Smoke curtains: classes and compliance
GA 533 and GB 51251 split smoke curtains by operation and by rigidity. The classification decides the fixing, the controls and the inspection.
A smoke curtain is a fire product for smoke control systems, and a fixed item in design review and acceptance for public buildings. It hangs at ceiling or roof level, dividing a space into smoke compartments so that smoke is held, diverted and stored instead of spreading laterally, giving occupants time to leave.
GA 533 classifies curtains on two axes: operation, fixed or automatic, and body stiffness, rigid or flexible. The three commercial types are fixed rigid, fixed flexible and automatic.
What compliance covers
GB 51251 governs the smoke control system as a whole. For the product, the requirements are non-combustible construction, integrity at temperature for the specified period, and correct working height and clear height beneath the lower edge.
- Non-combustible material, with test evidence for the fire period
- Drop and clear height as designed, not adjusted on site
- For automatic types, linkage tested and status signal to the fire panel
Reference note. Figures and standard references are indicative and do not replace the project specification, the current edition of the standard, or product test reports for the specific supply.