Applications:
- Elevator Hoist Way Smoke Containment
Description:
The Smoke Curtain Model ESC smoke containment system consists of a transparent curtain film designed to unroll from a head box unit positioned above the elevator opening, down along the existing elevator frame or auxiliary rails to cover the elevator opening frame in the event of actuation of the smoke detector(s), fire-protection system alarm operation or loss of power. Auxiliary rails are used if the elevator frame is nonserious, beveled, painted, irregular, or if the presence of rails is desired.
The Model ESC smoke containment system is connected to the smoke-detection system located in the elevator lobby, or to the building's fire-protection system, with the connection initiating deployment of the curtain within 10-seconds of smoke-detection or fire-protection-system alarm operation. A cabling system allows the curtain to unroll, unfurl, or if necessary, retract. The system is capable of sensing obstructions during deployment / retraction and will attempt deployment / retraction three times before fully deploying. Any obstruction will need to be manually cleared for the curtain to fully deploy.
If elevator occupants encounter a deployed smoke-containment system, a membrane switch operable from both sides of the curtain is manually actuated to push the Section 3008.2 to allow occupants to raise the deployed curtain and exit from the elevator. The raised curtain will redeploy to the closed position after egress if the presence of smoke continues to be detected. After the alarm condition clears, the curtain automatically retracts into the head box unit to the ready position. In the event of a loss of power, a force of less than 15 lbs (66.7 N) applied at the curtain boundary is required to push the flexible strips away from the hoistway frame to allow occupant egress. The electrically operated drive control system, when equipped with an optional battery backup, will function as intended in the event of an interruption in the building's power supply. When the system is not equipped with a battery backup, it must be supplied by a suitable source of continuous electrical supply or with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Components of the Model ESC Smoke Containment System:
Curtain Material: The curtain is a transparent polymeric material. The curtain has a nominal thickness of 0.004 in (0.1 mm).
The drive-control system, which controls the deployment and retraction of the curtain assembly, is intended for connection to the building's 120VAC power supply and to either the auxiliary contacts of the smoke detectors located in the elevator lobby and the adjacent corridor, or to the building's fire-protection system. The electrically operated, listed releasing device conforms to UL 864. The motor operates a drive shaft located in the roller assembly, which rotates to retract the deployed curtain.
When tested in accordance with UL 1784 without an artificial bottom seal, the Model ESC smoke-containment system has an air-leakage rate that does not exceed 3.0 cfm per square foot (0.01524 m /s/m ) of opening at a pressure differential of 0.10 inch of water (24.9 Pa) at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
Testing & Certification Agency Listings:
ICC AC 77
ESR 4488
UL 1784 UL
Technical Information:
- Smoke Detector Activation- the Smoke/IR detector wiring can be wired directly to the Control panel if there is no central fire alarm system in the building
- Clear fabric curtain with integrated emergency egress on-screen switch
- Magnetic smoke-sealing system that adheres on ferritic elevator frames or auxiliary rails
- From 42" to 100" clear opening sizes designed for all common elevator configurations and manufacturers
- Curtain activated by fire alarm signal, local smoke detector signal or power loss, with battery backup as a standard feature (batteries not included)
- 120AV supply allowing connection to main and standby power
- Gravity fail-safe ensures safe and controlled deployment even under total power loss
- Automatic, mechanical headbox closing system as standard
- Surface mount or recessed into finish ceiling or soffit with ceiling edge support option
- Powder-coated white as standard
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
Does the textile come in various colors?
The textile is transparent.
Does the headbox come in different colors?
Yes, Ral colors, white, gray, black standard and all other Ral Colors optional. USSF recommends factory-etched primed and paint in the field so that the sheen will match better.
What is the drop speed of the smoke curtain?
NFPA 80 Chapter 21 Fire Protective Curtains states that drop speed must be 6-inches to 24-inches per second.
Does the curtain automatically reset when the smoke/ IR detector or fire alarm system reset to normal non-alert mode?
Yes, the system is automatic. Once the closed contact from FAS opens, the curtain drops to its operational position and when the FAS contact closes, the curtain motors engage, and curtain retracts back into its headbox.
What are the egress options?
Screen rewind switches on both sides of curtain and release magnetic strip by push force.
What states do not allow a Side Guided elevator curtain?
Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
I need a 2-hour elevator curtain because it is a 2-hour shaft. Am I correct?
No, because the elevator door has a 2-hour listing already and the elevator shaft is a 2-hour firewall. All you need to do is provide a smoke containment system so that if smoke comes into the hoist way from the first floor or any other floor, the curtains deploy to contain the smoke within the hoist way and not spread to the corridors above or below.
Are auxiliary rails side guides?
No, auxiliary rails are 2-inch-wide metal strips utilized for magnetic seal elevator smoke curtains. The auxiliary rails are installed above the elevator frame to bottom of ceiling. Thus, if the ceiling height is 9-feet and the top of the elevator frame is 7-feet, then the metal strip called an auxiliary rail is 2-feet in height. The term auxiliary rail is confusing, but this is an addition to the elevator frame so the magnet could adhere from bottom of the headbox to the top of the elevator frame and then adhere to the magnetized elevator frame. If the elevator frame is not magnetized, then the metal strip has to be installed the entire length from ceiling to floor for the magnetic type of elevator curtain.
What are the options to meet the IBC for elevator smoke containment for my project?
Option 1-Pressurization of the hoist way. That answer alone should make it clear that there is no fire rating requirement at all for elevator smoke containment since an air pressurization system installed to force air upwards along the Y-axis to a roof vent to expel the smoke would meet the IBC requirement. Option 2-Smoke doors on hold open, so this works by containing the smoke at the elevator door if the door was in front of the elevator but more likely at the elevator lobby interface. This smoke door would contain the smoke to the elevator lobby and protect smoke from spreading to the fire exits in the corridors.
I have a 10-floor hoist way with a basement level and 2-floor garage with no vestibules; do I need elevator smoke curtains on all floors?
If the building is fully sprinklered to NFPA 13, the answer is on the level of discharge where the elevator recalls to, there is no requirement for a smoke curtain. If the building is not fully sprinklered to NFPA 13, then the level of discharge will require an elevator smoke curtain. USSF recommends a magnetic seal curtain for level of discharge.
