To ensure that fire and smoke control curtains perform effectively in fire situations, it is essential to subject them to rigorous fire resistance, durability, and result extension tests, in addition to production control in the factory through a certification system as required. These procedures, mandated by national and international regulations, ensure that the curtains meet the necessary safety requirements for use in buildings. The tests evaluate aspects such as integrity, thermal insulation, and radiation reduction, allowing verification that the curtains can contain flames and toxic gases to adequately protect the sectorized areas.
In this article, we address the types of tests, evaluation criteria, and certifications that validate the quality and reliability of these passive fire protection products.
Types of tests conducted on fire curtains
To ensure optimal performance of fire curtains in critical situations, tests are carried out to evaluate different aspects of their functioning:
Opening and closing tests (cycle test)
This test verifies that the curtain responds correctly to the alarm signal and deploys quickly without interruptions. A failure in this test occurs when the curtain does not activate or only partially lowers, compromising its ability to act as a barrier at critical moments. Based on these tests, the curtains can be classified EN 13501-2 as:
- C0 1-499 cycles
- C1 >= 500 cycles
- C2 >= 10,000 cycles
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Fire resistance tests
These tests measure how long the curtain can contain fire and toxic gases without failing. Loss of integrity is a common failure in this test and occurs when the curtain allows the passage of flames or gases due to perforations, deformations, or failures in the attachment elements, which compromises the safety of the protected area.
Durability tests
To ensure their resistance over time, curtains must undergo durability tests. In the case of fire curtains, at least 500 opening and closing cycles are required on samples of the maximum size that the manufacturer wants to certify. For smoke control curtains, the EN 12101-1 standard requires 1000 cycles on a 3-meter wide sample and a 10-meter sample, with the maximum height to be certified. These cycles ensure that the curtain will maintain its effectiveness with prolonged use.
Extreme condition performance tests
This test examines the curtain’s performance under specific temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions, verifying that it can function in harsh environments, such as areas with high temperatures or humidity.
Aspects evaluated in fire curtain tests
Each type of test evaluates critical aspects to ensure that the curtains meet safety standards. Among the main elements evaluated are:
Integrity (Classification E)
This criterion evaluates the curtain’s ability to act as an effective barrier against flames and gases generated during a fire. The E classification (integrity) is the minimum requirement that any fire curtain must meet, ensuring that no flame leaks or significant emissions of flammable gases occur through joints, unions, or structural elements such as guides and anchors. A failure in integrity occurs when flame penetration or the transmission of hot gases is detected, which could cause ignition on the unexposed side.
Thermal insulation (Classification EI)
The EI classification combines E (integrity) with I (thermal insulation), establishing that, in addition to preventing the passage of flames and gases, the curtain must limit the transmission of heat to the unexposed side, avoiding the risk of igniting adjacent materials. To meet this criterion, the average temperature on the unexposed surface must not exceed 140°C, with a maximum of 180°C at specific points. A failure in the EI classification occurs when the temperature measured on the opposite side of the system exceeds these regulatory values, compromising the sectorization’s safety.
Reduced thermal radiation (Classification EW)
The EW classification requires mandatory compliance with E (integrity) and additionally sets a maximum threshold for thermal radiation emission to the unexposed side. This parameter is essential in evacuation areas or spaces with materials sensitive to heat. To meet the EW classification, the intensity of thermal radiation should not exceed 15 kW/m² at one meter distance from the unexposed surface. A failure in this criterion occurs when the curtain fails to effectively attenuate radiant heat transfer, increasing the risk of secondary ignition in adjacent areas.
Mandatory regulations and certifications for fire curtains
In order for fire curtains to meet safety requirements and current regulations, they must obtain certain essential certifications and approvals. Since 2019, the CE marking has been mandatory for fire and smoke control textile curtains in Europe. This marking certifies that the curtains meet European safety requirements and have passed fire resistance and smoke control tests. To maintain the CE marking, production facilities must undergo annual inspections and tests.
In Spain, the Technical Building Code (CTE) establishes that these systems require a Performance Certificate and a certification report confirming their effectiveness in fire control. Although registration in the CTE is voluntary, this certificate provides additional assurance of quality and regulatory compliance.
Certifications of Tecnitex products
Tecnitex fire curtains are certified under specific regulations that support their safety and compliance with European standards:
- EN 1634-1. Fire resistance test for fire doors and closures: This standard defines the procedure for testing the ability of curtains and other closing systems to resist fire, preventing the spread of flames and toxic gases for a specified time.
- EN 13501-2. Fire behavior classification: Classifies curtains based on their fire behavior, based on the results of fire resistance tests. This standard ensures that curtains meet safety requirements in construction environments.
- EN 15269-11: Extension of fire resistance test results: Allows extrapolation of the test results to curtains of larger dimensions than those initially tested, ensuring that their performance remains consistent even in larger sizes.
- Technical Suitability Assessment Report (IETI): The IETI specifies the final characteristics of the system in a single document, detailing test results, installation guidelines, maximum dimensions, and intended use. This report consolidates the technical suitability of the product in meeting regulations.
- Applus+ Fire Safety Certification: Tecnitex fire curtains are also certified with the Applus+ Fire Safety Certification, a voluntary quality mark that verifies these systems have passed thorough safety and performance tests according to international standards. Recognized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), this certification facilitates access to markets in the Gulf region, where testing procedures may not always be as strict.
The Applus+ certification allows Tecnitex to offer additional safety and reliability guarantees for its curtains, demonstrating their quality to both builders and end clients in international contexts. This mark strengthens trust in the effectiveness of our fire protection solutions, positioning Tecnitex as a leader in global markets that demand proven, high-performance products.
At Tecnitex, we offer fire and smoke control curtains that comply with current regulations and exceed the required safety tests. Thanks to our certifications and thorough evaluation of each product, we guarantee reliable passive fire protection solutions designed to protect lives and structures in critical situations.