Smoke and Fire Curtains: FAQ’s
Smoke and Fire curtains have become a vital safety feature in modern offices. Alongside fire doors, fire and smoke curtains can be the difference between life and death in the face of a serious building fire.
To help you fully understand the importance of installing these systems, we’ve shared some of the most common questions we have been posed from previous customers:
- What are Fire Curtains?
Fire curtains work in a similar vein to a roller shutter, except they are made from a much lighter, fire resistant material. Whilst roller shutters are used daily, fire and smoke curtains are operated automatically in an emergency. They are stored in metal top boxes and roll down upon the detection of smoke or fire.
- How do they work?
Upon the detection of a smoke or fire, the aluminium fibre glass fire rated fabric unravels to fit the exact measurements of the area. The material is capable of resisting high temperatures for up to four hours, providing people with ample time to evacuate. The curtain descends from a steel barrel and is powered by a special internal tubular motor with a heavy bar fitted across the bottom; this bar allows the curtain to fall under its own weight in the occurrence of a failure in the main system. The curtain can be manually reset or will automatically retract into its concealed position until activated again.
- Do they take up a lot of space?
Smoke and Fire curtains are installed unobtrusively in a compact nature. The systems are concealed within the ceiling cavity and new buildings benefit from having them installed into the structure of the building itself, meaning they are completely inconspicuous.
- Why not use standard steel fire shutters?
Not only are the material curtains more compact, but they are also much more efficient at containing heat, smoke and fire. Their designs are sleeker and more stylish than heavy steel shutters. They are quieter and use highly advanced electronics and controls to ensure they are suitable for refits.
Visit Sheridan Doors for fire and smoke curtain shutters in Manchester.