1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover the evaluation of fire-protective curtain assemblies intended to provide supplemental, passive fire protection as part of an engineered fire protection system. Fire-protective curtain assemblies are horizontally or vertically oriented. Horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assemblies provide nonstructural separation only, and are not intended to be substituted for structural hourly rated partitions or opening protectives that have been tested for fire endurance and hose stream performance.

Note: Fire-protective curtains do not include proscenium type (theater) curtains. This document does not apply to proscenium type curtains in assembly occupancies for legitimate stages.

1.2 Tests made in conformity with these test methods are intended to register performance during the test exposure. Such tests shall not be construed as determining suitability for use after exposure to fire.

1.3 It is the intent that tests made in conformity with these test methods allow for the development of data to enable regulatory bodies to determine the suitability of horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assemblies for use in locations where fire protection of a specified duration is required.

1.4 These methods are intended to evaluate the ability of fire-protective curtain assemblies to remain in a horizontal or vertical opening during a predetermined test exposure.

1.5 The tests expose a specimen to a standard controlled fire exposure to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time period. The exposure, however, is not representative of all fire conditions, which vary with changes in ventilation, compartment size, and configuration. It does provide a relative measure of fire performance of horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assemblies under these specified fire exposure conditions.

1.6 Any variation from the construction or conditions that are tested is capable of substantially changing the performance characteristics of the horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assembly.

1.7 The test methods do not provide the following:

a)    Full information as to performance of all horizontally oriented fire-protective curtain assemblies in walls or floors constructed of materials other than those tested.

b)    Full information as to performance of all vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assemblies in walls constructed of materials other than those tested.

c)    Evaluation of the degree by which the horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assembly contributes to the risk of fire by generation of smoke, toxic gases, or other products of combustion.

d)    A temperature limit on the unexposed side of the horizontally or vertically oriented fire-protective curtain assembly.

e)    Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the fire-protective curtain assembly.

Note: See limitations for the passage of smoke detailed in the Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives, NFPA 105.

Summary of Topics

This revision of ANSI/UL 10D dated July 6, 2022 includes a correction to an unit conversion in 9.3 and the addition of the words "vertically oriented" to 14.2.