Draft Curtain: Enhancing Fire Safety and Smoke Control in Modern Buildings

Introduction

In large spaces such as warehouses, shopping malls, or airports, smoke spread during a fire often causes more casualties than flames. One of the most effective solutions is the draft curtain, a passive fire protection system designed to channel smoke toward exhaust systems and delay smoke movement. By creating controlled smoke reservoirs, draft curtains ensure safe evacuation routes and support the operation of sprinkler systems.

YK Door Industry Co., Ltd., a fire protection manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, provides customized draft curtain systems tested under Chinese GB standards and aligned with international codes such as NFPA 204 and EN 12101. Our solutions have been implemented in projects across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, proving their value in both commercial and industrial applications.

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What Is a Draft Curtain?

A draft curtain is a fixed or automatically deployed barrier made of non-combustible fabric or metal sheets, usually suspended from the ceiling. Its main purpose is to direct smoke and hot gases into specific zones, preventing uncontrolled spread throughout the building.

Example: In a Shenzhen logistics hub, YK installed a fabric draft curtain system above conveyor belts. During simulation testing, the curtain successfully confined smoke within one zone, allowing sprinklers to operate more effectively and protecting adjacent storage areas.

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Functions of Draft Curtains in Fire Protection

Draft curtains serve multiple purposes:

1. Smoke Compartmentalization – Creates smoke reservoirs for mechanical exhaust systems.

2. Evacuation Safety – Keeps escape corridors clear from smoke infiltration.

3. Sprinkler System Support – Ensures sprinklers activate at the correct temperature by maintaining hot smoke layers.

4. Cost Efficiency – Reduces the need for oversized mechanical smoke systems.

Example: In a Dubai shopping mall project, YK’s automated draft curtains deployed within seconds of fire detection, maintaining visibility in evacuation routes and enabling safe customer evacuation.

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Materials and Design Considerations

Draft curtains must withstand high heat and smoke pressure without failure. YK uses:

• Fireproof Fabrics: Tested up to 1100°C for short durations.

• Galvanized Steel or Aluminum Panels: Suitable for permanent barriers.

• Automatic Roller Deployment Systems: Linked with fire alarms for quick activation.

Design Example: For an aircraft hangar in Guangzhou, YK engineered a motorized draft curtain system with 40-meter spans, integrated into the building’s smoke exhaust fans, meeting GB/T 3008 and NFPA 204 requirements.

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Draft Curtains vs. Other Fire Protection Systems

Draft curtains are often integrated with other fire safety solutions:

• Compared to Fire Doors: Draft curtains don’t block people but control smoke.

• Compared to Smoke Curtains: Smoke curtains are typically automatic and flexible, while draft curtains can also be fixed.

• Compared to Fire Shutters: Fire shutters block flames and smoke, while draft curtains focus mainly on smoke management.

Example: In a Nigerian airport terminal project, YK provided a hybrid system combining fire shutters at escalator openings and draft curtains above the concourse, ensuring both flame resistance and smoke control.

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Applications of Draft Curtains

Draft curtains are widely used in:

• Warehouses & Logistics Centers – Protect inventory and workers during fire incidents.

• Shopping Malls & Cinemas – Keep public evacuation routes safe.

• Airports & Railway Stations – Direct smoke toward extraction systems.

• Industrial Plants & Hangars – Manage large fire loads in high-ceiling environments.

Example: In a Malaysian textile plant, YK installed fixed draft curtains that created zoned smoke reservoirs, ensuring the safety of both workers and high-value machinery.

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Why Choose YK Door Industry for Draft Curtains?

• Experience: Over two decades in fire protection manufacturing.

• Compliance: Products certified under GB, NFPA, EN standards.

• Customization: Solutions tailored for industrial, commercial, and public projects.

• Global Reach: Completed projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

• Value: High-quality products at competitive pricing for contractors and procurement managers.

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Summary Table: Draft Curtain Essentials

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Conclusion

A draft curtain is more than a technical barrier—it is a life-saving component of modern fire safety engineering. By directing smoke, protecting evacuation routes, and supporting active fire systems, draft curtains significantly improve building resilience. YK Door Industry Co., Ltd. continues to deliver certified, customized, and cost-effective draft curtain solutions for global contractors, real estate developers, and distributors.

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FAQ (For Distributors, Real Estate Procurement, Contractors)

Q1: What standards do YK draft curtains comply with?
Our systems comply with Chinese GB, NFPA 204, and EN 12101, ensuring international approval.

Q2: Can draft curtains be integrated with fire alarms?
Yes. YK offers automatic roller draft curtains linked with alarm systems for instant activation.

Q3: What industries benefit most from draft curtains?
Warehousing, transportation hubs, malls, and industrial plants benefit significantly from smoke compartmentalization.

Q4: How can procurement managers benefit from sourcing YK draft curtains?
By choosing YK, procurement managers secure cost-effective, globally certified products, reducing project risks.

Q5: Do contractors receive installation support?
Yes. YK provides installation guidance, design consultation, and on-site technical training for smooth project execution.