Firestop

• Fire stop is a seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or any joint between elements, components or construction in a building so as to prevent and restrict penetration of smoke and flame through that imperfection or joint.

• Fire-stopping. Sealing products that take up imperfections of fit or design tolerance between the fire-resisting fixed elements of a building to restrict the passage of fire and smoke. They continue to take up any imperfections of fit at all times and have the same fire rating as the fixed elements of which they form a part and/ or interface.

• A seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance between elements or components, to restrict the passage of fire and smoke.

Materials

Suitable fire stopping materials include:

• Proprietary fire stopping and sealing systems which have been shown by test to maintain the fire resistance of the wall or other element, subject to approval by the Relevant Authority.

• Other fire-stopping materials include:

1. Cement mortar
2. Gypsum based plaster;
3. Cement or gypsum based vermiculite/ perlite mizes;
4. Glass fibre, crushed rock, blast furnace slag or ceramic based products (with or without resin binders), and
5. Intumescent mastics.

Applicable firestop by type of penetration,joint and barrier

Types of Openings	Applicable firestop
Horizontal cable tray penetration	Mortars, Plugs/ blocks
Horizontal pipe penetration	Pipe closures (plastic pipe only) Sealant (metal pipes only)
Sealing of blank opening	Mortars,Plugs/ blocks, Coated batts
Horizontal multiple penetration	Mortars, Plugs/ blocks, Coated batts
Cable penetration	Mortar, Coated batts, Foam, Sealants
Vertical duct penetration	Mortar, Mineral fibre and sealant/ mastic
Vertical pipe penetration	Pipe closures (plastic pipes only) Sealants (metal pipes only)
Multiple penetration (vertical and horizontal)	Mortar Coated batts Pipe closures (plastic pipes only) Plugs/ blocks
Vertical and horizontal cable penetration	Mortar Coated batts
Movement joints	Sealants Preformed elastomeric seals Mineral fibre and sealant/ mastic
Horizontal duct penetration	Mortar Mineral fibre and sealant/ mastic
Fire (including cavity) barrier	Coated batts Mineral wool curtains Woven textiles Boards

Images

References

1. Handbook on Fire Precautions in Buildings by Fire Safety & Shelter Department Singapore Civil Defence Force
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestop
3. www.asfp.org.uk
4. The Building Regulations 2010 Fire safety https://www.gov.uk/government