What is BS EN 12101-1?

BS EN 12101-1 specifies requirements for smoke barriers: fixed or deployable horizontal and vertical elements used to contain smoke within a defined zone during a fire. It covers materials, construction, testing, and classification of barriers that form part of a wider smoke control strategy.

What is the purpose of a smoke barrier?

Smoke barriers prevent the lateral spread of smoke from one fire compartment to adjacent areas. They are particularly used in large open-plan spaces, atria, and shopping centres to channel smoke into exhaust ventilation zones. They work alongside powered extract fans, natural ventilators, and pressure differential systems.

How are smoke barriers classified under BS EN 12101-1?

Smoke barriers are classified by their operating temperature: either 300°C (class C) for standard applications or 600°C (class F600) for higher-temperature environments. They are also classified by their geometric form: fixed horizontal, fixed vertical, or deployable.

Do smoke barriers need third-party certification?

Yes. Smoke barriers used in regulated smoke control systems must be tested and certified to BS EN 12101-1 by a notified body. The CE marking demonstrates compliance. Specifiers should request a Declaration of Performance confirming the specific classification achieved.

BS EN 12101-1: Smoke Barriers Guide UK

BS EN 12101-1 specifies the requirements for smoke barriers - fixed or deployable components designed to contain smoke within a defined zone and prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas during a fire. Smoke barriers work in conjunction with powered extract systems, natural ventilators, and pressure differential systems to form a complete smoke control strategy.

Part of the BS EN 12101 standard family.

What Are Smoke Barriers?

Smoke barriers are physical boundaries - typically constructed from rigid panels, flexible curtain materials, or glazed assemblies - that are installed at or below ceiling level to contain the smoke reservoir created during a fire. They are commonly used in:

Atria and large open-plan spaces
Shopping centres and retail malls
Car parks and concourses
Covered walkways and transport hubs

By containing smoke within a defined reservoir zone, barriers allow smoke control systems to extract smoke more efficiently and maintain a clear layer below the smoke level, protecting escape routes.

Key Requirements

Integrity Under Fire Conditions

Barriers must maintain their structural form and smoke containment performance when exposed to elevated temperatures. The standard specifies deflection limits and integrity criteria to prevent collapse or gap formation that would allow smoke to escape the reservoir zone.

Leakage Performance

Smoke barriers must limit air leakage around their perimeter and through any joints or fixings. Leakage is tested and classified under pressure differential conditions representative of real fire scenarios.

Deployable Barriers

Where barriers are designed to deploy on alarm activation (dropping from a ceiling recess, for example), the standard specifies:

Activation time - the barrier must reach its deployed position within a defined period
Reliability - endurance cycling tests to confirm consistent operation across the service life
Fail-safe - barriers must deploy on power failure or signal loss

Fixing and Support

Barriers must be fixed to structure capable of supporting the loads imposed during both normal operation and fire conditions, including any dynamic loads during deployment.

Specification Checklist

When specifying smoke barriers under BS EN 12101-1, confirm:

Barrier depth - the vertical dimension of the barrier below ceiling, defining the smoke reservoir depth
Material - rigid (steel, glass) or flexible (fabric) construction
Leakage classification - tested leakage rate under pressure differential
Temperature rating - the temperature and duration the barrier maintains integrity
Activation method - fixed, gravity-deploy, or motor-driven
Fail-safe position - deployed (closed) on power loss
CE marking and Declaration of Performance

Installation Requirements

Fix to structural ceiling or soffit capable of supporting barrier loads
Ensure no gaps between barrier edge and adjacent structure
Wire deployable actuators to the smoke control panel
Confirm deployment travel is unobstructed
Label with function, classification, and activation method
Commission and test full deployment cycle before handover

BS EN 12101-2 - Natural ventilators that extract smoke from the reservoir
BS EN 12101-3 - Powered fans for mechanical smoke extract
BS EN 12101-6 - Pressure differential systems used alongside barriers
Approved Document B & Building Safety Act - UK regulatory context

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BS EN 12101-1: Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for smoke barriers