

Round Dampers

Round dampers are cylindrical. They can be fully circular or ovular to fit any spiral ducts for which it was designed. Round dampers can be designed for controlling airflow, balancing air pressure, one-way backdraft flow, or for fire and smoke control. These dampers typically have a single blade set in the middle of the cylindrical body. This blade is a round disc that fully covers the damper opening when the unit closes.

While open, the blade sits in the middle of the air stream. This single, flat blade profile provides more free area for air to pass through, which also minimizes pressure drop. Round dampers can be installed in duct or on face, like square and rectangular dampers. The difference between the damper’s inner and outer dimensions will be minor, but you should still make sure to use the correct dimensions when ordering.

Round dampers will typically have a single damper blade that covers the opening when closed.

Which is better?

Each option has its advantages. With transition collars, you can install any damper into a spiral duct, if the collar fits. This can be helpful when choosing the right dampers. However, remember that the collar encompasses the damper’s frame. That means that the frame will be in the airway once installed, which will further reduce air performance.

Round dampers will typically have a single blade which makes a flat line when fully open. The round frame is also thin, making it unobtrusive when installed in duct. Round dampers are an excellent choice for spiral ducts, but they do not come with very many options. You will be restricted to the maximum size of the damper. For larger ducts, you will need to choose a different round damper or a damper with a transition collar. Due to their size, and the single blade design, round dampers will require actuators to be externally mounted.

While transition collars provide more options, they will also require a little extra maintenance. You will need to check the fasteners on the collar to ensure they are still tight. Caulk will deteriorate over time, so you will also need to apply new caulk to the seam. The collar will leak if not properly fastened to the damper. If the collar comes loose, it may obstruct the airway and damage your HVAC system. Round dampers have a continuous frame.

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Transition collars provide the most options for installation while round dampers provide the best air performance for the application. You may find a square or rectangular damper that works well for the application. Or you may find a round damper that fits perfectly with your duct. Consider what you need the damper to do when making your selection.

For more on dampers, check out these other Newsstand article:

• Understanding Your Dampers - Important Factors for Damper Installation
• Round Dampers for Spiral Ducts
• The Condenser - A Closer Look at Pin-Lock Shafts

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