Product Articles

Fire curtains and fire shutters can both form part of a building's fire compartmentation strategy, but they are not the same product.

The difference starts with their construction.

A fire curtain generally uses a flexible fire-resistant fabric. During normal building operation, the curtain remains retracted above the opening. When activated by the fire alarm or control system, it deploys to its designed position.

Because the curtain is flexible and relatively lightweight, fire curtain systems can be suitable for locations where architectural integration and limited visual obstruction are important.

A fire shutter normally uses a more substantial curtain or shutter construction. Depending on the product, this may include steel slats or an inorganic fabric system with a dedicated supporting structure.

The available installation space also affects selection.

A vertical fire curtain is commonly used across a straight opening and normally requires suitable locations for its head box and side guides.

Other fire curtain configurations may be used where conventional straight-side-guide arrangements are difficult.

Fire shutters are widely used for protected openings in commercial and industrial buildings where a robust physical barrier is required.

Neither product should be selected only by appearance or price.

The important questions are:

What type of opening needs protection?

What fire-resistance performance is required?

Is there sufficient headroom and side room?

How will the product interface with the fire alarm system?

What supporting structure is available?

Which local codes and project specifications apply?

For overseas projects, these questions should be confirmed before a final product configuration is selected.

Huadun can review opening dimensions, drawings and project requirements before recommending a fire curtain or fire shutter solution.