Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Jan 09, 2022 9:55 am I am looking for a BAL-FZ fire shutter that uses the same/similar fabric as the Warrior-FZ product, but can be manually operated from the inside (W: Bushfire Shutters | Windows and Doors | Bushfire Control) Warrior-FZ do have a motorised version for this purpose, but there are several design features we find unacceptable (permanently powered, large control and head box, battery backup required, etc.) hence my question. Thanks, Chris Re: Manually operatable BAL-FZ Fire Shutters? 2Jan 16, 2022 4:03 pm Are you asking about A system that has a manual override, operated from within the dwelling, in addition to the powered components of the system : or A fully manual system? not powered! We are Expert Consultant's, and we are here to help. Re: Manually operatable BAL-FZ Fire Shutters? 3Jan 16, 2022 4:33 pm Fully manual. The current bush fire specification does NOT require a powered system. I live 10km from the Sydney Opera House and the only reason I waste my time with shutters is because I have to comply with some regulation - I will never ever use them in real life. Re: Manually operatable BAL-FZ Fire Shutters? 4Jan 16, 2022 5:24 pm Firstly the requirements of AS3959 state the following:- FZ Section - 9.5 EXTERNAL GLAZED ELEMENTS, ASSEMBLIES AND DOORS 9.5.1 Bushfire shutters "Where fitted", bushfire shutters "shall" conform with— (a) Clause 3.7, except that perforations are not acceptable over the door system; and (b) AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the outside. Note: Where is optional, like IF, If or where you do fit them ...then they shall be... If they are not fitted then you don't need to meet the requirements. 3.7 BUSHFIRE SHUTTERS Bushfire shutters shall— (a) protect the entire window assembly including framing, glazing, sash and sill; (b) protect the entire door assembly including framing, glazing, sill and hardware; (c) consist of materials specified in Clauses 5.5.1, 6.5.1, 7.5.1, 8.5.1 and 9.5.1 for the relevant BAL; (d) be fixed to the building and be non-removable; (e) be capable of being closed manually from either inside or outside or motorised shutter systems, where they are not reliant on mains power to close; NOTE: "If" power-assisted shutter systems are used "then" that system is powered with continuous back-up energy such as a battery system. (f) when in the closed position, have no gap greater than 2 mm between the shutter and the wall, frame or sill; and (g) where perforated, have uniformly distributed perforations with a maximum aperture of 2 mm and a perforated area no greater than 20% of the shutter. If bushfire shutters are fitted to all external doors then at least one of those shutters shall be operable from the inside to facilitate safe egress from the building. Warrior, do have a manual system as per their website. The issue you have is you are looking for a FZ approved shutter. To receive approval to be classed as a FZ-Shutter the product needs to be tested by one of the approved Testing Bodies (like Codemark). This is VERY expensive and any failures of the test means redesigning to remove the element that caused the failure. There are not a lot of suppliers in this field, as it is not a high volume produce in the building industry. So unfortunately you have very limited choice. Your home is obviously in a Bushfire Prone Area, therefore the next problem is if you fit a Non-FZ shutter it is classed as a non-compliant product. Your home insurance covers for Fire, Flood, Acts of God, Damage etc BUT what a lot of people don't know is that your insurance does not cover Non-Compliant work. So "IF" they are fitted they "SHALL" comply or If a bushfire were to impact the dwelling and the Shutters fitted were non-compliant and that was the entry point of the embers your insurance company would be very nice in how they told you "too bad, so sad...." You will find that any other suppliers design will be very similar in order to meet the testing requirements to achieve a BAL FZ Rating for their product. Sorry, I know it's not what you were hoping to hear BPAD accredited We are Expert Consultant's, and we are here to help. Re: Manually operatable BAL-FZ Fire Shutters? 5Jan 16, 2022 6:13 pm I am well versed with the regulation, the Warrior-FZ products and the difficulty of finding a supplier. Obviously you don't know either, thanks for your effort but it doesn't answer my question. Rgds. 3 4177 We are tossing up between a Jarrahdale radiant wood fire (the Pioneer) and a convection wood fire (Innovator or Countryman) but cannot decide on which type of wood fire is… 0 5254 |