Fire stopping and penetration seals

Product range

Proprietary penetration seal/service opening fire protection systems include boards,s, pillows, curtains and linear joints.
Penetration seal systems are available for up to 4 hours integrity and, in some cases, insulation against a cellulosic fire, in accordance with the requirements BS 476-20.
Products are also available to protect against hydrocarbon fires.ough walls and floors

• Blank service openings through walls and floors
• Combustible pipes(plastics)
• Cavity barriers
• Construction joints
• Any imperfection of fit to a fire-rated building element

The no.1 golden rule

Penetration seals systems must be specified in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s data sheets and tested/assessed for that purpose. Seals should be used
as a tested system and installed be competent contractors, in compliance with the manufacturer’s application instructions.

Factors that can affect performance

• Size of the opening required to be fire stopping
• Quantity, size and type of services passing through the opening
• Correct system being used
• Location if the opening and orientation
• Competence of the installer
• Requirements of the client What to look for on site
• Official evidence of installer from a competent authority that demonstrates a product has been designed for the purpose use, for example a copy of the fire test assessment.
• Evidence of installer competence through membership of a third-party certification scheme, such as FIRAS, and the use of good operating practicesfor example, through adherence to the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Code of Practice.
• Installer records/drawings detailing the location and type of products used, fire performance and the date of installation.
• Position if the penetration seal and surrounding usage areas, for example, a seal in a load bearing must be adequately supported.
Maintenance
• Inspection of the penetration seal should be made periodically to ensure services have not been removed/installed, leaving holes in the system.
• Any damage to the penetration seal system should be made good using the same product as that originally installed.
• Competent contractors should repair penetration seal systems.

Always…

�� Install penetration seal systems according to the guidance provided I n the manufacturer’s application instructions.
�� Use penetration seal systems that are tested/assessed for the purpose of use, from manufacturers that are accredited to the ASFP.
�� Use a competent installer and preferably one that is a member of a third-party accreditation scheme and a relevant trade association.
�� Consult a competent fire engineer for advice, where no fire test evidence or assessments are available due to size or the complexity of the opening to be
sealed.

Never…

Specify or install a penetration seal system that has no relevant and applicable evidence of performance
‘mix and match’ products from different manufacturers
Use an installation contractor that cannot demonstrate the appropriate level of competence and experience.
Apply a coating to the penetration seal without manufacturers’ approval.

Relevant standards

BS 476-20: Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods of determination
of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principals)
BS EN 1366-3: fire resistance tests for service installations. Penetration seals.
BS EN 1366-4: fire resistance tests for service installations. Linear joint seals.