The Dangers Installing Fire Stopping Solutions Wrong
What issues are there with Fire Collars?
Collars come in many shapes, colours and forms. It is a requirement for all that a manufacturers marking is present so that they can be easily identified. They are the most simple form of firestopping product designed to crush pipes and close the apeture that the plastic pipe takes up.
Yet it is the most common product Evolutions Fire Protection witness being installed incorrectly.
Learn more below.
Fire Collars?
Are simple devices, using intumescent contained in a metal cage (this directs the expansion of the intumescent inside) so that it can crush a plastic service & fill the void left behind. These are the most reliable and trusted products in the industry – providing they are installed correctly.
Installation of a collar is often simple, locating the collar to the ceiling or wall surrounding a pipe or service. Securing the claim to ensure it will not slide, pushing it flush to the wall or ceiling and fixing it using the manufacturers recommended screws. Depending on manufacturer it may require sealant to be applied to the opening as a smoke seal (consult manufacturers specifications).
However, this can easily be done incorrectly if those steps are not followed. In Evolutions years of experience we’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of collars half way down a pipe, missing fixings or just floating in place with no substrate anywhere near it.
Collars are not magic and yet there seems to be a lack of care or due diligence with the simple task. One that anyone could in theory install with reletive ease (if they can certify it however is unlikely without the proper accreditations, documents and proceedures). But providing they have done the installation correctly as per the manufacturers specification there is no installation reason for that collar not to work. This would be dependent on the collars manufacturer and their documentation and testing.
What issues do I to look for?
- Missing fixings in each lug
- Missing smoke seal sealant
- Large openings around pipe
- Loose around pipe
- Held on by zip-ties
- Held on by duct-tape
- Latch is not engaged
- Missing the collar completely
I have a collar with one of those issues, what should I do?
Do not attempt to repair or rectify them yourself. This is for a trained and certified individual to review the fire collar installed and determine the most appropriate solution. If all substrates and conditions are appropriate then the installer can restore the collar to its manufacturers required specification.
Ensure Your Safety by using a Certified Firestopping Contractor to replace any incorrectly installed collars in your building.
Always opt for fire stopping solutions that have been tested and proven to meet stringent criteria. Better yet, opt for a certified installer like Evolutions Fire Protection to choose the most appropriate solution to firestop the gaps, services as they are more likely to choose products which have been tested and meet the criteria of what is required.
Our Fire Stopping Services
Certified Fire Stopping Solutions
We offer a range of fire stopping products that are fully tested and certified to meet BS476 Pt 22 standards, ensuring maximum safety and compliance.
Fire Stopping Installation Services
Our expert team provides thorough installation services, addressing all gaps and imperfections in construction to prevent fire spread effectively.
Third-Party Certification
All our fire stopping installations are carried out under a third-party certification scheme, guaranteeing the highest level of quality and reliability.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
We offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that your fire stopping systems remain effective and compliant over time.
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