Firemaster Virtual Door: top level fire protection

Firemaster Virtual Door has provided the perfect solution for effective fire protection at the Spinnaker Tower, the new 170m tall landmark dominating Portsmouth Harbour .

The Spinnaker Tower, the new 170m tall landmark dominating Portsmouth Harbour is due to be a major attraction for visitors from all over the UK and abroad.

Effective fire protection was therefore clearly a key issue in the design of the structure.

Mowlems, the construction company responsible for the project, brought in Coopers to supply and install the fire containment system in the access way leading to the ladder up to the spire of the structure.

Many of the vital electronics and control systems are located in the spire, so protecting them all from fire damage is paramount to the safe operation of what is sure to be one of the UK's leading tourist venues.

Because of the restricted nature of the location of the fire barrier - in the doorway to a small stairwell on the landing of the second viewing gallery, the Firemaster Virtual Door has provided the perfect solution.

The Firemaster Virtual Door fire barrier is an off-the-shelf, lightweight design that eliminates the problems of heavy and bulky steel shutters, and is proving to be a superior alternative to traditional hinged fire doors normally found in public buildings everywhere.

The Virtual Door is a totally new engineering concept designed to replace existing fire doors, allowing completely clear, unobstructed access - ideal for entrances to areas containing sensitive equipment that requires regular monitoring and maintenance.

Models are available in a range of widths and heights to suit any existing opening up to a 2m wide doorway.

They are easy to install, require no special steelwork structure, and stay fully retracted and out of sight - operating automatically only in the event of fire.

The Virtual Door is protected with the Coopers' gravity fail-safe system, which ensures that it will move into its safe position even when the power is cut.

Every model is 2 hour fire resistant tested to BS 476 Part 22, smoke control tested to BS 476 31.1 and reliability, control and FailSafe tested to BS 7346 Part 3.

Automatic retraction and a range of intelligent protections are available.

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