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Even if firestop systems are tested at very high temperature (usually more than 1.000°C.), these tests are under fire conditions (so with a growing fire curve up to 2 or even 4 hours maximum) and not day to day constant exposure to high temperatures. Most firestop systems start to react, changing chemically or physically at relatively low temperatures (100 to 200°C), such as the intumescent materials and the endothermic coatings. Therefore, these products cannot be used as “high temperature sealant”.

Basically the coated batt systems are tested with all edges covered and all joints filled with coating. The edge cover is important to ensure good stickability to the substrate and close any open spots to prevent from passage of fire and smoke. Only annular gap seals are closed with acrylic. Where can I find installation instructions? Visit our website and download from documents the relevant guideline or video.

Compartmentation is designed to prevent the spread of fire and hot smoke to the next compartment and to allow safe evacuation in the rest of the building. Evidently this cannot work if there are holes and gaps in fire-rated compartment elements, because even the smallest hole can allow smoke or flames into the adjacent compartment. Firestop systems could either be:

Intumescent systems: generally used to compensate the melting or reduction of volume of services (services containing plastic) that pass through compartmentation elements or for joint protection.

Passive systems: generally used to isolate elements that, potentially, can conduct thermal energy trough a compartment elements by conduction (services containing metal) or to close large holes.

Mix systems: combinations of different systems such as intumescent, insulating, ablative or other for special applications.

Sprinkler systems are important component of active fire protection, but they are designed to control the fire and in some specific case to suppress the fire, but not to contain it within the compartment. Sprinklers cannot stop smoke or toxic gas from spreading during a fire. The scope of firestopping, instead, is contain the fire within the compartment, while also preventing smoke from travelling through the compartment elements.

The following factors should be considered:

Type of compartment element (concrete, drywall, masonry, …?)

Is it a wall or floor? Any other construction element?

Which fire rating is required? Integrity and insulation?

Dimension of the openings? How many? How big is the annular gap?

Which services are passing through the penetration? Single cables, cable bundles, cable trays, cable conduits, cables in plastic/metal tubes, combustible pipes, with or without sound decoupling, with or without insulation, with coupling, angled pipes (degree?), non-combustible pipes, with or without insulation, ventilation ducts, with or without fire damper, combination of above services;

In general, each individual system requires a specific product. More specifically, these are the main questions to be answered before choosing the most efficient system.

The definition “intumescent” indicates that the material has an expanding capability when exposed to fire or heat. Intumescent materials are used on penetrating materials that would burn or melt away during a fire such as plastic pipes, low melting materials (eg combustible insulation) or cables. Even in cases where the penetrants do not burn or melt, intumescent materials offer the advantage of being able to expand and seal many cracks or gaps that may have developed or be the result of improper installation. Do not be confused with "endothermic", which are products that block heat by chemical absorption and moisture release.

This is an aperture in the separating element which is sealed or closed by the specified seal without incorporation of penetrating services.

This is a horizontal or vertical supporting construction consisting of studs or joists, including linings and optional insulation

A penetration is an aperture in a separating element for the passage of one or more services.

This is a system used to maintain the fire resistance of a separating element at the position where services pass through or where there is provision for services to pass through a separating element.

This is a mechanical support provided in the form of clips, ties, hangers, ladder racks or trays, or any device designed to carry the load of the penetrating services.

These are systems such as a cable, conduit, pipe (with or without insulation) or trunking.

A firestop system is a combination of products, which are used to seal openings around services and joints in a fire rated compartment, which could be walls, floors, shafts, etc. to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

The importance of penetration seals cannot be overstated. Experience shows that penetrations tend to be the weakest link in the chain of compartmentation within buildings. We should all be aware that in such building compartments the most likely threat from the spread of fire will occur where services penetrate walls or floors, or where concealed cavities between separating elements interlink. Unfortunately, the lack of seals, incorrect specification and incorrect installation has contributed to many large fires in all buildings, both new and old, which would not have been so destructive if the penetrations through compartment walls and floors had been adequately sealed against the passage of fire and smoke, or that seals had been properly specified.