Defending Against the Flames, Protecting the Sound Waves

The Importance of Implementing Passive Fire Protection in Audio Applications

From high-definition displays to immersive sound systems, A/V technology remains a driving force in reshaping our community’s entertainment and communication landscape. The A/V industry presents an extensive array of technologies, encompassing gaming consoles, video projectors, televisions, and much more. However, in this discussion, we will focus on one of the most popular A/V solutions: in-ceiling loudspeakers. In-ceiling loudspeakers seamlessly integrate into various construction practices, finding their place in residential home cinemas, shopping malls, office buildings, university lecture halls, and a wide range of diverse applications.

Whether you are installing recessed speakers in your local high school’s new auditorium or upgrading your at-home theater, it is important to acknowledge the safety hazard of installing these products into various ceiling structures. Once installed in a fire-resistance rated ceiling assembly, the integrity of the ceiling has been compromised. If these openings remain unprotected, flames, smoke, and heat will be able to spread at a rapid rate, putting lives and property at risk. As a result, passive fire protection measures have been implemented through various building code requirements – requiring contractors to install a fire–rated solution or housing to contain the fire for a long time.

In addition to this requirement, when installing in-ceiling loudspeakers, you also may need to be concerned about the sound dampening capabilities of the fire-rated solution. In states, such as California, have adopted a minimum level of sound isolation across party walls and floor/ceiling in hotels, condominiums, dormitories, office buildings, and multi-family complexes. Therefore, developing a solution that can meet both building requirements is ideal for labor and cost savings.

At Tenmat, we are committed to developing the latest fireblocking technology and catering to the demands of A/V installers and electrical contractors. A blend of sound isolation, easy installation, and passive fire protection, TENMAT created the FF109-FRSC, a one-hour fire rated speaker cover. The FF109-FRSC 1 Hour Fire Rated Speaker is a dome-shaped intumescent enclosure which has been specifically designed to help maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assemblies for one hour when penetrated by in-ceiling speakers. In addition, the sound absorbing properties of the propitiatory intumescent material enhance the acoustic performance of the speaker’s housing – allowing for a level of sound isolation.

With its adaptability and flexibility, Tenmat’s intumescent materials offer fireblocking and sound isolation properties to a multitude of applications. Our manufacturing capabilities allow us to cater to the most forward-looking applications. With its fire protection feature, Tenmat’s intumescent materials have the capability to fire-rate a pre-made audio design, such as an intumescent insert in a speaker’s housing, in shape of a disc, square, gasket or box. In addition to its fire protection capabilities, Tenmat’s intumescent materials can cater to sound isolation applications – such as multi-family complexes, sound rooms, choir rooms, and so much more.

As the demand for firestopping solutions rises, many “fire-rated” solutions have entered the market. However, it is important to remain vigilant on the fire testing approvals of these numerous solutions. For a product to be fire-rated, it must have an ETL or UL Classified Testing and Approval certification. At Tenmat, all our fireblocking materials and solutions have an ETL or UL Classified listing, which can be easily located on our website.

If you are interested in learning more about the key benefits of installing Tenmat’s innovative intumescent technology, please visit https://www.tenmatusa.com/frsc/.

Identifying the Ideal Intumescent Solution

Advanced Intumescent Firestopping Solutions and Materials Applied in Various Applications

Defining “Intumescent”

An intumescent is a material which reacts and expands aggressively when exposed to heat or fire. Depending on the requirements of the application, the expansion rate can be up to 30 times the original size of the product. The pressure generated by the intumescent when expanding can be tailored for each application, the expansion rate can be up to 30 times the original size of the product. Once expanded, the intumescent product creates a tough and solid char, which can prevent the spread of flames, heat, and smoke for many hours.

For several decades, Tenmat has been a leader in the development, engineering, and manufacturing of innovative intumescent technology, designed to protect the lives and property of our current and future communities. Each solution is crafted specifically to meet the various demands of construction practices, ranging from multi-family to mass timber to modular construction and so much more. Discover which intumescent is right for you and your next construction project.

FF102 – Rigid Passive Fire Protection

For applications, such as façade systems and fire-rated doors, which require a rigid material with a high level of pressure generation and expansion performance, Tenmat developed FF102. Tenmat’s FIREFLY 102 is a rigid intumescent material that possesses excellent pressure generation and expansion performance. It is a halogen free graphite-based material which produces a particularly stable and resilient insulating char structure during and after expansion. This material is applicable to but not limited to open state cavity barriers, door and glazing applications, firestop systems for ventilated rainscreen systems, and general gap sealing.

Some key benefits include:

  • Uni-directional expansion
  • Stable and resilient insulating char
  • Halogen Free
  • Rigid Material

FF104E – Flexible Fire Defense

Looking for a solution that can be industrially produced into rolls and offer a high level of flexibility for complex, modern applications? Tenmat FIREFLY 104E is a dark grey intumescent paper, which generates high expansion and expansion pressure when exposed to flames or high temperature levels. Its high flexibility allows it to be wrapped or folded to suit various applications but produces an excellent char structure helping to maintain integrity throughout the fire. Common construction practices FF104E is applicable to joint sealing within offsite-construction, battery protection in electrical vehicles, linear gap seals associated with concrete construction methods, and gasket applications. Just like the flexibility of FF104E’s components in application, it aligns its capabilities with diverse application needs.

Key Benefits include:

  • High expansion and pressure generation
  • Highly Flexible
  • Excellent char structure
  • 20:1 expansion ratio

FF107 – Powerful Fireblocking

Seeking a fireblocking solution which provides a high reaction rate, high levels of expansion and pressure generation? Tenmat FF107 is an exceptionally powerful intumescent which combines fast reaction with high expansion and pressure generation. This material has the capability to produce a solid char, allowing for good integrity within the application after a fire outbreak. Due to its strong composition and firestopping capabilities, FF107 has been a popular solution for firestopping in mass timber construction practices. However, the FF107 can also be applied to open state cavity fire barriers, penetration seals, pipe wraps, duct fire wraps, fire collars, electrical socket protection, and gap sealing in various applications, from modern construction practices to high acoustical protection practices.

Key Product Features include:

  • High expansion and pressure generation
  • Fast Reaction
  • 30:1 expansion rate

FF109 – Universally Versatile

With the demands for passive fire protection consistently shifting, Tenmat has crafted a universal material, who can meet a variety of applications, no matter how simple or complex. Tenmat FIREFLY 109 is a compressible intumescent material which expands to form a resilient and stable char. It’s a lower density material with lower expansion characteristics; allowing the material to function in a controlled manner without the need for additional restraints. The materials are available in various thicknesses, starting at 10mm, and have the capability to be designed into either 2D or 3D shapes. In correlation, Tenmat has pre-designed an entire line of dome-shaped fire-rated covers, designed for various lighting fixtures and in-ceiling loudspeakers. On top of this line of fire-rated covers, Tenmat has the manufacturing measures to design an ideal solution, whether it’s a controlled intumescent sheet, pipe fire sleeve, vent duct fire sleeve, or a new industry application.


Key Product Details:

  • Vacuum Formed
  • Available in Sheets, 2D or 3D Shapes
  •  Resilient char formation
  • 5:1 expansion ratio

Conclusion – A Diverse Portfolio of Innovative Intumescent Technology

Tenmat’s diverse range of intumescent materials presents various characteristics ideal for a multitude of applications. With varying expansion rates, shapes, thicknesses, and premium benefits, these solutions cater to a broad spectrum of construction needs. For inquiries or guidance on selecting the ideal intumescent material, contact our sales team at +1 (800) 821-3436 or via email at info@tenmatusa.com.

Let’s Get Active About Acoustical and Passive Fire Protection

Tenmat launches new dedicated website for the FF109-FRSC, 1 Hour Fire Rated Speaker Cover

Tenmat is thrilled to announce the official launch of our dedicated website for the FF109-FRSC, 1 Hour Fire Rated Speaker Cover. As the newest addition to Tenmat’s range of passive fire protection solutions, this website aims to showcase the cutting-edge intumescent technology and exceptional acoustical protection properties of our latest fire-rated solution.

Our newly unveiled website serves as a comprehensive resource, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the FF109-FRSC. You will find detailed information about the product, including its features, installation guidelines, and answers to frequently asked questions. We have carefully designed the website to offer an intuitive and user-friendly platform, enabling easy navigation for ordering and accessing additional support.

At Tenmat, we are proud to offer the FF109-FRSC as a solution that seamlessly combines top-notch fire protection, superior acoustical performance, and retrofitting capabilities. Whether you are upgrading your home theater or embarking on a new commercial construction project, the FF109-FRSC is the ideal choice for ensuring life safety and optimal acoustical protection.

We invite you to visit our new FF109-FRSC website at www.speakerprotectioncover.com and embark on a virtual tour. Explore the full potential of installing this innovative solution in your next construction project and witness firsthand the benefits it brings to fire safety and sound quality.

With the launch of our dedicated FF109-FRSC website, we are excited to provide you with an in-depth understanding of our state-of-the-art fire-rated speaker cover. Discover the power of our advanced intumescent technology, remarkable acoustical protection, and ease of retrofitting. Take the first step towards enhancing life safety and acoustic performance by visiting our website today at www.speakerprotectioncover.com..

Tenmat Joins RAiNA: Building a Stronger Future for Rainscreen Technology

Tenmat becomes a member of the RAiNA, the leading authority on rainscreen design and construction

Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced intumescent fire block solutions for ventilated rainscreen systems, is excited to announce its membership in the Rainscreen Association of North America (RAiNA).

Modern constructions often require external cladding and rain screens be held away from the building structure to allow ventilation and improve the building energy efficiency. This resulting cavity creates a serious fire protection threat to structures and people. The void can act as an open chimney and allows the fire to spread quicky around the building. Modern building codes, such as the 2022 New York City Building Code, have identified this issue and are now requiring fireblocking in these concealed draft openings behind the cladding.

In response, Tenmat has developed a quick acting intumescent fire block for ventilated rainscreen and cladding systems, the FF102/50. The Innovative FF102/50 Fire Blocks were designed to allow the benefits of the practice of cladding systems, such as energy conservation, air circulation, and moisture dissipation; however, eliminating the “chimney effect”.

In recent events, Tenmat’s FF102/50 had successfully passed the NFPA285 test. The FF102/50 fire block was expertly deployed around window openings and at all slab lines, meticulously adhering to the position requirements for fireblocking material in the updated building code. Under normal conditions, Tenmat’s rigid and highly expansive intumescent fire block enables the maintenance of an open ventilated cavity, preserving the energy conservation and building science benefits associated with cladding systems, while concurrently serving as a formidable fire barrier in the event of a building fire.

With joining the Rainscreen Association of North America, Tenmat is enthusiastic to educate other fellow members of this fire hazard in rainscreen systems and the potential solutions to help protect lives and property, in the unfortunate event of a fire.

Tenmat is Shining Bright in the Music City!

Tenmat announces partnership with lighting representative, Tennessee Lighting Sales

Tenmat is thrilled to announce our partnership with Tennessee Lighting Sales in Tennessee.

Tennessee Lighting Sales, located in Nashville, is “Middle Tennessee’s leading manufacturers’ representative for commercial, industrial, and residential lighting”. With the addition of Tenmat’s line of fire-rated covers for recessed can lights, LED luminaries, and LED downlights, Tennessee Lighting Sales is expanding its portfolio into offering innovative fire protection solutions for lighting.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’x2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’.

Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquiries from Tennessee, please contact Tennessee Lighting Sales. If you are interested in becoming a distributor, please click here.

Tenmat and ALUCOBOND® Partner on Fire-Rated Blocks for Cladding Systems

Expanding intumescent technology prevents flames from spreading through ventilated cavities

Wilmington, DE – June 9, 2023 – In response to the adoption of the 2022 Building Code by New York City, Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced firestopping materials and solutions, has partnered with 3A Composites USA, the global manufacturer of ALUCOBOND® PLUS 4mm aluminum composite material (ACM) to conduct a joint NFPA 285 fire test.

Together, the companies performed a groundbreaking NFPA 285 fire test at Intertek Laboratories, leveraging the expertise of Tenmat’s FF102/50 fire block and highly regarded ALUCOBOND to meet the rigorous new regulations of the building code.

The newly adopted code requires fire blocking within rainscreen assemblies, if combustible materials are used within the wall assembly.  With testing complete, the architectural community has more cladding options to choose from without increasing assembly costs.  For decades, ALUCOBOND has been a dominant cladding of choice around the world due to its formability and flatness allowing custom facades and freedom of design. “We are excited to provide a constructible and cost-effective solution that allows the architectural community to continue using ALUCOBOND to bring their vision to life.”, stated Nick Scheib, general manager at 3A Composites.  “This joint effort between Tenmat and 3A Composites represents our commitment in providing solutions for the marketplace.”

In response, Tenmat has developed a quick acting intumescent fire block for ventilated rainscreen and cladding systems, the FF102/50. The innovative FF102/50 fire blocks are designed to allow the practical benefits of cladding systems, such as energy conservation, air circulation, and moisture dissipation, while meeting the new code requirements.

Tenmat’s FF102/50 employs state-of-the-art intumescent technology that expands 25 times its original thickness when exposed to fire, effectively counteracting the adverse consequences of the concealed space behind the cladding.

 

Minutes to Install, Permanent Peace of Mind

This successful NFPA285 test is one of the first of its kind to be specifically designed and installed in accordance with the new stringent requirements of the 2022 New York City Building Code. The FF102/50 fire block was expertly deployed around window openings and at all slab lines, meticulously adhering to the position requirements for fire blocking material in the updated building code. Under normal conditions, Tenmat’s rigid and highly expansive intumescent fire block enables the maintenance of an open ventilated cavity, preserving the energy conservation and building science benefits associated with cladding systems, while concurrently serving as a formidable fire barrier in the event of a building fire. With the successful completion of the NFPA 285 test, validating the performance of Tenmat’s FF102/50 and 3A Composites’ 4mm fire retardant ALUCOBOND® PLUS both companies are and envision a construction landscape in New York City where passive fire protection standards are enhanced.

About Tenmat

For over 100 years, Tenmat has been a leader in the development, engineering and manufacturing of intumescent materials that offer advanced passive fire protection and fire blocking capabilities.

Tenmat offers a unique range of flexible, lightweight, and ready-to-use products and solutions for the most demanding firestopping applications. Our state-of-the-art, in-house R&D Laboratory and ISO 9001:2015 accredited production facilities have been developing and manufacturing technically superior passive fire protection products and intumescent materials for over 100 years. All Tenmat products have been fire tested by independent third-party labs such as UL and Intertek. 

Tenmat USA is headquartered in Wilmington, DE. For further information about Tenmat and our line of innovative firestopping materials and solutions, please call 1-800-821-3436, email info@tenmatusa.com or visit www.tenmatusa.com.

 

About 3A Composites

3A Composites is a leading producer of materials for the metal facades market. Since 1969, the company has been developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality aluminum composite panels, structural composite material, plastic sheets and lightweight foam boards for the architecture, visual communication and transport and commercial building industries.

3A Composites is part of the international 3A Composites Group, which belongs to the listed company Schweiter Technologies headquartered in Horgen, Switzerland. Visit https://www.3acomposites.com for details.

The 3A Composites USA headquarters are located in Davidson, N.C.  U.S.-based manufacturing facilities are located in Benton, KY, where they produce ALUCOBOND, used in the architectural and building cladding industries for over 50 years. For more information about ALUCOBOND PLUS, ALUCOBOND AXCENT, and ALUCOBOND EasyFix call 1-800-626-3365, email info.usa@3AComposites.com or visit www.alucobondUSA.com.

 

Discover More about Innovative Intumescent Technology in this month’s issue of Construction Specifier

June Edition of The Construction Specifier features a detailed article highlighting Tenmat’s cutting-edge intumescent materials and solutions.

The June edition of The Construction Specifier features a noteworthy piece focusing on the relevance of intumescent technology in the residential and commercial construction industry. The outline of this article features the definition of intumescent, the various solutions intumescent can be formed into, and the range of applications this technology applies to. Interested in exploring this cutting edge technology? Click Here to Read More.

Fighting Fire and Sound

Tenmat announces partnership with A/V manufacturer, Vanco International, LLC

Tenmat is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between two industry leaders in passive fire protection and A/V, Tenmat and Vanco International LLC.

With a 60-year legacy of serving the AV industry, Vanco International engineers, manufactures, and sells premium audio/video products and electronic accessories that are 100% QC tested from their U.S. headquarters. Tenmat, on the other hand, has been a leader in the development, engineering and manufacturing of intumescent materials that offer advanced passive fire protection and fire blocking capabilities.

Together, Vanco International and Tenmat will be joining forces to provide passive fire protection for Vanco’s Beale Street speakers in a way that has not been accomplished before.

With this partnership, individuals will have a flexible, lightweight, and easy install fire-rated solution for Vanco’s Beale Street speakers.

We are thrilled to be partnering with Vanco International and look forward to the exciting new opportunities this collaboration will bring. Together, we are committed to protecting our present and future communities from the unfortunate event of a fire.

Interested in learning more about Vanco International? Click Here.

Passive Fire Protection 101 – Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Knowledge about the regulations regarding recessed lights in fire-resistance-rated ceilings can help avoid costly mistakes and legal actions. There seems to be a great deal of confusion about what exactly fire-resistance-rating means, where it is applicable, and the solutions available to meet the building code requirements.

The widespread adoption and understanding of codes requiring continuity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies throughout the world has made this subject more and more relevant to contractors, builders, code officials, architects, building owners and managers, and homeowners. But instead of decreasing confusion over the issue, continuous changes in state code adoption legislation and increased demand for fire-resistance-rated, code compliant products and systems have far outpaced the availability of education on the topic.

What does fire-resistance-rating actually mean?

A fire-resistance-rating typically states the duration for which a building element or an assemblage of materials can withstand a standard fire-resistance exposure test. A fire-resistance-rating is usually given to an assembly consisting of various building materials that can resist the exposure of a standardized fire exposure for a set amount of time, or it may contain a variety of other criteria involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose.
Fire-resistance-ratings were developed to evaluate the performance of building elements and assemblies during an intense fire exposure and can be applied to wall, floor, or roof systems, also known as horizontal assemblies.

How do you properly fire rate a ceiling?

The 2021 version of the International Building Code addresses this issue explicitly in section 714.5.2, Membrane Penetrations:

714.5.2 Membrane penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 714.5.1.1 or 714.5.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

In addition, this section of the Code includes several exceptions. The following exception applies to listed luminaries (light fixtures). Please refer to the entire Code language and exceptions which apply to other types of membrane penetrations.
Exceptions:

8. Ceiling membrane penetrations by listed luminaires (light fixtures) or by luminaires protected with listed materials, which have been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.

To meet this membrane protection code requirement, the ceiling must serve as an unbroken, continuous fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly for a specific period of time.

In fire-resistance-rated wallboard applications, a typical assembly might have one layer of gypsum wallboard used on the underside of a floor/ceiling assembly that has been tested in accordance with the ASTM E 119 or UL 263 requirements for the hourly fire-resistance-rated assembly. In some cases, this could be a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly; however, the time requirement may be greater than 1-hour, depending on the occupancy, height, and area of the building.

Use solutions that work best for your project and timeline.

There are several different solutions for fire-resistance-rated ceiling membrane applications with a diverse range of prices, approvals gained from fire-testing, and complexity. A common solution is prefabricated Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Fixtures, which have a variety of proven fire-resistance testing but are also the costliest choice
To avoid using these expensive lights, many construct boxes made from gypsum wallboard to surround the lighting fixture. This is very labor-intensive and may increase the cost of installation beyond budget limits, in addition to possibly not having a fire-resistance-rating.

Metal enclosures are also becoming an increasingly popular choice in the fire-resistance-rating dilemma. However, these are not UL-classified as a fire-resistance-rated assembly and so are not suitable for applications where fire-resistance is required.
A popular solution that is UL-classified are Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers. These covers are suitable for various recessed light fixture sizes and luminaires, and they comply with building code requirements for continuous fire-resistance in horizontal assemblies.

The covers are widely accepted by code officials throughout the entire United States, and possibly in other countries as well. One- and two-hour Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers are available from a variety of manufacturers at several different price points. They are proven to act as a suitable fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly when called upon by fire and smoke.

Tenmat’s Fire Rated Recessed Light Covers are the solutions you’re looking for.

TENMAT fire rated enclosures and firestopping products have been designed to meet the building code and to help maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceilings when penetrated by recessed lights, LED luminaires, fluorescent fixtures or in-ceiling loudspeakers or walls when penetrated by wires, cables, pipes or mixed penetrations. Tenmat’s unique design gives the architect, specifier and installer more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to a wide range of recessed fixtures.

The flexible and lightweight nature of the covers makes installation quick and easy, reduces the stress put on the ceiling and significantly reduces labor costs compared to standard dry-walled box constructions. The high expansion and insulating properties of the cover ensures that both flames spread, and heat transmission are stopped for 60 minutes.

Talk to a member of our team today about how you can implement passive fire protection in your next construction project.

Tenmat is Lighting Up the Dakotas!

Tenmat announces new partnership with JTH Lighting Alliance

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with JTH Lighting Alliance in North Dakota and South Dakota.

JTH Lighting Alliance, located in North and South Dakota, is “a nationally respected lighting and lighting controls manufacturer’s representative committed to providing in-depth knowledge of new products, trends, and emerging technologies to all participants of our alliance”. JTH Lighting Alliance is expanding its portfolio into offering innovative fire protection solutions for lighting.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquires in North Dakota and South Dakota, please click here.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please click here.