FireStopping

With FireStopping from Coopers Fire, customers can specify both systems from a single supplier, with confidence that the complete installation, including the critical integration connection between the FireStopping and fire curtain, is supported by relevant test evidence.

Fire curtains and fire stopping products sourced separately may each have their own individual test evidence, but this does not automatically mean they remain compliant once combined. Connecting products from different suppliers can require alterations to the fire curtain assembly, including drilling or fixing into the headbox, compromising its tested construction and leaving a significant gap in the project’s compliance evidence.

With Coopers Fire, the integration has already been considered, engineered and tested. Our dedicated integration system allows the two products to work together without compromising the integrity of the fire curtain, providing a clear and traceable route to compliance. Without evidence that the complete assembly has been tested as an integrated system, contractors, architects and building owners could face serious questions around compliance, sign off, responsibility and system performance. Particularly in the event of a fire.

One supplier. Two integrated products. One fully tested system.

WHY FIRESTOPPING AND WHY COOPERS FIRE?

An active fire curtain is only one element of the overall fire protection strategy. The interface between the curtain headbox and the structural soffit must also be considered to maintain the required fire performance and continuity of compartmentation.

Coopers Fire FireStopping provides a defined solution for this interface, developed specifically for use with our FireMaster® fire curtain systems and supported by relevant fire test and Field of Application assessment evidence.

By considering the fire curtain and FireStopping together, we can help remove uncertainty at a critical interface between trades and provide a clear, evidence based solution from the outset.

WHY IS FIRESTOPPING NEEDED?

This system creates a fire resistant barrier between the structural soffit and the active fire curtain headbox, while allowing approved service penetrations through the assessed assembly.

It provides continuity of compartmentation around the fire curtain installation and creates a coordinated fire curtain and firestopping solution, supported by relevant test and assessment evidence.

Design it in, rather than resolve it on site.

FireStopping should be considered during the design and coordination stage. Supporting construction, fire resistance requirements and service penetrations can then be checked against the tested and assessed scope before installation.

HOW DOES EARLY ENGAGEMENT REDUCES RISK?

FireStopping should be considered early in the design process. Coopers Fire can review the proposed construction, required fire performance and service penetrations against the available test and assessment evidence before installation.

This helps identify potential issues before they reach site, reduces the risk of unassessed modifications and supports coordination between the fire curtain, firestopping and building services.

WHAT HAPPENS WITHOUT FIRESTOPPING?

• Fire may spread through the void above the active fire curtain
• Building services penetrating the fire barrier can compromise its fire performance if they are not appropriately fire stopped
• Site-specific fire stopping arrangements may be required where the construction or penetrations fall outside an established tested or assessed solution.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL FIRESTOPPING APPLICATIONS?

A TESTED AND ASSESSED APPROACH

Choosing the Coopers Fire solution means the firestopping arrangement can be designed within known and assessed parameters, including supporting construction, dimensions and approved service penetrations.

Where an alternative firestopping arrangement is proposed by others, its suitability and compatibility with the fire curtain installation must be separately established and supported by appropriate evidence. Responsibility for the design and acceptance of that alternative arrangement remains with the relevant project parties.