Fire stopping around cables is a fundamental part of construction safety. It plays a crucial role in preventing fire and smoke from spreading through your building. This article will explain the importance of proper fire stop methods and the materials used. While shedding light on some the regulations.
Here are explanations of three fire stopping terms to help you get the most from this blog post:
The walls and ceilings of your building must compartmentalise and hinder the spread of fire and smoke. However, cable penetrations and pipe penetrations can unwittingly allow smoke and toxic gases to breach the compartment line walls and ceilings. Fire stopping plays a pivotal role in sealing these openings, halting the spread. Buying time...
Vital minutes for occupants to escape safely. And for emergency services to arrive.
No! All services between two compartment lines must have adequate fire stopping. This includes, but is not limited to, all cables, pipework and vents.
In the complex network of a building’s electrical system, various types of single cables crisscross through barriers. Electricity cables, both power and low voltage cables, alongside optical and data cables, form an intricate web that demands protection. To keep things organised similar types of cables can be grouped together.
Support structures for these services include bundles, trays, clips and ladders. All play a part in shielding against the fire’s advance. Ventilation ducts also play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment.
Navigating the maze of building regulations can be daunting... Fire stopping products must adhere to testing standards like UL 2079 or ASTM E1966 to meet the stringent requirements of safety regulations. In Europe, the CE marking on fire stopping products signifies compliance with European Standards, ensuring their performance is up to scratch.
Post-Grenfell, the spotlight on fire safety has intensified, making it mandatory for a competent person to evaluate fire stopping systems within buildings. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It safeguards the lives of your building’s occupants by ensuring cable penetrations don’t undermine the integrity of fire compartments.
There's a wide array of solutions, such as:
These solutions are engineered to seal cable penetrations and uphold the fire resistance of compartment line walls and ceilings. For example, cable sleeves and fire stopping blocks swell to form a barrier, effectively preventing the spread of gases and flames through cable penetrations.
However, as cables may change in size with insulation burn-off, intumescent fire stopping materials must adapt and seal the gaps. The ability of pipe collars, fire collars, and seals to expand under extreme heat buys time, saves lives and maintains your building’s fire resistance rating.
Intumescent fire stopping materials are NOT the only solution. We always refer to the manufacturer's test evidence and select the recommended cable fire stopping system. This may not include intumescent materials.
Despite its common use for insulation, pink polyurethane (PU) foam is unsuitable for fire stopping around cables. It is combustible. And can contribute to the spread of fire and smoke!
Sealing the gaps housing our cables requires the right fire stopping materials. Nothing less will do!
Fire Batt panels are the non-combustible heroes with a melting point above 2000°F (1093°C). These panels have formidable fire-blocking capabilities. They're an ideal choice for numerous fire-rated assemblies.
Also, Fire Batt comes with an ablative fire protection coating!
Fire protection bags, or ‘sealbags’, offer a flexible solution for sealing cable penetrations, particularly when cables are frequently changed or retrofitted. Special fire protection mortar, seals gaps around cables to maintain the integrity of the firestop by preventing cracks post-curing.
Choosing the right fire stopping solution is anything but a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires careful consideration of the site-specific needs, the dimensions of gaps and openings and the adherence to regulatory standards. For instance, Approved Document B 2019. Fire resistance ratings are crucial. They indicate how long a product can hold back flames, typically ranging from one to four hours.
The first step in selecting the appropriate fire stopping solution is a thorough understanding of your building’s specific needs and constraints. Especially concerning the types of cables and penetrations present. This assessment underpins the entire decision-making process.
The integrity of fire stopping products is non-negotiable, and third-party certification is the gold standard for ensuring this. Products you choose must have undergone rigorous testing and carry certifications that vouch for their effectiveness.
The credibility of these products is further reinforced by independent assessments, crucial for instilling confidence in their ability to perform under fire conditions. Adherence to industry standards is not just a formality; it’s a guarantee of a product’s ability to fulfill its critical role during a fire.
The installation of fire stopping solutions is a precise science. Any misstep, be it the use of incorrect materials or improper installation techniques, can lead to non-compliance with regulations and failure during fire safety inspections.
And, crucially, puts the building's occupants at risk. If the worst were to happen.
When implemented effectively, firestopping around cables can be a game-changer. A building fortified with proper fire stopping measures ensures rated walls and ceilings maintain their integrity during a fire... containing both fire and smoke. This ensures compliance with regulations keeping everyone happy, including your insurance company!
Entrusting your building's fire stopping to a reputable company is non-negotiable. You're obliged to use a competent person.
This is where the BM TRADA Q-Mark fire stopping installation scheme (or equivalent) comes in. It requires individuals to undergo extensive training to ensure they are equipped to install and maintain fire stopping solutions correctly. The scheme is backed by follow-up site audits. These ensure the highest standards are maintained.
Choosing a company that adheres to such schemes ensures that the fire stopping solutions in your building are not just installed but are sealed for safety.
Blake Fire & Security is a good choice because we are not only well-versed in the latest fire stopping technologies and regulations but we're BM Trada certified to prove it. Our commitment to fire safety and compliance is evident in our meticulous approach to installing and maintaining fire stopping systems. With Blake Fire & Security, you can expect a thorough assessment of your building's specific needs, use of certified and tested products, and adherence to the highest installation standards.
We're also BM Trada certified for Fire Door installation and maintenance. Your One Stop Shop for passive fire protection!
As we’ve journeyed through the nuances of fire stopping around cable penetrations, one thing is abundantly clear: the role it plays in ensuring safety and compliance cannot be overstated.
You should now have a basic understanding of fire stopping methods and regulations. Remember, there are no shortcuts with fire safety. The right products, installed by trained professional experts, can make all the difference in maintaining the integrity of a building and, most importantly, saving lives.
All types of cables, including electricity, optical, and data cables, as well as their support structures, such as cable trays and ladders, require fire stopping measures for safety.
No, pink PU foam is not suitable for fire stopping around cables because it is combustible and can emit toxic smoke when exposed to fire.
Mineral wool panels are ideal in fire stopping systems. They prevent or at least slow the spread of fire and smoke without releasing toxic fumes. This is due to their non-combustible nature and high melting point.
Third-party certification is crucial for fire stopping products as it guarantees their compliance with required standards and ensures their performance in fires.
When choosing a fire stopping company, it is important to consider certifications such as the BM TRADA Q-Mark fire stopping installation scheme. This ensures the proper installation and maintenance of fire stopping solutions. These certifications demonstrate a company's commitment to quality and safety.
