Collection: Fire and Smoke Curtains

Fire curtains are available in several configurations depending on fire resistance rating, smoke control performance, and application. All compliant systems must be tested to recognised standards such as BS EN 1634-1 and, where applicable, BS 8524.

By Fire Resistance Rating

60 Minute Fire Curtains

Provide 60 minutes of fire resistance and are commonly specified for compartment openings, corridors, and commercial spaces.

120 Minute Fire Curtains

Offer extended fire protection for higher risk areas or where required by the building’s fire strategy.Some systems are available with even higher performance ratings depending on project requirements.

Fire and Smoke Curtains

These systems provide both:

• Fire resistance (E / EI classification)
• Smoke control performance (Sa / S200 where specified)

They are used where limiting cold smoke spread is critical to protecting escape routes.

BS 8524 Compliant Fire Curtain Barriers

Fire curtains tested to BS 8524 are classified as active fire curtain barrier assemblies. This standard covers:

• Deployment reliability
• Durability testing
• Operational performance
• Fire resistance

BS 8524 systems are commonly specified in commercial, public, and high-occupancy buildings.

Single Opening Fire Curtains

Designed to protect standard door sized openings while maintaining a minimal visual impact when retracted.

Large Span and Atrium Fire Curtains

Used to compartmentalise:

• Open plan office floors
• Shopping centres
• Atriums
• Escalator openings

These systems can span significant widths and drop to floor level when activated.

Each type must be selected in accordance with the building’s fire strategy, structural design, and smoke control requirements to ensure full compliance and reliable performance during an emergency.

Fire curtains can be configured to suit architectural layouts, fire strategy requirements, and operational needs, while remaining within the scope of certified test evidence such as BS EN 1634-1 and BS 8524.

Fire Resistance Rating

Available with certified fire resistance periods such as:

• 60 minutes
• 120 minutes
• 240 minutes

Performance may be classified as E (integrity only) or EI (integrity and insulation) depending on the system.

Smoke Control Performance

Fire and Smoke curtains can be specified with:

• Smoke control classification (Sa / S200)
• Combined fire and smoke protection

This is particularly important for escape routes and large open-plan areas.

Opening Size and Configuration

Manufactured to measure, fire curtains can be designed for:

• Standard door sized openings
• Wide spans across corridors
• Large atrium voids
• Escalator openings
• Irregular architectural layouts

Multiple curtains can be linked to protect large areas.

Deployment Options

Vertical drop systems (most common)Horizontal fire curtains (for atrium floor openings or voids)Deployment speed and descent control systems can be configured to suit the fire strategy.

Control and Activation Systems

Customisation may include:

• Integration with the building’s fire alarm system
• Battery backup systems
• Controlled descent mechanisms
• Programmable time delays
• Audio visual warning devices prior to deployment

All systems must comply with the certified configuration.

Headbox and Guide Design

• Compact headbox designs for discreet installation
• Surface-mounted or recessed installation
• Powder-coated finishes to match interior design
• Slimline side guides for minimal visual impact

Daily Use or Fire Only Operation

Some systems are designed purely for fire activation, while others can be integrated with access control or building management systems where required.

Fabric and Finish Options

Although the curtain is only available in Grey. The Box and Guide rails can be powder coated any BS or RAL colour.

All design and customisation options must remain within the manufacturer’s tested and certified scope to ensure ongoing compliance with fire performance standards and building regulations.

Fire and Smoke Curtains are specified where flexible, automatic fire and smoke compartmentation is required without compromising open plan design. They are widely used in commercial, public, and increasingly residential buildings where traditional rigid fire doors are impractical.

Open-Plan Office Spaces

Used to compartmentalise:

• Large floor plates
• Open corridors
• Shared working environments

They allow open layouts during normal operation while automatically creating fire barriers when activated.

Shopping Centres and Retail Units

Installed across:

• Mall openings
• Shopfronts
• Escalator voids
• Service corridors

Fire curtains maintain fire separation while preserving visual openness.

Atriums and Multi-Level Voids

Specified to protect:

• Atrium openings
• Mezzanine floors
• Escalator and lift voids

They help prevent vertical fire and smoke spread between levels.

Schools and Educational Buildings

Used in:

• Assembly halls
• Open circulation spaces
• Large corridors

They provide compliant compartmentation while maintaining light and visibility.

Installed in:

• Reception areas
• Waiting areas
• Protected corridors
• Healthcare and Public Buildings

They support fire strategy requirements without compromising design.

Commercial Kitchens and Hospitality

Specified to protect:

• Kitchen openings
• Serveries
• Back of house service areas

Fire and smoke variants help restrict fire and smoke movement into public areas.

Residential Open Plan Living

Increasingly used in:

• Open plan kitchen/living areas
• Loft conversions
• Apartment layouts

Fire curtains can provide a compliant method of compartmentation where open plan design would otherwise conflict with fire safety requirements, particularly when specified in line with the building’s fire strategy.

Door Sized Openings

Fire curtains can also be used as flexible fire door alternatives where:

• Swing doors are not practical
• Space is limited
• A discreet solution is required

Fire curtain doors are particularly suited to projects where maintaining an open aesthetic is important, but certified fire and smoke protection in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 and BS 8524 is required as part of the building’s fire strategy.

Fire and Smoke curtains are engineered as active fire barrier systems, designed to deploy automatically and create certified compartmentation when required. Below are the key technical features.

Certified Fire Resistance

Tested to BS EN 1634-1 and available as systems compliant with BS 8524, fire curtain doors provide defined fire resistance periods such as:

• 60 minutes
• 120 minutes
• Higher ratings where specified

Performance classifications may include E (integrity) or EI (integrity and insulation).

Smoke Control Performance

Available with certified smoke control classifications (Sa / S200), helping restrict cold smoke movement and protect escape routes.

Automatic Deployment

Fire curtain doors deploy automatically when triggered by:

• Fire alarm activation
• Thermal release devices
• Power failure (depending on system design)

They incorporate controlled descent mechanisms to ensure safe and reliable closure.

Flexible Fire-Resistant Fabric

Manufactured from specialist woven glass fiber fabric with fire-resistant coatings, allowing:

• Lightweight construction
• Large spanning capability
• Compact storage when retracted

Compact Headbox Design

The curtain remains concealed within a compact headbox when not in use, making it suitable for:

• Open plan environments
• Architectural integration
• Minimal visual disruption

Integrated Control Systems

Features may include:

• Fire alarm interface
• Battery backup systems
• Programmable delay timers
• Audio-visual warning prior to descent

Side Guide System

Engineered guide rails ensure the curtain remains stable during deployment and maintains integrity under fire conditions.

Fail Safe Operation

Designed with gravity fail safe principles, ensuring deployment even during power loss.

Bespoke Manufacturing

Manufactured to measure for:

• Door sized openings
• Wide corridor spans
• Atrium voids
• Escalator protection

Fire curtains combine discreet design with certified fire and smoke performance, making them suitable for modern buildings where architectural openness must be balanced with life safety compliance

Fire and Smoke curtains are classified as active fire protection systems and must comply with recognised fire testing standards, product regulations, and Building Regulations. Because they deploy automatically, both fire performance and operational reliability are critical.

Fire Resistance – BS EN 1634-1

Fire curtains must be tested to BS EN 1634-1, confirming their ability to provide:

• Integrity (E) – Resistance to flame penetration
• Insulation (EI) – Limitation of heat transfer (where specified)
• Declared fire resistance periods (e.g. 60 or 120 minutes)

The complete assembly — curtain fabric, guides, headbox, control system, and deployment mechanism — must match the tested configuration.

Active Barrier Standard – BS 8524

Where specified, fire curtains are tested to BS 8524, the British Standard for active fire curtain barrier assemblies. This covers:

• Fire resistance performance
• Deployment reliability
• Durability testing
• Operational cycling
• System integrity

BS 8524 compliance is commonly required in commercial and public buildings.

Smoke Control Classification

Where smoke control is required, systems must meet smoke leakage classifications such as:

• Sa (ambient temperature smoke control)
• S200 (elevated temperature smoke control)

This is particularly important for escape route protection.

Building Regulations – Approved Document B

Fire curtain doors must align with Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and the building’s fire strategy. This includes:

• Correct fire resistance period
• Suitable positioning within compartment lines
• Protection of escape routes and high risk areas

The fire risk assessment determines the required specification.

Machinery and Electrical Safety Compliance

As powered systems, fire curtain doors must comply with:

• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations
• CE and/or UKCA marking requirements
• Relevant electrical safety standards

Installations must include a risk assessment and safe operating controls.

Safe Deployment Features

To protect occupants during automatic descent, systems may include:

• Controlled descent mechanisms
• Obstacle detection (where specified)
• Audio visual warning prior to deployment
• Programmable delay timers

Installation to Certified Detail

Installation must follow the manufacturer’s tested detail, including:

• Approved fixing methods
• Correct guide alignment
• Proper fire alarm integration
• Commissioning and testing

Unauthorised alterations can invalidate certification.

Ongoing Inspection and Maintenance

Fire curtain doors must be:

• Included in the building’s fire safety management plan
• Function tested regularly
• Inspected for fabric integrity and guide condition
• Checked for correct alarm integration and deployment

Routine servicing is essential to maintain compliance and ensure reliable performance in an emergency.

When correctly specified, installed, and maintained in accordance with BS EN 1634-1, BS 8524, and Building Regulations, fire curtain doors provide compliant, automatic fire and smoke compartmentation while supporting modern architectural design.

Fire curtains are active fire protection systems and must be installed and maintained strictly in accordance with their certified test evidence and manufacturer’s instructions. Because they deploy automatically, both structural fixing and control system integration are critical to compliance.

Installation Requirements

Install as a Certified Assembly

Fire and Smoke curtains must be installed exactly as tested to BS EN 1634-1 and, where specified, BS 8524. The complete system includes:

Fire-resistant fabric curtain

• Headbox assembly
• Side guides
• Bottom bar
• Control panel
• Power supply and battery backup
• Fire alarm interface

Substituting components or altering guide positioning can invalidate certification.

Structural Fixing

The headbox and side guides must be securely fixed into suitable structural elements capable of supporting:

• Curtain weight
• Operational forces
• Deployment loads
• Fixings must follow the approved specification and spacing.

Alignment and Guide Installation

Precise alignment of side guides is essential to ensure:

• Smooth deployment
• Proper sealing against smoke and flame
• No snagging or fabric damage

Incorrect guide installation can compromise fire performance.

Electrical and Fire Alarm Integration

Fire curtain doors must be connected to:

• The building’s fire alarm system
• Approved control panels
• Battery backup systems (where specified)

Commissioning must confirm:

• Automatic deployment upon alarm activation
• Correct descent speed
• Safe fail safe operation in power loss scenarios

Safety During Deployment

Where required, systems may incorporate:

• Controlled descent mechanisms
• Audio visual warning signals
• Programmable time delays

These must be tested and commissioned at handover.

Commissioning and Handover

Upon installation:

• Full functional deployment testing must be carried out
• Fire alarm interface verified
• Descent speed confirmed
• User training provided
• Certification and documentation issued

Maintenance Requirements

Fire curtain doors require routine inspection as part of the building’s fire safety management plan.

Routine Inspection

At regular intervals (typically at least annually, or more frequently in high risk buildings), checks should include:

• Fabric condition (tears, damage, contamination)
• Guide integrity and fixings
• Headbox security
• Bottom bar condition
• Seal condition (where applicable)

Functional Testing

• Confirm automatic deployment from fire alarm signal
• Verify controlled descent
• Check battery backup function
• Ensure curtain fully closes and resets correctly

Electrical System Inspection

• Inspect wiring and control panels
• Confirm correct alarm integration
• Test emergency power backup

Servicing by Competent Personnel

Servicing should be carried out by trained technicians familiar with the specific system. Any replacement parts must match the certified specification.

Ongoing Compliance

Fire curtain doors must be:

• Included in the fire risk assessment
• Logged within maintenance records
• Repaired promptly if damaged

Unauthorised alterations or incorrect repairs can invalidate fire certification.

When correctly installed, commissioned, and maintained in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 and BS 8524, fire curtain doors provide reliable, compliant automatic compartmentation while preserving modern open plan design.

Fire and Smoke Curtains pricing depends on fire resistance rating, smoke classification, opening size, control system specification, and installation complexity. Because systems must comply with BS EN 1634-1 and often BS 8524, pricing reflects both certified fire performance and control integration.

Standard Fire Curtain Doors (Door-Sized Openings)

Typically used for corridors, door openings, and smaller compartment lines.

• Supply only: From £2,500 – £4,000
• Supplied and installed: From £4,000 – £6,500

Based on approx. 1m–1.5m wide openings.

Wider Span Fire Curtains (Corridor or Open-Plan Protection)

Used across larger openings within commercial buildings.

• Supply only: From £4,000 – £7,000
• Supplied and installed: From £6,000 – £10,000

Pricing increases with width and drop height.

Large Span / Atrium Fire Curtains

Designed for atriums, escalator voids, and large open-plan areas.

• Supply and install: From £8,000 – £20,000+

Costs vary significantly depending on span, drop height, and fire rating (60 vs 120 minutes).

Fire and Smoke Rated (Sa / S200 Classification)

Where smoke control performance is required, expect an additional:

• £500 – £2,000+, depending on system type and classification.

Control and Safety System Costs

Additional specification items may include:

• Advanced control panels
• Battery backup systems
• Audio visual warning units
• Programmable descent delay
• Integration with building management systems

These can add £500 – £2,500+ depending on project requirements.

What Affects Final Pricing

• Fire resistance period (60 or 120 minutes)
• Integrity-only (E) vs insulation (EI) rating
• Smoke classification (Sa / S200)
• Opening width and drop height
• Structural support requirements
• Access for installation
• Level of control system integration

Residential Open Plan Applications

For residential open-plan kitchen/living layouts:

• Indicative installed pricing: From £3,500 – £6,000

Final cost depends on opening size and fire strategy requirements.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Because fire curtains are active fire systems requiring integration with the fire alarm and must comply with BS EN 1634-1 and BS 8524, a site survey is strongly recommended. Accurate measurements and review of the fire strategy ensure correct specification and full regulatory compliance.