Installations above escape routes
Installations above escape routes and emergency exits
It is not uncommon for mechanical and electrical installations to be fitted above escape routes and emergency exits. If there is a fire rated suspended ceiling below the installations, there are certain criteria to be considered for the fixing products used to ensure they do not fail in the event of a fire and cause damage to the fire rated escape route.
Fire rated fixing products
It is of vital importance that an escape route or emergency exit remains free of obstacles in the event of a fire. For fixing of installations in areas above (fire rated) suspended ceilings where only fixing materials can be applied that meet requirements for firmness and deformation. Walraven offers an extensive range of fixing solutions which have been tested for their fire resistance.
Go back to Fire Protection Systems
Here are some examples of what can happen to fixings in the event of a fire:
Deformation of Walraven RapidStrut ® channel systems
Before and after fire
Deformation of clamps and threaded rod
Before and after fire
Given the effect of fire on these fixings, it is important to ensure a minimum safe distance between the installation and the suspended ceiling. Many of our rails, clamps and accessories have been tested in fire situations. Contact us to find out more or browse our product catalogue.
Walraven Fire Testing
The integrity of fire-stopping systems is a hot topic due to recent catastrophic fires in high-rise buildings. Therefore, testing our fire-stopping systems to the highest standards possible is always a top priority. Walraven works with some of the best testing laboratories in Europe, such as Warrington (BE), MPAs (DE), and Efectis (NL). At these laboratories, they understand what issues can have an impact, like pipe movement or smoke sealing. These kinds of problems are not required to be tested, but we believe it’s a crucial part of the overall effectiveness of a firestop. By cooperating with these laboratories, we get valuable professional opinions on the performance of our
product in those non-tested yet realistic situations.
Testing in-house for authentic scenarios
In addition to working with third-party organisations, Walraven also has its own testing facility in The Netherlands. We believe in testing products for real-life situations, not simply meeting test conditions. Testing a wide range of scenarios helps ensure that our products do their job. Because of the in-depth understanding of the behaviour of our products, we push their performance. And with our in-house testing, we can respond quickly to market needs and changing requirements.
