How are firestopping systems tested?
Fire testing products is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a life-saving measure. By fire testing products, you get that vital evidence to demonstrate how they will perform in the...
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Does a tested detail for a higher fire rating also cover a lower rating?
In short, a tested detail for a higher fire rating also covers a lower one. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the difference between integrity and insulation fire ratings. While both aim...
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Test standard updates: Do older standards get superseded?
Please note that the term ‘superseded’ means ‘replaced’. The simple answer is no; when test standards are updated, older standards are still valid but have limitations. Let’s explore this a...
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How do you firestop a plastic pipe through an oversized hole within a concrete floor penetration?
There are often times where the positioning of a plastic pipe may not be accurate enough to determine the location of a correctly sized aperture for the plastic pipe. Therefore,...
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How do you firestop a pipe coupling?
How many times has this happened onsite? You’re working with a 110mm diameter plastic pipe that is penetrating a fire compartment floor. Now, you know it can be suitably firestopped...
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How do you apply a head-of-wall firestop?
All buildings, whether they are existing, new builds, residential, or non-residential, are required by law to have effective firestopping installed. A head-of-wall joint is a linear gap between the top or ‘head’...
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How should metal pipes be insulated and firestopped?
Pipes and services require insulation to limit heat transfer and provide a vapour barrier against moisture which, ultimately, improves the thermal efficiency of the building. Examples would include chilled water,...
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How should you firestop a fire-rated duct or damper?
Fire-rated metal ducts and dampers are tested to a different fire-resistance test standard than other service penetrations (which are tested to BSEN1366-3) and should therefore be: in a separate opening,...
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Are fire seal solutions based on the outside diameter (OD) or inside diameter (ID) of pipes?
The dimensions given for firestop seal solutions are based on the outside diameter (OD) of pipes as they are installed around the outside of the pipe and need to suit...
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What Quelfire product do I use for plastic pipes?
A fire collar (QWR & QWX) is a recognised product for plastic pipes. However, as the range of plastic types, sizes and applications increase in the construction industry, most manufacturers of passive...
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Can I use a fire collar on a hollow core slab?
Whilst it is logical to consider a hollow core concrete slab as similar to a traditional reinforced concrete floor, manufacturers of hollow core slabs have very strict requirements around the...
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What is the best firestopping solution to use around plastic pipes in a profiled deck?
According to the building regulations ‘Approved Document B’, service penetrations through fire compartment floors need to be equipped with firestopping solution to prevent the spread of fire. In case of...