Using Fire Curtains with Egress Doors

Safety in buildings, especially high-rises and commercial spaces, is of paramount importance. When it comes to preventing the rapid spread of fire and smoke, every second counts. Egress doors, particularly elevator doors, play a crucial role in ensuring swift and safe evacuation during emergencies.

When combined with fire curtains, egress doors offer an enhanced level of protection. Let's delve deeper into how Smoke Guard's products bring these two elements together for the best protection.

The Role of Egress Doors and Elevators

Egress doors are specifically designed exit pathways that ensure occupants can swiftly and safely evacuate a building during an emergency. In multi-story buildings, elevators serve as one of the primary means of egress. However, elevators can also be vulnerable to smoke and fire, which can potentially turn them into danger zones. This is where the role of fire curtains becomes pivotal.

Fire Curtains: The Shield Against Fire and Smoke

Fire curtains act as barriers that prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Made of fire-resistant materials, they're automatically deployed in emergencies to seal off vulnerable areas like elevator doors. This ensures that the elevator remains operational and safe for use as an egress route. This can be accomplished through various configurations, such as:

Each of these fire curtains offers specific protection that will enhance the exit paths provided by egress doors.

Smoke Guard Elevator Smoke Protection Curtains

Smoke Guard stands out in the industry with its specialized elevator smoke protection curtains. Designed to perfectly integrate with elevator systems, their curtains offer multiple advantages:

Automatic Deployment

In case of fire, Smoke Guard curtains automatically deploy in order to create a protective barrier around the elevator doors to help ensure that smoke and fire do not infiltrate the elevator shaft.

Meeting Egress Standards

A distinct feature of Smoke Guard elevator curtains is the inclusion of a 4-inch square rewind switch on both sides of their translucent curtains. This allows occupants to egress even after the system is deployed. Additionally, in emergencies, occupants can manually push the screen open with less than 15 pounds of force to help ensure ADA-compliant egress.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Without compromising on safety, Smoke Guard curtains are designed to blend seamlessly into building interiors. When not in use, they remain discreet to help ensure that the aesthetics of the space are undisturbed.

Translucence for Safety

The translucent nature of the curtains ensures that occupants can see through them, which allows them to locate exit paths and remain aware of conditions outside the elevator.

Fire Curtains and Egress Smoke Curtains: A Collaborative System

Automatic Detection and Deployment

Upon sensing heat or smoke, integrated fire and smoke detection systems trigger the automatic deployment of fire curtains. The curtains unfurl from their concealed positions and descend to shield critical areas, especially around egress doors or pathways.

Segmenting and Containment

Fire curtains act as barriers that create compartments within a building. By segmenting spaces, they prevent the rapid spread of smoke and flames. Egress doors, particularly those linked to stairwells or elevators, often become focal points for this containment strategy. By shielding the crucial exits with fire curtains, occupants get a smoke-free, safer path for evacuation.

Maintaining Visibility and Access

One of the standout features of modern fire curtains, especially those offered by companies like Smoke Guard, is their translucency. Even as they shield against smoke and fire, the curtains allow occupants to see through, which is vital for being able to orient themselves to find exit paths. In the case of egress doors, especially elevator doors, visual clarity is paramount.

Furthermore, while fire curtains create barriers against fire and smoke, they don't permanently seal off exit routes. Integrated systems within the curtains, like the 4-inch square rewind switch found in Smoke Guard curtains, allow for quick manual retraction. This ensures that in emergencies, occupants can push the curtain aside with minimal force for unhindered access to egress doors.

Flexibility in Design

Modern fire curtains are designed to be versatile in order to ensure compatibility with various architectural designs and requirements. This type of flexibility means that they can be tailored to protect egress doors of different types and sizes, whether they're standard exit doors, large atrium openings or elevator doors.

Compliance with Safety Standards

The integration of fire curtains with egress doors isn't just about immediate safety — it's also about adherence to regulatory standards. Solutions like those provided by Smoke Guard ensure that the combined system meets ADA requirements for protection from fire and smoke and help ensure that evacuation routes remain accessible to all, including people with disabilities.

Boost Building Safety with Smoke Guard Fire Curtains: Safeguard Your Egress Paths Today

Don't let your building's safety be an afterthought. Be proactive and secure your egress pathways with Smoke Guard fire and smoke curtains. Designed with the highest safety standards, our products provide a blend of protection, compliance and aesthetic appeal.