Fire shutters are an essential component of any building’s fire safety system. They work by compartmentalising the area that is on fire to prevent the flames and smoke from spreading throughout the rest of the building. Almost every business could benefit from installing fire shutters, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones are the best?
That’s where the CE mark comes in. Find out all about the CE mark for fire shutters in this month’s article. We answer what it is and why it is needed.
What is the CE mark?
The CE mark is a certification mark that indicates a product meets the essential health, safety, and environmental standards required by the European Union. When you see a CE mark on fire shutters, you can be sure that they meet the necessary standards for fire resistance and smoke control.
Fire shutters that are CE marked have been tested and certified to ensure they meet these strict European standards. These tests are designed to simulate the conditions of a real fire and evaluate the performance of the shutter in preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
Why do fire shutters need to be CE marked?
Without the CE mark, there is no guarantee that a fire shutter will perform as expected. The CE mark is an indication to everyone that the fire shutter is safe to use. If it doesn’t have the CE mark, it could risk the lives of anyone in the building where the shutters are installed.
The UK left the European Union – how does this affect the CE mark?
Since the UK has left the European Union, the CE marking has been replaced with the UKCA marking for products sold within the UK. This means products will require one of two marks depending on where they are being sold. Fire shutters that are being exported to the EU or sold in Northern Ireland will require a CE marking, even if they are manufactured within the UK. However, products sold in the UK must have the UKCA mark.
What is the difference between the CE mark and the UKCA mark?
Both markings indicate that the fire shutters have met suitable standards, but the standards are governed by two separate bodies. In the case of CE, it is governed by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) in the EU, while the UKCA marking is governed by the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) framework.
The standards for CE marking and UKCA are largely similar, and both will ensure the highest levels of safety. Both standards test for performance, durability, safety, and environmental impact.
If you’re looking for fire shutters in the UK, don’t settle for less than the best. At Complete Shutter Services, we’re committed to delivering the perfect fire shutters for your needs. All our shutters are UKCA certified and built using the highest quality materials. Plus, your installation will be tailored to your needs, including options for standalone heat and smoke detection, audio-visual alarms, and delayed descent.
Don’t delay — contact our team to get a quote.