Video Demonstration on Horizontal Fire Shutter Loading:
Horizontal fire shutters are used to compartmentalize buildings vertically in two-story spaces in order to redefine the vertical opening or eliminate smoke evacuation systems that would otherwise be required. While the building code sets the standard for the hourly fire rating of this separation, it is just as important to consider the practical application of a horizontal fire shutter during an actual fire emergency and understand the effects the building will have on any construction material in the horizontal plane.
The McKEON H200 horizontal fire shutter is constructed of a steel curtain with structural steel guide assemblies. The assembly is tested, listed and labeled to UL 10B with a 2-hour rating and also includes a UL 1784 “S” label as a smoke and draft control assembly. In addition to the ratings, the assembly is designed to withstand substantial loading that will occur on the horizontal fire shutter due to the effects of the fire on the building. McKEON is also a leading manufacturer in smoke and fire rated fabric products. Despite that, we do not manufacture fabrics for applications in the horizontal plane as the material does not have the ability to carry any substantial loading.
Whether the McKEON H200 horizontal fire shutter is being reviewed by an architect as a possible design solution or a building or fire official for plan review, the most common request we get is for confirmation that the assembly will be able to carry a substantial load. During a fire emergency, there are many factors to consider that would place a load on a horizontal fire shutter including water weight from the sprinkler systems, impact loads from falling debris, occupants or firefighters, as well as static and dynamic loads. In order to meet the intent of a horizontal separation in the building code, a horizontal fire shutter must be rated accordingly and be able to withstand these loads to ensure the assembly will remain in place and protect occupants, property and firefighters during a fire emergency. If the horizontal fire shutter fails under this loading, then not only do you not have a protected vertical space, but you have also endangered the occupants and firefighters that are beneath the horizontal fire shutter.
To confirm the steel horizontal fire shutter can withstand these loads, McKEON has conducted several tests on the McKEON H200 horizontal fire shutter and a horizontal fabric fire curtain shutter that is available from other manufacturers for comparison. All tests conclude the McKEON H200 horizontal fire shutter can support loading while horizontal fabric fire curtain shutter products of any rating cannot. It is clear from this demonstration that not all horizontal fire shutters are built the same.
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