In Case of Fire, Take the Stairs!

When a fire erupts in a building, every second counts. The choices made in those critical moments can mean the difference between survival and tragedy. One of the most crucial safety rules is: "Never use the lift during a fire—always take the stairs." This rule exists because elevators can become inoperable due to fire damage or power failure, trapping occupants inside. Stairwells, on the other hand, provide a safe and reliable exit route, ensuring effective evacuation while also serving as access points for firefighters.

However, for stairwells to be truly effective during fire emergencies, they must meet critical safety requirements. One essential system that enhances stairwell safety is the Stairwell Pressurization System, which prevents smoke from infiltrating escape routes. By maintaining a positive pressure inside the stairwell, this system ensures occupants can evacuate safely without the risk of smoke inhalation—a leading cause of fire-related injuries and fatalities.

A Stairwell Pressurization System works by creating a pressure differential that prevents smoke from seeping into stairwells from hallways, elevators, or other affected areas. This is achieved through controlled airflow, ensuring a safe passage for building occupants and first responders.

Enyecontrols designed a system that can control and monitor differential pressure between the stairway and inside of the building.

Enyecontrols Stairwell Pressurization Control and Monitoring System ensures positive pressure in the stairway, thus, assuring safe passage of the building tenants during a fire emergency. The intelligent stand-alone controller measures the differential pressure and controls (on/off or via VFD interface) the stairwell pressurization fan in order to meet the required set point. Differential pressure readings and set point values can be seen in the LCD display of the controller for monitoring and recording purposes.

System Functions:

1. Monitor: Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) general fire alarm signal Fan motor on/off status Supply air duct smoke detection Staircase differential pressure
2. The system is programmed to activate immediately upon receiving a fire alarm signal from the FDAS.
3. Maintain the differential pressure setting of 50Pa or as per design (normally between 33Pa to 88Pa) by controlling the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).
4. If a supply duct smoke detector detects smoke, the system automatically shuts down the pressurization fan to prevent smoke from spreading further into the stairwell.

Key Components:

• Enyecontrols Controller – control and monitor the system operation
• Differential Pressure Transmitter - measure and monitor pressure differences
• Duct Smoke Detector – provide early detection of smoke and products of combustion present in the air moving through a duct
• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) - adjusts motor speed and torque to optimize energy efficiency and system performance

Complete your fire protection system with Enyecontrols Life and Property Safety System

· Stairwell Pressurization Control and Monitoring System

· Smoke Extraction System

· Fire and Smoke Protection System

· Fireman’s Control Panel

By implementing these interconnected systems, buildings can significantly enhance occupant safety, minimize fire-related damage, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. In fire emergencies, preparedness is key—always take the stairs and ensure stairwells are properly pressurized and monitored!