Smoke & Fire Control Systems – trusted, efficient, effective specialists
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SMOKE & FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS

Committed to high standards in smoke and fire control technology, INNIVATE works with Coopers Fire, one of the world’s most trusted and specified Fire and Smoke Curtain systems specialists. INNIVATE partners with Powrmatic, a leading accredited UK Ventilation manufacturer with over 60 years’ experience, for a wide range of highly efficient, innovative and cost-effective natural and powered smoke ventilation systems.

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Smoke & Fire Curtain Product Image

SMOKE/FIRE CONTROL

Committed to high standards in smoke and fire control technology, INNIVATE works with Coopers Fire, one of the world’s most trusted and specified Fire and Smoke Curtain systems specialists. INNIVATE partners with Powrmatic, a leading accredited UK Ventilation manufacturer with over 60 years’ experience, for a wide range of highly efficient, innovative and cost-effective natural and powered smoke ventilation systems.

See our smoke and fire control case studies

Smoke curtains and fire curtains: what’s the difference ?

Smoke and fire curtains are similar products; after all, both are designed to allow more time for building occupants to evacuate during emergencies. They can operate independently or together, depending on curtain type and building requirements. However, they do have a few key differences:

SMOKE CURTAINS
Smoke curtains are designed only for exposure to smoke. Deployed in extreme heat, the primary function of smoke curtains is to reduce smoke migration and maintain a higher temperature in the smoke layer, allowing smoke to rise to the extraction point. For this reason, smoke curtains play an essential role in smoke ventilation systems.

Although smoke curtains serve as additional layers of protection to keep building occupants safe from smoke inhalation, they are usually not full height, but set instead to a specific drop height to allow for evacuation. They incorporate fibreglass with a special coating designed to prevent the emission of additional gas or smoke, and are ideal for large openings.

FIRE CURTAINS
Fire curtains may be exposed to the extreme temperatures of fire itself, and thus have to be rated against the standard ISO fire curve of 1100oC. They are designed to protect escape routes such as stairways, working in tandem with other fire protection systems to provide complete fire separation between zones and preventing fire from spreading through a property.

Fire curtains also contain fibreglass and use a special coating, with an additional layer of stainless steel thread that increases their resistance to direct flames. They can be hidden in ceilings until activated in an emergency, making them a space-saving solution for building designers who want to keep fire protection equipment inconspicuous without compromising on design.

What are the different types of smoke and fire curtains?

1. Vertical Curtains – Typically installed high up in a structure and fixed to complement smoke ventilation systems, they are often used in large, open spaces like atriums to protect larger areas from smoke hazards.
2. Concertina Curtains – Multi-sided vertical curtains that are typically used to protect spaces like atriums, escalators and stairwells. They require an unobstructed ceiling for installation.

1. Horizontal Curtains – A versatile alternative to traditional vertical fire protection equipment like fire shutters, non-load bearing firewalls, and fire-rated ceilings, making them ideal for incorporating open multi-storey ceiling voids into the building design.
2. Vertical Curtains – Perfect for commercial and industrial projects where building designers are required to maintain large open areas for access, like office buildings or shopping malls.
3. Concertina Curtains – Multi-sided vertical curtains best suited for protecting areas like escalators and staircases. An ideal choice for open-plan building designs, as they do not require a side guide on corners. However, like concertina smoke curtains, an unobstructed ceiling is required for installation.

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PAST PROJECTS WITH INNIVATE

Featured Case Studies

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Our clients say…



Paul Paffett Profile Image

“From protecting means of escape and boundary protection to providing a building with a system that provides a building with effective compartmentation, INNIVATE’s wide range of fire and smoke curtains protect every type of application from fire.

Sourced from the market leader in this technology, the range is complemented by Smoke and Heat exhaust ventilator systems, from all metal to glazed ventilators.”

Paul Paffett, LEED AP BD+C
Managing Director, INNIVATE Pte Ltd



Smoke & Fire Curtain FAQs

Smoke and fire curtains are passive fire protection systems installed in buildings to contain the spread of smoke and fire, thereby providing safe evacuation routes. These curtains consist of fire-resistant fabric that deploys automatically when a fire alarm signal is triggered, sealing off openings like stairwells and escalators. They work by creating a barrier that limits the movement of smoke and fire, allowing occupants more time to escape and reducing property damage.
Generally, there are three main types of smoke and fire curtains— vertical, horizontal and concertina curtains. Horizontal curtains deploy horizontally to compartmentalise large spaces like corridors and open-plan areas, while vertical and concertina curtains deploy vertically to create barriers in openings like atriums or stairwells. Fire curtains are fire-rated, providing additional protection during a fire condition.
Smoke and fire curtains undergo rigorous testing to ensure their performance in real-life fire scenarios. These tests include subjecting the curtains to extreme temperatures, smoke, and fire conditions to evaluate their ability to withstand heat, prevent smoke spread, and maintain structural integrity. Testing also assesses the speed and reliability of curtain deployment, adherence to safety standards, and effectiveness in containing fire and smoke within designated areas. INNIVATE Coopers smoke and fire curtains are tested to the latest European and US standards.
Fire and smoke curtains are typically made from fire-resistant materials such as fiberglass, aramid fibres with special coatings and strengthened with steel inter-liners. These materials possess high-temperature resistance and are designed to withstand intense heat and flames during a fire. The choice of material depends on factors like the size of the opening, the required fire rating, and specific environmental conditions of the building.
In selecting smoke and fire curtains, consider factors like the size and layout of the building, fire safety regulations, required fire ratings, and aesthetic preferences. Evaluating the performance, reliability, and certification of different curtain systems is crucial. INNIVATE partners with reputable, industry leaders like Cooper's Fire and Powrmatic to ensure a quality range that meets the necessary safety standards and provides effective fire protection. To save time and money always consult experts like INNIVATE at the early stage of a project.
INNIVATE's range of smoke and fire curtains have undergone rigorous testing for fire resistance and integrity according to globally accepted industry-wide BS and UL standards, including BS EN 12101 (smoke curtains), BS EN 1634-1, UL, and BS 8524-1 (fire curtains). For more information on the certifications of specific models, download our brochure here
Smoke and fire curtains are installed in key areas requiring protection. The type of curtain depends on the deployment strategy, fire safety regulations, and installation specifications. Certain curtains require unobstructed ceilings, side or corner guides etc. For information on specific models, download our brochure here, or reach out to us at www.innivate.com/ask-innivate/.
All of INNIVATE's Smoke and Fire Curtain solutions are backed by comprehensive technical support, specifications, detailed drawings (in ACAD and BIM) and datasheets together with a 1-year warranty.
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