What is the purpose of a firestop?
A firestop, commonly known as firestopping, is a fundamental part of passive fire protection which works to protect people and property. Fire compartmentation means to contain a fire to one area, preventing the...
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What is a ‘tested solution’ for service penetrations?
The simple answer is something that has been tested in accordance with, and proven to meet the requirements of, a relevant standard. However, there is no straightforward answer as there...
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Should plastic ducts be tested the same as metal ducts?
Plastic vent ducts are effectively thin plastic pipes which burn away on the fire side very quickly. They rely on the reactive penetration seal material expanding to close the area...
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Considerations when firestopping CPVC pipes
QuelStop HPE Sealant has been approved to be used with both BlazeMaster and Spears CPVC sprinkler pipes. It has also been tested in a wide range of applications from single-skin plasterboard...
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Does TracPipe need to be sleeved?
Yes, as per BS 6891 and TracPipe’s guidelines. In Clause 8.7 of their Design and Installation Specification Document they state that: “Where TracPipe/ TracPipeCC passes through a wall or a...
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What is the working life of the QuelStop System?
As stated in the best practice guide for Firestopping of Service Penetrations on page 39, section 3.1.29, whilst manufacturers may suggest a projected life expectancy, “there is not a standard...
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What is the difference between active and passive fire protection?
There can be confusion as to why you need both active and passive fire protection, but to achieve the best fire protection for people residing in a building you will...
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What is the fire triangle?
Fires start when a flammable or a combustible material, in combination with a sufficient quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich compound, is exposed to a...
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Can firestopping be installed from one side of the wall with single side access only?
The answer as always is, if there is sufficient test evidence for the specific application installed from one side of the wall, then yes. Generally, firestop solutions are tested installed...
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What is the difference between a classification report and a test report?
Test reports for fire-resistant products are fairly specialised and elaborate and provide a snapshot in time of what was achieved in an individual test. For those unfamiliar with reading such...
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Should firestopping systems be installed by third-party accredited contractors?
While it is not currently required by law for passive fire protection products to be installed by contractors with third-party certification, this has been proven to be a good way...