What certified firestop looks like

Problem

Cable trays crossing basement fire walls had been sealed with non-tested material during construction. The consultant rejected the package: no system numbers, no T ratings and no record of what was behind each seal.

Solution

We resurveyed every crossing, mapped it to a tested MVL system by substrate and tray fill, and specified a coated batt and ablative coating system with intumescent sealant at annular gaps. Installers were trained on the tested detail before work restarted.

Result

Full 2-hour F and T rating reinstated, package accepted first submission, and an as-built register issued with a photographic record for each of the 1,850 references.

Problem

The substation needed compartmentation upgraded without de-energising, and future circuits meant seals would be opened repeatedly. Rigid mortar systems were not viable.

Solution

Cable transit pillow systems with intumescent wraps at plastic conduit, selected specifically for re-entry, plus ablative coating on high-density tray runs. Work sequenced bay by bay with permit-controlled access.

Result

Compartmentation upgraded with zero outage. Maintenance teams can add circuits and reinstate the seal to the same tested detail, with a laminated system card fixed at each bulkhead.

Problem

A plant expansion put pipework, ducts and cable trays through the same rated wall within tight centres, while the exposed steel frame above required rated protection.

Solution

Firestop mortar for the large openings, collars and wrap strips for plastic pipework, sealant with mineral wool packing for insulated lines, and a thin-film intumescent coating specified to 90 minutes on the steel.

Result

One coordinated package, one set of documentation, and a single inspection walk that closed out both the penetration and structural protection scopes.