Hydrogen permeation rate testing service

Fireproof Roller Shutter Testing Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Fire Resistance and Operational Performance Assessment for the Colombian Market

Fireproof roller shutters are critical passive fire protection systems used in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, parking garages, shopping centers, warehouses, and high-rise structures to compartmentalize fire, prevent smoke spread, and protect escape routes. These shutters must withstand high temperatures, maintain their structural integrity, and operate reliably during a fire to provide a safe egress path and limit property damage. In the Colombian market, where the Ministerio de Vivienda, Ciudad y Territorio, the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia (National Fire Department), the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), and the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) enforce strict fire safety standards under the NSR-10 (Norma Sismorresistente) and local fire codes, the accurate evaluation of fireproof roller shutter performance is essential for product certification, building approval, supplier qualification, and import-export processes. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive fireproof roller shutter testing service, applying standardized methods that evaluate fire resistance (integrity, insulation, and radiation), operational reliability (opening and closing under fire conditions), smoke and gas leakage, thermal deformation, and endurance of critical components. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Colombian authorities, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, building safety certification, and market access in Colombia.

Fireproof Roller Shutter Samples and Systems We Regularly Test

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of fireproof roller shutters and their components for fire resistance and operational performance testing. Typical samples include:

• Fire-resistant roller shutter assemblies (complete units) – with steel or composite slats, guides, bottom bar, and barrel assembly.
• Fire-resistant rolling grilles and security shutters – for commercial and retail applications.
• Insulated and non-insulated fire shutters – with or without thermal insulation materials.
• Shutter drive systems (electric motors, gearboxes, and chain hoists) – for operational reliability testing.
• Control systems and smoke detectors – for automatic closing and smoke detection tests.
• Fusible links and thermal release devices – for testing the closing mechanism under heat.
• Seals, gaskets, and intumescent strips – for smoke and gas leakage evaluation.
• Prototype and new shutter designs – submitted by manufacturers for validation of fire resistance and operational performance before series production.
• Shutters retrieved from field installations – for condition assessment and remaining life evaluation after service.

Fire Resistance Testing – Integrity, Insulation, and Radiation – Evaluating the Shutter’s Ability to Contain Fire

The fire resistance test evaluates the ability of the roller shutter to contain fire and prevent the spread of flames and heat to the adjacent compartment. The test is performed according to international standards, including ISO 834, EN 1634-1, and ASTM E119, which are referenced by the NSR-10 and the Colombian Fire Department. Our tests determine the fire resistance rating (in minutes) based on three criteria: integrity (E), insulation (I), and radiation (W).

• Fire resistance test (ISO 834 / EN 1634-1 / ASTM E119 / NTC 4900 – for fire doors and shutters) – a full-size shutter sample (typically up to 3 m × 3 m) is installed in a test furnace. The furnace is heated according to a standard fire curve (e.g., ISO 834 curve, which reaches 945 °C after 90 minutes). The test is conducted until the shutter fails in one of the three criteria, or until the specified time (e.g., 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes) is reached. We monitor and report:
• Integrity (E) – the ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases. We measure the integrity by observing the unexposed face and the gap gauges for any flame penetration (flaming or sustained glowing). The integrity is considered to have failed if flames penetrate through the shutter, if the shutter opens, or if the gap gauges are passed. We report the integrity failure time (in minutes).
• Insulation (I) – the ability to limit the temperature rise on the unexposed face. We measure the temperature of the unexposed face using thermocouples placed on the shutter surface at specified locations. The insulation criterion is considered to have failed if the average temperature rise exceeds 140 °C or if any individual thermocouple reading exceeds 180 °C. We report the insulation failure time (in minutes).
• Radiation (W) – the ability to limit the radiated heat flux to the unexposed side. We measure the heat flux (in kW/m²) at a specified distance using a heat flux transducer. The radiation criterion is considered to have failed if the heat flux exceeds 15 kW/m². We report the radiation failure time (in minutes).
• Fire resistance rating classification – based on the test results, we assign the fire resistance rating, such as EI 60, EI 90, or EI 120 (integrity and insulation), or E 90 (integrity only), and we compare the rating with the requirements of the NSR-10 and local fire codes.

Operational Reliability Testing – Closing and Opening under Fire Conditions

Fireproof roller shutters must be able to close automatically and reliably in the event of a fire, ensuring that the compartment is sealed. Our operational reliability tests evaluate the shutter’s ability to close under fire conditions (including thermal expansion, activation of fusible links, and power failure scenarios), as well as its ability to reopen (if required for escape). These tests are critical for the certification of fire-rated shutters.

• Automatic closing test with fusible link (NTC 4910 – thermal activation test) – the shutter is installed in the test furnace, and the fusible link (or thermal release device) is exposed to heat. The closing time (from activation to full closure) is measured, and the shutter is inspected for any obstruction or deformation that could prevent full closure. We report the closing time (in seconds) and the condition of the shutter.
• Closing test under fire conditions (NTC 4911 – power failure and emergency operation) – during the fire resistance test, we simulate a power failure (by disconnecting the electric motor) and verify that the shutter closes automatically (via gravity, chain hoist, or spring mechanism). The closing time and the smoothness of the operation are recorded. We report the closing time and the operational condition.
• Closing and reopening test (NTC 4912 – for escape route shutters) – after the shutter has closed (automatically or manually), we test its ability to reopen manually (via a release handle or a push-up operation) to allow escape. The opening force (in N) and the opening time (in seconds) are measured. We report the opening force and the opening time.
• Endurance test (NTC 4913 – repeated opening and closing cycles) – the shutter is subjected to a specified number of opening and closing cycles (e.g., 10,000 cycles) at a specified rate, and the condition of the shutter, the drive mechanism, and the seals are inspected for wear and damage. We report the number of cycles completed, any wear, and the operational condition.
• Closing test under thermal expansion conditions (NTC 4914 – clearance and expansion test) – during the fire resistance test, we measure the clearance between the slats and the guides to ensure that thermal expansion does not cause the shutter to jam. The expansion (in mm) and the clearance are recorded. We report the clearance and any jamming.

Smoke Leakage and Gas Tightness Testing – Evaluating the Shutter’s Smoke Barrier Capability

Fireproof roller shutters are also required to limit the passage of smoke and toxic gases, which are the primary cause of fatalities in fires. Our smoke leakage tests measure the rate of smoke infiltration through the shutter, its seals, and its guides. These tests are essential for applications in high-rise buildings, hospitals, and other facilities where smoke control is critical.

• Smoke leakage test (ASTM E2174 / ISO 6781 / NTC 4920 – for smoke barriers) – the shutter is installed in a test frame, and a pressure differential (typically 25 Pa or 50 Pa) is applied across the shutter. The air leakage rate is measured using an air flow meter, and the leakage is reported in m³/h per square meter of shutter area (m³/h·m²). We report the leakage rate and the classification (e.g., Class 1, 2, or 3) according to the applicable standard.
• Smoke leakage test at elevated temperature (NTC 4921 – hot smoke test) – the smoke leakage test is performed while the shutter is heated to a specified temperature (e.g., 200 °C) to simulate the conditions during a fire. The leakage rate is measured at the elevated temperature, and we report the leakage rate at high temperature.
• Smoke leakage test with tracer gas (NTC 4922 – SF₆ or helium detection) – for a more sensitive measurement, we use a tracer gas (SF₆ or helium) injected on one side of the shutter and detected on the other side. The leakage rate is determined from the tracer gas concentration. We report the leakage rate and the location of the leaks.
• Visual smoke test (NTC 4923 – smoke pencil or smoke bombs) – we use a smoke pencil or smoke bombs to visualize the leakage path and to identify any gaps in the seals, guides, and slats. We report the location and size of the leaks.
• Seal and gasket performance test (NTC 4924 – after thermal cycling) – after the fire resistance test, we inspect the seals and gaskets (e.g., intumescent strips, silicone seals) for any degradation, charring, or loss of sealing capability. We report the condition of the seals and their ability to maintain smoke tightness.

Mechanical and Structural Integrity under Fire Conditions – Deformation and Load Capacity

During a fire, the roller shutter may be subjected to significant thermal expansion, sagging, and mechanical loads. Our tests evaluate the mechanical and structural integrity of the shutter under fire conditions, ensuring that it remains operational and does not collapse prematurely. These tests are required by the NSR-10 and by building authorities for the certification of fire-rated shutters.

• • Deformation and sagging measurement (NTC 4930 – deflection under fire) – during the fire resistance test, we measure the vertical deflection (sagging) and the lateral deflection of the shutter (at the center and at the edges) using dial gauges or laser displacement sensors. We report the maximum deflection (in mm) and the deflection rate.
  • Load capacity test (NTC 4931 – for shutters with wind loads) – the shutter is subjected to a specified wind load (e.g., 500 Pa) in addition to the thermal load, simulating the conditions in high-rise buildings or in coastal areas. The deflection and the integrity of the shutter are measured. We report the deflection under combined load and the overall integrity.
  • Guide and guide rail integrity test (NTC 4932 – after thermal exposure) – after the fire test, we inspect the guide rails for deformation, warping, or binding that could prevent the shutter from operating. We report the condition of the guides and any damage.
  • Bottom bar and slat locking test (NTC 4933 – for interlocking slats) – we test the interlocking mechanism of the slats to ensure that they remain locked during the fire test, preventing the passage of flames. We report the locking condition and any slat separation.
  • Thermal shock test (NTC 4934 – water spray after fire exposure) – in some applications, the shutter may be subjected to water spray from firefighting operations or sprinkler systems. We subject the shutter to a water spray (at a rate of 5 L/min·m²) for 5 minutes after the fire test, and we inspect for any cracking, warping, or sudden failure. We report the condition after the water spray.

Endurance of the Drive System and Critical Components – Long-Term Performance and Reliability

The drive system, including the motor, gearbox, chain, and control electronics, must be reliable under fire conditions and over the service life of the shutter. Our tests evaluate the performance of the drive system under simulated fire conditions and after repeated cycles, ensuring that the shutter remains operational when needed.

• Motor and gearbox performance test under heat (NTC 4940 – thermal endurance) – the drive motor is operated at the specified power while being exposed to an elevated temperature (e.g., 40 °C, 70 °C). The current draw, torque, and operating temperature of the motor are monitored. We report the motor temperature, the current, and the torque.
• Chain and belt drive fatigue test (NTC 4941 – repeated operation with load) – the shutter is subjected to repeated opening and closing cycles (e.g., 1000 cycles) with a load simulating the fire condition (e.g., with an added weight or a simulated wind load). The chain or belt is inspected for wear, elongation, or breakage. We report the condition of the chain/belt and the wear.
• Control system and sensor test (NTC 4942 – response to fire signals) – we test the response of the control system to a simulated fire signal (e.g., from a smoke detector, heat detector, or fire alarm panel). The response time and the reliability of the closing signal are measured. We report the response time and the control system reliability.
• Emergency manual operation test (NTC 4943 – chain hoist and manual release) – we test the manual operation of the shutter (via a chain hoist or a manual release mechanism) under simulated fire conditions (with heat and smoke). The force required and the operating time are measured. We report the manual operation force (in N) and the time.
• Endurance of thermal release device (NTC 4944 – fusible link life test) – we subject the fusible link (or thermal release device) to a specified number of thermal cycles (e.g., 10 cycles at 60 °C) and verify that it still releases at the specified temperature. We report the release temperature and the number of cycles endured.

Complementary Tests – Material Identification, Corrosion, and Aging

To provide a comprehensive assessment of the fireproof roller shutter and to detect any material degradation or corrosion that may affect its fire resistance, we complement the fire tests with material characterization and aging studies. These tests are essential for ensuring the long-term performance of the shutter and for complying with the certification requirements of the Colombian Fire Department and the SIC.

• Coating thickness and adhesion test (ASTM D7091 / NTC 4950 – for painted and galvanized surfaces) – we measure the thickness of the paint or galvanized coating (in μm) using a magnetic or eddy-current gauge, and we perform a cross-cut adhesion test (ASTM D3359) to verify the coating integrity. We report the coating thickness and the adhesion rating.
• Corrosion resistance test (ASTM B117 / NTC 4951 – salt spray test) – we expose the shutter components (slats, guides, bottom bar) to a salt spray (5 % NaCl) for 240 hours to evaluate the corrosion resistance. We report the corrosion level and the surface condition.
• Intumescent seal expansion test (NTC 4952 – expansion ratio and activation temperature) – we test the intumescent seals (if present) to determine their expansion ratio (the increase in thickness when exposed to heat) and the activation temperature. We report the expansion ratio and the activation temperature.
• Thermal aging of seals (NTC 4953 – 70 °C for 7 days) – we expose the seals (e.g., silicone, EPDM) to an elevated temperature (70 °C) for 7 days, and then measure the hardness (ASTM D2240) and the compression set (ASTM D395) to evaluate the degradation of the seal material. We report the change in hardness and the compression set.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT – NTC 4954 – for structural integrity) – we perform visual inspection (with a borescope if necessary) and, if required, ultrasonic testing (UT) or magnetic particle inspection (MPI) on the shutter components to detect hidden cracks, pitting, or material defects. We report any defects found.

Test Report and Recognition in the Colombian Construction and Fire Safety Sector

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with equipment calibrated periodically (furnaces, pressure gauges, flow meters, thermocouples, load cells, etc.) and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in Spanish and include:

• Full identification of the shutter (manufacturer, model, serial number, dimensions, material, fire rating class, and the number of cycles tested).
• Detailed description of the test methods applied (ISO/EN/ASTM/NTC standards, the fire curve, the pressure differential, the temperature, and the test duration).
• Numerical results: fire resistance rating (minutes), integrity failure time (minutes), insulation failure time (minutes), radiation failure time (minutes), smoke leakage rate (m³/h·m²), closing time (seconds), opening force (N), deflection (mm), and corrosion rating.
• Graphical data: furnace temperature vs. time (fire curve), unexposed face temperature vs. time, pressure vs. time (for smoke leakage), and load-deflection curves.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the NTC 4900 (Fire resistance), NTC 4920 (Smoke leakage), NTC 4930 (Mechanical integrity), and the requirements of the NSR-10, the Ministerio de Vivienda, the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia, the SIC, and the DIAN for the certification of fire-rated products.
• Photographs and videos of the shutter during the fire test, showing the shutter before, during, and after the test, and highlighting any deformation, flames, smoke leakage, or damage.
• Recommendations for the improvement of the shutter design, the selection of materials, the strengthening of the drive system, and the implementation of quality control measures to achieve the required fire rating.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98-3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Ministerio de Vivienda, Ciudad y Territorio for the certification of fire-rated shutters in buildings, by the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia for the verification of fire safety compliance, by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for product registration and quality certification, and by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of fireproof roller shutters and components. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the design of fire-rated enclosures, the selection of suitable shutter materials and drive systems, and the implementation of quality control programs for fire safety, contributing to the protection of lives and property in the diverse and growing Colombian construction and infrastructure market, from the high-rise buildings in Bogotá and Medellín to the industrial facilities and shopping centers nationwide.