FIRE STOPPING

All buildings are full of services and these cables, wires and plumbing pass through walls, providing us with the light, heat and water we all take for granted. Where these services penetrate fire resisting elements of the building, weaknesses are created in its fire integrity. That’s where we come in. 

 

Enfield SW are fully qualified and accredited to install Fire Stopping Systems where fire rated areas are being penetrated by mechanical, electrical or hydraulic services. No single solution can protect all types of services, so we work closely with product manufacturers to tailor our fire stopping solutions to suit the needs of the building. All of our Fire Stopping comes with a full, photographic, electronic report and is certificated by our third party accreditor, IFC, so you can rest assured your building will adhere to all the necessary fire safety regulations.

How does it work?

Fire Stopping Systems work by sealing openings and joints made by cables, pipes and voids, preventing the spread of fire for either 30, 60, 90 or 120 minute intervals so that the building’s occupants can escape safely.

The solutions to the weakness created by service penetrations is to fill any voids or gaps with intumescent sealants. As every form of wire and cable reacts differently to fire there is no single product which will solve the problem so it is important to consider the following:

• Where is the penetration? Pipes and wires in a floor will not react the same to fire as pipes and cables in a wall.
• Will the sealant be subject to vibration and/or thermal expansion?
• The size of the opening and the mechanical strength required. Will it be load bearing?

Want some help with your fire safety requirements? Contact us today for our expert advice.