Choosing the Right Fire Curtain or Shutter
Fire Rated Shutters & Curtains for the UK Market
All structures, whether they are commercial, industrial, public sector, or huge residential constructions, must have fire safety as a basic requirement.
A crucial line of defense, fire-rated shutters and curtains safeguard people, property, and escape routes in addition to containing fires.
What Are Fire Rated Shutters & Curtains?
Automatic barriers called fire-rated drapes and shutters are made to stop smoke and fire from spreading throughout a building. These systems are used to guard important openings including doors, windows, service counters, and escape routes.
They are usually made of sturdy steel or heavy-duty fire-resistant fabric. Shutters and curtains automatically open to separate areas in the case of a fire, reducing fire damage and promoting a safe escape.
SeceuroFire Range by SWS UK
A leading manufacturer in the UK, SWS UK produces the highly acclaimed SeceuroFire range of fire protection solutions, including:
- SeceuroFire Flame Curtain: A discreet, automatic fire curtain made from heavy-duty fibreglass fabric, designed for minimal visual impact. It provides up to 2 hours of fire containment across passageways, doors, and windows. As a fabric solution, it allows for a means of escape by lifting the curtain temporary in emergency situations.
- SeceuroFire Flame Shutter: A steel roller shutter combining fire protection and security, suitable for service counters, retail premises, and commercial buildings. Available with fire ratings of 1, 2, or 4 hours, the Flame Shutter is independently tested and compliant with the latest regulatory standards.
SeceuroFire Fire Shutter Key Specifications and Features:
- Electrically operated vertical fire shutter with 75mm scrolled single-skin steel curtain, galvanised box, and guide rails.
- Offered in four integrity levels: 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes, fully tested and certified.
- Size range: Minimum 800mm x 800mm up to 5710mm wide x 4700mm high (varies by rating).
- Installation: Versatile design allows for both face and reveal installations.
- Finish: Galvanised as standard, with optional powder coating to RAL/BS colours.
- Operation: Powered by a 240V tubular motor, with advanced battery backup as standard for failsafe closure even during power outages.
- Intelligent features: Modular construction enables post-order changes, chamfered shutterbox design for easy expansion, and a range of control panels suited to different fire management systems.
- Safety & Compliance: Battery backup system (hibernation feature can close shutter up to 30 days after power loss), audio/visual alerts, and optional close-delay or override for emergency escape.
- Tested and certified by Warrington Fire, compliant to BS EN 16034:2014 (fire resisting characteristics), BS EN 13241-1:2003 (performance characteristics), and CE marked as per latest regulations effective November 2019.
UK Fire Safety Regulations for Shutters & Curtains
When specifying or installing fire rated shutters and curtains in the UK, compliance with the latest regulations is crucial:
- BS EN 16034:2014: Core standard for fire resistance and smoke control for door and shutter assemblies.
- BS EN 1634-1: Test method for fire resistance.
- BS 476: Part 22: UK framework standard, references non-loadbearing elements.
- Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Building Regulations 2019 (as amended): Mandates certified fire barriers for compartmentation and escape route protection.
- CE Marking: Powered fire rated shutters and curtains require CE marking and a Declaration of Performance.
- BS EN 13241-1: Safety and usability standard for powered shutters.
- PUWER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 for workplace installations, maintenance and inspection.
Key Benefits
- Fire containment: Up to 4 hours integrity, segments fire and smoke spread.
- Evacuation support: Maintains protected escape routes for longer.
- Dual-purpose security: Combines fire protection with robust physical security.
- Flexible installation: Fits virtually any opening; face or reveal.
- Guaranteed performance: Battery backup ensures closure after a power failure.
- Tested & Certified: Third-party testing to UK and EU standards, manufacturer’s warranty.
- Customisable: Choice of finishes, control options, and intelligent features.
- Made in the UK: Quality manufacturing with local support and fast turnaround.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fire-rated drapes and shutters are a crucial component of UK buildings' passive fire safety plans.
Make sure installation is done by qualified experts in accordance with the most recent UK standards, and always select equipment with verified test certification.
For today's fire safety requirements, SWS UK's SeceuroFire portfolio delivers industry-leading solutions that combine strong performance, adaptable features, and demonstrated regulatory compliance.
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