Views: 873 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-17 Origin: Site
First, it's crucial to understand a core concept: the "fabric" of a fire curtain is **not a traditional textile** like cloth. Instead, it is a **flexible barrier made from composite, inorganic materials** designed to withstand high temperatures. These curtains are stored hidden in the ceiling and deploy automatically in a fire to compartmentalize space, blocking flames and smoke.
The classifications E, EI, and EW are defined by the European standards EN 16034 and EN 13501-2, and they directly correspond to the protective performance the fabric assembly provides.
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### 1. EW Class Fire Curtain Fabric
**"E" for Integrity, "W" for Radiation.**
* **Primary Function:** To prevent the passage of flames and hot gases for a stated period, **while also** limiting the amount of **radiant heat** transmitted to the unexposed side. This prevents the ignition of materials located at a distance from the curtain.
* **Fabric Characteristics:**
* Typically a multi-layer composite, often including materials like fiberglass cloth, a silicone coating, and a core of ceramic fiber blanket or similar.
* The outer silicone coating provides high-temperature resistance and structural stability.
* The middle insulating layer is key to absorbing and blocking radiant heat.
* While its main added feature is controlling radiation, the fabric also offers some inherent insulation.
* **Testing Standard:** Must pass both the Integrity (E) and Radiation (W) tests.
* **Primary Applications:**
* **Vertical partitioning in atriums, lobbies, and shopping malls.**
* Areas where controlling radiant heat is necessary to prevent ignition of objects on the safe side.
* As a barrier for means of escape, offering better protection for evacuating persons from radiant heat.
**Simple Analogy: An EW class fabric is a barrier that "blocks fire" and "shields against heat rays," protecting people and objects on the safe side from radiant heat injury.**
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### 2. E Class Fire Curtain Fabric
**"E" for Integrity Only.**
* **Primary Function:** To prevent the passage of **flames and hot gases** for a stated period. It does **NOT** have requirements for limiting temperature rise or radiant heat on the unexposed side.
* **Fabric Characteristics:**
* Generally thinner, lighter, and more flexible than EW or EI types.
* Simpler in construction, often a single or multiple layers of fiberglass cloth coated with high-temperature silicone.
* Its purpose is to create a physical barrier against flame and smoke. However, heat transfers through it very quickly, making the unexposed side extremely hot.
* **Testing Standard:** Only required to pass the Integrity (E) test.
* **Primary Applications:**
* **Horizontal openings (e.g., rolling doors) or vertical partitions in warehouses and industrial plants.**
* Protecting structural openings (e.g., escalator openings, conveyor belts) from direct flame impingement.
* Areas not occupied by people or where temperature rise on the unexposed side is not a critical concern.
* **Generally the most cost-effective option.**
**Simple Analogy: An E class fabric is a barrier that "blocks fire" but is "not insulating." It's like a metal gate—flames can't pass through, but intense heat will.**
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### 3. EI Class Fire Curtain Fabric
**"E" for Integrity, "I" for Insulation.**
* **Primary Function:** This is the **highest level** of fire protection. It prevents the passage of flames and hot gases **and** limits the temperature rise on the unexposed side to strict thresholds (typically an average increase of 140°C and a maximum of 180°C at any single point).
* **Fabric Characteristics:**
* The most complex construction, being thicker, heavier, and multi-layered.
* Often includes a high-strength outer surface (e.g., high-silica or thick silicone-coated fiberglass), a thick core of insulating material (e.g., multiple layers of ceramic fiber blanket, mineral wool), and an inner liner.
* The weight and thickness demand stronger rollers, motors, and guides.
* **Testing Standard:** Must pass the most stringent Integrity (E) and Insulation (I) tests.
* **Primary Applications:**
* Where a **complete fire compartmentation** is required, and the safety of the space behind is critical.
* Protecting designated **escape routes** and **safe areas**, such as stairwell entrances and corridors.
* High life-safety occupancy buildings like hospitals, schools, and theaters.
* Where hot gases from the unexposed side could ignite materials.
**Simple Analogy: An EI class fabric is a "super firewall" that "blocks fire" and "insulates," ensuring the safe side remains cool and safe for the duration of its rating.**
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### Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | E Class (Integrity) | EW Class (Integrity + Radiation) | EI Class (Integrity + Insulation) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Primary Function** | Blocks Flames & Smoke | Blocks Flames & Smoke + **Limits Radiant Heat** | Blocks Flames & Smoke + **Limits Temperature Rise** |
| **Fabric Structure** | Simpler, Thinner, Lighter | Medium complexity, with insulating core for radiation | Highly complex, Thick, Heavy, with high-efficiency insulation |
| **Unexposed Side** | **Extremely High Temperature, Hazardous** | **Lower radiant heat, but objects can still be heated over time.** | **Low Temperature, Safe, will not ignite materials** |
| **Primary Applications**| Unoccupied areas, Structural Protection | Atriums, Lobbies, Circulation Spaces (radiation control needed) | Escape Routes, Safe Areas, High-Risk Fire Compartments |
| **Relative Cost** | Low | Medium | High |
| **Protection Level** | Basic | Intermediate | **Highest** |
### How to Choose?
The choice between E, EW, and EI class fabrics depends on:
1. **Building Codes and Regulations:** This is the primary driver. Local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) will mandate the required performance class based on building use, size, and layout.
2. **What is Being Protected:** What is on the safe side of the curtain? If it is an escape route or a populated area, **EI class is mandatory**. If it is merely containing a fire within a warehouse, an E class may be sufficient.
3. **Budget:** EI class systems and their required hardware are significantly more expensive than E class.
**In conclusion, E, EW, and EI represent progressively higher levels of fire protection. Their corresponding fabrics differ significantly in material composition, structure, and thickness to meet the specific safety needs of different applications. Always consult with a qualified fire engineer and supplier to ensure the selected product complies with local regulations and provides the necessary level of safety for your project.**