Passive fire protection relies on a combination of carefully specified systems. One key area is the ductwork that runs through walls, floors and fire compartments.
Conventional ductwork can create openings through a building if it is not correctly specified. This is why fire rated ductwork is used in many commercial and public sector properties.
Understanding Fire Rated Ductwork
Fire rated ductwork is designed to maintain its integrity when exposed to high temperatures and fire.
Depending on the project requirements, a duct system may need to resist fire from inside the duct, outside the duct or both.
Specialist systems from FIRESAFE FIRE RATED DUCTWORK® are used for projects requiring tested fire resisting ductwork.
Protecting Fire Compartments
Many buildings are separated into fire compartments. These compartments are designed to restrict the movement of fire and smoke from one part of a building to another.
Where ductwork passes through a fire resistant wall or floor, the duct system needs to be included within the wider fire safety strategy.
A suitable fire resisting duct system can reduce the risk of fire travelling through ventilation routes.
Buildings That Use Fire Resistant Duct Systems
Fire rated duct systems can be found in many here different types of buildings.
Common applications can include hospitals, hotels, offices, shopping centres and transport facilities.
It can also be used as part of pressurisation systems, depending on the building design.
Choosing Suitable Fire Resisting Ductwork
The correct fire resisting ductwork should be selected according to the individual project requirements.
Designers and contractors may need to consider duct size, orientation and fire resistance period.
The installation should also follow the manufacturer's approved installation details. Supports, access doors, joints and associated components can all affect the performance of the system.
Supporting a Building's Fire Safety Strategy
Specialist fire resistant duct systems forms part of a building's overall fire safety design.
By using a tested system and following the correct installation requirements, contractors and designers can help maintain compartmentation throughout the building.