Passive Fire Protection Products
Passive fire protection (PFP) products are essential components in modern building safety, designed to contain fire, limit its spread, and protect lives and property. Unlike active systems like sprinklers or alarms, passive fire protection works silently in the background — built into the structure to maintain fire resistance and compartmentation. From fire-resistant mastics to pipe collars and wraps, these products help buildings meet UK fire safety regulations and give occupants more time to evacuate in the event of a fire.
From Our Blog:
Understanding Fire Performance in the Kingdom of the Blind
There are no perfect insulation materials and so as with most things in life it is a case of ‘horses for courses’, we need to be able to be able to balance up the strengths and weaknesses of the options available to us in order to make the best choice. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain what the various Reaction to Fire tests used in the UK are, what they can and cannot tell us and how they can be applied to make better choices when it comes to pipe insulation materials.
Insulation Grants UK: Homeowner Rights, Eligibility & Next Steps
Rising energy bills and cold winters are a growing concern for UK homeowners - but you don’t have to face them alone. With insulation grants UK schemes, you can potentially tap into government backed funding to boost your home’s thermal performance at little or no upfront cost.
The Benefits of Insulating Pipework
When it comes to enhancing the efficiency and longevity of your plumbing system, pipe insulation is an often overlooked yet remarkably effective solution. Insulating pipework isn’t just a matter of stopping them freezing - it's about efficiency, safety, and cost savings.
Product Highlight: Kingspan Safire Intumescent Mastic Plus
Kingspan Safire™ Intumescent Mastic Plus is designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through joints and openings in fire rated walls and floors including openings formed around building service penetrations.
AF/ArmaFlex Evo; The new generation in Elastomeric Insulation
Discover the new generation in elastomeric insulation. AF/ArmaFlex Evo. It’s an investment that pays off. Based on the patented ArmaPrene™ technology, Armacell's latest product generation gives you the highest insulation reliability and contributes to the overall safety in buildings. It extends evacuation time and enhances visibility in a building fire as it releases 50 percent less smoke.
What Is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection refers to materials and systems that are integrated into the fabric of a building to slow the spread of fire and smoke. These systems help maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls, floors, and service penetrations, ensuring that fire stays contained within designated compartments.
PFP products are critical in both new builds and refurbishments, especially in multi-occupancy buildings, commercial premises, and high-risk environments. They are tested to rigorous standards such as BS EN 1366 and BS 476, and are often required to comply with UK Building Regulations Part B.
Types of Passive Fire Protection Products
Choosing the right fire protection product depends on the type of service penetration, substrate, and fire rating required. Here are some of the most widely used solutions:
Fire-Resistant Mastics
Fire mastics are intumescent sealants used to fill gaps around pipes, cables, and joints. When exposed to heat, they expand to seal openings and prevent the passage of fire and smoke. Ideal for sealing linear joints and small penetrations, they offer flexible, paintable finishes and are easy to apply with a standard mastic gun.
Key benefits:
- Up to 4 hours fire resistance
- Suitable for use on concrete, plasterboard, and masonry
- Acoustic and air-sealing properties
- CE marked and tested to EN standards
Fire Batts (Firestop Boards)
Fire batts are high-density mineral fibre boards coated with intumescent layers. They are used to reinstate fire resistance in walls and floors where services like pipes, ducts, or cables pass through. Batts are cut to size and sealed with fire mastic or ablative coatings to create a robust firestop barrier.
Ideal for:
- Large or complex service penetrations
- Multi-service openings in riser shafts or plant rooms
- Acoustic and thermal insulation alongside fire protection
Intumescent Pipe Collars
Pipe collars are designed to protect plastic pipework that passes through fire-rated walls or floors. In a fire, the collar’s intumescent material expands rapidly, crushing and sealing the softened pipe to prevent fire and smoke from spreading.
Applications include:
- uPVC, HDPE, and ABS pipe penetrations
- Soil stacks and waste pipes
- Horizontal and vertical installations
Fire Wraps
Fire wraps are flexible intumescent strips that wrap around plastic pipes or conduits. They are installed within the wall or floor cavity and expand under heat to seal the void left by melting pipes. Wraps are ideal where space is limited or where collars cannot be surface-mounted.
Features:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Suitable for confined spaces
- Tested for a wide range of pipe sizes and materials
Why Use Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a critical part of responsible building design. Here’s why it matters:
Safety
PFP products help contain fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to escape and reducing the risk of injury or death.
Regulatory Compliance
UK Building Regulations Part B and the Fire Safety Act 2021 require adequate firestopping measures in all buildings. Using tested and certified products ensures compliance and peace of mind.
Property Protection
By limiting fire spread, passive systems reduce structural damage and protect valuable assets, helping to lower insurance risk and rebuild costs.
Long-Term Performance
Once installed, passive fire protection requires minimal maintenance and remains effective for the life of the building.
Buy Passive Fire Protection Products UK
At Advanced Insulation Materials Ltd, we supply a full range of passive fire protection products for contractors, specifiers, and facilities managers across the UK. Whether you’re sealing pipe penetrations, reinstating compartmentation, or upgrading fire safety in existing buildings, we have the right solutions.
Our range includes:
- CE-marked fire mastics and sealants
- High-performance fire batts and coatings
- Intumescent pipe collars and wraps
- Accessories for compliant installation
All products are tested to UK and European standards and supported by expert advice and fast nationwide delivery.
Installation and Maintenance
Correct installation is essential for passive fire protection to perform as intended. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use compatible accessories. For complex penetrations or high-risk areas, we recommend working with a certified firestopping contractor.
Once installed, PFP systems require minimal maintenance. Periodic inspections should be carried out as part of your fire risk assessment, especially after refurbishment or service changes.
Trusted UK Supplier of Firestopping Products
As a trusted UK supplier, Advanced Insulation Materials Ltd is committed to helping you meet fire safety standards with confidence. We work with leading manufacturers to offer reliable, compliant solutions for every project.
Why choose Advanced Insulation Materials Ltd?
- Competitive pricing on certified firestopping products
- Expert support for specification and compliance
- Fast UK-wide delivery
- Complementary insulation and acoustic solutions
Whether you’re working on a new build, retrofit, or fire safety upgrade, our team is here to help. Order online today or contact us for tailored advice.