Smoke Curtains vs Fire Curtains : Understanding the Critical Differences

Smoke curtains and fire curtains are often confused — but choosing the wrong one can compromise safety and approvals. This article breaks down their key differences, applications, and compliance impact so you specify the right system from day one.

Introduction
During a fire event, smoke and fire behave differently and require different control measures. Smoke spreads rapidly, affecting visibility and escape routes, while fire spread threatens structural integrity and compartmentation.

Smoke Curtains and Fire Curtains are designed to address these risks separately. Knowing when and where each system should be used is critical for effective fire and smoke control.

What Are Smoke Curtains?
Smoke Curtains are deployable barriers designed to control and limit the movement of smoke during a fire. They are primarily used as part of engineered smoke management systems to form smoke reservoirs and guide smoke toward extraction points.

Smoke curtains are not intended to provide long-duration fire resistance. Their key function is to contain smoke in the early stages of a fire, maintain tenable conditions, and support safe evacuation.

What Are Fire Curtains?
Fire Curtains are fire-resisting barriers designed to prevent the spread of fire between compartments. They are tested for fire integrity and, in some cases, insulation over a defined period such as 60, 120, or 240 minutes.

Fire curtains are typically used where permanent fire-rated walls or doors are not feasible, such as large openings, stages, shopfronts, lift lobbies, and wide circulation spaces.

Functional Differences Between Smoke Curtains and Fire Curtains
The main distinction lies in purpose and performance. Smoke curtains manage smoke movement, while fire curtains resist fire spread.

Smoke curtains usually deploy to a specific height to create smoke reservoirs and allow evacuation below the smoke layer. Fire curtains generally deploy fully to the floor to form a fire compartment boundary.

Using a smoke curtain where fire resistance is required, or a fire curtain where smoke control is critical, can result in system failure and authority rejection.

Activation and Behavior During a Fire
Smoke curtains are activated by fire detection systems and operate in coordination with smoke extraction fans. Their deployment supports controlled smoke accumulation and removal.

Fire curtains are also activated automatically but are intended to create a physical fire barrier. Once deployed, they typically remain in place to maintain compartmentation throughout the fire event.

Applications and Use Cases
Smoke curtains are commonly used in:
• Atriums and open-plan spaces
• Shopping malls and large retail areas
• Airports and transport terminals
• Buildings with engineered smoke management systems

Fire curtains are commonly used in:
• Fire compartment boundaries
• Stages and auditoriums
• Large openings where fire-rated walls are impractical
• Lift lobbies and service openings

Each system must be selected based on the fire strategy, not architectural preference alone.

Compliance and Authority Approval Considerations
Authorities Having Jurisdiction require clear justification for the use of smoke curtains or fire curtains based on performance objectives. Incorrect system selection often leads to redesign, testing failures, or delayed approvals.

Early coordination with fire consultants and specialist contractors ensures the correct system is specified, detailed, and approved without costly changes later.

Conclusion
Smoke Curtains and Fire Curtains are not interchangeable. Each plays a distinct role in protecting life and property during a fire.

Understanding their differences at the design stage ensures correct application, regulatory compliance, and effective fire safety performance. Proper system selection ultimately leads to safer buildings and smoother project delivery.

About Author
Eng. H. Rehman
Smoke and Fire Curtains Experts (SFC Experts)
WhatsApp: +966 53 923 0759 | +971 52 662 0076
Website: www.sfcexperts.com

Selecting the correct curtain system early can prevent approval delays and safety risks. Contact us for expert guidance on smoke and fire curtain design, specification, and compliant installation.