Insight: Smoke & Fire Curtains explained

What are the primary differences between smoke curtains and fire curtains?

Smoke curtains are designed to impede the spread of smoke or channel it towards extraction systems, typically descending to above head height to allow for safe passage underneath. In contrast, fire curtains are designed to stop the spread of fire and always descend completely to floor level, incorporating side guides for a complete fire seal.

How do HAG automatic curtain systems operate in a fire emergency, and what fail-safe mechanisms are in place?

HAG automatic curtain systems descend automatically under gravity when a fire alarm signal is received. This gravity fail-safe operation is ensured by a weighted bottom bar on the curtain. The system operates on a 24V motor with a battery backup in case of mains power failure. If the mains supply fails, the system automatically switches to battery backup and the curtain will remain retracted for at least one hour before descending under controlled gravity if power is not restored. The curtain will also automatically retract once the fire alarm is reset.

What are the main components of a HAG smoke or fire curtain system?

The main components include: a fire-resistant fabric, a 24V motor, a shaft assembly, a roller tube, a steel headbox, a weighted bottom bar, a Motor Control Circuit (MCC) and a Group Control Panel (GCP). Optional extras include components for two-stage descent, delayed drop, emergency retract/panic button and integration with building management systems (BMS).

How are HAG smoke and fire curtains manufactured and what certifications do they hold?

The smoke and fire curtains are compliance with the local standards of the markets they are supplied into. Their processes are certified to ISO 9001:2015. The curtains are assembled from multiple fabric panels sewn together, and all products undergo rigorous testing to meet various certification standards such as BS EN 1634 for fire resistance, BS EN 12101 for smoke control, and UL standards for fire protective curtains.

What are the electrical requirements for installing HAG curtain systems, and what is the role of the Group Control Panel (GCP) and Motor Control Circuit (MCC)?

The system requires a 230v ac or 120v ac mains supply (depending on EU or UL Standards). The GCP serves as the fire alarm interface, providing power and battery backup. The MCC regulates the power to the motor, ensuring controlled descent and retraction. The GCP outputs 24v AC or DC to the MCC, which then drives the 24V motor. A maximum of 6 MCCs can be connected to a standard GCP (5 for UL approved versions).

What are the key considerations when surveying a site for the installation of HAG smoke or fire curtains?

Survey considerations include the size of the opening, the distance of the gaps between the fabric and surrounding structure, accounting for site finishes and tolerances, and access to the curtain system components. For curtains without side guides, specific maximum gaps are permitted depending on drop height. For curtains with side guides, the face of guide to face of guide width is a common dimension to utilize. The headbox must also be installed straight and level to prevent fabric snagging during deployment and retraction.

What are some optional features available for HAG curtain systems, and how do they enhance functionality?

Optional features include two-stage descent for a controlled and gradual deployment, delayed drop after a fire alarm is triggered, fusible links that trigger operation via temperature, smoke or heat detectors that activate deployment, emergency retract buttons, delayed reset timers and voice alarms or audio visual indicators during deployment. These options can be tailored to specific requirements and enhance the systems operation and safety.

What maintenance and fault-finding procedures are recommended for HAG curtain systems?

Weekly testing includes visual inspection, deployment via the key switch and confirming correct retraction. Annual servicing includes testing battery voltage, simulating a mains failure and alarm activation, and inspecting all fixings. Fault-finding procedures include diagnosing issues related to curtains that fail to deploy or retract, drop without warning, or experience motor issues and often checking the GCP, MCC, and motor voltages and wiring. The product is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of supply, subject to specified installation criteria being met.

Click below for our full range of Smoke & Fire Curtains:

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Fire curtain tested to BS EN 16034 Fireguard HF240

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