What is the purpose of a draft curtain in vertical openings?

A draft curtain is specifically designed to manage smoke movement in commercial buildings during a fire event. Its primary function is to direct and contain smoke and heat in a way that helps to prevent it from spreading throughout the building. This is especially important in vertical openings such as stairwells and elevator shafts, where smoke could easily rise and travel to other floors, posing increased dangers to occupants and making evacuation more difficult.

By using a draft curtain, the flow of smoke can be limited, allowing smoke control systems to operate more effectively and giving building occupants more time to evacuate safely. This strategic placement of barriers helps to create safer conditions by reducing the potential for smoke inhalation and improving visibility for those escaping.

While options such as aesthetics, insulation, and sound transmission may be relevant in other contexts, they do not reflect the critical function of a draft curtain regarding fire safety. This focus on limiting smoke spread during a fire emphasizes the draft curtain's essential role in life safety systems within commercial buildings.