Fire Curtains
What are Fire CURTAINS?
In large commercial buildings, maintaining effective compartmentation and passive fire protection can be challenging.
This is especially true with the rise of open plan layouts, where traditional fire doors are often not practical due to limited wall space.
Where fire doors cannot be installed, fire curtains provide an effective alternative. They offer comparable levels of fire resistance and smoke control while helping buildings remain compliant.
Fire curtains are designed to remain hidden within ceilings or walls. They can also be face fixed, depending on building requirements.
Fire curtains sit discreetly in place and deploy in the event of a fire using gravity fail safe operation. This allows them to descend even if power is unavailable.
Fire curtains are typically lightweight and rarely require additional structural support, meaning their installation has minimal impact on overall building design.
How fire curtains operate
Fire curtains deploy automatically or manually when triggered by a fire alarm or a predetermined temperature. They descend from a ceiling track to form a complete barrier from floor to ceiling. This helps to compartmentalise fire and smoke and limit further spread throughout the building.
Fire Curtain testing
Fire curtains require regular checks to ensure they remain fully operational. The Responsible Person should carry out weekly checks to confirm operation and identify obstructions, and run a full test at least monthly as part of routine fire safety maintenance. A qualified engineer should carry out professional inspections at least annually in line with BS 8524-2. For larger or life safety critical buildings, six monthly inspections and servicing are standard industry practice.
What We Offer
Testing
AWB carry out professional fire curtain testing in line with BS 8524-2, the code of practice for the application, installation, and maintenance of active fire curtain assemblies. Our experienced engineers follow a structured testing process designed to identify any issues and maintain ongoing safety.
Fire curtain testing involves triggering the system either electrically or thermally, followed by a detailed inspection of key performance areas. This process confirms the curtain will deploy correctly and provide effective fire and smoke containment when required.
During testing, we assess how quickly the curtain descends to its fully closed position, ensuring it operates within the required time. We also check that deployment is smooth and free from snags or hesitation. Finally, we confirm the curtain fully seals the opening from floor to ceiling, as any gaps will compromise performance and result in a failed test.
Where issues are identified, our team provides clear guidance on remedial actions, helping building owners maintain compliance and reduce risk. Regular testing ensures fire curtains continue to perform as intended, supporting safe evacuation, protecting occupants, and minimising damage in the event of a fire.
By choosing AWB, you invest in dependable fire protection that meets the highest industry standards, safeguarding lives and property with precision and care .