Using Intumescent Fire Collars to Seal off Penetrations on Fire-rated Compartments

Fire Safety is a crucial and very regulated aspect of building design and construction. Designing and Building structures in compliance is essential for architects and the use of fire stopping systems like fire-rated collars can help prevent the fire from spreading through the building.

They are designed to seal service penetrations and prevent the spread of fire through pipe and cable penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floors. In this article, we will discuss the different types of fire collars, their applications, and why they are essential to a complete passive fire protection plan.

What are Fire Collars?

Also known as firestop collars, they are fire-stopping materials installed around pipe and cable penetrations in fire-rated walls and ceilings. These collars prevent the spread of fire by creating a barrier that can withstand high temperatures and prevent flames and smoke from passing through. They are used to seal off any openings that could potentially allow the fire to spread from one compartment to another. There are different types of fire protection collars for different applications, including retrofit firestop collars, cast-in fire collars, fire pipe collars for PVC pipes, fire collars for metal pipes, services collars, socket collars, and floor waste collars.

✦ Retrofit Firestop Collars

Retrofit firestop collars are designed to be installed around existing pipes and services. They can be used to upgrade the fire resistance of older buildings such as heritage buildings that may not have been designed with modern fire safety standards in mind. Retrofit fire-resistant collars are easy to install and can be used to upgrade the fire resistance of older buildings without having to overhaul the existing fire safety systems completely or affecting the historical or aesthetic aspects of the building.

✦ Cast-in Fire Collars

This type of fire collar is installed during the construction of a building, they are fitted on permanent formwork, prior to pouring concrete. They are cast into the walls, ceilings, and floors and provide a permanent fire-resistant seal around pipe and service penetrations. Cast-in firestopping collars are ideal for new construction projects where fire safety is a top priority.

✦ Fire-rated Collars for PVC Pipes

Fire pipe collars for PVC pipes are specifically designed to seal off PVC pipe penetrations. PVC pipes are commonly used in modern building construction and can be vulnerable to fire spreading due to their relatively low melting point. Fire-resistant collars for PVC pipes are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent flames and smoke from passing through the pipe penetration.

✦ Fire-rated Collars for Metal Pipes

Fire pipe collars for metal pipes are designed to seal off metal pipe penetrations. Metal pipes can become heated quickly in the event of a fire, which can cause them to expand and allow flames and smoke to pass through the pipe penetration. Firestop collars for metal pipes are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent flames and smoke from passing through the pipe penetration.

✦ Services Collar

Services collars are used to seal off pipe and cable penetrations that contain electrical cables, lagged plastic pipes, copper pair coils, lagged copper pipes and multiple PVC pipes. Services collars are designed to provide a fire-resistant seal around multiple penetrations in a single collar. This can save time and reduce installation costs, as multiple services can be sealed off with a single collar.

✦ Socket Collars

Socket collars are used to seal off pipe penetrations in walls and floors that contain sockets or electrical outlets. Socket collars are designed to fit snugly around the socket or electrical outlet and provide a fire-resistant seal around the penetration. This prevents flames and smoke from passing through the socket or electrical outlet and spreading to other areas of the building.

✦ Floor Waste Collars

Floor waste collars are used to seal off floor waste pipe penetrations. Floor waste pipes are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens and can be vulnerable to fire spread due to the materials that may be disposed of through the pipe. Floor waste collars are designed to provide a fire-resistant seal around the floor waste pipe penetration and prevent flames and smoke from passing through.

Fire penetrations from project to project can be vastly different and it is important to work with professionals that can help you choose the right system for your project. Spending time early on in the project ensuring a passive fire management plan is in place to ensure your project is not held up at practical completion because of an oversight of key minor details.