Smoke Barriers
Fixed or automatic barriers used as part of a smoke-control design to restrict or channel smoke movement. Smoke-only barriers fall under the smoke-control standards applicable to the project.
Complete system lifecycle support
Smoke & Fire Curtain Systems
Design coordination, engineered supply, specialist installation, fire-alarm integration, testing, commissioning and lifecycle maintenance—delivered as one coordinated service.
Survey & CoordinationBefore procurement
Supply & InstallationSystem-led delivery
Testing & HandoverRecorded verification
Inspection & MaintenanceLifecycle reliability
Engineered protection
One accountable service from concept to continuing care
Automatic curtain barriers are normally hidden above an opening and deploy to a defined fire-operational position when commanded by the building fire-safety strategy. Their performance depends on correct selection, interfaces, installation and maintenance—not on the curtain assembly alone.
- Review of openings, structure, finishes, services and access constraints
- Coordination with the fire strategy, cause-and-effect matrix and approved drawings
- Manufacturer-led product selection and documented system interfaces
- Mechanical, electrical, controls and fire-alarm coordination
- Functional testing, recorded handover and planned maintenance support
System applications
Different barriers for different fire-safety functions
We help project teams distinguish between smoke-control barriers and active fire curtain barriers, then coordinate an appropriate complete assembly for the intended application.
Active Fire Curtains
Retractable fire-resisting barrier assemblies used for functions such as compartmentation, opening protection or protection of an escape route where supported by the approved design.
Fire & Smoke Performance
Assemblies selected where the design requires both fire resistance and defined smoke containment. The declared performance must be supported by applicable test and classification evidence.
Elevator & Lobby Openings
Coordinated solutions for lift entrances, lobbies and shafts, subject to egress, accessibility, pressure and authority requirements within the project fire strategy.
Atria & Openings
Discreet barriers for atria, void edges, corridors, escalator openings, counters and other architectural openings defined by the fire-engineered solution.
Special Configurations
Vertical, overlapping, multiple-roller and other tested configurations, selected only within the dimensional and installation limits of the supporting evidence.
Integrated delivery
Our complete service lifecycle
A coordinated workflow reduces interface gaps between design, procurement, installation, commissioning and facilities operations.
Survey & Design Coordination
Review opening dimensions, substrates, access, obstructions, services, approved fire strategy, drawings and interface requirements.
System Selection & Supply
Coordinate the curtain assembly, controls, power arrangements and accessories with declared performance and approved project requirements.
Submittals & Planning
Support technical submittals, shop drawings, method planning, interface schedules, inspection points and installation sequencing.
Material Verification
Check deliveries against approved documents; protect headboxes, fabric, guides, controls and accessories during handling and storage.
Specialist Installation
Install and align mechanical assemblies, route manufacturer-required wiring and coordinate builders’ work and finishing interfaces.
Controls Integration
Connect control equipment and agreed fire-alarm interfaces in accordance with approved wiring, cause-and-effect and responsibility matrices.
Testing & Commissioning
Verify movement, operational positions, controls, alarms, standby arrangements and relevant scenarios, recording results and defects.
Handover & Maintenance
Provide agreed records, demonstrations, operating information and a maintenance plan aligned with the system and site risk.
Specialist installation
Built around approved interfaces
Our installation planning addresses the complete operating assembly and its interfaces with structure, ceilings, electrical supplies, controls and fire-alarm systems.
Pre-installation controls
- Approved drawings, technical submittals and interface details available
- Dimensions, levels, fixing substrates and clearances verified
- Access, lifting, safe working and protection arrangements coordinated
- Obstructions and clashes resolved before fixing
Installation controls
- Assembly fixed, levelled and aligned within system tolerances
- Fabric path, guides, bottom bar and operational clearances checked
- Wiring segregated, identified and terminated to approved information
- Finishes do not obstruct deployment, access or inspection
Testing, commissioning & handover
Proving the complete operating sequence
Commissioning is based on the approved system design, manufacturer’s instructions and project cause-and-effect—not a single drop test in isolation.
Installation Completion
Confirm mechanical and electrical completion, labels, clearances, access and outstanding defects before functional testing.
Local Operation
Verify controlled deployment, retraction, stopping positions and any approved local or emergency controls.
Fire-Alarm Interface
Verify receipt of the agreed fire signal and the curtain response defined in the approved cause-and-effect matrix.
Power Conditions
Test the applicable normal, standby and loss-of-power behaviours, including fail-safe operation where required by the approved system.
Integrated Scenarios
Witness coordinated sequences with relevant interfacing systems and record results, limitations and corrective actions.
Handover Records
Compile agreed test records, commissioning documentation, O&M information, asset data, training and warranty information.
Operation & maintenance
Preserving readiness after handover
Curtains protect only when they can reach and remain in their intended operational position. Inspection and maintenance therefore address the barrier, controls, interfaces, power arrangements and surrounding opening.
- Routine user checks and scheduled functional testing
- Competent-person inspection and preventive maintenance
- Fabric, guides, bottom bars, fixings and enclosure condition
- Motors, controls, batteries, power supplies and indicators
- Fire-alarm inputs, cause-and-effect and operational sequence
- Defect reporting, corrective work and logbook updates
Planned maintenance
Frequency is established from the applicable standard, manufacturer’s instructions, fire-risk assessment, system duty, environment, site history and local requirements. A generic interval should not override a stricter project requirement.
Repairs and upgrades
We can survey non-operational or ageing systems, diagnose faults and prepare recommendations for adjustment, repair, replacement parts, control upgrades or phased renewal—subject to availability and compatibility.
Documentation
Service visits can produce inspection findings, test results, defect priorities, photographs, asset updates and recommendations for responsible-person review.
Standards-informed delivery
References selected by system type and jurisdiction
Applicable requirements are confirmed for each project. The following references commonly inform UK-standard-based specifications; local codes, authority requirements, approved fire strategy and manufacturer instructions also apply.
BS 8524-1:2025Specification covering design, testing and classification of active fire curtain barrier assemblies.
BS 8524-2:2025Code of practice for application, installation and maintenance of active fire curtain barrier assemblies.
BS EN 12101-1:2005+A1:2006Specification for smoke barriers used as part of smoke and heat control systems.
BS 7346-8:2013Planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance guidance for smoke-control systems and their interfaces.
Standard editions and status should be verified at the time of specification. Referencing a standard does not by itself establish product certification or project compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a curtain-system project
What information is needed for an initial review?
Useful inputs include project location, opening dimensions, drawings, photographs, fire strategy, required barrier function and rating, ceiling/structure details, fire-alarm cause-and-effect, power information, programme and authority requirements.
Are smoke curtains and fire curtains the same?
No. A smoke barrier used solely for smoke control has a different purpose and standards route from an active fire curtain barrier designed to provide fire resistance. The project fire strategy and approved performance requirements determine the appropriate solution.
Can SFC Experts inspect or maintain an existing system?
Yes, subject to location, safe access, system identification and availability of technical information. We first establish the system condition, manufacturer, interfaces and known defects before defining the inspection or maintenance scope.
Does commissioning include integration with the fire alarm?
Where included in the agreed scope, commissioning verifies the defined interface and curtain response against the approved cause-and-effect matrix. Responsibilities for programming, witnessing and third-party systems should be agreed before testing.
Can one curtain specification be used for every opening?
No. Opening size, orientation, end use, required resistance, smoke containment, operational position, egress provisions, supporting construction and tested configuration can all affect selection.
Bring us into the project before interfaces become problems.
Share the drawings, fire-strategy requirements, opening schedule or existing-system concerns. SFC Experts will help define a practical next step for survey, supply, installation, commissioning or maintenance support.