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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: kurnal on March 01, 2006, 08:24:45 PM

Title: Fire compartment steel shutter doors
Post by: kurnal on March 01, 2006, 08:24:45 PM

I have encountered a 2 hour steel roller shutter door that operates by sliding horizontally across an opening. In this case a false alarm caused the door to close but it hit an obstruction. The system operates from the fire alarm, after a delay and with hooter sounding

The door has only a single limit stop at the end of its track. On hitting the obstruction the door continued to try and drive itself forward, resulting in its destruction, the drive forcing open  the joints in the steel strips just like opening a corned beef tin.

There is a motor overheat cut out but this did not operate.

I have looked in various  manufacturers leaflets and LPCB documents but cant find any reference to a need for any overload cut outs.

I would have thought it more sensible for an overload to be detected, the motor to stop and an audible alarm to sound to enable intervention by staff, and the shutter closed manually. As it is its totally wrecked and incapable of being closed or opened so cannot do its job, automatically or manually.

Please can anybody enlighten me as to whether  there is any design standard that I have overlooked that should prevent this happening?

Title: Fire compartment steel shutter doors
Post by: Paul on March 01, 2006, 08:54:09 PM

I have always used Bolton Brady for this sort of kit.  Not too sure of the requirements for overload.  I know a lot of buildings tend to opt for the fusable link, along with manual over ride.  Maybe this is for this reason, not too sure, but worth contacting Bolton Brady as they seem to know their eggs.

Title: Fire compartment steel shutter doors
Post by: kurnal on March 01, 2006, 09:27:33 PM

Yes Thanks
I have encountered shutters with photocell control and safety edge protection before and taken them for granted  but this door has been fitted with nothing and I cant find a design standard that says they must be fitted.

Title: Fire compartment steel shutter doors
Post by: wee brian on March 02, 2006, 08:25:46 AM

The Door & Shutter Manufacturers Association (DSMA) has now merged with the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (ABHM) to form the Door and Hardware Federation www.dhfonline.org.uk.

Give them a try, if not it may be something that should be raised with the relevant committee at BSI.