Fire detection, containment and suppression systems are all elements which work together to provide a comprehensive fire protection system to help protect lives and property from the direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a fire. Under fire conditions, fire and toxic gases can pass through unsealed or improperly sealed openings in and around penetrations and construction joints. Firestopping is a key component of the containment system within the overall fire protection system. Firestopping is a method of passive fire protection that serves to help contain the fire and toxic gases to the area of origin by sealing around penetrations and construction joints in fire-rated floors and walls. Firestop systems consist of a fire-rated assembly or assemblies (e.g., a fire-rated floor or wall), a penetrating item or construction joint, and the material used to seal that opening or joint. Increased awareness and knowledge of having a comprehensive fire protection system in place, which includes detection, containment and suppression systems, has led to the development of innovative firestop products and solutions. There are many firestop product solutions on the market today to address various applications for through-penetrations and construction joints in fire-rated walls and floors. Firestop sealants, sprays, collars, wrap strips, foams, cast-in devices, mechanical products and numerous other materials offer a variety of solutions to handle a wide range of containment applications.
Intumescent-type sealants are designed to expand once the intumescent material reaches a pre-determined temperature range. Intumescent sealants are commonly approved for use around insulated and non-insulated metal pipes, combustible and glass pipes, cables and cable bundles, electrical busways, and around non-dampered hvac duct. Intumescent sealants typically provide the widest range for through-penetration firestop applications.