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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 and 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

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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 and 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

What’s in a smoke and fire control system?

Smoke and fire control systems are an integral part of building fire protection. These systems are designed to detect, contain, and mitigate the spread of fire, smoke, and heat within a building, helping to protect occupants and property.

Smoke and fire control systems typically consist of the following components: fire detection, fire suppression, smoke control, fire alarm, emergency communications, and fire doors or fire-related assemblies.

Through INNIVATE’s range of smoke and fire curtains and smoke ventilation systems, architects have access to industry-leading options for fire suppression and smoke control.

Smoke Vents vs Smoke and Fire Curtains

Smoke vents and smoke and fire curtains are both essential components of smoke and fire control systems. While they serve a similar purpose to mitigate the spread of smoke and fire in buildings, they employ different mechanisms and are used in different architectural contexts.

SMOKE VENTS SMOKE AND FIRE CURTAINS
Purpose
  • Designed to create a clear path for smoke and heat to escape improving visibility and evacuation conditions during a fire
  • Does not physically block the spread of smoke or fire
  • Also known as smoke exhaust vents, or smoke ventilation system
  • Designed as barriers to physically block the spread of fire and smoke within a building
  • Limit fire damage, facilitate the safe evacuation of occupants during a fire
  • Facilitate the safe entry for firefighters to see and fight the fire
Deployment Mechanism
  • Mechanical or natural systems installed in the roof, or high up on walls
  • Active system that deploys automatically or manually in response to smoke detection systems
  • Vents can also be used for low level inlet which is an essential part of the smoke vent strategy
  • Designed to create a clear path for smoke and heat to escape improving visibility and evacuation conditions during a fire
  • Passive system that deploys automatically in response to a fire signal
Location
  • Installed in the roof or within walls to facilitate the natural upward movement of smoke
  • In large, open spaces like atriums, warehouses, or industrial buildings, where smoke can accumulate quickly and hinder evacuation efforts
  • Installed within the building, usually above ceilings or concealed within walls

There are primarily two types of smoke vents: mechanical smoke vents and natural smoke vents. Each type operates differently and has its own set of advantages and limitations.

MECHANICAL SMOKE VENTS NATURAL SMOKE VENTS
Advantages
  • Offer precise control over airflow
  • Quickly remove smoke from the building, helping to contain the smoke to a small area
  • Particularly effective in large buildings or areas with high ceilings where natural ventilation may be inadequate
  • Energy-efficient, passive system
  • Do not rely on external power sources; less vulnerable to power outages during a fire
  • Relatively simple to install and maintain compared to mechanical systems
Limitations
  • Require a power source to operate; may be vulnerable to power outages during a fire
  • Require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning of the fans and control systems
  • Less precise control over airflow compared to mechanical systems
  • May be less effective in buildings with low ceilings or limited roof space, where the natural buoyancy of hot gases is insufficient to create adequate airflow
Types
Fan-Powered Vents

  • Use mechanical fans to actively remove smoke and hot gases
  • Typically installed in the roof or high up on walls, and are connected to a power source
  • Creates airflow that draws smoke out of the building
  • Activated automatically in response to smoke detection system

Controlled Systems

  • A rapid response system that includes a main control panel, smoke detection sensors, and mechanical smoke vents
  • Activated through a control panel when sensors detect smoke or fire
 Gravity-Operated Vents

  • Rely on natural convection currents and the principle of buoyancy to remove smoke and hot gases
  • Typically installed in the roof
  • Designed with large openings that allow hot gases to rise and escape, drawing fresh air into the building instead

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.

SMOKE CURTAINS FIRE CURTAINS
Function
  • To reduce smoke migration and maintain a higher temperature in the smoke layer, allowing smoke to rise to the extraction point
  • To protect escape routes such as stairways, providing complete fire separation between zones and preventing fire from spreading through a property
Characteristics
  • Designed only for exposure to smoke
  • Usually not full height, but set instead to a specific drop height to allow for evacuation
  • Incorporate fibreglass with a special coating designed to prevent the emission of additional gas or smoke
  • Ideal for large openings
  • May be exposed to the extreme temperatures of fire; must be rated against the standard ISO fire curve of 1100°C
  • Space-saving; can be hidden in ceilings
  • Contain fibreglass, a special coating, and an additional layer of stainless steel thread that increases their resistance to direct flames
  • Ideal for keeping fire protection equipment inconspicuous without compromising on design
Types
Concertina

  • Multi-sided vertical curtains
  • Typically used to protect atriums, escalators and stairwells
  • Require an unobstructed ceiling for installation

Vertical

  • Typically installed high up in a structure
  • Fixed to complement smoke ventilation systems
  • Often used in large, open spaces like atriums to protect larger areas from smoke hazards
 Concertina

  • Multi-sided vertical curtains
  • Ideal for protecting areas like escalators and staircases
  • Ideal choice for open-plan building designs
  • Do not require a side guide on corners
  • Like concertina smoke curtains, an unobstructed ceiling is required for installation

Vertical

  • Perfect for commercial and industrial projects where building designers are required to maintain large open areas for access, like office buildings or shopping malls

Horizontal

  • Versatile alternative to traditional vertical fire protection equipment like fire shutters, non-load bearing firewalls, and fire-rated ceilings
  • Ideal for incorporating open multi-storey ceiling voids into the building design
Download Smoke Vents Brochure
Download Smoke and Fire Curtains Brochure

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

A smoke and fire control system is a comprehensive safety mechanism designed to manage and mitigate the effects of smoke and fire within a building or structure. It is crucial for protecting lives, property, and ensuring the continuity of operations during a fire emergency.
Smoke and fire control systems typically include fire detection systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, smoke control systems, emergency communications, and fire doors or fire-related compartmentalisation assemblies.

Smoke Vents FAQs

Installed in the roof or walls of a building, smoke vents automatically open during a fire to allow smoke and hot gases to escape, reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and improving visibility for evacuation and firefighting efforts. Thermal sensors or smoke detectors trigger the opening mechanism, ensuring that smoke is effectively vented out of the building.
The main types of smoke vents are natural smoke vents, which rely on gravity and thermal buoyancy to allow smoke to escape, and mechanical smoke vents, which use powered fans to actively remove smoke. There are also automatic opening vents (AOVs), which are designed to open automatically in response to smoke detection.
Smoke vents are put through rigorous, standardised fire tests that simulate real fire conditions to ensure they open and function effectively. These tests evaluate opening time, smoke removal efficiency, and structural integrity under heat and smoke exposure, following protocols set by organisations like UL, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the European Standard (ENs). INNIVATE Powrmatic smoke vents are tested to the latest European and US standards.
INNIVATE's range of smoke vents leverage aluminium’s natural advantages; it is lightweight yet strong and durable, sustainable, and has high corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and aesthetic versatility. Polycarbonate glazing is also often used as it is lightweight, has high impact resistance, and clarity, allowing natural light while maintaining fire safety standards.
In selecting smoke vents, consider the size and layout of the building, occupancy type, fire safety regulations, required fire ratings, and aesthetic preferences. For example, large, complex buildings or areas with limited natural ventilation pathways are better suited to mechanical vents. INNIVATE partners with industry leaders like Powrmatic to ensure a quality range that delivers on safety and effectiveness. To save time and money always consult experts like INNIVATE at the early stage of a project.
INNIVATE's range of smoke vents have undergone rigorous testing for fire resistance and integrity according to globally accepted industry-wide BS and UL standards, including BS EN 12101-2:2003. For more information on the certifications of specific models, download our smoke vents brochure here.
Smoke vents have to be securely mounted on the roof or walls, with proper alignment and sealing to prevent leaks, and connected to the building's fire detection and alarm system. The type of vent depends on the deployment strategy, fire safety regulations, and installation specifications. For information on specific models, download our smoke vents brochure here, or reach out to us at innivate.com/ask-innivate.
All of INNIVATE's smoke vents are backed by comprehensive technical support, specifications, detailed drawings (in ACAD and BIM) and datasheets together with a 1-year warranty.

Smoke and Fire Curtains 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. They deploy automatically when a fire alarm signal is triggered, sealing off openings like stairwells and escalators, 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.
Smoke and fire curtains undergo rigorous testing to ensure their performance in real-life fire scenarios. This includes 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 smoke and fire curtains 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 smoke and fire brochure here, or reach out to us at 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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