Smoke Curtain

Product Description

Here's a breakdown of Smoke Curtain specifications, keeping in mind that specific details can vary significantly between manufacturers and the intended application:

I. General Function and Purpose:

• Smoke Containment: The primary function is to restrict the movement and spread of smoke and hot gases within a building during a fire.
• Compartmentation: Creates smoke compartments, limiting smoke spread and maintaining tenable conditions in unaffected areas.
• Egress Route Protection: Helps to keep escape routes clear of smoke, allowing occupants more time for safe evacuation.
• Smoke Management System Support: Often used in conjunction with smoke ventilation systems to channel smoke towards extraction points.

II. Key Performance Specifications:

• Fire Resistance Rating (Integrity): While the primary function is smoke control, smoke curtains often have a fire resistance rating (E - Integrity) indicating the time they can withstand fire exposure without failure (e.g., E60, E120 minutes). Some may also have ratings for heat radiation (EW) or insulation (EI).
• Smoke Leakage: A crucial specification, indicating the amount of smoke that can pass through the curtain assembly when subjected to pressure differences. Standards like UL 1784 (Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives) and BS EN 1634-3 (Smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies) define acceptable leakage rates.
• Activation:
  • Automatic: Triggered by the building's fire alarm system or local smoke/heat detectors.
  • Gravity Fail-Safe: Designed to deploy automatically under gravity in case of power failure.
  • Controlled Descent: Descent speed is typically regulated (e.g., 6 to 24 inches per second as per NFPA).
• Deployment:
  • Vertical: Most common, deploying downwards from the ceiling.
  • Horizontal: Used in specific applications.
  • Concertina: Can deploy in a multi-sided configuration.
• Dimensions:
  • Maximum Width: Can range from a few meters to unlimited widths using overlapping curtains.
  • Maximum Drop (Height): Typically up to several meters (e.g., 3m, 6m, 10m), but can vary.
• Operational Reliability: Must be tested and certified to ensure reliable deployment in an emergency. Standards like BS 8524 (Performance for Active Fire Curtain Barriers) address this.
• Response Time: The time taken for the curtain to deploy upon activation should be minimum