by Arindam Bhadra

Smoke management systems are referred to as either passive or active. Active smoke management systems typically utilize smoke exhaust or evacuation systems. These systems utilize mechanical equipment to control the spread of smoke. Exhaust inlets located near or in the ceilings remove smoke from the building to allow people to evacuate.

Designing an active smoke management system is usually a complex engineering exercise that eats into budgets and time. Due to the high amounts of power smoke exhaust systems need, they require a standby power source in the event of a power outage caused by a fire.

Passive smoke management does not require mechanical systems to support them. Instead, flexible fire and smoke curtains have been successfully used for fire and smoke protection for some time in elevators, but their application for atrium design is relatively new in the United States. A passive smoke management system, or smoke containment system, incorporates smoke and fire-rated curtains to compartmentalize fire and smoke keeping it out of the paths of egress.

Smoke containment curtains can be built right into a building's design and therefore invisible when not in use. Fire curtains offer an energy efficient and productive option to replace or supplement traditional atrium smoke management system.

Whether you are looking for an active or passive smoke management system, Smoke Guard has many options for elevator and atrium solutions. With a variety of finishes and dimensions, Smoke Guard manufactures smoke management options for new construction and remodels. Contact us today for more information.

(This "Fire Safety Blogs" Published in April 2023  Edition)