A smoke curtain, particularly an elevator smoke curtain as described by Cookson on March 20, 2023, is a thick fiberglass sheet that is installed above elevator doors.
Understanding the Purpose of a Smoke Curtain
Smoke curtains are crucial passive fire safety devices. Their primary function is to help manage smoke movement during a fire event, preventing it from spreading through openings like elevator shafts.
How it Works
Based on the information provided:
- Activation: The curtain descends automatically when a fire or smoke detector is activated.
- Function: Once deployed, it acts as a physical barrier.
- Objective: This barrier prevents smoke from entering other areas of a building through the elevator opening.
Think of it as a rapidly deployable wall designed specifically to block smoke, helping to keep escape routes clearer and containing the spread of hazardous conditions within a building.
Key Characteristics (Based on Reference)
Here's a summary of the key features of the elevator smoke curtain mentioned:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Thick fiberglass sheet |
| Location | Installed above elevator doors |
| Operation | Descends automatically upon alarm |
| Role | Physical barrier |
| Goal | Prevent smoke spread |
Smoke curtains play a vital role in a building's overall fire compartmentalization strategy, working alongside other systems like sprinklers and fire-rated walls and doors.
