When creating a structure, fire safety is a crucial factor that needs to be given the highest consideration. Additionally, if you want to improve the fire safety of your structure, think about installing fire-rated roller shutters for the entrances and exits. Fire-rated doors provide great fire resistance and help to keep fires contained in tiny spaces, ensuring the safety of your building’s premises. Roller shutters that are fire-rated are excellent choices for structures with automatic fire detection systems. A large number of these automated devices are linked to fire alarm systems that warn both people within the building and those closer to it.
Roller shutters and doors that are fire-rated are constructed out of materials like metal, steel, glass, gypsum, vermiculite boards, or wood that are resistant to fire. The materials can survive fire for a few hours, giving firefighters time to put it out and continue the rescue efforts. The fire-rated doors are evaluated for resistance threshold in addition to their fire resistance capabilities. Because of the materials’ resistance to weather, it will endure through all seasons with ease. There are several manufacturers of fire rated shutters in India, and their product lines include hollow metal doors, rolling shutter products, fire and smoke curtains, lateral sliding shutters, and many others.
ACTIVATION OF FIRE RATED SHUTTERS
Fire shutters only operate once a fire has been discovered, as opposed to other fire safety measures like firewalls. This indicates that the installation of fire shutters has no adverse effects on regular daily operations. There are two ways to activate fire shutters in the case of a fire, either they are linked into the building’s fire alarm system or they are equipped with a heat detecting system of their own. Some shutters will automatically roll down when activated by their own weight, while others use a motorised closing mechanism. For the latter, the shutters will only close a specific distance, giving people certain time to escape if required, before closing entirely.
FEATURES OF FIRE RATED SHUTTERS
Operating Motors
The fire shutter system is driven by two totally enclosed motors. The motors have an internal gear box, a built-in thermal protection, and a high starting torque. An unending hand chain is available for low-level manual tasks in the event of a power outage. It also has movable switches that are in charge of determining the top and bottom limits of the fire shutter’s movement. For any emergency closure operation, a release lever is also installed. This guarantees that the fire shutter can lower itself using gravity at a reasonable rate that is controlled by an internal speed regulator.
Fire Alarm Signal
The fire alarm signal is normally activated at the site of the fire resistant roller shutter box by a 24 V Dc and 400mA power supply. A fire alarm signal conversion panel will be made available as needed in situations where people use voltage-free fire alarms. The battery backup in the fire alarm signal conversion panel allows it to convert voltage-free (0V) signals to the 24V DC, 400mA needed to open the signal. Additional activation options include a weatherproof NEMA rated push button box and a remote control.
Also Read: Different types of fire fighting equipment
In Case Of Power Failure
Power outages frequently occur around the nation, so it’s crucial to be equipped. Fortunately, there are two ways for fire shutters to function even if the primary power source is down,
- Backup Battery: Fire shutters can be strengthened with a backup battery in the case of a power outage, giving the doors enough power to open at least once in the event of an emergency.
- Hand Crank System: A hand crank system coupled to the motor drive is an additional choice. In the event of a power outage, the shutters can be opened and closed as needed by turning the crank.
Strong Guide Rails
In order to represent a stylish design aesthetic that is simple to install and can precisely fit in with the surrounding structure to enhance the neatness, the tracks are filled with insulating materials.
Type Of Wall Required
Block walls that are hollow or light in weight are not appropriate for supporting the fire-resistant fire shutter. Preferably, openings should be constructed of masonry, dense concrete blocks, or reinforced concrete with fire resistance ratings that are equal to or higher than those of the shutter. If you’re thinking of installing the shutter on a steel wall, make sure the steel is well insulated and add thermal bridging mechanisms anywhere there might be a chance of an insulation breach. Additionally, mounting a fire shutter on a wooden partition that has been fire-insulated is also an option. The timber partition must first be constructed in a way that makes it practical for it to support the weight of the fire-resistant roller shutter. Second, the partition shouldn’t carry any weight. Although your buildings’ fire ratings provide them excellent fire resistance capabilities, it is equally important to choose the best doors that prioritise durability and safety above all else. Industries and factories that are prone to easily starting fires are best suited for roller shutters with greater fire ratings. In addition, adding a fire-rated roller shutter would be the smart move given the structures’ beauty and security.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
