Practice
Fire and smoke control in atriums
An atrium creates light, space and open connections between storeys. From a fire safety point of view such an open structure calls for extra attention, because smoke and heat can spread quickly through the building by way of an atrium. Which provisions are necessary depends on the fire safety concept, the compartmentation, the escape routes and the requirements that apply to the building concerned. An atrium therefore does not automatically mean that additional fire or smoke curtains are mandatory. Flexible fire and smoke curtains can, however, be an important solution where openness is wanted in normal use and a specific fire or smoke resisting function becomes necessary in a fire.
Fire curtain or smoke barrier?
This distinction matters.
Fire curtains
A roll-down fire curtain can be used where an opening has to become part of a fire separating construction in a fire. Depending on the project requirements, a classification of E, EW or EI may be necessary.
For roll-down textile fire curtains, EN 1634-1 for the fire resistance test and EN 13501-2 for the classification are among the relevant standards. Where the product falls within its scope, EN 16034 also matters for the product performance and CE marking.
The classification is not the only thing that counts. Dimensions, guides, mounting method, connecting constructions and the field of application of the test and classification documentation must also match the actual application.
DH and DHA smoke barriers
For smoke control, an atrium can be fitted with smoke barriers. Protektis supplies certified DH and DHA smoke barriers to EN 12101-1 for this purpose. They can be used, among other things, to:
- form or bound smoke reservoirs;
- direct smoke flows;
- limit unwanted smoke spread within large open spaces;
- form part of a designed smoke and heat control system.
A DH or DHA smoke barrier therefore has a different function from a fire curtain with an E, EW or EI classification. These performances may not be equated without technical substantiation.
Smoke barriers combined with smoke and heat exhaust
In larger atriums, smoke barriers can work together with a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system.
The smoke barriers help to contain and direct the smoke, so that smoke and heat can be extracted in a controlled way as designed.
Smoke barriers, smoke extraction, air inlet, detection and control together form a single smoke control concept. Correct operation therefore depends not only on the barrier itself, but on the design of the system as a whole.
The complete curtain construction is decisive
A certified fabric alone does not yet make a certified fire or smoke resisting solution.
The demonstrated performance relates to the complete curtain construction within the field of application of the documentation concerned. Fabric, roller tube, guides, bottom bar, fixings, control system and structural connections, among others, can be decisive here.
That is why Protektis assesses more than the required dimensions:
- the function of the curtain;
- the required classification;
- the project situation;
- the field of application of the certification;
- the structural connections;
- the control system and activation.
Protektis thinks along from the design stage
In an atrium, architecture, fire safety, smoke control and building services all come together. It is therefore wise to take fire and smoke curtains into account early in the design.
Protektis supports architects, fire safety consultants, contractors and installers in selecting and technically integrating fire curtains and certified DH/DHA smoke barriers.
Do you have an atrium or void that needs a fire or smoke resisting solution? Bring Protektis in during the design stage if you can. We will assess which curtain solution matches the required performance and the available test, classification and product documentation.
More background on standards and classifications? Read the fire safety information.
Further reading
Standards
Smoke curtains: Sa, S200, DH and DHA
Sa and S200 limit smoke leakage; DH and DHA belong to smoke control. Different performances, not interchangeable — and Ra and R200 are something else again.
Standards
The difference between E, EW and EI: classifications explained
E, EW or EI 60 — the classification determines which curtain is suitable. How to read the codes from EN 13501-2 and choose the right requirement.