Introduction
Comprehensive safeguarding of a building demands meticulous planning during its design or when enhancing existing protection measures. Fire curtains, when integrated with other fire protection systems, serve to establish vital barriers in situations where conventional partitions are either insufficient or absent. These innovative solutions are particularly suitable for structures where preserving architectural aesthetics is a priority, while offering the added advantage of remaining discreetly concealed until they are required. In the event of a fire, the building’s fire alarm system activates the deployment of the fire curtain, effectively descending from the ceiling to thwart the spread of flames and smoke, thereby safeguarding the entire premises.
There are plenty of fire and smoke curtains to choose from when protecting your building – all with different requirements and safety standards. It may feel like a struggle to consider which is best. In this article, we discuss the differences between the two.
In the realm of fire safety and smoke control, two critical components stand out: smoke curtains and fire curtains. These systems are designed to compartmentalize and control smoke and fire, ensuring the safety of occupants and property protection. This blog will explore the distinctions between smoke curtains and fire curtains, with a focus on how they are used within smoke control systems according to BS 8524 and EN 12101 standards.
Smoke Curtains
1. Purpose
Smoke curtains are primarily designed to control and contain smoke, rather than fire. They help maintain tenable conditions for building occupants and aid in safe evacuation during a fire emergency.
2. Material and Construction
Smoke curtains are typically constructed from fire-resistant materials, but they do not have the same fire-resistance ratings as fire curtains. They are designed to withstand heat and smoke for a limited period, allowing people to escape and for firefighting operations to commence.
3. Activation
Smoke curtains are activated by smoke detectors, fire alarms, or other detection systems, rather than direct exposure to flames. When smoke is detected, the curtains deploy to create a barrier that prevents smoke from spreading throughout the building.
4. Standards
BS 8524 is the British standard that specifically addresses smoke curtains, ensuring their performance and reliability in smoke control systems. This standard sets out requirements for materials, design, testing, and installation. Additional Standards include BS EN1634-1, UL 10 and EN12101.
Fire Curtains
1. Purpose
Fire curtains, in contrast, are designed to control and contain both smoke and fire. They serve as a fire barrier, preventing the spread of flames and reducing the transfer of heat and smoke from one area to another.
2. Material and Construction
Fire curtains are constructed from highly fire-resistant materials and are rigorously tested to withstand direct exposure to fire and high temperatures. They have specific fire-resistance ratings and are intended to maintain their integrity during a fire for a specified duration.
3. Activation
Fire curtains can be activated by a range of methods, including heat or smoke detectors, fire alarms, and manual triggers. When deployed, they create a robust barrier against flames and smoke, thus providing enhanced protection.
4. Standards
EN 12101 is the European standard that governs smoke and heat control systems, including fire curtains. This standard outlines requirements for the performance and testing of these systems to ensure their reliability in controlling fire and smoke.
The Role in Smoke Control
Smoke control in buildings is crucial for protecting lives, minimising property damage, and ensuring efficient evacuation during a fire. Both smoke curtains and fire curtains play a vital role in this regard. Smoke curtains are often deployed to create smoke reservoirs, allowing occupants to evacuate while maintaining a clear escape path. Fire curtains, on the other hand, provide more comprehensive protection by preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
It’s important to note that the choice between smoke curtains and fire curtains depends on the specific requirements of the building and the level of fire protection needed. In some cases, a combination of both systems may be the most effective approach, with fire curtains used in areas where a higher level of fire resistance is necessary and smoke curtains employed in other locations to control smoke migration.
Conclusion
In the world of smoke control, the distinction between smoke curtains and fire curtains is clear. Smoke curtains focus on controlling smoke, while fire curtains are engineered to control both smoke and fire. The choice between these systems should be based on the unique needs of the building, and both should comply with relevant standards, such as BS 8524, BS EN 1634-1 & EN 12101, to ensure safety and effectiveness in smoke control scenarios. Properly selected and installed, these systems contribute significantly to safeguarding lives and property during fire emergencies.
