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Fire Stopping Guide
What Is Fire Stopping? Service Penetrations Explained
Fire stopping protects joints, gaps and service penetrations that pass through fire-resisting construction. The aim is to maintain the intended performance of walls and floors after openings have been created for pipes, cables, ducts and other services.
Use this guide as a practical introduction, then check the relevant tested system and manufacturer documentation before selecting or installing a product.
Use This Guide
Understand the principle first
Use this guide as a practical introduction, then check the relevant tested system and manufacturer documentation before selecting or installing a product.
Fire Stopping Guide
Quick Guide
Fire stopping protects joints, gaps and service penetrations that pass through fire-resisting construction. The aim is to maintain the intended performance of walls and floors after openings have been created for pipes, cables, ducts and other services.
Key Points
What You Need to Know
Pipes
May require collars, wraps or other tested systems.
Cables
May be protected with batts, sealants or other cable penetration systems.
Mixed Services
Can require systems specifically assessed for mixed penetrations.
Linear Joints
Often require suitable tested sealants or joint systems.
Key Principle
What Is Fire Stopping?
Fire stopping is the protection of appropriate openings and gaps in fire-resisting construction using systems designed and tested for defined applications.
A fire stopping detail is not simply a material placed into a hole. The complete arrangement can include multiple components and must be compatible with the substrate and service being protected.
Practical Guidance
Why Service Penetrations Need Protection
Building services regularly pass through compartment walls and floors. Without appropriate protection, these openings can create a pathway for fire, smoke and heat.
The size and shape of the opening, service type and surrounding construction all influence the fire stopping solution.
Selection & Application
Common Fire Stopping Products
Typical systems can include fire batts, intumescent sealants, pipe collars, pipe wraps, fire stopping compounds and other specialist penetration seals.
Different product types are not automatically interchangeable. A solution should be selected from evidence relevant to the actual application.
Important Detail
Inspection and Later Alterations
Fire stopping can be damaged when new services are added or existing services are removed. An opening that was originally compliant may no longer match its tested configuration after later work.
Good management includes identifying, recording and appropriately reinstating affected penetration seals.
Relevant Products
Explore Related Product Ranges
Use the guide to understand the application, then browse the relevant Fire Protection Direct product categories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire stopping is the use of suitable tested systems to protect joints, gaps and service penetrations through fire-resisting construction.
A service penetration is an opening made through a wall or floor for a building service such as a pipe, cable, duct or cable tray.
Only products and systems with appropriate evidence for the specific fire stopping application should be used. Generic foam should not be assumed suitable.
A fire collar is commonly used around suitable combustible pipes, while sealants are used in defined joint, gap or penetration applications. Their tested uses differ.
Inspection and ongoing management are important because penetration seals can be damaged or altered during later building work.
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