Smoke tightness of fire-resistant joinery:
a must for fire protection
In the event of a fire, toxic smoke is the leading cause of death and serious injury. It spreads quickly through buildings, compromising visibility, breathing, and the evacuation of occupants. A smoke-tight fire-resistant door plays a crucial role in slowing the spread of harmful smoke and ensuring the integrity of containment areas.
The EN 1634-3 standard specifies the performance criteria for fire-resistant doors and partitions regarding smoke tightness at both ambient and high temperatures.
EN 1634-3: European standard for smoke tightness
Test procedure
The EN 1634-3 standard establishes tests and classifications to evaluate the ability of a fire-resistant door or partition to limit the spread of smoke in a building.
- The joinery is installed in a test wall and subjected to air pressure simulating a fire.
- Sensors measure the smoke leakage rate at different temperatures.
- Performance is evaluated based on the amount of smoke passing through joints and gaps.
Classification Sa and Sm
The EN 1634-3 standard defines two classifications for the smoke tightness of fire-resistant doors and partitions: Sa and Sm (or S200). These classifications indicate the ability of a joinery to limit the spread of smoke at different temperatures.
The success of the smoke tightness tests (EN 1634-3) for fire-resistant joinery will be indicated by the mention S, added to the fire resistance classification obtained during the test (EN 1634-1). For example, EI1 30-Sa.
| Class | Sa | Sm (or S200) |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Smoke Ambient: Cold smoke at ambient temperature |
Smoke Medium: Hot smoke at high temperature (200°C) |
|
Test conditions |
Test at 20°C under a pressure of 25 Pa. |
Test at 200°C under a pressure of 50 Pa. |
|
Simulation objective |
Represents the smoke emitted in the early stages of a fire, when combustion begins to release toxic gases. |
Represents the smoke released when a fire is in its advanced phase, with more intense heat. |
|
Reinforcements for protection |
Requires effective seals to prevent the spread of smoke into adjacent areas. |
Requires intumescent seals or automatic thresholds capable of withstanding higher heat. |
Téléchargez nos guides sur les normes coupe-feu
DOIC P030 | Fire resistance information
DOIC P030 | Fire resistance information
The challenges of smoke tightness for your industry sector
Tertiary buildings, hotels, and offices
- Limiting the spread of smoke in corridors and stairwells.
- Securing containment areas and emergency exits.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Protection of patients and staff by limiting contamination of medical areas.
- Enhanced smoke tightness to prevent the spread of smoke to operating rooms and sensitive services.
Industries and production sites
- Prevention of smoke in factories, logistics warehouses, and high-risk areas.
- Compliance with fire safety regulations for industrial installations.
Public buildings
- Securing shopping centers, hotels, museums, and theaters.
- Compliance with fire safety regulations for public reception.
Prisons, courts, and secure infrastructures
- Prevention of deliberate fires in cells and containment of smoke in case of a riot.
- Enhanced protection with fire-resistant, anti-burglary, and bulletproof doors.
