Fire-resistant Curtains E, EW, EI
Fire-resistant curtains, also called “fire curtains” or even “fire shutters”, are modern solutions for fire-resistant closures for openings in fire-resistant walls that delineate the fire compartments of a building. They are efficient solutions, especially for large openings (over 3.5 m x 3.5 m), up to 12 m x 8 m or even more.
Compared to fire-resistant sliding doors, fire curtains have several notable advantages:
- do not require lateral space on the wall for sliding;
- do not have large-sized elements and can be hidden in false ceilings, claddings, decorative architectural elements;
- do not require complicated maintenance operations;
- do not have heavy weights, do not induce substantial loads on the building structure.
The material from which the fire-resistant curtains E60, E90, E120 are made is a special fabric of fiberglass, reinforced with stainless steel threads, this fabric having a fire reaction class of A2-s1,d0, according to EN 13501-1. The material has a thickness of less than 1 mm but prevents the passage of flames and hot gases for 120 minutes. The reduced thickness of the material makes the axis with the wrapped curtain have small diameters, even for fire curtains with large heights.
Materials for fire curtains EW and EI are multilayered, have greater thicknesses, which requires larger dimensions for the axis, casing, and lateral guides.
This is why the main advantages of the fire-resistant curtain, compared to the fire-resistant sliding door, are best highlighted by the fire-resistant curtain “E”.
Fire-resistant Curtains – Predictive Fire Safety Design
There are scientific studies, worldwide, that highlight the possibility that, under certain conditions, fire-resistant closure elements according to the “E” criterion can provide the protection that a fire-resistant element according to the EI criterion can provide.
According to the “Fire Engineering Design Guide – Centre for Advanced Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand”, in the case of building facades, protecting facade openings with “E” fire elements practically doubles the thermal radiation values at which combustible materials on the facade of the neighboring building ignite.
Similarly, indoors, fire-resistant closure elements according to the “E” criterion can ensure, under well-determined conditions, the level of fire protection provided by fire-resistant closure elements according to the “EI” criterion. If we manage to ensure a certain distance between the fire-resistant curtain and elements with thermal load (combustible elements) in the protected room, the fire resistance criterion for the curtain can be reduced from EI to EW or even E. We actually create a free zone of thermal load, which prevents the spread of fire.
Our partner – SIMON PROtec, from Germany, has conducted a special fire resistance test on its curtains, which can offer designers the opportunity to use SIMON fire-resistant curtains, offered by KADRA, more widely. The test reveals that a free zone of thermal load can “transform” a fire-resistant curtain E into a fire-resistant curtain EI. Under fire testing conditions according to European standards, by a notified body, interesting results were obtained.
Practically, at a distance of 1 m and 1.5 m from the fire curtain E120, we have the same level of fire protection provided by a fire-resistant curtain EI30 and EI90, respectively. If that free zone from thermal load can be ensured (through design and building operation), a fire-resistant curtain E120 SIMON can be the solution.
A fire-resistant curtain EI90, whether it is multi-layered or single-layered but irrigated (with a sprinkler system), will require a much larger budget.
Fire Curtains Price
Of course, for any project, the budget is important for any solution incorporated into it. Especially in the case of large openings, besides the obvious advantages related to size, a fire-resistant curtain E120 (for example) can be a better solution than a fireproof sliding door. A fire-resistant curtain EW120 or EI120 will come with an additional cost that can be significant.
In close collaboration with the architect, designer, fire inspector, IGSU representative, KADRA specialists can offer you the optimal solution, the implementation of the solution, and all warranty and post-warranty services associated with the solution, both regarding fire-resistant curtains and other solutions offered by KADRA.
Practically, at a distance of 1 m and 1.5 m from the fire curtain E120, we have the same level of fire protection provided by a fire-resistant curtain EI30 and EI90, respectively. If that free zone from thermal load can be ensured (through design and building operation), a fire-resistant curtain E120 SIMON can be the solution.
A fire-resistant curtain EI90, whether it is multi-layered or single-layered but irrigated (with a sprinkler system), will require a much larger budget.
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