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Fire Curtains2026-10-21T08:11:05+00:00

FIRE CURTAINS

Commercial Fire Curtain Systems

Considerations for Fire Curtains

Within England and Wales all fire curtains must be compliant to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (in Scotland the equivalent is: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. This states that fire doors must be serviced every six (6) months to ensure they are in working condition and is mandatory. The servicing is to ensure suitability and safety in the event of an accident. The smoke curtain doesn’t descend to ground level i.e., ceiling to floor and is usually set above head height to prevent interference with the means of escape.

However, a fire curtain is usually installed to provide fire separation between two spaces like a mechanical door. Regulation 5 of the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 states that all powered doors must be inspected at regular intervals for testing, adjustment, lubrication, suitability and any repair or cleaning is undertaken. The owner of property must comply with certain laws to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states all emergency doors must be regularly serviced and that the responsible person must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state and in efficient working order and in good repair.

We recommend that you undertake a risk assessment to identify and remove all fire risks where possible which would include existing fire curtains, smoke curtains and any other passive fire prevention equipment and if these items are required. Please contact us to arrange your FRA, Fire curtain and or smoke curtain service inspections.

When Would You Need Fire Curtains?
You would need fire curtains in the following situations:

  1. Open-plan layouts
    1. Where open spaces exist without compartmentalisation (e.g., shopping centres, lobbies, atria).
    2. Fire curtains act as temporary fire-rated barriers to maintain fire compartmentation.
  2. Protected means of escape
    1. Where escape routes (e.g., corridors or stairwells) need to be protected from fire/smoke.
    2. Fire curtains help ensure safe evacuation and prevent smoke ingress.
  3. Replacing fire doors or shutters
    1. In cases where traditional fire doors or shutters are impractical, like for architectural or accessibility reasons.
  4. To comply with Building Regulations
    1. Required by Approved Document B (Fire Safety) when fire compartmentation or protected routes are necessary.
  5. In heritage buildings
    1. Where installing permanent barriers (walls or doors) would affect the building’s historical integrity.
  6. Smoke control systems
    1. Some curtains are specifically designed as smoke curtains, used to channel or contain smoke during a fire.

Relevant British Standard for Fire Curtains
The primary standard is BS 8524-1:2013 Active fire curtain assemblies – Part 1: Specification

This standard covers:

  • Design
  • Performance
  • Installation
  • Testing of active fire curtain barrier assemblies

Also relevant:

  • BS 8524-2:2013 – Code of practice for application, installation, and maintenance
  • BS EN 1634-1 – Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies
  • BS EN 12101-1 – For smoke curtains, under smoke and heat control systems

Maintenance Requirements
Under BS 8524-2:2013, and aligned with general fire safety obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, maintenance is critical.

  • Minimum maintenance frequency
    • At least once every 6 months by a competent person
  • Additional checks:
    • Weekly or monthly visual inspections (can be done by on-site facilities staff)
    • Functional test to ensure the curtain deploys correctly (often integrated with fire alarm tests)
  • What should be checked:
    • Curtain descent speed and alignment
    • Side guides and rollers
    • Fabric integrity
    • Motor function and battery backup
    • Control system (signal from fire alarm)

Fire Curtain Summary

  • When Needed Open-plan spaces, escape routes, replacing fire doors, smoke control
  • Main British Standard BS 8524-1:2013 & BS 8524-2:2013
  • Maintenance Frequency Every 6 months (minimum) by a competent person
  • Additional Checks Weekly/monthly visual & functional checks by facilities/maintenance teams

Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Fire Curtains

A fire curtain is a flexible, fire-resistant barrier that helps restrict the spread of fire between different areas of a building.

Many active fire curtains remain concealed above an opening during normal use. When the system receives an appropriate activation signal, the curtain descends to its intended position to help maintain fire separation.

The tested curtain system and the building’s fire safety strategy determine how the curtain operates, its fire resistance and its activation arrangements.

Fire curtains and smoke curtains perform different functions within a building’s fire safety arrangements.

A fire curtain provides a specified level of fire resistance, helping to restrict the spread of flames and heat between areas.

A smoke curtain primarily controls or directs smoke movement as part of a smoke control strategy. Depending on its purpose, it may descend only partway towards the floor.

Some systems provide both fire and smoke performance, but their tested classification must support both functions. A smoke curtain does not automatically provide fire-rated separation.

Fire curtains can help buildings maintain fire separation without permanently dividing the available space.

Common applications include shopping centres, offices, hotels, hospitals, educational buildings, atriums, open-plan areas and certain heritage properties.

Fire safety designers may also consider fire curtains for particular openings or circulation areas, depending on the building’s fire strategy and the suitability of the tested system.

A competent designer should confirm whether a fire curtain suits the proposed location.

Fire safety legislation does not require every commercial building to have fire curtains.

However, a building’s fire safety strategy, approved design or fire risk assessment may identify a need for fire-resisting separation that an appropriate fire curtain system can provide.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the Responsible Person to manage fire risks and maintain relevant fire safety measures. Building Regulations may also influence the design and installation of fire protection measures.

A competent fire safety professional should assess whether your premises need fire curtains.

Building managers should arrange appropriate fire curtain inspections, testing and maintenance to help ensure the systems operate correctly when needed.

The maintenance provider should establish a servicing schedule that reflects applicable standards, manufacturer instructions, the building’s fire safety strategy and the requirements of the installed system.

BS 8524-2 provides guidance on the application, installation and maintenance of active fire curtain barrier assemblies. Six-monthly specialist servicing is commonly specified for these systems, alongside appropriate routine checks. However, the exact requirements depend on the installation.

A competent specialist should investigate any faults or damage promptly.

Yes. Installers can connect many active fire curtain systems to suitable fire detection and alarm arrangements.

When the fire alarm system identifies the configured activation conditions, it can send a signal that starts the curtain’s required deployment sequence.

Depending on the design, the system may include staged descent, warning devices, obstruction detection and suitable arrangements for people using nearby escape routes.

The system designer must plan the interface and operating sequence around the building’s fire safety strategy and the specific curtain system.

In some circumstances, an appropriately specified fire curtain may provide an alternative means of fire separation where a conventional fire door, wall or shutter would be impractical.

However, fire curtains cannot automatically replace fire doors or shutters. The proposed application must meet the building’s fire safety design requirements, and the curtain’s tested performance must support its intended use.

Designers must take particular care where occupants need to pass through an opening during evacuation. A competent fire safety designer should confirm whether the arrangement is suitable.

The fire curtain system’s design determines how it responds to a power failure.

Many active systems use battery backup or fail-safe deployment arrangements so that the curtain can respond appropriately if the normal electrical supply fails.

The designer or maintenance provider should confirm the system’s precise operation during design, commissioning and maintenance. Different curtain systems may respond to power failures in different ways.

Regular inspections and maintenance help building managers identify fire curtain faults before they affect the system’s operation.

Warning signs may include:

  • Damaged fabric – Tears, excessive wear or visible deterioration.
  • Movement problems – Uneven descent, unusual noises or failure to deploy correctly.
  • Obstructions – Items or alterations that prevent the curtain from reaching its intended position.
  • Control faults – Warning indicators, power supply problems or failed activation tests.
  • Damaged components – Problems affecting guides, fixings, bottom bars or other parts of the assembly.

Report suspected defects promptly and ask a competent specialist to assess them. Do not modify or interfere with the curtain system without appropriate technical advice.

Contact SS Systems to discuss your building, existing fire curtains and any installation, inspection or maintenance requirements.

Our team can review your enquiry and discuss suitable next steps, including arranging a site visit where appropriate.

Call 03300 417 170, email sales@sssystems.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page.

Advice When Choosing and Maintaining Commercial Fire Curtains

Before installing fire curtains, review your building’s fire safety strategy and fire risk assessment to identify where you need fire separation.

Consider how people use the building, which routes they follow during evacuation and which areas need protection from fire spread.

Choose fire curtains as part of a coordinated fire protection design rather than simply because they take up less space than permanent walls or doors.

Fire curtains and smoke curtains serve different purposes. Choosing the correct system helps support effective fire protection.

Consider the following:

  • Fire curtains – Provide a specified level of fire resistance and help maintain fire separation.
  • Smoke curtains – Control or direct smoke movement as part of an appropriate smoke management strategy.
  • Combined performance – Some tested systems provide both fire resistance and smoke control, subject to their classification.
  • Required performance – The fire safety designer must establish the necessary fire resistance, smoke leakage characteristics and other performance requirements for the application.

Always check the proposed system’s test evidence, classification and approved installation arrangements before making a final selection.

Competent specialists should specify, install and maintain fire curtain systems in accordance with the standards relevant to their intended application.

BS 8524-1 and BS 8524-2 address active fire curtain barrier assemblies, while other standards may apply to smoke control or particular product classifications.

Ask the provider for appropriate evidence of testing, classification and system suitability. Check that the evidence covers the proposed dimensions, supporting construction, components and installation details.

A product’s certification does not automatically make it suitable for every opening or building.

Fire curtains must operate in a way that supports the building’s fire safety and evacuation strategy.

Important considerations include:

  • Escape routes – Check whether occupants need to pass through or near the protected opening.
  • Deployment sequence – Establish whether the design requires a single or staged descent.
  • Warning arrangements – Consider appropriate audible or visual warnings where the design specifies them.
  • Obstruction protection – Provide suitable measures to address people or objects in the curtain’s path.
  • Accessibility – Consider people who may need additional assistance during evacuation.
  • Emergency procedures – Ensure staff understand what happens when the curtain activates.

The tested curtain system and the building’s fire safety strategy determine which safeguards are appropriate. Never assume a fire curtain can safely replace a designated escape door.

Many active fire curtains receive activation signals from fire detection and alarm equipment. However, the correct arrangements depend on the installation.

Discuss the required interfaces with the fire alarm designer and curtain supplier before installation.

The design should address activation conditions, power failure, deployment behaviour and any necessary coordination with smoke ventilation or other building systems.

During testing and commissioning, the responsible specialists should confirm that the complete arrangement operates as intended.

Fire curtains are safety-critical systems and need appropriate inspection, testing and servicing throughout their working life.

Your maintenance programme should include:

  • Routine checks – Keep the deployment area clear and look for visible damage.
  • Operational testing – Check that the curtain deploys and operates as intended.
  • Fabric and components – Inspect the curtain, guides, fixings, bottom bar and accessible mechanisms.
  • Controls and power supplies – Check the control equipment, relevant interfaces and backup arrangements.
  • Specialist servicing – Arrange maintenance at intervals that reflect applicable standards and manufacturer requirements.
  • Corrective action – Report defects and arrange suitable repairs without unnecessary delay.

Six-monthly specialist servicing is commonly specified for active fire curtain systems. Your maintenance provider should confirm the appropriate schedule for your particular installation.

Obstructions or unauthorised alterations can prevent a fire curtain from performing its intended function.

Good housekeeping measures include:

  • Keep the curtain’s deployment path clear of furniture, stock and equipment.
  • Check that temporary displays and signage do not obstruct movement.
  • Report damaged fabric, guides or other visible components.
  • Avoid unauthorised alterations to the curtain, controls or surrounding construction.
  • Tell contractors about concealed fire curtains before they carry out nearby work.

Include these checks in your routine building safety inspections and report concerns to the person responsible for fire safety.

Choose a provider with relevant experience in installing or maintaining fire curtain systems.

Ask about the types of systems the provider works with, their technical competence, applicable certifications and arrangements for servicing and repairs.

The provider should explain the proposed system’s suitability, how it operates and what documentation you will receive following installation or maintenance.

Where fire curtains form part of a wider fire safety strategy, the project may also require coordination between fire alarm specialists, building managers and fire risk assessment professionals.

Bonus Tip: Keep a record of your fire curtain locations, system specifications, commissioning documents and maintenance history. This makes it easier to arrange servicing, identify recurring faults and assess whether building alterations could affect the curtains’ performance.

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OUR PARTNERS

SS Systems partner with leading UK based manufacturers to ensure that the fire detection and alarm systems we provide are at the forefront of current technology, along with being the most reliable our industry has to offer.

Externally Monitored to Ensure that we meet a High Standard of Service.

As members of the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), We maintain service records and monitor our success. The SSAIB, is a leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection alarm systems, and monitoring services. So, you can be confident that we strive to provide our clients with a reliable and professional level of service.

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