Fire curtains and fire shutters are often mixed up. The two items do vary significantly in a number of ways, however. Metal devices with a more homclassic, industrial appearance are fire shutters. Modern, highly sophisticated devices called “fire curtains” are constructed of cloth that resists fire. Before you purchase any of these from A1S Group, you need to have a clear idea about the differences between them.
What are fire curtains?
Fire curtains, which are made of E-glass woven lattice material and made possible by advances in fabric technology, serve as a preventive measure to stop the spread of fire and encourage compartmentation. The totally flexible curtains, hidden in the ceiling, provide a novel response to an urgent requirement. An inconspicuous solution that does not compromise on safety is needed as more and more new buildings embrace an open plan design.
What are fire shutters?
A more reliable method of compartmentation is provided by fire shutters, which are meant to be integrated into the design to ensure total compartmentation around high-risk areas, such as those that contain flammable materials or valuable objects, like those found in airports, banks, factories, and parking lots.
Fire Shutters are intended to shut at the first hint of fire and typically come in three different resistance levels, one, two, or four hours, respectively. When opened by a thermal fusible link attached to the building’s fire alarm system, they may be closed automatically.
How are they different from each other?
- Look and feel
Compared to fire shutters, fire curtains have a more sleek, contemporary, and minimalist design. Fire curtains are more aesthetically beautiful, feature clean lines, and fit in better with contemporary interiors. The older, more conventional fire shutters have a chunkier, more conspicuous industrial look.
Architecturally speaking, fire curtains have concealed fasteners. They also provide a flat bar option for a smooth ceiling closure. Fire shutters feature an industrial aesthetic, substantial detailing, and obvious fasteners.
Fire curtains are kept in a slimline headbox that is roughly 190mm by 190mm in size when not in use. This implies that the fire curtain box may be readily concealed and won’t interfere with daily, routine operations. Contrarily, fire shutters need a motor and gearbox that are covered in a big, ugly 800mm by 600mm metal box. The fire shutter box is noticeable and intrusive even when not in operation.
- Convenience in installation
Since fire curtains are 70 percent lighter than metal shutters, they may be moved around the site without the need of heavy lifting equipment. In addition, they provide a lightweight opening construction and don’t need structural engineering.
Fire shutters, in contrast, are very hefty components that often weigh between 800 kg and 2000 kg. As a result, moving fire shutters around the site and during installation requires large lifting equipment and a significant SWMS. Designing the aperture on fire shutters requires the expertise of a structural engineer.
- Performance
Technology-wise, fire curtains are better than fire shutters. A simple motor and gearbox system powers fire shutters. It is impossible to program for sophisticated performance using this fundamental technique. The ability to program various deployment and retraction settings, on the other hand, is crucial in the creation of intricate egress paths.
They just need a simple plug and play into 240v standard power outlets in terms of power requirements. In contrast, 3-phase 415v direct wiring is often necessary for fire shutters.
- Level of security
A motor that is backed by a battery backup lowers fire curtains. Speed control governors assist the free-fall gravity mechanism that fire shutters use to drop. Controlled and safe fall is not always achievable due to the shutter’s weight. If the shutter shuts on those below, it creates a serious safety risk. On the other hand, if the light fire curtain closes onto those below, it poses only a minor safety risk.
- Functionality
Test results demonstrate that without the use of sprinklers, fire curtains provide outstanding performance in conformity with NCC insulation standards. Fire shutters, on the other hand, may provide insulating performance without the need of sprinklers. If there are no sprinklers, a fire will turn the metal shutter into a huge heater.
Final words
Now you are aware about the differences between fire shutters and fire curtains. Keep these differences in mind and make sure that you go for the right option out of them.
