Owners of large or complex structures should always know how fire curtains work to ensure fire safety. Among the many fire protection systems available, fire curtains and fire shutters are two essential passive fire safety devices.
Understanding the differences is crucial to ensuring you adequately protect your building, even though they may seem similar.
This article explores how fire curtains work compared to fire shutters, helping you decide which system best suits your needs.
How Fire Curtains Work
Credit Image: Coopers
Fire curtains work like flexible barriers made from flame-retardant materials designed to contain and prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building.
These curtains remain discreetly hidden when not in use. For example, people typically roll and store them within a metal casing above doorways, atriums, or other large openings.
Upon detection of a fire, the curtains automatically unroll and create a barrier that slows the spread of flames and smoke.
Fire curtains are also particularly effective for interior spaces where flexibility is essential. They can be custom-fitted to various shapes and sizes. This then makes them ideal for protecting irregularly shaped areas, such as:
- Stairwells
- Corners
- Large open spaces
Additionally, their modest design allows them to blend seamlessly into the architecture without compromising the building’s aesthetic appeal. This gives them a significant advantage in both modern and historic buildings.
Fire curtains work mainly to localise the fire and stop it from spreading further. This separation is critical in large buildings, where a fire in one area could quickly spread to another, potentially trapping occupants.
By containing the fire, fire curtains provide crucial time for occupants to vacate safely and for firefighters to respond effectively.
Moreover, fire curtains effectively contain smoke, which is often more dangerous than the fire itself.
Read More: Passive Fire Protection Malaysia: Why is It Essential?
How Fire Shutters Work
In contrast, fire shutters are rigid, slatted metal barriers designed primarily for exterior use. Installers place these shutters over windows or doors, housing them within a protruding metal case when not deployed.
When a fire is detected, the shutters automatically roll down to cover the opening, providing a robust physical barrier against the flames.
These shutters are particularly useful for preventing the spread of fire from one building to another or protecting specific sections of a building from external fires.
Their tough construction allows them to withstand high temperatures for extended periods. This makes them an effective solution for areas requiring a higher level of fire resistance.
Fire shutters also serve a dual function as both a fire safety device and a physical security barrier. They offer an added layer of protection against unauthorised access when the building is unoccupied.
Moreover, fire shutters are subject to rigorous testing and certification procedures to ensure they meet the required fire safety standards.
These standards often dictate the duration that a fire shutter must withstand a fire, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
This high level of fire resistance makes fire shutters an indispensable component of fire safety strategies in high-risk environments like:
- Chemical plants
- Warehouses storing flammable materials
- Multi-story commercial buildings
Read More: Fire Extinguisher Location in Malaysia: Where, When & Why
Key Differences Between Fire Curtains and Fire Shutters
Credit Image: Raxdoor
While both fire curtains and fire shutters play a crucial role in fire safety, they serve different purposes. They also have distinct characteristics, such as:
1. Application and Placement
Firstly, fire curtains work best for interior use, particularly in spaces where flexibility and aesthetic integration are important.
They can protect large or irregularly shaped areas that fire shutters cannot. For instance, fire curtains are ideal for areas where traditional fire barriers would be impractical or visually intrusive. These include:
- Atriums
- Open-plan offices
- Complex architectural spaces.
Conversely, people typically use fire shutters on exterior windows and doors. They prevent fire from spreading between buildings or from one section of a building to another.
Their rigid construction limits their use to standard-sized openings, making them less versatile than fire curtains in terms of application.
2. Material and Aesthetics
The material and aesthetic considerations of fire curtains and fire shutters are also significant factors in determining their use.
Manufacturers make fire curtains from flexible, flame-retardant fabrics, allowing users to discreetly integrate them into the building’s design.
Fire curtains are virtually invisible when not in use. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where maintaining the interior’s aesthetic appeal is important.
In contrast, fire shutters are constructed from metal, giving them a more industrial appearance. While highly effective in their function, they may not be suitable for all architectural designs.
3. Fire Resistance and Protection
Lastly, when it comes to fire resistance and protection, the differences become more apparent.
Fire curtains excel at containing smoke and preventing the spread of flames within a building. However, they may not offer the same level of heat resistance as fire shutters in high-intensity fires.
They are generally designed to withstand lower temperatures and are more effective in controlling smoke movement. Consequently, they are ideal for use in areas where smoke control is the primary concern.
On the other hand, fire shutters, with their superior heat resistance, are ideal for applications requiring the utmost fire protection.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Building
So, selecting between fire curtains and fire shutters depends largely on your building’s specific needs.
If your primary concern is the interior aesthetic and flexibility, fire curtains are likely the better choice. They offer versatile protection without disrupting the building’s design.
Fire curtains also work for buildings with complex architectural features, as they can be custom-fitted to cover large or irregularly shaped openings.
Alternatively, if your building requires robust fire protection for exterior openings or needs additional security, fire shutters are more appropriate.
Their resistance and toughness make them an excellent choice for protecting a building’s perimeter. They are also particularly useful in environments where the risk of external fire spread is high.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to consult with fire safety professionals. They can assess your building’s layout and recommend the best solution to ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations.
Both systems can be highly effective when used in the right context, and combining them may provide comprehensive protection for your property.
For example, you can use fire curtains internally to control the spread of smoke and flames within the building. At the same time, you can deploy fire shutters externally to protect against fire spread from adjacent structures.
Read More: 6 Fire Hazards in the Workplace in Malaysia You Should Know
Make the Right Decision with Palcon
To conclude, understanding how fire curtains work compared to fire shutters is vital for you to make informed decisions about fire safety.
While both systems are invaluable in protecting lives and property, their applications, materials, and aesthetics differ significantly.
If you’re seeking expert advice, Palcon is here to help you make the optimal choice for your building. As the leading fire safety service provider, we also provide other fire safety systems like fire detection and suppression.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our services!
