Fire Shutters in BC Commercial Buildings | Code, Function, and Spec
Fire shutters close automatically during a fire event to compartmentalize spaces and prevent fire spread. This guide explains where they're required by code, how the ratings work, and what building owners should know about installation and testing.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-14 · Five Eight Twelve Technical Team
What a fire shutter does
A fire shutter is a rolling closure (similar appearance to a security roll shutter) that is rated to resist fire for a specified period, typically 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. In the stored position, it is invisibly hidden above the opening. When a fire is detected, the shutter descends automatically to close off the opening, compartmentalizing the fire.
Fire shutters serve a fundamentally different purpose than security shutters: they protect occupants and property by limiting fire spread and providing safe egress time, not by preventing forced entry.
Where they're required
BC Building Code and applicable NFPA standards require fire separations in many commercial situations. Fire shutters are commonly specified where a door or wall would interfere with operational needs but code still requires a fire-rated barrier. Common applications:
- Large retail openings between sprinklered and non-sprinklered zones
- Mall corridor separations where daily operation needs the opening clear
- Hospital and healthcare corridors requiring compartmentation
- Industrial and warehouse openings between rated assemblies
- Stage / performing arts proscenium separations (fire curtains)
- Kitchen exhaust openings and serveries where fire rating is required
How the rating works
Fire shutters are tested and listed to specific standards (e.g., ULC-S104, NFPA 252 / UL 10B) and rated in minutes of fire resistance. A 90-minute rated shutter will maintain its barrier function for at least 90 minutes in a standard fire test.
The required rating for any given application is determined by the building designer and authority having jurisdiction; it depends on the fire-resistance rating of the surrounding assembly, occupancy type, and building size. Specification is never 'pick a number'; it is always code-driven.
Integration with fire alarm and testing
Fire shutters must be tied to the building's fire alarm and/or heat detection system so they activate automatically. Key integration requirements:
- Automatic release on fire alarm signal and/or fusible-link heat detection
- Controlled descent (not free-fall) with a soft-landing mechanism to avoid injury
- Manual activation capability from a designated location
- Annual inspection and testing per applicable code (ULC/CAN and NFPA)
- Clear labeling of the installed fire rating and test date
Common specification mistakes
Mistakes we see regularly:
- Specifying a security shutter where a fire shutter is required; they look similar but are not interchangeable
- Wrong rating: under-specifying the minutes needed for the application
- Missing alarm integration: the shutter is installed but never wired to the fire alarm
- No provision for annual testing, which can result in failure at next inspection
- Poor clearance above the opening for the fire shutter's housing, which is larger than a security shutter's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a fire shutter be used as a security shutter too?
Some fire shutters offer dual function: they are fire-rated but can also be manually deployed at night for security. Confirm with the manufacturer whether a specific model is listed for both functions. Using a standard security shutter where code requires a fire shutter is not acceptable.
How often do fire shutters need to be tested?
Most jurisdictions require annual testing by a certified technician, with documentation retained for the authority having jurisdiction. Tests verify automatic release, controlled descent, and manual operation. Check your municipality's fire code for specific intervals.
How long does a fire shutter last?
A quality fire shutter with proper annual maintenance typically provides 20+ years of service. The mechanism and housing outlast most building renovations. Main maintenance items are inspection of the fusible link, alarm integration, and any spring tension.