What Are Smoke Curtains?

# Where Are Smoke Curtains Required? A Complete Guide  

## Introduction  

Smoke curtains are essential fire protection devices designed to control the spread of smoke and heat in the event of a fire. They are widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings to enhance safety and comply with fire codes. But where exactly are smoke curtains required? This comprehensive guide explores the key locations and regulations mandating smoke curtains, their benefits, and best practices for installation.  

## 

Smoke curtains are flexible barriers made from fire-resistant materials that deploy automatically during a fire. They help:  

- **Contain smoke** to improve visibility for evacuation  

- **Prevent smoke migration** to unaffected areas  

- **Maintain tenable conditions** near escape routes  

- **Assist firefighting efforts** by compartmentalizing hazards  

They can be **vertical** (hanging from ceilings) or **horizontal** (covering large openings like atriums).  

## Where Are Smoke Curtains Required?  

### 1. **Atriums and Large Open Spaces**  

Atriums, shopping malls, and open-plan buildings often lack traditional fire barriers. Smoke curtains are required to:  

- Prevent **smoke stratification** (where smoke spreads horizontally at ceiling level)  

- Protect escape routes like stairwells and corridors  

- Comply with **NFPA 92** (Standard for Smoke Control Systems) and **International Building Code (IBC) Section 404**  

### 2. **Stairwells and Elevator Shafts**  

Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke curtains in stairwells and elevator shafts:  

- Keep escape routes smoke-free  

- Meet **IBC Section 909.20** and **NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)** requirements  

- Are often paired with **pressurization systems** for enhanced protection  

### 3. **Hospital and Healthcare Facilities**  

Hospitals require smoke control due to limited mobility of patients. Smoke curtains help:  

- Protect ICU, operating rooms, and patient wards  

- Follow **NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code)**  

- Ensure safe evacuation in compliance with **ADA guidelines**  

### 4. **High-Rise Buildings**  

High-rises face unique fire risks due to stack effect (rapid smoke rise). Smoke curtains are mandated in:  

- Elevator lobbies (per **IBC Section 3008**)  

- Corridor openings (to slow smoke spread)  

- Tenant separation areas (to meet **local fire codes**)  

### 5. **Parking Garages**  

Enclosed parking structures use smoke curtains to:  

- Prevent smoke from entering adjacent buildings  

- Comply with **NFPA 88A (Parking Structures Code)**  

- Protect ventilation systems from smoke damage  

### 6. **Industrial and Warehouse Facilities**  

Large storage areas with high fire loads require smoke curtains to:  

- Isolate hazardous zones  

- Meet **OSHA and FM Global standards**  

- Protect workers and inventory  

### 7. **Residential Buildings (Apartments & Hotels)**  

Multi-family dwellings use smoke curtains in:  

- Hallways and egress paths (per **NFPA 101**)  

- Balcony separations (to prevent fire jumps)  

- Between apartment units (for compartmentation)  

## Benefits of Smoke Curtains  

✅ **Life Safety** – Protect occupants by maintaining breathable air  

✅ **Code Compliance** – Meet **IBC, NFPA, and local fire regulations**  

✅ **Cost-Effective** – Cheaper than rigid barriers with similar performance  

✅ **Space-Saving** – Retract when not in use, preserving aesthetics  

✅ **Low Maintenance** – Unlike dampers, they require minimal upkeep  

## Installation & Maintenance Best Practices  

### **Installation Guidelines**  

✔ Follow manufacturer and **NFPA 80 (Fire Doors & Opening Protectives)** standards  

✔ Ensure proper integration with **fire alarm and suppression systems**  

✔ Use **UL-certified** smoke curtains for guaranteed performance  

### **Maintenance Tips**  

Test deployment **annually** (as per **NFPA 105**)  

Inspect fabric and mechanisms for damage  

Keep tracks and guides free of obstructions  

## Conclusion  

Smoke curtains are a **critical component** of modern fire protection systems, required in atriums, stairwells, hospitals, high-rises, parking garages, warehouses, and residential buildings. By understanding **where they are mandated** and how they function, building owners and safety managers can enhance fire safety and ensure compliance with **NFPA, IBC, and OSHA regulations**.  

For optimal protection, always work with **certified fire safety professionals** to design, install, and maintain smoke curtain systems.