What are fire shutters?
The fire shutter is similar to standard roller shutters in design. The fire shutter’s design has been modified to make sure it is safe from fire. A fire shutter can be used as an emergency exit or to ‘close’ the fire. Foam Spray Insulation Ltd has been in business for more than 25 years. With a team of highly skilled applicators who have many years of experience in spray foam insulation, Foam Spray Insulation Ltd is located in the UK’s heart. Carefour offers live-in care in Oxfordshire. It’s easy to arrange a live in carers.
A fire shutter is designed to expand to withstand the pressures of a fire and to continue operating as it was intended. A specimen must be tested by a notified body to ensure expansion and integrity. Construction Product Regulations 2013 make this a mandatory requirement.
How fire shutters work
Fire shutters are designed to be used only during fire conditions. They are usually hidden in buildings and only work when they are required. There are many types of fire shutters, depending on what application they are used for. A standard Fire curtains will only work when it receives a signal from the fire alarm system. The shutter will open or close as per the instructions once it is activated. An inline fire shutter is also possible for industrial purposes. They can be activated by an alarm system and can trigger the auto-solenoid mechanism. This would cause a controlled gravitational descent.
Fire shutters: Maintenance and the law
Regular testing and checks must be done after a fire shutter is installed. It is required that every workplace equipment, device, and system must be maintained in accordance with Regulation 5 of The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations, 1992. Failure to do so could lead to a product breaking down in the event of a fire, putting lives at serious risk.
Catering facilities must adhere to fire regulations
According to the government, factories, warehouses and retail stores should be separated from commercial buildings. If they are located in other buildings, they should not be separated from the rest of that building. The fire shutters should be designed to shut off when a fire detection or warning system is activated. An automatic shutter should be controlled by a geared mechanism.
Different types of fire shutters
The fire rated shutters are available in many sizes, finishes, and models. They can also be made as a custom product. These are the three most common types:
1. Tubular motor fire shutter
This product is designed for small applications (minimum size 650mm).
Made with the single-phase motor that is internally fitted to the barrel
Ideal for applications with limited spacing
Power down devices require a backup battery supply in order to function.
It comes with a UPS-FDI Panel, which can receive a voltage-free signal from the fire alarm.
2. Tubular motor fire shutter that is gravity fail-safe
Made to a minimum of 350mm in size
Made with the single-phase motor that is internally installed into the barrel
Brake is powered by an electrical current in the closed position. In the event of a power outage or compromised electricals the fire shutter will function on a controlled gravity descent
This adds an extra safety measure as the door will still descend despite any power interruption.
Built-in audio visual warning
3. Fire shutter with inline (external Motor)
For larger industrial applications
A single- or three-phase motor can be used. The motor is attached to the coil casing externally and drives a chain driven mechanism.
These doors will activate automatically in the event that there is a fire, and require no power.
They fall via controlled descent when the thermal fusible unit link is activated
