Fire Stopping

Explore our frequently asked questions on our fire stopping products here...


Can plastic pipes that are less than 40mm in diameter be fire stopped without a closing device?

The general consensus within the industry appears to be that combustible pipes & conduits with an Internal diameter of less than 40mm only requires to be fire stopped “up to”, with no requirement for a closer device. Nullifire view the statement within Approved Document B (ADB) quite differently. Pipes with an internal diameter of less than 40mm connected to a waste outlet system are only required to be Fire-stopped up to. This in no way defines conduits for example. Regardless of the correct interpretation, we recommend the advice within ADB relating to 40mm combustible pipes be disregarded. A single 40mm pipe under fire conditions will allow a considerable amount of smoke passage through a Fire Compartment. ADB also fails to define an acceptable maximum number of such pipes per compartment breach.

There is a fire damper in the same openings as other services, how can this be fire stopped?

As ducts and dampers are tested to a different standard to cables, pipes etc. they should therefore be separated from other services and installed into their own openings. First port of call should be to contact the duct or damper manufacturers, as their tested solutions would supersede our advice. In the absence of this, or if a combined seal is evident (different services types from multiple BS-EN testing standards, through a single opening in a compartment)

Can you overcoat FS702 Intumastic?

FS702 Intumastic once fully cured may be overcoated with any standard trade emulsion or gloss to achieve a specific colour finish. Top tips for overcoating FS702: (1) Ensure the surface is free from dust and grease that may have stelled during the curing process prior to overcoating (2) You can lightly sand and file FS702 Intumastic with proprietary fillers without negating its fire performance – if required. (3) Due to the formulation of FS702 Intumastic, it is likely to require more overcoats to achieve your desired RAL colour. Always carry out a sample area before commencing with your entire project. Please ensure that manufacturer instructions are always followed, and technical consultation is carried out for specialist paints (chlorinated rubbers and alike) for confirmation of compatibility. For more information on FS702 Intumastic, please contact us.

How far from a compartment wall should my services be supported?

Services should be supported in line with the installer and/or service manufacturers recommendations. Any deviation from this may result in warranty and liability changes. It is generally assumed that services should be supported as per fire test, typically between 200mm and 500mm away from the compartment. We do not support this opinion as many service support systems are designed to accommodate thermal expansion, movement, acoustic enhancements etc. Additionally, we are not qualified to interfere with a service manufacturers specific design. Our tested applications will state the distance of the first service support must be <250mm as shown in our guidance note NTN046 - Service Supports.

Can FB750 be overcoated?

FB750 Intubatt product can be overcoated/painted, but only with coatings/paints that are shown to be compatible and/or are recommended by the product manufacturer or demonstrated by test evidence.

What are the FB750 fixing centres and locations from the edge of the batt?

Mechanically restrained using 75 mm steel screws with a 25 mm washer at maximum 300 mm centres, 15-65 mm from the board perimeter and no more than 50 mm from a board joint.

What are the maximum size seals possible for Fb750?

The maximum aperture size for a double compression fitted FB750 Intubatt seal is 2600 mm × 2600 mm (6.76 m²), tested in rigid and flexible walls with a 100 mm minimum wall thickness (double skin).

What is the maximum cable bundle allowed?

100 m2 in diameter.

Reaction to fire – what is it?

"Reaction to fire" refers to how a material responds when it comes into contact with fire. It measures factors such as how easily the material ignites, how quickly flames spread, and how much heat or smoke it produces.

What is the maximum annulus allowed around a collar?

5mm annulus for collars under 110mm. 10mm annulus for collar 110mm and over.