Control Fire by SMOKE & FIRE CURTAINS

FIRE AND SMOKE CURTAINS

Even if you have heard of fire curtains and smoke barriers, it is easy to become confused by the technical specifications and terminology that surround them. In this article, we hope to explain in simple language what a fire curtain is and most importantly, why they are needed.

Put simply, a fire curtain is a specially constructed curtain that descends from the ceiling to block an opening and stop fire and smoke spreading between two areas. In larger structures, several fire curtains are used which divide the building into ‘fire compartments’ when there is a fire.

This is called ‘Compartmentation’ and is a fundamental element of passive fire protection in buildings. It helps to:

• Provide time for people to escape
• Protect escape routes
• Allow time people for fire fighting services to arrive
• Protect property

Structure of a Fire Curtain
A fire curtain is similar to a metal roller shutter in that it descends vertically as it un-rolls from a ‘top box’, however because a fire curtain is made of a woven fibre glass material, it is much more flexible and compact.

This means a curtain can be more closely fitted within a space and therefore provides much better compartmentation.

The compact construction of fire curtains makes them an ideal choice for lobbies, hatches and stairwells where there is limited space. When included in the design stage of a building, they can be recessed into walls and ceilings leaving a thin slit as the only indication that the curtain is there.

There are several types of fire curtain:

• Automatic Fire curtains – Most non-static fire curtains are in fact automatic. They are linked to the fire alarm system so they automatically descend when there is a fire.

• Static Fire Curtains – Also called fixed fire curtains, these curtains are permanently in place and are used to provide compartmentation in open spaces such as warehouses or lofts.

• Insulated Fire Curtains – These curtains provide extra insulation and allow people to pass by much closer to the curtain without being effected by the heat of the fire on the other side.

Different Types of Fire & Smoke Curtains

 

Unique fire curtains with translucent windows providing up to 2 hours protection at 1065°C

fire curtains are the only translucent curtains on the fire safety market today. This unique product has windows that remain clear at temperatures in excess of 200°C and gradually transition to opaque white as temperatures rise to 1065°C.

Simple, effective and unobtrusive Automatic Fire Curtain 

 

Provides the lightest and thinnest fire protection available and is designed to be installed in both domestic and commercial properties for smaller expanses as an alternative to a fire door, fire shutter or sprinkler system.

Automatic Fire Curtains provide a longer period of fire resistance

This type provides extended fire protection for various expanses up to 30 metres wide. It is designed for use in buildings where there is a larger footfall or where it will take longer to evacuate the building.

Discreet automatic curtain designed to push smoke to a ventilation system

The Smoke safe system is a smoke curtain which has no side guides and provides up to 120 minutes of smoke and heat protection. It is the most discreet automatic curtain available; designed to be installed in commercial properties, such as shopping centres and airports, and positioned to push smoke to a ventilation system.

Fixed Curtains

Fixed Fire curtains provide permanent static fire protection by sealing off an area

The Fixed Fire curtains provide permanent static fire protection by completely sealing off the area. It is designed for use mainly in lofts and factories, and has proven a smart solution for any irregular and complex designs.

Vertical Spiral Escape Chutes

 

The latest fast, effective and safe alternative to an external fire escape staircase

Vertical Spiral Escape Chutes are a new and innovative solution to ensure fast, effective and safe evacuation from buildings 4 to 70 metres high. They are designed for all commercial and domestic properties as an alternative to an external fire escape staircase.

Solar Powered Fire Curtains

Innovative fire curtain solution where power supply is sporadic or limited

Solar powered fire curtains are the new and innovative environmentally-friendly solution to ensure constant open-plan protection, specifically for locations where the electrical supply is sporadic or only temporary power is in place.

Features

• Environmentally friendly, easy to main and long-lasting
• No mains power required
• 5 year warranty on solar panels
• Perfect solution for commercial or domestic properties
• Fast and Inexpensive Mounting

More details
The solar powered fire curtains are perfect for locations where there is intermittent power. In addition to our standard automatic fire curtain systems the solar powered control panels and motors ensure that no mains power is required in order to keep the fire curtain working successfully.

The solar powered fire curtains come with a gravity fail safe control panel and battery back-up just in case the solar panel fails.

All our solar powered fire curtains are provided with pre-configured cables, IEC and weatherproof connectors and integrated bypass diodes for the His 250 Mono-Crystalline Type Solar Panel Module.

The solar powered fire curtains are the latest innovative product, brand new to the market.

Good design is at the heart of effective fire protection