Fire Stopping of Service Penetrations

The problem

Cable routes, pipework and ventilation ducts have to pass through virtually every separating wall and floor in a building. Each of these penetrations is a potential weak point: unsealed gaps act like chimneys, allowing fire and smoke to spread into adjoining compartments within minutes, even where the wall itself has a high fire resistance rating.

Technical execution

Fire stopping systems – mortars, pillows, collars, foams or boards – are tested and approved for specific manufacturers and must be installed exactly as approved, matching the type, diameter and insulation of the services passing through. Cables installed later without proper re-sealing are among the most common causes of ineffective compartmentation in existing buildings.

Insurance relevance

Because fire stops are usually concealed once construction is complete, risk engineers require installation and test certificates as well as documentation of any subsequent work on cable routes. Missing or improperly installed fire stops are among the most frequently identified deficiencies in property risk surveys and are routinely raised as improvement recommendations.