Fire shutters are similar to the standard roller shutter, however they have been altered on a design level to ensure that the shutter’s integrity will not be compromised in the event of a fire. Fire shutters can be linked to local heat and smoke detectors or connected to fire alarm systems to activate upon signals to close off and compartmentalise areas in large buildings in the event of a fire, providing clever fire-safety solutions for businesses.
Automatic activation
If a fire alarm is triggered, a volt free signal can be sent to the fire shutter then – depending on the setting within the control panel – the shutter will ‘open’ or ‘close’ as intended.
Gravity fail-safe mechanism and backups
Where there may be a power failure, fire shutters can have battery backups installed to make sure they can still function. A Flame Armour gravity fail-safe fire shutter operates regardless of a battery backup or power failure, so you can rest assured that you are providing greater fire safety measures. For more about the mechanics on this, we’ve done an in-depth guide on how fire shutters work.
Aesthetic and discreet
A fire shutter can be designed to be hidden discreetly within a building and only operate when required. They don’t all have to be the same look either, as a fire shutter can be manufactured with a powder coating to match the decor of a building and to give a more aesthetic appearance.
Varied options of fire shutters
Fire shutters come in a variety of makes. The three main types of fire shutters are:
- Tubular motor fire shutter:
- Powered down descent
- Single phase motor
- Battery backup
- Timed delay
- Link to local heat or smoke detectors
- Gravity fail-safe tubular motor fire shutter:
- Gravity and powered descent options
- Battery backup
- Single phase operation
- Timed delay
- Link to local heat or smoke detectors
- 2 stage closing operation
- Inline fire shutter:
- Single or three phase operation
- Auto-solenoid release
- External motor
- Fusible link
- Gravity and powered descent options
- Suitable for larger applications
- Link to local heat or smoke detectors
Valued by the government
The government advises that wherever there are any extensive catering facilities in offices, shops and commercial premises, they should be located in a separate building, or if this is not possible, they should be separated from the rest of the building by fire doors and fire-resistant construction. Fire shutters therefore work well integrated into designs of kitchens and canteens.
Rigorously tested and CE marked
There are a lot of high standards for fire shutters, meaning the industry is continually updating and testing to ensure that products are compatible and at their optimum level. In the UK, tests are thorough with multiple stages and are examined on their ability to meet current standard BS EN 16034:2014. Always look out for CE marked fire shutters that conform to the latest BS EN standards when visiting fire shutter manufacturers.
Whether you run a large office, retail store, or warehouse – whatever the large complex – fire shutters work extremely well in helping contain a fire outbreak. Where time is vital to ensure people can escape safely, that further damage is prevented and emergency services can arrive when fires are at their smallest, a fire shutter is essential.
We manufacture and install fire shutters daily, it’s what we live and breathe here at SSS Industrial Doors. So if you’re looking for a fire shutter or unsure if you need one, speak to us today.
