Vertical active fire and smoke curtain barrier suitable for a wide range of internal fire compartmentation and smoke control applications, including protected means of escape, atria, lobbies, reception areas, corridor separation, openings in fire-resisting walls, boundary protection, escalators, stairwells, lift shafts and lift lobbies.

Regularly specified within hospitals and healthcare facilities, schools and universities, hotels, high-rise and mixed-use developments, commercial offices, retail environments, stadia, museums and galleries, as well as transport infrastructure, industrial and utility installations. Also suitable for defence, custodial, policing and secure environments where reliable fire and smoke containment is required.

The Flameshield EW120 Vertical Active Fire and Smoke Curtain Barrier is an electrically operated, gravity fail-safe fire and smoke control system designed to form a virtually continuous fire-resisting barrier within a building. The system delivers 120 minutes fire integrity and EW120 radiation performance, maintaining radiation levels below 15 kW/m² and achieving 10.7 kW/m² at 120 minutes, supporting occupant tenability and protected means of escape strategies.

The barrier assembly comprises a carbon steel barrel and integrated 24 V d.c. electric motor, incorporating a high-performance flexible fire curtain fabric capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000°C. Barrel deflection is compliant with BS 6323-5, ensuring stability and reliability across a wide range of opening sizes. A two-section bottom rail provides controlled descent, consistent tension and dependable gravity fail-safe deployment in the event of power or system failure.

The Flameshield EW120 system is designed for discreet architectural integration and can be concealed above ceiling lines. End plates, guides and hoods are available in a range of finishes, allowing the system to blend seamlessly with interior design requirements without compromising fire or smoke performance.

A two-stage closing operation, timed delay options and a comprehensive range of ancillary safety devices are available, including egress switches, access switches, obstruction detection and heat and smoke activation. All ancillary equipment is fully tested in accordance with Annex H of BS 8524-1. Optional audible and visual warning systems, including voice warning devices, enhance safety during deployment.

The system is fully compliance-tested, incorporates low-maintenance components, and is capable of full reset following fire testing without the need for specialist engineer attendance. Manufacture and construction align with tested assemblies and relevant sections of BS EN 16034, ensuring consistent performance and regulatory confidence.

Independent fire, radiation and smoke containment testing has been undertaken and approved by Warrington Fire Research Centre and Exova, in accordance with BS 8524-1, BS EN 1634-1 (fire resistance and radiation performance) and BS EN 1634-3 (smoke containment).

Features and benefits:

• Gravity fail safe closes without mains power.
• Provides smoke control.
• Lightweight slimline compact design.
• Two stage closing operation.
• Compliance tested to maintain building fire safety and integrity in accordance with BS 8524-1 and installed in accordance with BS 8524-2.
• Can be hidden neatly above the ceiling line to assist the building design and aesthetics.
• Voice warning devices available.
• Fully resets after fire test without the need for engineers to attend.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Timed delay closing.

Radiation:

• 120 Minutes < 15 kW/m².
• 15 Minutes - 2.617 kW/m².
• 30 Minutes - 3.748 kW/m².
• 60 Minutes - 6.306 kW/m².
• 90 Minutes - 8.328 kW/m².
• 120 Minutes -10.708 kW/m².