A fire curtain is an active fire protection barrier manufactured from fire-resistant technical fabric, designed to prevent the uncontrolled spread of flames, heat, and smoke throughout a building during a fire.
A fire curtain deploys automatically from the ceiling when activated by the fire detection system, creating a fire-resistant barrier. Its multi-layer technical fabric is designed to withstand high temperatures, limiting both flame penetration and heat transfer.
Fire curtains are typically tested in accordance with EN 1634-1 and classified under EN 13501-2. Depending on project requirements, they can be designed to provide 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes of fire resistance. They are widely used to create fire compartments, protect escape routes, and provide valuable time for safe evacuation and firefighting operations.
Fire curtains compartmentalize fire, ensuring safe evacuation.
| Criteria | Standard | Purpose | Test Temperature | Performance | Classification | Typical Requirement | Thermal Insulation (I) | Integrity (E) | Application | System Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Curtain | EN 1634-1 / EN 13501-2 | Prevents fire, heat and smoke spread | 900–1000 °C (ISO 834) | Fire integrity and thermal insulation | E 30, EI 60, EI 90, EI 120 | EI 60 | Yes | Required | Fire compartmentation | Active fire barrier |
