FC8 Fire Curtains - BS8524

BS 8524 Certified Life Safety System

Tested to BS 8524-1 & 8524-2, the highest UK standard for fire curtains

Up to 180 Minutes Fire Resistance

Available with E120 and E180 integrity ratings for maximum protection

Optional Fire & Smoke Performance

Enhanced with smoke sealing tested to BS EN 1634-3 for added safety

Radiation Control Options (EW60)

Reduces radiant heat transfer to protect escape routes and occupants

Fail-Safe Gravity Deployment

Automatically descends during fire or power failure for reliable operation

Fully Integrated System Control

Connects with fire alarms, BMS, and detection systems for automation

Designed for Critical Environments

Ideal for hospitals, airports, high-rise buildings, and public spaces

Custom Made to Measure

Manufactured to suit complex layouts and large structural openings

Discreet Architectural Design

Compact headbox allows concealed installation within ceilings or bulkheads

Multi-Zone & Overlapping Systems

Suitable for wide spans and complex compartmentation strategies

Advanced Safety & Diagnostics

Includes self-testing and system diagnostics for ongoing compliance

Durable High-Performance Fabric

Reinforced fire-resistant material designed for long-term reliability

The FC8 Fire Curtain is designed for high-spec, life safety applications, offering extensive flexibility to meet complex fire strategies, architectural requirements, and regulatory compliance. With a wide range of configuration and system options, it can be tailored for both fire-only and fire & smoke protection in demanding environments.

System Configurations

The FC8 is available in two primary configurations:

• Fire-Only Curtain – Provides certified fire compartmentation (E120 / E180)
• Fire & Smoke Curtain – Adds smoke sealing performance for enhanced life safety and evacuation protection

Size & Made-to-Measure Design

Each curtain is custom manufactured to suit your project requirements:

• Bespoke widths and drop heights
• Suitable for small openings to large, complex multi-zone layouts
• Can be configured as part of multi-curtain or overlapping systems

Headbox & Integration Options

• Compact, discreet headbox design for concealed installation
• Suitable for integration into ceilings, soffits, or bulkheads
• Designed to maintain a minimal visual impact in architectural spaces

Installation Methods

Flexible installation options include:

• Face fix installation
• Soffit fix installation

Designed specifically for installation into masonry substrates in line with certification requirements

Curtain Fabric & Performance Options

• High-performance fire-resistant fabric reinforced with stainless steel wire
• Optional smoke-sealing system for fire & smoke variants
• Available with radiation control (EW30–EW60) to reduce heat transfer

Colour & Finish Options

Standard finishes:

• RAL 9010 (White)
• RAL 9005 (Black)
• Full RAL / BS colour matching available for bespoke projects

Control & Operation Options

The FC8 offers advanced system control options, including:

• Integration with fire alarm systems
• Connection to building management systems (BMS)
• Activation via smoke or heat detectors
• Manual override and reset functions
• Zoned deployment strategies for staged fire protection

Audio & Visual Safety Features

Optional safety enhancements include:

• Audible sounders
• Visual warning beacons
• Provides clear alerts prior to curtain deployment

Power & Safety Systems

• 24V DC motor system with BS 8524-compliant control panel (FC-INTUM)
• Fail-safe gravity descent mechanism
• Battery backup (UPS) for operation during power failure

Multi-Zone Fire Strategy Integration

• Suitable for multi-curtain systems
• Enables zoned fire and smoke compartmentation
• Ideal for large, open-plan or multi-level buildings

Application Flexibility

Designed for use in:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Airports and transport hubs
• High-rise buildings
• Retail centres and public spaces

These design and customisation options ensure the FC8 Fire Curtain delivers the highest level of life safety performance, compliance, and architectural integration for complex and critical environments.

Product Type:

• Automatic fire curtain system for life safety applications (BS 8524 compliant)

Fire Rating:

• Certified to BS 8524-1
• Available with E120 and E180 integrity classifications
• Radiation control options: EW30 – EW60 (to EN 13501-2)

Smoke Performance (Optional):

• Tested to BS EN 1634-3
• Designed to limit smoke leakage for protected escape routes

Certification:

• Fully compliant with BS 8524-1:2013 (Product)
• Fully compliant with BS 8524-2:2013 (Installation & Maintenance)
• CE marked to EN 16034
• CE marked to EN 13241

Curtain Material:

• High-performance fire-rated fabric
• Reinforced with stainless steel wire
• Specialist coating for heat resistance and radiant heat reduction

Operation:

• 24V DC tubular motor system
• Automatic deployment via fire alarm or detection system
• Fail-safe gravity descent in event of power failure

Control System:

• FC-INTUM control panel (BS 8524 compliant)
• Compatible with fire alarm systems
• Compatible with building management systems (BMS)
• Includes manual reset, test switch, and system diagnostics

Power Supply:

• Mains powered with UPS / battery backup
• Ensures operation during power outage

Deployment Features:

• Controlled descent for safe evacuation
• Optional zoned deployment and multi-curtain systems
• Optional audio and visual warning systems

Headbox:

• Compact, slimline design for concealed installation
• Suitable for ceiling, soffit, or bulkhead integration

Finish:

• Curtain fabric in standard grey
• Headbox and guides in RAL 9010 (White) or RAL 9005 (Black)
• Custom RAL / BS colours available

Installation Options:

• Face fix or soffit fix installation
• Certified for installation into masonry substrates only

Structural Requirements:

• Installed into masonry openings in line with BS 8524 certification
• Structural support must meet tested installation conditions

Sizes:

• Custom made to measure (widths and drop heights to suit application)

Usage:

• Designed for life safety applications in critical environments
• Suitable for lobbies, corridors, atriums, stairwells, and escape routes

Safety Features:

• Fail-safe gravity operation
• Battery backup system
• Fire alarm and BMS integration
• Smoke sealing (optional)

Warranty:

• 12-month standard warranty (extendable with maintenance agreements)

Maintenance:

• Requires routine inspection and servicing in line with BS 8524-2

Lead Time:

• Typically 4–6 weeks depending on size and specification

Our FC8 Fire Curtains are manufactured to order, with a typical lead time of 4–8 weeks from order confirmation and final specification. This reflects the high level of testing, certification, and bespoke manufacturing required to meet BS 8524 life safety standards.

Lead times may vary depending on system complexity, including multi-zone configurations, large openings, smoke control options, or integration with building management and fire alarm systems. We will always confirm accurate timescales at quotation stage to align with your project programme.

We provide a professional supply and installation service, ensuring the system is installed strictly in accordance with BS 8524-2 requirements. Installation includes full system integration, commissioning, and testing to ensure compliance and reliable operation. For supply-only projects, detailed installation guidance is provided to ensure the curtain achieves its certified life safety performance.

The cost of FC8 Fire Curtains reflects their position as a premium, life safety system fully compliant with BS 8524, the highest UK standard for fire curtain assemblies. These systems are designed for critical environments, and pricing reflects the level of certification, engineering, and integration required.

Indicative Pricing

Small Openings (Up to 2m wide)

• Supply Only: £3,500 – £6,500
• Supply & Install: £5,500 – £9,500

Medium Openings (2m – 4m wide)

• Supply Only: £6,000 – £12,000
• Supply & Install: £9,000 – £18,000

Large Openings (4m+ wide / Atriums & Complex Areas)

• Supply Only: £10,000 – £25,000+
• Supply & Install: £15,000 – £35,000+

Fire & Smoke (FC8-S) Systems with Enhanced Performance

• Supply Only: £8,000 – £18,000+
• Supply & Install: £12,000 – £28,000+

Multi-Zone / Bespoke Life Safety Systems

• Supply Only: £15,000+
• Supply & Install: £25,000+

Factors Affecting Price

Several key factors will influence the final cost:

• Compliance Level: BS 8524 certification requirements
• Fire Rating: E120 vs E180 and radiation control (EW ratings)
• Smoke Control: Additional sealing and testing requirements
• Size & Layout: Larger openings and multi-zone systems increase cost
• Control Systems: Integration with fire alarms, BMS, and detection systems
• Installation Complexity: Structural requirements and access conditions
• Finish Options: Powder coating and bespoke architectural finishes

Installation Considerations

FC8 systems are more complex than standard fire curtains due to:

• Strict compliance with BS 8524-2 installation requirements
• Integration with life safety systems and controls
• Potential for multi-curtain and zoned deployments
• Working at height and structural coordination

This results in higher installation costs, but ensures full compliance and system reliability.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Electrical works and system integration
• Structural steel or builder’s works
• Access equipment (scaffolding, lifts)
• Ongoing servicing and maintenance (required for compliance)

Get an Accurate Quote

Due to the complexity and life safety nature of FC8 systems, we strongly recommend requesting a project-specific quotation. Our team will work with your fire strategy to deliver a fully compliant solution that balances performance, safety, and budget.