Frequently Asked Questions - Firestopping

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 In a passive system, stationary materials are designed to help prevent the spread of fire or smoke, keeping the fire to its original area and stopping it from spreading through the building. 

 Who is responsible for complying with fire stopping regulations? Ultimately, the laws and regulations have placed a duty on individuals to comply with fire stopping regulations within the scope of their role. For example, regarding BS 7671:2018, the individual installing the electrical systems is responsible. 

 Joints between fire-separating elements such as compartment walls or floors, should be fire-stopped to maintain the continuity of resistance; and openings for timber beams, joists, purlins and rafters, and pipes, ducts, conduits or cables that pass through any part of a fire-separating element should be kept as few in number as possible, kept as small as practicable, and fire-stopped. 

There are different types of Fire Sealants used for their individual properties. Firestop Sealants can be silicone, ablative or intumescent. They can be elastomeric which indicates their expansion or movement capability from 25% – 50% 

Fireblocking is defined by the IBC as the use of approved building materials installed in concealed spaces to resists the migration of fire and hot gases. Firestopping is used as passive fire protection to seal around openings and between joints in a fire-resistant-rated wall or floor assembly 

 What period of resistance should fire stopping provide? The aim of passive fire protection is to provide resistance from fire and smoke for a clearly specified period of time such as 60 minutes.