EW120 fire curtain

### 1. What Does "EW 120" Mean?

The classification comes from the European standard **EN 13501-2**, which defines the fire performance of construction products and building elements.

*   **E (Integrity):** This is the ability of the curtain to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases. An "E" classification means it acts as a barrier against the fire itself.

*   **W (Radiation):** This is the ability to limit the amount of radiant heat passing through the element. A "W" classification means it provides **insulation**, protecting people and materials on the non-fire side from intense heat. This is a higher performance than just "E".

*   **120:** The number indicates the duration, in minutes, for which the product must maintain its E and W performance when tested under standard fire conditions. So, **EW 120 must provide 120 minutes (2 hours) of fire integrity and insulation.**

**Key Difference:** An **EW** rated curtain is superior to a simple **E** rated curtain because it limits radiant heat, which is crucial for protecting escape routes and areas of refuge.

### 2. Where Are EW 120 Fire Curtains Typically Required?

Fire curtains are used where traditional solid walls or fire doors are not practical due to architectural or functional needs. An EW 120 rating is for scenarios requiring a **very high level of protection for extended periods**, often in larger or more complex buildings.

Common applications include:

*   **Large Atriums and Open Plan Spaces:** To compartmentalize a large volume space, preventing smoke and fire from spreading vertically through floors.

*   **Escalator and Lift Shaft Openings:** To protect the vertical shaft, which can act like a chimney, without having solid walls that defeat the open design.

*   **Large Openings in Fire Separating Walls:** Where a solid fire door is not feasible due to the size of the opening (e.g., in industrial settings, between a carpark and the main building, or in theatres).

*   **Protection of Escape Routes (Corridors/Stairwells):** To protect the means of egress from radiant heat, allowing occupants to pass safely during an evacuation.

*   **Concealed Applications:** They can be integrated into ceilings or structures and deploy only when a fire alarm is activated, preserving the building's aesthetics.

### 3. Key Requirements and Standards

The installation and operation of EW 120 fire curtains are governed by strict standards to ensure reliability.

*   **Design & Certification:** The curtain must be tested and certified by an accredited body to **EN 1634-1** (the test standard for fire resistance for doors and shutters) to achieve the EW 120 classification. The manufacturer's certification is mandatory.

*   **Automatic Operation:** They must operate automatically upon signal from the building's **fire alarm system** or from independent fire detectors (e.g., smoke or heat detectors) located near the curtain.

*   **Fail-Safe Deployment:** The default position for a fire curtain is **deployed**. In the event of a power failure or a signal from the fire alarm, it must descend automatically. This is typically achieved using a fail-safe mechanism like a spring or a backup battery system.

*   **Descent Speed and Control:** The descent must be controlled and safe. Standards often require a **deceleration device** at the end of travel to prevent damage. Guidance speeds are typically around 0.1 - 0.15 m/s.

*   **Safety Devices:** To prevent injury to people during descent, they must be equipped with **obstruction detection systems**. If the curtain meets an obstacle while descending, it must stop, reverse slightly, and then either stop or continue its descent after a short pause.

*   **Manual Controls:** There must be a manual control (e.g., a secure switch) to allow firefighters to raise or lower the curtain for access and tactical ventilation.

*   **Signage and Warning:** The area must be clearly marked with signage, such as "FIRE CURTAIN - KEEP CLEAR," and often includes an audible or visual warning during descent.

### 4. Integration with Building Design

*   **Compartmentation:** The primary role is to maintain **fire compartmentation**, a fundamental principle of fire safety that confines a fire to a specific area for a designated time (in this case, 120 minutes).

*   **Smoke Control:** While an EW curtain is designed for fire integrity and insulation, it is not primarily a **smoke curtain**. However, in the deployed position, it will help to limit smoke spread. For specific smoke containment, a dedicated **S-rated** smoke curtain or a combined **EWS-rated** curtain would be specified.

*   **Structural Support:** The housing, guides, and fixings for the curtain must be capable of withstanding the forces generated during a fire, including the potential for building deformation. This is a critical part of the design that is often overlooked.

### Summary

An **EW 120 fire curtain** is a high-performance, active fire protection system used to protect large openings where a 2-hour fire and insulation rating is required by building regulations. Its purpose is to:

*   **Maintain compartmentation** for 120 minutes.

*   **Prevent the spread of fire and radiant heat.**

*   **Protect escape routes** and other parts of the building.

*   Operate **automatically and fail-safe**.

**Crucial Note:** The specific requirement for an EW 120 curtain in your project (EW 120) will be determined by your local building codes, the building's use, size, and height, and a fire safety engineering assessment. **Always consult with a qualified fire safety engineer, architect, or building control officer** to ensure compliance with all local regulations.