Fire shutters are an important part of the overall fire strategy for any kind of building. These are normally used together with other types of fire systems in a bid to control fire like smoke extraction systems, sprinkles and fire walls. They can also be used to protect lives and property. The main role of the shutters is to compartmentalise the building where they are used and thus help to stop the fire from spreading. This allows people to be evacuated properly and safely which also helps to make the emergency services much easier.

The fire shutter will only ,move into its operational position when the fire occurs as opposed to other simple static barriers like glass partitions and fire walls among many others which remain in a single fixed place and are visible permanently. For this reason, the shutters are usually wired into the fire detection system of the building. They normally close automatically once there is a signal from the fire alarm. There are some options that have their own independent heat and smoke detector. Modern shutters normally close at a controlled speed which is about 10 cm per second while the traditional ones close under their own weight.

The fire shutters have even become more sophisticated. For instance, when it is combined with FDI (Fire Detection Interface) it will initially deploy to a safe height that has been pre determined. This comes in handy as it acts like a smoke barrier which allows people to get away. After this, the shutter goes on to close fully and create the fire resistant barrier it is supposed to. This is normally after a pre determined time that is usually dictated by the fire protocol of the building where it has been installed. The FDI panel can also work as an acoustic and visual alarm which alerts occupants of the building when the shutter is almost closing.

Using the shutters is quite convenient as they do not in any way interfere with the character of the building but only work when there is a fire. It is therefore very important to make sure you specify the right type of shutter that will be used. It is advisable to only go for the ones that have been tried and tested to work in the best way possible. It should be able to work even when other systems fail. To make sure you get the right options, liase with building suppliers as well as the control officer at the early stages to get the one that fits the purpose. This will ensure they are installed in the proper way to work the way they are supposed to.

It is also important to note that there are different types of fire shutters available that are normally designed for different situations. As a minimum, they need to match integrity and fire resistance of the compartment wall where it will be fitted into. This means that you should go through all the options available in the market to make sure that you get the best option available that will really help you out when need be.