Fire safety requires different forms of protection throughout a building. One significant area is the ductwork that travels between walls, floors and fire compartments.
Ordinary ductwork can create pathways through a building if it is not designed for fire resistance. This is why specialist fire resistant duct systems is used in a wide range of larger buildings.
What Is Fire Resisting Ductwork?
A fire resistant duct system is developed to maintain its performance when exposed to high temperatures and fire.
Depending on the application, a duct system may need to provide protection against internal and external fire exposure.
Specialist systems from FIRESAFE FIRE RATED DUCTWORK® are used for applications that require specialist fire resistant ductwork.
Supporting Building Compartmentation
Many buildings are divided 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 penetrates a fire resistant wall or floor, the duct system needs to be specified correctly.
A suitable fire resisting duct system can support the integrity of fire compartments.
Where Is Fire Resisting Ductwork Used?
Fire resisting ductwork can be found in numerous commercial and public buildings.
Common applications can include public buildings, retail developments, industrial premises and transport infrastructure.
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 building specification.
Designers and contractors may need to more info consider duct size, orientation and fire resistance period.
The installation should also follow the required installation guidance. Supports, access doors, joints and associated components can all form part of the tested construction.
An Important Part of Building Fire Protection
Fire rated ductwork forms part of a wider passive fire protection strategy.
By specifying a tested system and following the correct installation requirements, contractors and designers can help maintain compartmentation throughout the building.