Effective compartmentation is achieved when all joints or imperfections of fit are suitably sealed using the correct sealing system.
Often, due to preferred construction tolerances or coordination issues, a gap can be left between the supporting wall construction and the lift door frame.
When lift door frames, also known as elevator door frames, don’t perfectly fit the surrounding wall, small gaps can compromise the building’s compartmentation.
The issue
While lifts are tested to their own standard – BS EN 81-58 – there is currently no scope in the BS EN 1366-4 linear joint test standard for lift door frames.
Due to this grey area, the lift manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the lift is installed within its scope; otherwise, they must arrange testing in accordance with BS EN 81-58 to cover realistic scenarios that could arise on-site.
Although some lift manufacturers offer specific tested solutions, many simply state that elevator door frames should be ‘sealed’ without specifying how.
Early Collaboration
Ultimately, lifts must be installed in the same size aperture as covered in the tested scope of application. If a gap does exist around the elevator door frame, it must be sealed in a way supported by test evidence.
Early engagement, therefore, is absolutely crucial to identifying the scope of the proposed lift. Early collaboration at the design stage helps determine the tolerance of the aperture size permitted – that is, whether any gap is permitted – and how it should be suitably sealed.
Additionally, it is beneficial as it allows adequate time to choose a lift manufacturer with relevant test evidence that supports compliance.
Quelfire's support
In an ideal world, we’d always advise installing the lift and firestopping it in line with the tested scope of application. However, we do understand that this is not always possible and may need to be reviewed by a competent fire engineer.
Where test evidence from the lift manufacturer is limited, early engagement with the supplier, firestopping manufacturer, and the fire engineer is essential to meet compliance requirements and maintain fire performance.
At Quelfire, the QuelStop Acrylic Sealant has been tested in different linear joint scenarios with a wide range of substrates, materials, and gap sizes. We’re more than happy to provide this information for review. You can reach us at technical@quelfire.co.uk.
