If you are looking to improve the safety of your building with smoke and fire protective technology, fire curtains may be a smart investment for your space. Let's explore the functionality of horizontal smoke curtains and how they can help prepare your building in case of emergency.
What Are Advanced Horizontal Smoke Curtains and How Do They Work?
Advanced horizontal smoke curtains, also known as smoke barriers, are passive fire protection systems designed to restrict the spread of smoke during a building fire event. They utilize flame-resistant fabric curtains lowered from the ceiling to create temporary smoke and fire compartments, often called smoke zones.
When activated by the building's fire alarm system, the curtains descend immediately and remain in place to contain smoke and hot gasses, slowing their spread to other areas in the building. This allows vital time for building occupants to evacuate safely. The curtains also help control smoke movement, allowing firefighters to locate the fire more easily.
The Benefits of Advanced Smoke Curtains for Evacuation Efficiency
Compared to basic smoke curtains or having no smoke compartments, horizontal smoke curtains offer substantial benefits for building safety and evacuation efficiency:
Longer Safe Egress Time: By restricting smoke spread, advanced curtains allow two to three times longer evacuation time versus unrestrained smoke, providing precious additional minutes for occupants to exit safely.
Enhanced Firefighter Access: The curtains guide smoke away from access routes, improving visibility for faster emergency response.
Reduced Property Damage: Limiting smoke and fire spread reduces building damage and disruption.
Greater Design Flexibility: The curtains allow large open layouts without traditional fire-rated construction.
Building Code Requirements for Smoke Curtains
Model building codes like IBC and NFPA 101 include specific requirements for where advanced horizontal smoke curtains must be applied to high-risk buildings. Some of the key requirements include:
New atriums, large spaces and malls - IBC Section 404
Existing high-rise stairwells for use as an area of rescue assistance - IBC Section 403.5.2
Additionally, major buildings may require smoke curtains to control smoke near equipment like HVAC fans and dampers. Local jurisdictions may also have amendments for requiring smoke curtains.
Integrating Smoke Curtains with Other Fire Protection Systems
For optimal life safety, advanced horizontal smoke curtains should be integrated with existing fire protection systems:
Fire Alarms: Smoke curtains are triggered to deploy upon alarm activation. Alarms may also be zoned to specific curtain drops.
Sprinklers: Depending on the application, curtains can be sequenced to deploy before or after sprinkler activation.
HVAC: Duct smoke detectors can interface with curtains to automatically shut down air handlers.
Proper fire alarm control panel programming is crucial for sequencing these related systems with the smoke curtains during emergencies. You must also ensure the curtains aren't blocking any door systems or other key areas. Investing in professional installation is crucial.
Key Factors for Selecting, Installing and Maintaining Smoke Curtains
Proper selection, installation and maintenance of advanced horizontal smoke curtains is critical to ensure they operate effectively when needed most. Curtains should be chosen that are certified and labeled specifically for the intended application, taking into account criteria such as size, drop lengths and storage space requirements. They must be installed properly by qualified contractors according to manufacturer specifications and NFPA 105 installation guidelines.
With careful consideration given to sequencing the systems' operation together appropriately, integration with related fire protection systems, like fire alarms and sprinklers, is essential. Regular inspection, testing and maintenance of the curtains per the manufacturer's recommendations will keep them in good operating condition over time.
Any damage identified should be repaired immediately, and it's important to keep the curtain path and perimeter openings free of obstructions that could impede deployment. Following these best practices for smoke curtain selection, installation, integration, testing and maintenance maximizes the performance and evacuation safety benefits these systems can provide.
If your building needs smoke curtains to enhance fire and smoke safety, look to the experts at SG Specialties. Our team is seasoned in the practice of installing and maintaining these systems. In addition, we provide professional consultations to help you determine how to increase fire safety in your building.
If you want to explore protective products, browse the horizontal smoke curtains from Smoke Guard. Or, if you prefer to consult with our team, contact us today. We're eager to help you enhance your fire and smoke safety with solutions that work for your building.
