Flameshield 8524, active fire curtain.

Tested using the principles of BS EN 1634-1 2014

Our Flameshield 8524 fire curtain is tested using the principles of BS EN 1634-1 2014, a safety barrier designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, is a type of active fire protection system designed to deploy from the ceiling and create a barrier to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. These curtains are typically stored in a concealed headbox and remain out of sight until activated during a fire or smoke event.

Key Features:

1. Deployment:

   • When a fire alarm or smoke detection system is triggered, the curtain automatically descends from its concealed position.

   • The curtain moves vertically downward, creating a partition between compartments (such as corridors, atriums, lobbies, or stairwells).

   • Vertical fire curtains can be installed across doorways, windows, or large open spaces.

2. Fire Resistance:

   • Vertical fire curtains are rated based on their ability to withstand fire for a specified period, typically ranging upto 120 minutes.

   • The curtain fabric is fire-resistant, capable of withstanding high temperatures while maintaining structural integrity.

3. Smoke Control:

   • Many vertical fire curtains are also designed to act as smoke curtains, limiting the spread of smoke in addition to fire.

   • Some models include smoke seals to reduce or prevent smoke leakage, improving protection for escape routes.

   • Smoke control is particularly important in tall spaces like atriums or stairwells, where smoke can quickly accumulate.

4. Concealed Design:

   • Vertical fire curtains are often designed to blend seamlessly with the building’s architecture. When not in use, they are typically stored in a small headbox in the ceiling and remain invisible.

   • This aesthetic advantage makes them suitable for locations where fire doors or shutters would be less visually appealing or practical.

5. Fail-Safe Operation:

   • In the event of a power failure, vertical fire curtains are designed to deploy automatically (via gravity fail-safe mechanisms or battery backups) to ensure protection is still provided.

6. Applications:

   • Vertical fire curtains are commonly used in open-plan environments like shopping centres, airports, hotels, and office buildings, where maintaining large, open spaces is important but fire safety cannot be compromised.

   • They are also employed to protect elevators, lobbies, and staircases, ensuring that key escape routes remain safe.

7. Standards and Compliance:

   • Fire curtains must comply with relevant standards, such as BS 8524 and BS EN 1634, which define performance and testing requirements for fire and smoke barriers.

   • CE Marking, like that achieved by the A1S Group’s Flameshield range, is another crucial certification indicating compliance with European regulations for fire protection products.

1. Advantages of Vertical Fire Curtains:

• Space-saving: Unlike traditional fire doors or shutters, vertical fire curtains remain hidden and only deploy when needed, preserving the open aesthetic of modern buildings.

• Versatility: They can be used in various applications, including large, complex spaces where other fire barriers might be impractical.

• High Performance: Vertical fire curtains provide effective fire and smoke containment for up to 120 minutes or more, depending on the design and rating.

Vertical fire curtains are an essential part of modern fire safety solutions, particularly in buildings where preserving open spaces is critical while ensuring effective fire compartmentalization and protection of escape routes.