Steel fire-resistant roller shutters and standard steel roller shutters both fall under the category of roller shutters and share the same steel material. Despite their similar names, these two types of shutters serve distinct purposes. Below is an analysis of their key differences:
Different Usage Scenarios
Steel fire-resistant roller shutters are primarily installed in commercial spaces such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and underground parking garages. Underground environments are often damp, making inorganic fabric-based shutters unsuitable due to moisture absorption. These shutters are designed to prevent the spread of flames in large fire zones where traditional fire doors cannot be used. They are critical for protecting lives and property and are typically integrated into a building’s internal fire safety partitions.
Standard steel roller shutters, on the other hand, are far more common. They are widely used for storefronts and residential garages, primarily serving as security barriers against theft and external threats. They are generally installed on building exteriors.
Motor and Wiring Differences
Steel fire-resistant shutters use explosion-proof and fire-resistant motors with a minimum protection rating of IP55. In contrast,standard steel shutters rely on ordinary motors with lower protection ratings (e.g.,IP23 or IP44), which are inadequate for fire hazards.
The explosion-proof motor’s wiring system includes a sealed junction box with high-density gaskets, and internal motor windings are fully enclosed to prevent spark generation. Power supply connections feature extended, movable flame-retardant conduits with threaded interfaces, ensuring compatibility with fire-rated electrical conduits. This design achieves complete fire-resistant sealing.
Filler Material Variations
Fireproof explosion-proof shutter doors use hollow, bent steel slats without internal fillers.Fire-resistant steel shutters, however, incorporate asbestos—a flame-retardant and heat-insulating material—within their slats. Asbestos is chosen for its high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal erosion, and electrical insulation properties. Its presence directly determines the shutter’s fire resistance performance.
Control System Distinctions
Standard steel shutters may operate manually or via basic motorized controls, with independent physical or motorized switches. If the motor fails, manual operation remains an option.
Fire-resistant steel shutters, however, are integrated into a building’s central fire control system. During emergencies, these shutters automatically activate upon receiving signals from the fire control center, ensuring coordinated fire response.
The above points outline the critical differences between steel fire-resistant roller shutters and standard steel roller shutters. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify their respective roles in safety and functionality. Fire-resistant shutters prioritize life safety and regulatory compliance, while standard shutters focus on convenience and basic security.