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 “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 protection elements practically doubles the thermal radiation values at which combustible materials on the facade of the adjacent building ignite.
Similarly, indoors, fire-resistant closure elements according to the “E” criterion can provide, under well-defined conditions, the level of fire protection ensured by fire-resistant closure elements according to the “EI” criterion. If we can 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 are, in fact, creating a thermal load-free zone, which prevents the spread of fire.
Our partner – SIMON PROtec, from Germany, conducted a more special fire resistance test on its curtains, which can offer designers the opportunity to use SIMON fire-resistant curtains, offered by KADRA, on a wider scale. The test reveals that a thermal load-free zone can “transform” an E fire-resistant curtain into an EI fire-resistant curtain. 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 respectively from the E120 fire curtain, we have the same level of fire protection ensured by an EI30 and EI90 fire-resistant curtain, respectively. If that thermal load-free zone can be ensured (through design and in the operation of the building), a SIMON E120 fire-resistant curtain can be the solution.
An EI90 fire-resistant curtain, whether multilayer or single-layer but irrigated (with a sprinkler system), will require a much larger budget.
Fire curtains price
Of course, for any project, the budget is also important for any solution incorporated into it. Especially in the case of large openings, in addition to the obvious advantages related to size, an E120 fire-resistant curtain (for example) can be a better solution than a fire-resistant sliding door. An EW120 or EI120 fire-resistant curtain will come with a price increase that can be significant.
In close collaboration with the architect, designer, fire verifier, 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 respectively from the E120 fire curtain, we have the same level of fire protection ensured by an EI30 and EI90 fire-resistant curtain, respectively. If that thermal load-free zone can be ensured (through design and in the operation of the building), a SIMON E120 fire-resistant curtain can be the solution.
An EI90 fire-resistant curtain, whether multilayer or single-layer but irrigated (with a sprinkler system), will require a much larger budget.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Search below!
