Vii®Fire A1

The Vii® Fire A1 active fire curtain barrier is an active fire curtain barrier assembly that comprises fire-resistant fabric which is wound on to a steel roller, enclosed within a 1.2 mm galvanized mild steel box, with 1:600 deflection performance to BS 6323‑5, which is powered by an internal 24 V d.c electric motor. A bottom bar to suit the deflection performance requirements and the desired ceiling configuration is fitted to the bottom edge of the fabric curtain.

Motors meet all applicable safety standards. They contain the necessary drive mechanisms, a mechanical epicyclical gearbox retarder, automatic overload protection, and both automatic and manual distance travel positioning, linked to an internal 24 V d.c electromagnetic brake with regenerative braking system. When motors are retracted, their internal drive motor isolates from all power, and the barrier is held in position by an internal electromagnetic brake. This ensures that the barriers not drift upward or downward.

Motors are tested for reliability, durability and self-closing to BS 8524-1, Annex E, and tested for operation at temperatures of 400°C (752 °F) as required by BS 8524-1, Annex G.

Operated with fail-safe by gravity, using patented true TOTAL, Total Gravity Fail Safe (TGFS), in accordance with BS 8524-1. They move to their fire-operational position even in the event of open or closed circuit wiring, or total system corruption, with controlled braking system and drive mechanisms. All working parts are enclosed and protected within the steel roller, and are tested as part of the complete assembly for fire resistance.

A range of heavy bottom bar weights ensures positive operation when subjected to pressure. The engineer shall declare to the manufacturer such pressures, or wind loads, in advance to ensure operational conformity.

The barrier assemblies operate with the barrier retained in side channels to resist pressure (as standard 20Pa) and impact (Double Severe Duty), and remove edge gaps in accordance with BS 8524-1, Annex D.

Primary, secondary and auxiliary power supplies are CE marked in accordance with the Construction Products Regulations (305/2011) when tested to BS EN 12101‑10. Control panels are tested to BS ISO 21927‑9.

All power supplies and control panels are tested in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) BS EN 61010‑1, EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) BS EN 12101‑10, BS EN 61000-6-3 and BS EN 50130‑4, Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and ROHs Directive (2011/65/EU).

Any optional ancillary devices are tested as part of a complete specimen to BS 8524-1, Annex H.

Operation:

In the event of mains power failure, they remain retracted using their own dedicated battery back-up power supply for a pre-determined period (nominally 30 minutes). If signalled to descend during this period, they fail-safe by gravity in a controlled manner to their fire-operational position. At the end of the predetermined time delay, they fail-safe by gravity in a controlled manner. This safety feature is essential to avoid dangerous guillotine/ free-fall deployment.

Movement is commenced upon initiation of power or system failure, and they move to the fire-operational position, in all operating modes, at site-specific adjustable and synchronized velocities within the range of 0.06–0.15 m/s using the unique VarioSpeed™ function. Operating speeds are adjustable without altering bottom bar mass. Speeds may be dictated by those authorities having jurisdiction for 'safety in use' according to the location, nature or function of each unit.

They have the facility to deploy to a partial drop position prior to moving to their fire-operational position under both mains and emergency power. In their retracted or 'stalled' position, all power is removed from the motor(s) to prolong motor life. Any that require multiple overlapping barriers have a continuous bottom bar system conjoining the run with mutual operation, i.e. one down – all down (handshaking).

Using a 'soft ascent facility' to ensure no damage to the surrounding ceiling interface when retracting; they have a built-in protection in the event that they are prevented from ascending to their retracted position, or descending to their fire-operational position. This ensures that they are always in their required position, and avoids damage to the barrier assemblies' mechanism and surrounding ceiling finishes. In sensitive ceiling aesthetic areas, a unique patented SLAT® ceiling interface can be provided. Any combination of the alarm/ control signal provided by the electrical subcontractor, and/ or the specified fail-safe functions, will activate the system.

Fabric:

The fabric material is tested as part of the complete assembly, as either a single construction or as an overlapped and conjoined construction, and installed in accordance with the fire resistance test in accordance with BS EN 1363‑1 and ‑2 as required by BS EN 1634‑1 in accordance with BS 8524‑1.

The fabric material is tested independently to reaction to fire tests in accordance with BS EN ISO 1716 to achieve an A1 classification in accordance with BS EN 13501‑1+A1.

The fabric material is tested independently for formaldehyde concentration in accordance with BS EN ISO 14184‑1:2011 to achieve <16 ppm.

The fabric material is tested independently for asbestos in accordance with DIHM ASB/01, as set out in HSE Guide HSG248, to achieve 'No Asbestos Detected'.

Fabric type is EFP™ A1: a glass fibre, stainless steel wire-reinforced fabric, coated with specially developed fire-retardant polymer 665 g/m² –5% +10%.