Everything you need to know about fire-rated partitions

Fire-rated partitions are both a versatile and aesthetic way of separating an open-plan space and an ingenious, lifesaving invention. Suzanne Walter, Marketing Manager of Komfort, a leading manufacturer of partitioning systems along with specialist glazing and doors, gives an overview of the different types of fire-rated partitions including their latest innovations.

Designed to control the spread of fire in a public space, these partitions are manufactured to meet very high standards of fire safety whilst also offering a flexible and visually stunning design solution. They serve three core functions: containing the spread of fire and smoke, protecting evacuation paths within a building, and preserving critical areas in a building such as electrical rooms, data centres, and the storage of hazardous materials.

The Different Styles of Fire-Rated Partitions

Different styles of fire-rated partitions can significantly influence and enhance the overall interior design of commercial spaces; there’s no need to sacrifice design for safety. From practical and private to modern and sleek, there’s a fire-rated partition for every space. Komfort’s fire rated glass/solid partitioning and glass fire screens meet very high standards of fire safety but also offer a flexible design solution for dividing a workspace or public areas.

Fire-Resistant Glass Screens

Featuring specially treated glass capable of withstanding fire, fire-resistant glass screens provide significant fire integrity whilst also offering a frameless or slim-framed, transparent look, making them the perfect choice for modern offices or luxurious hotel lobbies. They are typically rated from 30 to 120 minutes.

Komfort’s Defence E Fire Screens prevent the passage of fire, including flames and flammable gases, but not heat. The Defence E Fire Screens are constructed using steel tubes and offer fire ratings from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. For a higher fire performance consider Komfort’s Defence EI Fire Screens, these systems work to prevent flames and flammable gases as well as the transference of heat to the protected side. This ensures a safe escape from fires when used in protected corridors and protected refuge areas, as well as preventing secondary combustion of flammable items in a protected area.

Steel Stud and Plasterboard Partitions

These partitions are solid, often constructed with a metal frame and covered by fire-rated plasterboard, and can include glazed fire-rated panels. They are often used where both fire safety and acoustics are needed. Ratings tend to range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Komfire is Komfort’s steel stud and plasterboard construction system, surrounded by an aluminium framework. Durable and simple to install and maintain, this system offers a distinct angular style and incorporates acoustic and fire performance. The different options include:

Komfire 75 is a 75mm square edge framed partition system which is compatible with Komfort’s Sonik, glazed and timber door. This system is available in a solid, single and double glazed structure with pre-assembled window frame options. Komfire 75 sets the standard of partition form and function, achieving acoustic ratings of up to 43dB (Rw) and a fire rating of up to 30/0 for the glazed system.

Komfire 100 is a solid and glazed partitioning system, offering a single or double boarded steel stud system surrounded by aluminium trackwork with pre-assembled single or double glazed aluminium window frames.

Komfire 100FR offers 100mm solid modules either single boarded with 75mm studs to 30/0 or 30/30 or doubled boarded with 50mm steel studs rated to 60/0 or 60/60 depending on configuration and up to 50dB (Rw) acoustic performance.

Glazed modules are available as offset single glazed Komfort 6mm Fire Glass or alternatively as a doubled glazed configuration with Komfort 6mm Fire Glass and 6.4mm laminated glass rated to 30/0. All glazed modules have steel stud mullions.

Frameless Glazing Systems

Designed for environments that prioritise aesthetics and transparency, frameless glazing systems are minimalistic and discreet and feature special fire-rated glass. They often feature in high-end retail buildings or hotels and ratings range from 30 to 90 minutes.

Komfort’s Soteria product is an advanced slimline EI Fire Screen which offers exceptional fire protection within a sleek minimalist design. This system effectively stops flames, flammable gases and heat transfer. It offers fire ratings from 30 to 90 minutes for integrity and insulation, alongside acoustic performance up to 42dB (Re). This frameless glazing solution fits seamlessly into various layouts while delivering robust fire protection. The system can also include unlatched single or double doors with ratings up to EI60 and is available in a larger size. Soteria XL can reach greater heights and offers enhanced structural performance, as well as deflection at the head.

In Conclusion

Fire-rated partitions offer a form of passive fire protection, to control or slow the spread of fire, protecting occupants and allowing for safe evacuation. For our full range of solutions or to speak to a member of our team, please visit our trade counter and showroom in Whittle Way, Crawley, or learn more on the Komfort website.

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