Textile fire protection is a modern alternative to conventional systems such as fire protection windows and doors, for both indoor and outdoor applications. The main use outdoors is to prevent fire flashover across corners or from floor to floor. SIMON PROtec fire curtains are tested for both applications, indoors and outdoors, and offer a visually attractive, legally compliant solution in accordance with DIN EN 16034.

Fire compartment separation across corners or offsets (up to 5m) is a challenge for many planners. Architectural and fire protection requirements must be harmonized. Rooms should be usable without restrictions and at the same time optimally protected. By installing the fire curtains on the outside of the window, the room design and the comfort for the residents/users are maintained. The windows, which usually open inwards, are freely accessible.

In 2016, the product standard DIN EN 16034 came into force as a harmonized standard for building products "Smoke and fire protection closures". This standard facilitates the Europe-wide use of doors, gates and windows with fire and smoke protection properties for manufacturers, building owners and planners. However, DIN EN 16034 does not differentiate between interior or exterior applications. Legally, this makes the use of textile fire protection solutions easier. For comparison, before the new standard was introduced in Germany, an object-specific expert opinion and approval had to be obtained for each individual case. In actual practice, fire protection curtains are only tested for indoor use, but the approval still applies to both indoor and outdoor applications.
In order to warrant the use of its own textile fire protection systems also in outdoor areas, SIMON PROtec, together with the Materialprüfanstalt (MPA) für das Bauwesen (Materials Testing Institute) in Braunschweig, subjected the "Fire PROtec" fire protection curtain to weathering and endurance testing. The MPA Braunschweig is a Notified Body, i.e. recognized and notified by the building authorities for testing and certification.

The testing of the Fire Protec lasted over a period of 4 years from September 2015 and was extended until July 2020. For the test, a fire curtain was installed outside on a building facade. The control system of the curtain system was sealed and the installation was monitored via webcam by MPA Braunschweig. Wind and weather data supplemented the recordings and evaluation. Every six months, the fire protection curtain was checked on site by an employee of MPA Braunschweig. An automatic function test was carried out 6 times a day.

SIMON PROtec offers an optional supplementary heating system for the side guide rails for outdoor use of the fire protection curtains. In cold areas with winter, frost and snow, this is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the curtain system. The side guide rails of the curtain system were being heated during the test period in the same way.

You can find more information about our different fire curtains here: Fire curtain