Fire rated roller shutters

Fire rated roller shutters are steel shutters that close automatically when a fire is detected. They create a physical barrier between spaces inside a building and hold back fire and smoke for a defined period. That period can be 60, 90, 120 or even 240 minutes, depending on the classification.

If you are looking at fire separation for large openings in a warehouse, production facility or commercial building, a fire rated roller shutter is one of the most reliable solutions available. It closes without manual action, works even when power is lost and is certified to European standards.

What does a fire rated roller shutter actually do?

A fire rated shutter from Metacon-Next closes an opening the moment a fire alarm is triggered. It stops fire and smoke from moving freely through a building. This slows down damage, keeps escape routes accessible longer and gives emergency services more time to act.

The shutter closes through a gravity fail-safe system. This means the closing mechanism relies on gravity, not on electricity. Even during a power cut, the shutter drops and seals the opening. Once closed, it limits oxygen flow and blocks flame and heat transfer between compartments.

What is the difference between EW and EI classifications?

This is one of the most common questions when specifying a fire rated roller shutter. The classification tells you what level of protection the shutter provides and for how long.

EW means the shutter limits flame spread and reduces heat radiation for the defined period. EI adds a second requirement: it also limits the temperature rise on the side facing away from the fire. EI offers a higher level of protection and is required when heat transfer itself is a safety concern, for example in situations close to escape routes or sensitive areas.

Metacon-Next fire rated roller shutters are available in the following classifications:

• EW 60 covers openings up to 9,000 mm wide and 9,000 mm high, with a maximum surface of approximately 56 m2.
• EW 90 covers openings up to 9,000 mm wide and 9,000 mm high, with a maximum surface of approximately 18 to 29 m2.
• EW 120 covers openings up to 9,000 mm wide and 9,000 mm high, with a maximum surface of approximately 14 to 25 m2.
• EW 240 and EI versions are also available for more demanding situations.

Contact Metacon-Next for current dimensions. Larger openings are available on request.

Where are fire rated rolling shutters used?

Fire rated roller shutters are used wherever a large opening needs certified fire separation. The most common situations are warehouses and logistics centres with wide loading bays, production facilities where different fire zones need to be separated, parking garages where fire regulations require compartmentalisation and commercial buildings with open floor layouts.

The Metacon-Next RGS series is suitable for both indoor to indoor and indoor to outdoor situations. The shutters are designed for frequent daily use, which makes them practical in operational environments where the opening is used often but must close reliably in an emergency.

How is a fire rated roller shutter different from a fire rated curtain?

A fire rated roller shutter is made from double-walled steel slats. It is rigid, strong and suitable for both frequent use and outdoor exposure. A fire rated curtain is made from heat-resistant fabric and is compact in storage. Curtains work well in atriums, stairwells or spaces where appearance matters and a steel structure is not practical.

If you are working on a project where the opening is large, exposed to outdoor conditions or requires frequent use alongside fire safety, a steel roller shutter is usually the right choice. If the architectural requirements limit the installation depth or a visible steel housing is not acceptable, a fire rated curtain may be the better fit. You can compare both options on the fire resistant curtains page.

What technical specifications does a Metacon-Next fire rated roller shutter include?

Each shutter in the RGS series is built with double-walled galvanized steel slats with a thickness of 22 mm. The standard system includes a gravity fail-safe chain wheel drive on 400V with a control box, optical and acoustic warning signals and an external safety catch device. A 230V tubular motor version is also available for smaller openings up to approximately 8 m2.

The system is tested and certified according to EN 1634-1, classified according to EN 13501-2 and CE marked according to EN 13241 and EN 16034. Every shutter passes a validated cycle test of more than 10,000 cycles before it leaves the production facility in Moordrecht.

Available options include powder coating in any RAL colour, stainless steel components in INOX 304 or 316 for demanding environments, a built-in smoke detector for stand-alone systems, light curtains for additional safety and wind resistance up to wind class 5 for outdoor applications.

Why do dealers and installers choose Metacon-Next?

Fire safety systems have to work the first time, every time. That is the only standard that matters. Each Metacon-Next fire rated roller shutter is tested, documented and certified before delivery. CE certificates, classification reports, DWG drawings and product specification sheets are available directly from the downloads section.

Metacon-Next works exclusively through a dealer network and supplies to more than 70 countries. Dealers get full technical documentation, access to the MetaConfigurator for quotations and orders, and support on project-specific configurations. The production takes place in Moordrecht, the Netherlands, where the company has been manufacturing certified fire and security doors since 1927.

If you need certified fire separation for a large opening and want a system that is practical to specify, straightforward to install and documented for project submission, the RGS series is worth looking at closely. You can also explore the full fire resistant product range, which includes fire rated curtains, sectional doors, sliding doors, hinged doors and high-speed doors.

Every project starts with the right specification. Discuss your opening dimensions, the required fire resistance period and any project-specific requirements with the Metacon-Next team. Request a quotation and receive a proposal based on your situation.

FAQ: Fire rated roller shutters

What is a fire rated roller shutter and how does it work?
A fire rated roller shutter is a steel shutter that closes automatically when a fire detection system signals smoke or heat. It uses a gravity fail-safe mechanism to drop and seal the opening, blocking fire and smoke from spreading between areas. It works even when power is lost during a fire.

What is the difference between EW and EI classified fire rated shutters?
EW shutters limit flame spread and heat radiation for a defined period. EI shutters do this and also limit the temperature rise on the unexposed side of the barrier. EI classification offers a higher level of protection and is typically required near escape routes or areas where heat transfer is a safety concern.

How long can a fire resistant roller shutter resist fire?
Metacon-Next fire rated roller shutters are available in 60, 90 and 120-minute EW classifications, as well as EW 240 and EI versions for situations with higher protection requirements. The right classification depends on the building type, the size of the opening and local fire safety regulations.

What is the maximum size for a fire rated rolling shutter?
The RGS EW 60 covers openings up to 9,000 mm wide, 9,000 mm high and approximately 56 m2. For the EW 90 and EW 120 classifications, the maximum surface area is smaller. Larger dimensions are available on request. Contact Metacon-Next for the current specifications for your project.

When should I choose a fire rated roller shutter instead of a fire rated curtain?
A steel roller shutter is the right choice for large openings that are used frequently, exposed to outdoor conditions or require a rigid fire barrier. A fire rated curtain is better suited to spaces where installation depth is limited or where appearance matters, such as atriums or hotel lobbies.

Can a fire rated shutter be installed in outdoor conditions?
Yes. The RGS series can be configured for indoor to outdoor situations with wind resistance up to wind class 5, which is above 1,000 Pa. Stainless steel components are available for environments with higher demands on material durability.