What is Passive Fire Protection?

Modern building frameworks are interspersed with multiple utility and network services including cables, pipes and ventilation ducts in both horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in countless penetrations through most of the walls and floors.

Each of these penetrations and every joint between different building structures, elements and areas, is potentially a passage for the spread of flames, heat and toxic smoke into adjoining rooms and areas, which – in the worst case – may result in uncontrolled fire propagation throughout the entire building.

This is why fire protection is so important.

Where to use Passive Fire Protection Products?

Sika’s passive fire protection solutions are designed to to seal all types of building joints and penetrations to ensure the fire stays in defined compartments, allowing people to evacuate safely.

Sika passive fire protection solutions comply with the higherst international standards (including EN, UL, EAD (ETAG), ASTM, AS, Certifire). Find out more here

Whilst active fire protection systems such as sprinklers, can extinguish fires, passive fire protection is designed to prevent the spread of fire and contain it in defined compartments to minimize damage and – even more importantly – to allow people in other compartments time to evacuate safely.In the event of a fire, the heat and smoke will spread through penetrations and joints in the walls and floors, causing damage, endangering people and potentially also blocking escape routes.

Fire Stopping Consumption Calculator

Our Fire Stopping Consumption Calculator quickly and easily identifies the required amount of SikaSeal-629 Fire Wrap+, Sikacrete-630 Fire+ or SikaSeal-632 Fire Putty+ required for each job, Download and take a look today.

Fire resistant acrylic sealant for service penetration and joint seals

Fire resistant acrylic sealant / coating for floor and wall intersections

Fire resistant ablative coating for a protection board

Fire resistant coated protection board

Fire resistant pipe collar

Fire resistant load bearing compound

Fire resistant pipe wrap on a roll

Sika's Expert Passive Fire Protection Knowhow

FAQs

Are Sika's passive fire protection products compliant with international standards?

Yes, Sika's passive fire protection solutions comply with the highest international standards, including EN and UL classifications. These products are tested and certified to ensure they meet stringent fire resistance and safety requirements, providing reliable protection in various building applications. 

How do I choose the right passive fire protection products for my project?

Selecting the appropriate passive fire protection products depends on various factors, including the type of building, the materials used, and the specific fire protection requirements. It's essential to consult with fire protection experts and refer to relevant standards and regulations to ensure compliance and optimal safety. Sika offers a Fire Stopping Solution Finder to help identify suitable products for specific applications.

How does passive fire protection differ from active fire protection?

Passive fire protection (PFP) consists of built-in fire-resistant materials and systems designed to contain fire and smoke, such as fire-rated walls, floors, and seals. Active fire protection (AFP), on the other hand, includes fire detection and suppression systems like sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers, which require activation to function. Both are crucial for comprehensive fire safety. 

How do fire-resistant sealants work in passive fire protection?

Fire-resistant sealants expand when exposed to high temperatures, creating a fire-tight seal that prevents flames, heat, and smoke from spreading through gaps, joints, and penetrations in walls and floors. These sealants help maintain the fire resistance rating of the building structure.